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Date: 1/8/2008 1:57:00 PM
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Author:
Margaret
(itsmemaggi+oakdale@gmail.com)
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Subject:New Job -- Childhood Educator in an Early Childhood World
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Hi,
I'm looking for some guidance as to where I begin when it comes to my brand-new pre-school/kindergarten classroom. I am graduating from college with a degree in childhood education, and while I love little ones, I'm at a loss for where to begin. Their day is VERY structured, and while I know they thrive on such a regimented routine, I worry there is not enough time for creative endeavors. Whatever happened to getting a little messy, actually making things? I've been told I will have a lot of autonomy, however, so I look forward to letting them explore a lot more than they have.
Any advice for a true novice? I met the children today and they are absolutely wonderful. I'm already learning Russian from my brother so I can better communicate with one of my ESL students. I'm mostly interested on how to hold their interest. I've already demanded a rug be moved into my room to allow for a story/gathering area. I couldn't believe there wasn't one in there, to begin with.
Please bear with me -- and HELP!
Thanks,
Maggi
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Date: 1/11/2008 11:32:00 AM
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Author:
Linda Arocho
(HappyHands12302@aol.com)
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Subject:CONGRATS!
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Congratulations on being able to do something you love! That's wonderful!
Good job on starting to make the room YOURS, that's wonderful too! What ages will you be working with?
What I tend to do is have most of my space as centers so the children can flow around and find what interests them the most. We do have lots of group activities which are more teacher directed as well, but I do like to find what THEY are interested in - as that's the best way to reach them. So I have a block area where the cars and trucks are stored near on one side and other side of the blocks is the babies. (My crew is constantly building cribs, tables and chairs for the babies, etc.). I of COURSE have our kitchen area for them and near that is the dress-up things; and the other side of the room has the coloring items, puzzles and books. In the middle is the meeting area where we hold our together time, etc. I don't know if this will help you or not, but maybe it's a start!
Oh - and I do have a schedule also for my crew BUT if we're really into something, I've been known to throw the next scheduled item out the window as they continue with what is going on. It's a judgement call, but fortunately, it's mine to make!
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Date: 1/12/2008 9:25:00 AM
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Author:
Rudy
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Subject:congrats
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Congratulations on entering a wonderful field. You definately need a schedule. It can be altered everyday depending on the situation but the children need a schedule to help them stay focused. I commend you for wanting to keep the creativity aspect in this. you stil can through their play and decision making processes. Set up numerous learning centers, Writing& Literacy, Math, Science, Art etc. The children will explore allthese areas and also foster theri creativity. Hope this helps.
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Date: 1/18/2008 2:07:00 PM
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Author:
Allison Webb
(Allison3018@hotmail.com)
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Subject:The New Classroom
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The most important part of a daily schedule is that one event logically follows another, as children learn through routines. Sometimes my scheduled activities last longer than the specific times listed on my schedule, but whatever is next on the schedule will happen when next as soon as we finish what we are doing.
As for setting up the classroom, you have to have interest centers. My room includes a sand/water table, art, dramatic play, a quiet area, computer area, a listening center, writing/literacy, fine motor toys, music, blocks, and discovery which includes science and math. The kids love playing in the centers and forget that they are learning even as they are having fun. Hope this helps! I have been doing preschool and pre-k for about 8 years now, so if you would like to chat further, just send me an email!
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Date: 1/18/2008 3:56:00 PM
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Author:
Jennifer
(kohlmann1@cox.net)
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Subject:Congrats!
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How exciting - Congrats! One thing I would keep in mind while setting up your classroom is placement of your centers. For example, I have a large carpet for group activities. My centers include writing,sand/water table,science and math, blocks,dramatic play,art,listening library, computers, and manipulatives. You wouldn't want your blocks next to the listening library (too much noise).You should also remember by having a place for everything the students can be more independent in finding items and also putting them back where they belong.Good luck and let me know how things turn out.I know you will do great!!!! -Jennifer
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Date: 1/18/2008 4:34:00 PM
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Author:
Denise Garvy
(kulpitgarvy@comcast.net)
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Subject:New Job -- Childhood Educator....
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You can incorporate creative endeavors within the very structured curriculum. Even learning letters of the alphabet can be artistic in that they can create letter puppets, etc. The first few weeks I focused on learning the rules through structured activities and learning about each other through structured games. It is important to set the right tone especially since they are so young and may not have been used to working with a large group of "strangers". There are many activities on the Internet and wonderful resource books to get you started.
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Date: 1/18/2008 7:23:00 PM
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Author:
Cheryl
(cdodge@thewellroundedchild.com)
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Subject:Margarets New Job
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Margaret-
The posts thus far are right on, in that you will definitely need learning centers around which students may rotate and flow. And you will need "carpet" time to do calendar activities, shared readings, etc.
I encourage you to explore your state's department of education. For example, California has a Curriculum Framework for each grade level and each content area. It gives great ideas for what to teach and when to teach it for your kindergarten children. For your preschool, children, I would review the website for the National Association for the Education of Young Children http://www.naeyc.org/. And, I would suggest reading the following books (if you haven't already):
-Fountas & Pinnell's Guided Reading
-Chip Wood's Yardsticks
-Bear, Invernizzi, Templeton, & Johnston's Words Their Way
-Reutzel & Cooter's The Essentials of Teaching Children to Read
-Van de Walle's Elementary and Middle School Mathematics (it really does have great preK and K math activities)
These texts are wonderful resources and will help ensure your instruction is pedagogically sound.
Good luck and have fun!
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Date: 1/19/2008 10:24:00 AM
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Author:
'saac's mama
(saacnmama@hotmail.com)
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Subject:Speaking as the mother of a bright, inqu...
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Speaking as the mother of a bright, inquisitive, active 5-yr-old, let me ask you to stay strong! His teacher this year is amazing at pressing back against pressures to follow exactly the same curriculum as every other class in her school. She knows every child in her room very well, and adjusts what they're doing for each one. Just like some of the teachers here have described, she tries to let the flow of their routine fluctuate with the kids' moods and interests. It's not easy with the resistance she gets.
I'm very grateful that she's there. We live in a small town that doesn't have many choices in preschools. My son really benefits from being met at his own level in their activities. He loves preschool this year.
I'm glad you've got your rug. Keep it up for the other things you see that the kids' need, even if it doesn't fit the administrators' ease.
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Date: 1/19/2008 12:05:00 PM
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Author:
Mrs. Mary
(minunez@bellsouth.net)
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Subject:Congratulations!
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Isn't it great?! I recommend you keep a strong bond with parents. Keep a good communication level and keep them informed of what their children are learning and don't mind asking for parental help in enforcing these learning skills at home. Remember that a young child has a time limit as far as attention goes. Keep the learning circle in the first part of the day. This is when they are their most attentive. Remember that learning centers, i.e., science, math, music, homemaking, pretend play, etc., are useful reinforcement tools for continiuous lesson plans. althogh you may have a lesson plan for every day of the school year, there will be times where you will have to improvise and fuse a life lesson plan with those you have already planned. Language/communication with children to keep them talking is the key. When you communicate with children and children communicate with each other, you will see how their intelect also flourishes. Remember, they are born with their own languages, we are the ones that teach them another one. The more they communicate, the more they learn and become inquisite about their world around them. Music is an essential learning part of a classroom. Keep ambient music in the background nice and low just to keep them flowing and singing along. Nap time also has music, but the type that is soothing and associative for resting. Not every child will sleep. But those that don't will rest. Keep loads of books. when a child plays, they are working towards learning skills. We see it as playing. In their minds, they are working and very hard. Establish rules with the children. Post them up. Take pictures and create a wall of fame. Make experiments with foods! Make experiments that will explain science. NO TV! Children get TV time at home and they don't even ask for it! Send home their best work daily. Give them 1 homework a week that involves a family member. I could tell you so much more but there are things you will find out for yourself. Your kids will guide you, believe it or not.
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Date: 1/19/2008 6:46:00 PM
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Author:
Denise
(madabrown@yahoo.com)
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Subject:new teacher of Preschool/Kindergarten
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Congrats and have fun! Setting up your environment should be your first consideration. Setting up centers is an effective way of assuring your students have many choices and are able to participate in self-interest activities. Also an area for teacher-directed activities is important. I assume that is what you wanted a rug brought in for. This area should be flexible space for Cirle Time, other whole and small group activities and perhaps even obstacle courses for bad weather days. The other consideration is curriculum. How do you wish to help and support your students' development? I find an interest inventory a helpful tool in establishing what interests different children have and working those ideas into theme development. Consider all areas of development in planning and plan to accommodate all types of learners. Plan, plan and plan some more, but always be ready to throw out those plans when the children teach you what works better for them. Remember to plan lots of developmentally appropriate activities that allow for creative expression and movement, both essential for brain development. Most importantly, have fun and they will too!
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Date: 1/19/2008 7:03:00 PM
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Author:
Rena
(wolfgangrena@yahoo.com)
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Subject:response to Margaret
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Dear Margaret,
Get a copy of Creative Curriculum for PreSchool by Diane Tristar Dodge, published by Teaching Strategies. It is abook that is very helpful to beginning teachersof preschool and kindergarten.
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Date: 1/21/2008 1:45:00 PM
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Author:
Billie O
(billieo16@hotmail.com)
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Subject:Getting started
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What an exciting (and sometimes exhausting) adventure you are undertaking! Give careful thought to what materials you bring into your space-the world is full of bright plastic-try to balance that with beautiful natural materials- baskets, items from nature, wooden toys, etc. Develop a relationship with every child (and family too) for human connections are at the core of good teaching. Try to see the humor in even the difficult days and remember that tomorrow is a new day! Find kindred spirits who share your beliefs about what is good for children and above all, listen to your gut-your heart will guide you more often than not! You are undertaking a noble calling and really will make a difference in the world!
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Date: 6/2/2008 10:39:00 PM
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Author:
IDLDLVIDLKLD
(marina5791@mail.ru)
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Subject:Hello All
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Hi everyone. My name is Ray, from Utica, NY. I will be visiting Poland soon, and I am hoping to meet my Polish relatives. I also hope some people from here may help me in contacting my relatives before my visit. Thanks and looking forward to meeting some great people on here!
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