OMG! This is a major league teacher stomping ground that will knock your socks off! Aisle upon aisle of school supplies, educational toys, assessment tools, and even an in-store laminating machine at your disposal, await you as you enter this stupendous teacher destination.
I recently bought an incredibly well-made, durable and beautifully equipped laminator (Lakeshore brand) that provides top-quality lamination in no time flat! It has made my life so much easier and the teaching items I've laminated are practically indestructible (even for my little preschool wiggleworms).
Another great option available at the store are a teacher club card and teacher continuing education workshops. Don't forget to check out the "Teacher's Corner" (on their website) which offers a wide array of free printables, projects and lesson plans too!
Psst! Pass the word on to that special teacher in your life or click on the following link which will lead you to this "golden apple" of a teacher store!
Lakeshore Learning Store: http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Learning is the Road to Sucess: Continuing Education Event on Conscious Discipline
Earlier this week, I attended a continuing education event focusing on Conscious Discipline. Conscious Discipline is a behavioral modification technique (developed by Dr. Becky Bailey) which allows children to make specific choices about their behavior and centers on the fact that you cannot change an individual, only they can change themselves.
To learn more visit: http://consciousdiscipline.com/
While I myself feel that this type of discipline is rather difficult for a young child to comprehend, I did enjoy the make and take activities that the event facilitators shared with us.
The facilitators set up craft stations that contained copious amounts of felt, Velcro, craft foam and glue and gave attendees time to create the two projects whose objectives were based on Conscious Discipline techniques.
The first was a Kindness Tree which denotes that the teacher has "noticed" a child has done a kind act throughout the day. The teacher will then place a heart on the felt tree. I found this craft very cute and endearing and felt that it gives a child a very positive outlook on friendship and sharing.
The second project was a Wish You Well Board. On this board, you glue a large heart with a slot which fits a picture of a child who you "wish well". On the back, event attendees glued on songs developed by the Conscious Discipline program such as a moving song.
Below you will find photos of my two completed projects which I find may be useful within a preschool classroom.
To learn more visit: http://consciousdiscipline.com/
While I myself feel that this type of discipline is rather difficult for a young child to comprehend, I did enjoy the make and take activities that the event facilitators shared with us.
The facilitators set up craft stations that contained copious amounts of felt, Velcro, craft foam and glue and gave attendees time to create the two projects whose objectives were based on Conscious Discipline techniques.
The first was a Kindness Tree which denotes that the teacher has "noticed" a child has done a kind act throughout the day. The teacher will then place a heart on the felt tree. I found this craft very cute and endearing and felt that it gives a child a very positive outlook on friendship and sharing.
The second project was a Wish You Well Board. On this board, you glue a large heart with a slot which fits a picture of a child who you "wish well". On the back, event attendees glued on songs developed by the Conscious Discipline program such as a moving song.
Below you will find photos of my two completed projects which I find may be useful within a preschool classroom.
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| Kindness Tree |
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| Wish You Well Board : The Sticker on the heart states I Believe in Me from a Disney Fairies Tinker bell Sticker set. |
Saturday, April 20, 2013
What on Earth!: Preschool Activities and Lesson Plans for Earth Day and Earth Week
We live in a big, wide world full of wacky and wild habitats including desolate deserts and ominous oceans. Why not explore the nature loveliness of the earth by celebrating Earth Day this Monday (April 22nd) with one of these ecological activities or centers.
Earth Day Fun Facts
History Channel Earth Day Page: http://www.history.com/topics/earth-day
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/
Especially for Kids
Scholastic : http://www.scholastic.com/browse/collection.jsp?id=826
Funschool: http://funschool.kaboose.com/globe-rider/earth-day/
PBS Kids: http://pbskids.org/games/earthday.html
Book to Read
Earth Day Birthday by Maureen Wright
Fine Motor/Water Table
Turn your sensory/water table into a garden by dumping a bag of clean, packaged soil into it. Make a small hole in the dirt and place a plastic flower frog inside it (you will need several flower frogs for this center). Place silk flowers within the holes of the flower frog and cover with dirt. You may also hide plastic bugs and worms in the dirt so that you water table resembles an outdoor garden habitat. Provide small children's gardening shovels, a watering can, aprons and used seed packets in order to complete this gorgeous garden.
Math
Earth Sizing (Source: http://itsybitsylearners.com/2012/04/earth-day-preschool-activities-printables-pack/)Sequence the earth from smallest to largest or vice versa.
Sort Recyclables
Speak to the children about recycling and keeping the earth clean and then perform this activity.
Gather several cans, bottles, papers etc. Write the words Paper, Plastic, and Metal on 3 bags or boxes and have the children sort by recyclables type.
Language Arts
Keep or Throw Away (Source: http://www.kidsparkz.com/earthday.html )
Speak to the children about items which they should keep or throw away. Show children the items and ask them if they should keep it or throw it away and why. Have them place the item on the graph in the appropriate column: Keep or throw away.
Science
Earth Habitats (Source: http://www.teachervision.fen.com/earth/printable/45116.html)
Show children the various landforms found on earth: rivers, lakes, mountains etc. (such as the sheet below). Have children describe what they see in the pictures and then have the children look through travel magazines or National Geographic to locate pictures resembling those that were spoken about in order to make an ecosystem collage.
Art/Fine Motor
Earth Day Windsock (Source: http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/earth/mdaubers.htm)
Grab your daubers and crayons to design a lovely windsock using the following template. Add streamers to the bottom of the heart for a fluttery surprise. Older preschoolers could also decorate their windsock with large buttons or gems to add extra flair.
Things to Do
Music and Movement
"Earth is in our Hands" (Tune: "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands") (Source: http://itsybitsylearners.com/2012/04/earth-day-preschool-activities-printables-pack/)
Field Trips and Speakers
Earth Day Fun Facts
- The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970.
- Its founder is former Senator Gaylord Nelson.
- Earth Day can be turned into Earth Week.
History Channel Earth Day Page: http://www.history.com/topics/earth-day
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/
Especially for Kids
Scholastic : http://www.scholastic.com/browse/collection.jsp?id=826
Funschool: http://funschool.kaboose.com/globe-rider/earth-day/
PBS Kids: http://pbskids.org/games/earthday.html
Book to Read
Earth Day Birthday by Maureen Wright
Fine Motor/Water Table
Turn your sensory/water table into a garden by dumping a bag of clean, packaged soil into it. Make a small hole in the dirt and place a plastic flower frog inside it (you will need several flower frogs for this center). Place silk flowers within the holes of the flower frog and cover with dirt. You may also hide plastic bugs and worms in the dirt so that you water table resembles an outdoor garden habitat. Provide small children's gardening shovels, a watering can, aprons and used seed packets in order to complete this gorgeous garden.
Math
Earth Sizing (Source: http://itsybitsylearners.com/2012/04/earth-day-preschool-activities-printables-pack/)Sequence the earth from smallest to largest or vice versa.
Sort Recyclables
Speak to the children about recycling and keeping the earth clean and then perform this activity.
Gather several cans, bottles, papers etc. Write the words Paper, Plastic, and Metal on 3 bags or boxes and have the children sort by recyclables type.
Language Arts
Keep or Throw Away (Source: http://www.kidsparkz.com/earthday.html )
Speak to the children about items which they should keep or throw away. Show children the items and ask them if they should keep it or throw it away and why. Have them place the item on the graph in the appropriate column: Keep or throw away.
Science
Earth Habitats (Source: http://www.teachervision.fen.com/earth/printable/45116.html)
Show children the various landforms found on earth: rivers, lakes, mountains etc. (such as the sheet below). Have children describe what they see in the pictures and then have the children look through travel magazines or National Geographic to locate pictures resembling those that were spoken about in order to make an ecosystem collage.
Art/Fine Motor
Earth Day Windsock (Source: http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/earth/mdaubers.htm)
Grab your daubers and crayons to design a lovely windsock using the following template. Add streamers to the bottom of the heart for a fluttery surprise. Older preschoolers could also decorate their windsock with large buttons or gems to add extra flair.
Things to Do
- Have snack outside picnic style.
- Plant a school garden or tree. If that's not possible, buy peat pots and have the children plant a vegetable or flower.
- Take your preschoolers on a nature walk through your neighborhood.
Music and Movement
"Earth is in our Hands" (Tune: "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands") (Source: http://itsybitsylearners.com/2012/04/earth-day-preschool-activities-printables-pack/)
Field Trips and Speakers
- Have a garbageman or environmentalist visit your school and talk about his job.
- Visit a recycling center.
- Visit a local arboretum or garden.
- Take a nature walk through your neighborhood.
Have a Happy Earth Day!
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| Earth Sizing, Earth Habitats, Keep or Throw Away |
Teacher's Pets:Great Products for Busy Teachers (Ad tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)
I've decided to start writing reviews on products that lend a helping hand to this very busy teacher. One particular "teacher's pet" is the handy dandy Ad tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner which easily allows me create stunningly beautiful signs and artwork for my centers without the mess of traditional glues and the dreaded "glue stains" (dark marks left on paper after glue has dried).
It is a great multi-purpose product that comes in a compact case which can easily fit into your craft drawer, craft caddy, or even your purse for an on-the-go glue situation.
Ad tech's Permanent Bond Glue Runner is easy-to-use: take off the cap, place the roller on the paper and roll! The glue comes out looking like a clear strip of tape and leaves no residue whatsoever. Press your paper product on the glue and you're good to go.
The Ad tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner works best on lightweight paper products such as construction paper, collage paper, scrap booking paper and card stock.
This teacher's pet deserves a gold star for its usability and exceptional bonding power! You'll never be haunted by a cringe-worthy glue malfunction ever again!
It is a great multi-purpose product that comes in a compact case which can easily fit into your craft drawer, craft caddy, or even your purse for an on-the-go glue situation.
Ad tech's Permanent Bond Glue Runner is easy-to-use: take off the cap, place the roller on the paper and roll! The glue comes out looking like a clear strip of tape and leaves no residue whatsoever. Press your paper product on the glue and you're good to go.
The Ad tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner works best on lightweight paper products such as construction paper, collage paper, scrap booking paper and card stock.
This teacher's pet deserves a gold star for its usability and exceptional bonding power! You'll never be haunted by a cringe-worthy glue malfunction ever again!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Celebrating Childhood: NAYEC's Week of the Young Child April 14th - 20th
Each year, the early childhood professional organization, NAYEC, celebrates the Week of the Young Child which promotes young children, their families and those who provide early educational services to them.
2013's theme is Early Years are Learning Years and allows centers and schools to share this inspirational message with others by hosting special events, inviting parents into their classrooms, and designing displays of juvenile artwork in order to spread the word about this momentous week-long event.
My center celebrated this week by developing a public display of the children's artwork. Splashes and slashes of bold paints, cotton ball creations and glitterfied (I know, totally not a word) paintings adorn the walls of our local library.
I visited this library today and was overcome by the beauty of the children's artwork. Each brush stroke was deliberately placed on the paper to ensure the message told by these young Van Goghs, which made the display even more beguiling.
I feel you should never underestimate the importance of art and young children. While some teachers may shudder at the thought of glitter or paints in the hands of a preschooler, I rejoice.
Youth is fleeting and childhood is a precious reflection of innocence, fragility and boundless learning opportunities. The sky is truly the limit and the children are the stars whose bright light and thirst for knowledge demonstrate the power of quality early childhood education.
To Learn more about The Week of the Young Child visit http://www.naeyc.org/woyc.
Source: http://intellokids.blogspot.com/2011/03/quotes-about-early-childhood-education.html
2013's theme is Early Years are Learning Years and allows centers and schools to share this inspirational message with others by hosting special events, inviting parents into their classrooms, and designing displays of juvenile artwork in order to spread the word about this momentous week-long event.
My center celebrated this week by developing a public display of the children's artwork. Splashes and slashes of bold paints, cotton ball creations and glitterfied (I know, totally not a word) paintings adorn the walls of our local library.
I visited this library today and was overcome by the beauty of the children's artwork. Each brush stroke was deliberately placed on the paper to ensure the message told by these young Van Goghs, which made the display even more beguiling.
I feel you should never underestimate the importance of art and young children. While some teachers may shudder at the thought of glitter or paints in the hands of a preschooler, I rejoice.
Youth is fleeting and childhood is a precious reflection of innocence, fragility and boundless learning opportunities. The sky is truly the limit and the children are the stars whose bright light and thirst for knowledge demonstrate the power of quality early childhood education.
To Learn more about The Week of the Young Child visit http://www.naeyc.org/woyc.
"Children who participate in (high-quality Early Childhood Education) programs are more likely to have the necessary skills-such as abstract reasoning, problem solving and communication-to meet the demands of tomorrows workforce."
~Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission to Build a Healthier America
Source: http://intellokids.blogspot.com/2011/03/quotes-about-early-childhood-education.html
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Sea Stars and Seahorses: Ideas for a Below or Under the Sea Unit (Circletime Activities)
Deep below the ocean lies a glimmering world full of exotic tropical fish, peculiar sea foliage and realms of unimaginable watery beauty. Each circle time my children and I delved into this majestic oasis through developmentally appropriate activities such as these:
Monday - We are Ocean Animals Naming and Name Matching Game
Subjects: Language Arts: building on prior knowledge and naming of ocean animals
To Do: Children look at ocean animal, name it, and teacher gives the child the name label to place under the correct ocean animal they previously named.
Read before activity: Scuba Bunnies by Christine Loomis
Tuesday - Close and Faraway Ocean Animal Cards
Subjects: Math: Recognizing differences in distance and creating sets and pairs
To Do: Each child will receive a card from the teacher. The teacher asks each child what the animal pictured on the card is and if it is near (aka close) or far away. If the same animal pictured on the card is the same animal (ex. close crab and far crab) have the child place next to each other to create a set.
Read before activity: Ocean Wonders
Wednesday - Seahorse Swimming Band Color and Listening Skills Worksheet (Mailbox Magazine Ocean Animals Book)
Subjects: Language Arts: Listening skills/following verbal directions and Math: recognizing colors and numerical concepts.
To Do: Each child will receive a worksheet. Give children verbal directions to follow such as color the 4th seahorse yellow etc. Finish rest of worksheet or until childrens' attention spans wane.
Note: For very young preschoolers only use 5 seahorses instead of the 10 found on the worksheet.
Read before activity: One Lonely Seahorse by Saxton Freymann
Thursday - Fish Sizing
Subjects: Math- Ordering fish by size
To Do: Each child will receive a fish card. The teacher will go around the circle and ask the child who has the smallest fish etc. Continue until all the fish are in order from largest to smallest or smallest to largest.
Note: Start with 3 students from largest to smallest. Then give cards out to the rest of the group so that younger students do not get confused.
Read before Activity: Fidgety Fish by Ruth Galloway
Friday - Sea Animals with Shells Shadow Matching Game
Subjects: Math: Distinguisng shadow shapes of animals and matching them to the correct animals and
Science: Learning about animals which live in shells.
To Do: Teacher will show children a shadow shape and they will match the correct animal to it.
Read before activity: Excerpts from What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and Clumsy Crab by Ruth Galloway
Week 2
Monday - Fish Match to Sea Anemone File Folder Game (AKA Colorful Clownfish File Folder Game)
Subjects: Matching fish to the correctly colored sea anemone.
To Do: Teacher gives each child a different colored fish. During their turn, the children will match the correctly colored fish to the correctly colored sea anemone.
Read before activity: A Deep Blue Sea: A Book of Colors by Audrey Wood
This file folder game can be found by clicking on this link (Also available in black and white): http://www.filefolderfun.com/Pages/PreschoolColors/ColorfulClownfish.html
Tuesday - Fins Booklet (Used Fins booklet in Mailbox Magazine Ocean Animals book to create the words/ideas found on my fish cards)
Subjects: Language Arts; Using descriptive language to describe fish feelings (ex. meanie fish), Math: numerical concepts (ex. 2 fish) and color concepts (ex. blue fish).
To Do: Teacher hands each child a fish. She then states a feeling, color or numerical concept depicted on the fish. The child with the fish described will place it in the center of the circle.
Read: Barry the Fish with Fingers by Sue Hendra
Week 1
Monday - We are Ocean Animals Naming and Name Matching Game
Subjects: Language Arts: building on prior knowledge and naming of ocean animals
To Do: Children look at ocean animal, name it, and teacher gives the child the name label to place under the correct ocean animal they previously named.
Read before activity: Scuba Bunnies by Christine Loomis
Tuesday - Close and Faraway Ocean Animal Cards
Subjects: Math: Recognizing differences in distance and creating sets and pairs
To Do: Each child will receive a card from the teacher. The teacher asks each child what the animal pictured on the card is and if it is near (aka close) or far away. If the same animal pictured on the card is the same animal (ex. close crab and far crab) have the child place next to each other to create a set.
Read before activity: Ocean Wonders
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| Source of Game: Carson-Dellosa Materials |
Wednesday - Seahorse Swimming Band Color and Listening Skills Worksheet (Mailbox Magazine Ocean Animals Book)
Subjects: Language Arts: Listening skills/following verbal directions and Math: recognizing colors and numerical concepts.
To Do: Each child will receive a worksheet. Give children verbal directions to follow such as color the 4th seahorse yellow etc. Finish rest of worksheet or until childrens' attention spans wane.
Note: For very young preschoolers only use 5 seahorses instead of the 10 found on the worksheet.
Read before activity: One Lonely Seahorse by Saxton Freymann
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| I drew on the heart, triangle and numbers under the seahorses. |
Thursday - Fish Sizing
Subjects: Math- Ordering fish by size
To Do: Each child will receive a fish card. The teacher will go around the circle and ask the child who has the smallest fish etc. Continue until all the fish are in order from largest to smallest or smallest to largest.
Note: Start with 3 students from largest to smallest. Then give cards out to the rest of the group so that younger students do not get confused.
Read before Activity: Fidgety Fish by Ruth Galloway
Friday - Sea Animals with Shells Shadow Matching Game
Subjects: Math: Distinguisng shadow shapes of animals and matching them to the correct animals and
Science: Learning about animals which live in shells.
To Do: Teacher will show children a shadow shape and they will match the correct animal to it.
Read before activity: Excerpts from What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and Clumsy Crab by Ruth Galloway
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| Source of Clipart: Carson-Dellosa |
Week 2
Monday - Fish Match to Sea Anemone File Folder Game (AKA Colorful Clownfish File Folder Game)
Subjects: Matching fish to the correctly colored sea anemone.
To Do: Teacher gives each child a different colored fish. During their turn, the children will match the correctly colored fish to the correctly colored sea anemone.
Read before activity: A Deep Blue Sea: A Book of Colors by Audrey Wood
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| Source of File Folder Game: Filefolderfun.com |
Tuesday - Fins Booklet (Used Fins booklet in Mailbox Magazine Ocean Animals book to create the words/ideas found on my fish cards)
Subjects: Language Arts; Using descriptive language to describe fish feelings (ex. meanie fish), Math: numerical concepts (ex. 2 fish) and color concepts (ex. blue fish).
To Do: Teacher hands each child a fish. She then states a feeling, color or numerical concept depicted on the fish. The child with the fish described will place it in the center of the circle.
Read: Barry the Fish with Fingers by Sue Hendra
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| Die-cut Source: Cricut Cartridge and Darice Stickers were used for the fish faces. |
Wednesday - Classifying Invertebrates and Vertebrates
Subjects: Science: Classifying animals by their physical descriptions and Math: charting collected data (if you decide to use a chart to display information)
To Do: After the teacher hands a vertebrate or invertebrate card to the children, they will flip over each of their animals to see if they are an invertebrate or vertebrate (a bone with an x refers to an invertebrate a bone without an x a vertebrate). The children will then place them on the chart under its categorical classification (if you decide to use, I did not)
Read before activity: Somewhere In the Ocean by Jennifer Ward and T.J. Marsh
Source of Clip art: Firstpalette.com and Carson-Dellosa. Bone paper die-cut from Cricut Cartridge.
Thursday - Starfish (now referred to as sea stars) Sizing
Subjects: Math: ordering starfish (sea stars) in order by size.
To Do: Teacher will give starfish (sea star) shapes to students. They will place them in order by size largest to smallest and vice versa.
Read: Hide-and-Seek Under the Sea published by Igloo Books
Extras: Played a rhyming body part game where students pointed to the area of the body suggested by the teacher such as nose and they acted out the rhyming word rose: they smelled a rose.
Subject: Language Arts: Rhyming and following verbal instructions Science: Learning about body parts Math: Positional awareness of body parts. Gross Motor: Pointing out and acting out words suggested by the teacher.
Swim Like a ... Children acted out actions of several sea creatures such as fish, dolphins etc.
Subjects: Gross Motor: Acting out suggested sea animal actions
Friday - Placing I'm the Biggest Thing In the Ocean Characters in sequential order on a magnetic board
Subjects: Math: Sequencing and Language Arts: Recognizing and naming sea animals and retelling a story through use of a magnetic board.
To Do: Teacher hands out story characters to students. As the teacher reads the story, the child holding the animal you are reading about will put it in sequential order on the magnetic board. Explain this concept to students beforehand.
Read during activity: I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry
For this black and white pattern which I colored in using ink pads visit: http://www.kizclub.com/stories4.htm (This pattern is available in black and white and color)
Subjects: Science: Classifying animals by their physical descriptions and Math: charting collected data (if you decide to use a chart to display information)
To Do: After the teacher hands a vertebrate or invertebrate card to the children, they will flip over each of their animals to see if they are an invertebrate or vertebrate (a bone with an x refers to an invertebrate a bone without an x a vertebrate). The children will then place them on the chart under its categorical classification (if you decide to use, I did not)
Read before activity: Somewhere In the Ocean by Jennifer Ward and T.J. Marsh
Source of Clip art: Firstpalette.com and Carson-Dellosa. Bone paper die-cut from Cricut Cartridge.
Thursday - Starfish (now referred to as sea stars) Sizing
Subjects: Math: ordering starfish (sea stars) in order by size.
To Do: Teacher will give starfish (sea star) shapes to students. They will place them in order by size largest to smallest and vice versa.
Read: Hide-and-Seek Under the Sea published by Igloo Books
Extras: Played a rhyming body part game where students pointed to the area of the body suggested by the teacher such as nose and they acted out the rhyming word rose: they smelled a rose.
Subject: Language Arts: Rhyming and following verbal instructions Science: Learning about body parts Math: Positional awareness of body parts. Gross Motor: Pointing out and acting out words suggested by the teacher.
Swim Like a ... Children acted out actions of several sea creatures such as fish, dolphins etc.
Subjects: Gross Motor: Acting out suggested sea animal actions
Friday - Placing I'm the Biggest Thing In the Ocean Characters in sequential order on a magnetic board
Subjects: Math: Sequencing and Language Arts: Recognizing and naming sea animals and retelling a story through use of a magnetic board.
To Do: Teacher hands out story characters to students. As the teacher reads the story, the child holding the animal you are reading about will put it in sequential order on the magnetic board. Explain this concept to students beforehand.
Read during activity: I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry
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| Source of magnetic board characters: Kizclub.com |
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
What's New? : New Preschool Teacher Tips from a Newbie
Your first year as a preschool teacher will be full of ups and downs and plenty of surprises along the way! Tantrums and other behavior issues, feelings of doubt in your decisions, workplace politics and numerous other issues lend to feeling like you are on the brink of losing your sanity.
As a new preschool teacher, I myself have felt this way at one time or another. Below you will find some ways that I feel are good ways to cope with what I call "new preschool teacher fatigue".
Find a Preschool Teacher Mentor (Outside of your workplace). Even if the individual you choose is not in the teaching profession, they will be a shoulder to cry on and will lend you their ear when you have had a bad day at work or need someone to open up to.
The reason I stated this tip "Find a preschool teacher mentor (outside your workplace)" is because if your mentor is working alongside you, you may have to deal with the most dreaded of all situations with this person: office politics (which can make any friendship fizzle fast.)
Join a Professional Organization such as NAYEC. Joining a professional organization allows you to network with other individuals in the early childhood education community. You can never go wrong with too many contacts and those that can vouch for your good reputation and work ethic.
Another perk of your membership includes member benefits such as subscriptions to on-line and print magazines, discounts, and message board posting capability.
Find a Hobby Outside of Work to Deal with Stress or Learn Stress Reduction Techniques such as yoga or bio-feedback. Calming hobbies such as reading, knitting or taking yoga classes help take your mind off of the stresses of work and let you enjoy and live in the moment.
Create a folder on your bookmarks or favorites bar of the top sites you use for lesson planning. This enables you to easily find the sites you feel are the most beneficial teaching resources and allow you to focus on your planning rather than surfing the net needlessly to find pertinent, appropriate and quality information.
Begin a Preschool Lesson Planning Library. Start to buy books or fill binders with photocopies of interesting lesson planning materials you have found. Separate photocopies by topics (ex. dogs) and subjects (math, language arts etc.) and center type (science center, dramatic play etc.)
By starting a preschool lesson planning library you will be able to quickly and efficiently create weekly plans in a snap.
Try to walk the fine line between teacher and friend. This is definitely the most difficult of all "new teacher" situations. On one hand, you should be seen as a teacher that deserves respect. You want the students to listen to your teachings and instructions. On the other hand, you want your pupils to feel secure, loved and cared for in your presence.
In order to retain this respect, make sure to use a direct tone of voice, make eye contact and stay firm to your convictions. One slip and the children will find a way to manipulate you into doing or saying exactly what they want you to do or say.
I hope this information helps you retain your sanity and improve your teaching techniques during your first preschool teaching year.
For a little more inspiration read the following poem about the most important reasons for being a preschool teacher:
What Are You Doing Teaching Preschool added 3-4-02 Original Author Unknown
There are those days when the logical mind says, you must move on and do a better job of supporting yourself.
Those days when the logical mind say, why did you choose this career, it is not reasonable.
If the heart can still the mind, then the answers are apparent.
Perhaps logic did not play a great part in choosing our jobs as teachers.
If we are truly teaching life's most important lessons to the little ones.
The lesson of love, to love oneself unconditionally and to share that love with others.
Perhaps we were guided and chosen to be in this place.
For teaching love in a crowded, confused and often angry world, is not something everyone can do.
Though our wallets may not be overflowing,
How many people are hugged and told they are loved by the people they work with each day?
How many people own original art works created expressly for them?
How many jobs allow you to wipe away tears and make the world a better place for others?
How many people are allowed to see a tired, weary world through fresh new eyes, where all things are possible,
To hear laughter and joy for no big reason, just for being.
When the logical mind say, what are you doing teaching young children,
Listen to your heart one more time.
There are those days when the logical mind says, you must move on and do a better job of supporting yourself.
Those days when the logical mind say, why did you choose this career, it is not reasonable.
If the heart can still the mind, then the answers are apparent.
Perhaps logic did not play a great part in choosing our jobs as teachers.
If we are truly teaching life's most important lessons to the little ones.
The lesson of love, to love oneself unconditionally and to share that love with others.
Perhaps we were guided and chosen to be in this place.
For teaching love in a crowded, confused and often angry world, is not something everyone can do.
Though our wallets may not be overflowing,
How many people are hugged and told they are loved by the people they work with each day?
How many people own original art works created expressly for them?
How many jobs allow you to wipe away tears and make the world a better place for others?
How many people are allowed to see a tired, weary world through fresh new eyes, where all things are possible,
To hear laughter and joy for no big reason, just for being.
When the logical mind say, what are you doing teaching young children,
Listen to your heart one more time.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Are You a Literature-Based Teacher?: Visit My Other Blog Pump Up the Volumes To View Preschool/Adult Literature
I was taught to use literature as a springboard to lesson planning. Whether it be taking a picture walk to introduce a lesson, sequencing events in a story using story cards, or retelling a story using a gross-motor activity or puppets books reign supreme.
They concretely examine new vocabulary, phonological awareness, and visual discrimination. Books can be used to develop any kind of lesson plan on any subject: ex. social studies (read Little Miss Liberty by Chris Robertson to your students and make Lady Liberty Crowns, speak about early immigration to Castle Clinton (once known as Castle Garden and the precursor of Ellis Island. For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/cacl/index.htm) or Ellis Island, dance to scarves to Neil Diamond's "America" while speaking about ship travel to America, or have students bring in pictures of their family and develop a class family tree).
The possibilities are truly endless. As the Reading Rainbow theme song said: take a look, its in a book...
With Literature-based lesson planning your lessons are truly unlocked through taking a look in a book.
I invite you to investigate the possibilities of literature-based lesson planning by viewing my Pump Up the Volumes blog which is dedicated to children's, young adult, and adult books and periodicals.
Pump Up The Volumes Blog
http://pumpupthevolumes.blogspot.com/
They concretely examine new vocabulary, phonological awareness, and visual discrimination. Books can be used to develop any kind of lesson plan on any subject: ex. social studies (read Little Miss Liberty by Chris Robertson to your students and make Lady Liberty Crowns, speak about early immigration to Castle Clinton (once known as Castle Garden and the precursor of Ellis Island. For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/cacl/index.htm) or Ellis Island, dance to scarves to Neil Diamond's "America" while speaking about ship travel to America, or have students bring in pictures of their family and develop a class family tree).
The possibilities are truly endless. As the Reading Rainbow theme song said: take a look, its in a book...
With Literature-based lesson planning your lessons are truly unlocked through taking a look in a book.
I invite you to investigate the possibilities of literature-based lesson planning by viewing my Pump Up the Volumes blog which is dedicated to children's, young adult, and adult books and periodicals.
Pump Up The Volumes Blog
http://pumpupthevolumes.blogspot.com/
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Spring to It: Check Out This Springtime Jam and Other Creative Learning Activities
Spring has sprung and singing and reading is so much fun! Your little ones with twist and shout to the rollicking springtime jam (found in an old Mailbox Magazine) that will ring in the bounties of springtime glory.
Now It's Spring (Tune: "Up on the Housetop")
Winter is gone and now it's spring
Flowers bloom and robins sing
The sunshine is warm
It's nice and bring
The butterflies are such a pretty sight
Spring, spring, spring
Now it's here
Spring, spring, spring
Lots of cheer
Winter is gone and now it's spring
Let's shout hooray
We're glad it's spring.
Extension of song:
Book to Read
Older preschoolers and kindergartners will love the curious young fox in Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms.
If you would like to use this book with younger preschoolers (who are generally more wiggly and have shorter attention spans) read half of the book during morning circle and the second half during storytime or other large group activity.
For more spring-themed books see my other blog devoted to children's and adult books:
http://pumpupthevolumes.blogspot.com/
Craft to Make
Hand print Flowers: Paint your children's hands and make have them press down on white paper. Use green construction paper to to make green leaves and stem to glue under flower hand print. Snip vertical lines in horizontal strips to create fringed grass effect using green construction paper.
Subject areas: Fine motor skills, learning new and springtime colors (math), using a unique art medium paint (creative arts) learning about the outward appearance and anatomy of flowers (science: botany).
Now It's Spring (Tune: "Up on the Housetop")
Winter is gone and now it's spring
Flowers bloom and robins sing
The sunshine is warm
It's nice and bring
The butterflies are such a pretty sight
Spring, spring, spring
Now it's here
Spring, spring, spring
Lots of cheer
Winter is gone and now it's spring
Let's shout hooray
We're glad it's spring.
Extension of song:
- Use stick puppets to re-enact the song
- Create a flannelboard or magnetic board, have children make up other signs of spring, or have the children retell the story by blooming like flowers (crouching on the ground, holding arms above their head in a tulip shape and jumping up) or flapping wings like robins/chirping when these verses are sung.
Book to Read
Older preschoolers and kindergartners will love the curious young fox in Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms.
If you would like to use this book with younger preschoolers (who are generally more wiggly and have shorter attention spans) read half of the book during morning circle and the second half during storytime or other large group activity.
For more spring-themed books see my other blog devoted to children's and adult books:
http://pumpupthevolumes.blogspot.com/
Craft to Make
Subject areas: Fine motor skills, learning new and springtime colors (math), using a unique art medium paint (creative arts) learning about the outward appearance and anatomy of flowers (science: botany).
Lesson Planning 101: The Basics on Early Childhood Lesson Planning
Lesson planning can be one of the most enjoyable daily routines of being a teacher. It can also be quite exhausting (flipping through numerous lesson planning books, deciding on what is developmentally-appropriate for your age group, and gathering the supplies for each learning experience). Below you will find the steps for a simple and less stressful lesson planning process:
- Use your school's curriculum as a model or if you are a daycare provider buy a pre-devised curriculum theme tool. This will cut your planning time in half. When you know the themes you are basing your plans on and they flow in a developmentally-appropriate manner such as (All about Me, My Community etc.) it will allow you to focus on planning rather than theoretical content.
- Research the Internet (See my previous post on great websites for preschool teachers: http://glitterandgluesticksforever.blogspot.com/2013/04/preschool-paydirt-great-preschool.html and lesson planning resources for quality lesson plans.
- Choose activities which pique a child's interest in your theme, build from their prior knowledge, and slowly advance the lessons throughout the week. This way you can assess your children's knowledge in a particular subject. Ex. If your theme is spring, first chart your children's responses to signs of spring or items they see in the spring (flowers blooming, birds singing etc.) and then go on a spring walk in your neighborhood to investigate these signs. This lesson invites questioning, scientific discovery, language use, numerical concepts (have them count the number of birds they see along the walk) etc. If you choose a learning activity which is too difficult, your children's interest will melt faster than ice cream on a hot day.
- Investigate in a quality lesson planning book which lets you simply write down each activity you are planning during the week. One of the best lesson planning books for preschool teachers is The Daily Plan Book for Preschool which helps you develop each learning center and activity for the week by using an easy box format for each center: Housekeeping, Math and Manipulatives etc. I give this lesson plan book an A+ for its ease of use and simplistic nature.
- Make sure that you have lessons spread throughout each subject of early childhood: Math, Science, Language Arts, Outdoor Play, Gross Motor. You never know when this activity could be used as a filler on a rainy day or as a transition to another activity (so plan at least two of these activities each week in each of these subjects)
- If your school allows you to, make sure to have a morning and afternoon circle which enables you to teach basic concepts of your theme in the morning and lets you assess your children's knowledge of the theme later in the day. Afternoon circle is a wonderful experience because it allows a teacher to more deeply explore the power of her teaching and invites students to re-examine the base of their knowledge building throughout the day.
- Most importantly calm down and enjoy yourself as you teach the children the basics on a variety of subjects. Children pick up on non-language based cues such as stuttering during lessons and sweating which makes them more nervous that they will not be able to understand the importance of your lessons. Believe in your teaching ability and know that you are doing a great job teaching our youngest pupils!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Preschool Paydirt: Great Preschool Teacher Websites
Perusing the web for perfect preschool educational resources can be time-consuming and often results in a jumble of useful, yet unused websites that sit on your favorites bar for all eternity. The websites listed here give the user mostly free, printable, frugal and fun ways to educate even the youngest students. The sites include printable games, math mats, bulletin board ideas, songs, fingerplays, assessment forms and lots more. I bet with just one click you'll be hooked.
http://www.kidsparkz.com/index.html
http://meandmarielearning.blogspot.com/
http://www.perfectlypreschool.com/
http://www.kidsparkz.com/index.html
http://meandmarielearning.blogspot.com/
http://www.perfectlypreschool.com/
http://www.dltk-kids.com/ (crafts for kids)
http://dltk-teach.com/ (preschool-grade school learning activities)
http://www.filefolderfun.com/ (Amazing printable file folder games)
http://www.filefolderfun.com/ (Amazing printable file folder games)
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Graphically Speaking: Creating Beautiful Bulletin Board Displays
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| Our April 2013 Bulletin Board Theme |
An impressive bulletin board boasts of a teacher's creativity, ingenuity, professionalism and style. It greatly impacts the general atmosphere of the classroom environment, can depict important holidays, curricular themes, and points of view and can elicit positive comments from both parents and school administrators.
There are some important aspects to think of when designing a sensational bulletin board:
- Size
- Shape
- Colors Chosen
- Materials used to Decorate the Board
- Multi-cultural and Curricular Appeal
- Showcasing of Holidays
- Title Lettering and Theme
Size: Is your bulletin board very small? Overcrowding with too many small graphics not only distracts the eye from the message you are trying to get across, but also shows a lack of preparation for the task at hand. It is best to stick with medium-sized student-made art or clip art which draws the eye to your board.
Is your bulletin board quite large? This is another quandary which takes time and patience to counteract. A simple way to get around this factor is to make more items than you may actually need.
By hanging the art on your bulletin board with thumbtacks you can easily remove or change the layout of your design. You may also find that larger and bolder lettering and designs may be in order to fix this concern (especially if you have a very small class and not much artwork to display).
Shape: Is your bulletin board square or rectangular? Larger prints work well on longer boards and more compact designs balance out the hard edges of a shorter square board.
Colors Chosen: Bright, bold colors depict an energetic spirit and can be used to entice the viewer to your board. Reds, Cobalt blues and vibrant greens add a summery vibe, cool pastels are perfect for springtime, and colors such as white and black are safe colors which offer more contrast and allow the student's artwork to do the talking.
Materials Used to Decorate the Board: Generally, teachers tend to stick to the old reliable: bulletin board paper. It's inexpensive and fits the exact size of standard bulletin boards. But, think of the possibilities that you could encounter if you used the following materials instead of the old reliable:
Wrapping Paper
Old Maps
Newspaper
Burlap
Student-Made Murals
Old Magazine Covers
Cellophane
Collaged Tissue Paper on Bulletin Board Paper ......
Multi-cultural and Curricular Appeal: Remember to respect your children's ethnicities. Certain colors may depict sorrow (such as white in Asian cultures) or other traits which are unbecoming and religious-themed (unless you are in a religious school) should be avoided.
Boards can also be used as a springboard to organize and explain information about your current unit. Informative boards such as these include a unit on frogs depicting their life cycle etc.
Showcasing Holidays: Holidays are a time to rejoice! Why not celebrate them with a festive bulletin board?: Leaping Leprechauns on St. Patrick's Day, wrapped presents during Christmastime and Springtime bluebirds or bunnies.
Title Lettering and Theme: Font is an important aspect of your board design. Letters that are too small or hard to read will cause the viewer to lose interest quickly in the overall message of the board. Letters that are not within scale (overly large) will make the bulletin board's statement feel crowded and look slightly haphazard.
I hope you find this information helpful in creating beautiful bulletin board displays. For more inspiration, visit the following sites for some more stunning ideas:
Sparklebox Classroom Photo Gallery: Overall excellent site for printables, clip art, classroom banners, lettering and more! You need to definitely check this one out.
http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/gallery/#.UVwS9HZUPgG
Dltk-teach.com: Great site featuring crafts, fingerplays, bulletin boards ideas etc.
http://www.dltk-teach.com/boards/
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