Search results matching tags 'classroom management' and 'the preschool teachers journal'

How to Have a Sugar-Free Halloween for Preschool Kids

Anonymous — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:38:00 GMT

Screams, howls, and groaning; It’s Halloween, but really it our preschool kids on too much sugar. That eerie feeling in the pit of our stomach is not the excitement but the knowledge that every year we got through the same thing regarding sugar and the kids in the classroom.

It’s time to channel Susan Powter and ‘Stop the Insanity!’ So, is there really such thing as a sugar-free Halloween in our own classroom without the kids knowing? I say there is. We made it so fun and got the parents involved that the kids didn’t notice they weren’t screaming from the sugar rush.

Here are a few things we did to make the Halloween pleasant and fun and practically sugar-free everyone. And it you don’t have tons of volunteers, just make a few modifications.

How We Make a Practically Sugar-Free Halloween for Our Preschool Kids

Get a fun Halloween Music CD.

Sugar-Free Goodies: Put together small bags of “Yummy Earth” (Sugar Free Candy) Candies in Halloween Goodie Bags (Distribute them after the Party).

The way Halloween haunts me: Kids on sugar!

Apple Float Activity: Fishing for Apples, Float real apples in a large tub of water with mini fishing rods (with magnets on the end). (Stick a paper clip through a golf tee and shove it in an apple, do this a couple times per apple) Float the apples in the water and allow the children to “fish them”. They loved it! Be sure to use small size red apples.

Kids Crazy Glow Water: We make this one ahead of time and turn out the lights on one side of the class room and have it sectioned off a bit with a black sheet and black light. The water is in a larger water table for all the kids to use. We keep this well supervised.

The Slime Pit: We use a cornstarch and water mix to make ooze called the slime pit. We put Halloween trinkets in there like spiders and such and later on add an extension such as food colors to allow the kids to mix colors.

Less Treats More Fun: Much later in the day we have a few Halloween stories and some carrot cake. The kids also vote on some of the same activities we had inside to bring outside (except for the Crazy Glow Water, of course).

By the end of the day we are really worn out.
But at least our eardrums aren’t ringing....

We hope you'll give it a try, we are pretty sure you'll feel brilliant that you did!

Ha! Out-smarted Halloween this year, baby!

Curiosity in Early Childhood Education

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:52:00 GMT

The world is an oyster for the curious by nature!

Curiosity.........leads to Exploration
Exploration.....leads to Discovery
Discovery.......leads to Wonder
Wonder.........leads to Repetition
Repetition.......leads to Mastery
Mastery..........leads to New Skills
New Skills.......lead to Confidence
Confidence.....leads to Self Esteem
Self Esteem....leads to Sense of Security

What ways and activities do you promote curiosity in your early childhood settings?

Healthy Families in Early Childhood Education

Anonymous — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 06:36:00 GMT

"If kids come to educators and teachers from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job more important."
~Barbara Colrose

The Slug Sandwich

Anonymous — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:27:00 GMT

Some things go down easier than others.

Confronting parents about unpleasant situations with their child has never been at the top of my list. I usually bounce off of coworker or a good friend some of the best ways to approach a parent. I don't know what it is, somehow...they always know. No matter how cheery and delightful I try to be in suggesting a little chat.
Defenses are up immediately.
Then I heard about The Slug Sandwich.


Some things are unpleasant.

S= Sweetness mingled with
L=Love
U=The Unpleasant Parts doused with Understanding
G=Gentleness (Keep it on hand, no matter what reaction you receive)

I learned that a slug sandwich can be administered over a long period, not just within a conversation. I consider myself a pretty good cook but slug sandwiches can only be mastered with a few hard knocks.
I think the sweetness makes anything do down a bit easier.

Have you ever made a slug sandwich?

What if my preschool classroom set up isn't working?

Anonymous — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:51:00 GMT

"But, The room was clean a second ago!"

It's the beginning of the year and kids are flinging Lego's and dumping baskets of tinker toys. Your vision of children blissfully and serenely ogling over toys and learning materials has now fallen flat like a lettuce leaf on hot cement.
One one truly knows how children will react to even the most carefully planned classrooms until they are actually working within them. This is why I learned to set up materials and learning centers to the absolute minimum basics when I begin the year. We often forget that children are already overstimulated as it is in the first few weeks. In the early months of class, try setting up the room to focus mainly on the children.

10 Things to Consider About Your Preschool Room Set Up or Management:
1. If you walk around on your knees in the classroom, what's the first thing you see? What grabs your attention and what doesn't? Chances are it's the same for the kids.

"But I DID clean up the toys!"

2. Have a plan! Draw and map out all the areas you will have and create a room arrangement. This will save your back in the long run!
3.Are your learning centers clearly defined? Rugs, hanging posters and tiled areas tend to define the space within the room. As yourself, "What can I do to make this appealing to more children? Is this culturally respectful? Is there variety?
4. Are noisy and quiet areas in strategic places? Really try to keep them away from each other.
5. Got Flow? How do you and the children move within the room? Make sure there are surface areas, clear paths and places for you to strategically sit/stand and observe the children. Hidden areas that aren't readily visible to you could be a problem.
6. What is your group of children gravitating toward most? If it's farm animals, per say? Have farm books in the reading areas, farm animal shapes to color in the art area, etc. The goal is to see how your children are and will be actually using the areas in the beginning, not necessarily changing your curriculum.

Keep toys some toys for special occasions,
like a rainy day!

7. Always have a personal bag of back up toys. Things for a rainy day, picture day when kids are nervously waiting to be called, a family night, or just when the whole group of kids seem on edge. Something as simple as soft finger puppets, small little colorful caricatures ,mini animals/bugs or small wind up toys. It's a life saver to whip out this bag on special occasions when getting your classroom messy isn't the option for the moment.
8. Changing the room around a few times a year can be refreshing to everyone. We encourage you to make changes to keep older things looking new!
9. As tempting as it may be, don't put out all the toys at once in the classroom. Have a small rotation stash! Some toys won't bring out the best in our kids at the beginning of the year...save it for later.
10. Take a look at what your curriculum is telling the preschoolers to do. Have a balance of materials that require sitting, standing, floor or table play. Balance out activities that are will be exciting or calm though out the day. You can actually create a rhythm and balance of chaos verses serenity throughout the day.

We would love to hear some of your classroom set up or management techniques!

The Back To School Checklist For New Teachers

Anonymous — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:00:00 GMT

There are so many things to think about besides posting up bulletin boards, cubby tags and tying shoes. But what? We remember those first time teacher jitters. This back to school checklist really helped me. I was sure to ask veteran teachers for tips and tricks....and then came up with a few of my own. Enjoy!

The Back to School Checklist for New Teachers!
10 Needful Tips From the Pros:
1. Get a list of all the children and parents names. Keep a cheat sheet in a cabinet but work on memorizing all the names as soon as possible!

2. Buy a few stacks of thank you cards from a dollar store. Send them out within the first two weeks of school thanking them for allowing yo to share in their child's life.
3. Set up simple, non- messy materials on tables when children enter the room for the first few weeks of school. Kids will need something to fun and engaging to play with and parents feel better leaving if children are engaged in play.
4. Think of some fun, even unconventional props you could use to get the children's attention during transitions or clean up times. A train whistle, kazoo, a silly flashlight, etc. After children become used to the schedule they can sense when activities will end or begin.
5. How will children be lining up or sitting at circle times? Don't assume all the little ones will know what to do. Colored tape is your friend until kids know the routine.
6. Give everyone a classroom tour. I do it as a group. We walk around the room and I tell them where everything is, what it's for, and go over a bit of rules. Keep it simple...the kids won't remember everything but it establishes respect for the materials and learning areas.
7. Be sure to tell them where the bathroom is! It is the most forgotten room! If you are fortunate to have one in your classroom be sure to decorate it with friendly pictures!

8. Keep the Classroom simple. Brimming baskets full of Lego's and sensory tables full of water looks inviting but isn't always practical until the children are familiar with the room and routine. I put out the toys, but half a basket full...Full baskets and such are for after we have mastered clean up times. If the children are doing well with materials...you can always add more to the shelves or baskets later.
9. Be sure to a knowledge kids feelings. Puppets work great in this area. I usually present a special puppet at circle time and let the children know he is a bit scared and nervous his first day of school. I'll ask the children to help him feel comfortable by being his friend. They quickly relate to him and have ideas to help.
10. Don't forget to put the parents at ease! Have a nice letter or present a first day of hand out of what the kids will be doing. The first day is very special. Letting them know you make play dough together or build sand castles puts parents at ease. Try to have special anecdotal their child did for pick up times to share with them!

Did we leave out anything? Let us know what works for you!

Art That Promotes Socialization for Kids

Anonymous — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 23:44:00 GMT

Do you want a quick table art activity to set up for kids that takes virtually no time at all? We love this one because it is great open ended activity for the first day of school or anytime you want the kids to interact and spark a conversation with one another.

Table Art for Kids:
Materials Needed: Crayons (peel off the paper), a variety of flat objects (i.e. puzzle pieces, leaves, paper scraps, coffee filters, small sticks, textured paper scraps, card board shapes, etc.), length of butcher paper that will cover the table, making tape.
The Set Up: Arrange the flat objects on the table and place a length of butcher paper over the table and secure it with tape. Have peeled crayons placed in strawberry baskets (or handy container) and remove the chairs from the table. Kids will be standing during this activity.
The Procedure: Kids can freely color any areas of the table by shading with the edge of a crayon. Together they will discover what shapes are underneath while they guess by feeling it.
Socialization: Kids love to strike up conversations! This activity allows kids the freedom to share space, color as a group, and guess-a-mate what the art will look like.
We like to write down their conversations, words and discoveries directly on the paper before we display it.

What types of activities do you enjoy for a back to school activity?

Anonymous — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:42:00 GMT

"No matter how one may think himself accomplished, when he sets out to learn a new language, science, or the bicycle, he has entered a new realm as truly as if he were a child newly born into the world." ~Frances Willard, How I Learned to Ride the Bicycle

I took a lot of classes in early childhood education. I read lots of books on children, too. But nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had when I was given my first group of five-year-olds. I wish I could have said I radiated confidence, but quite frankly it really believe kids can smell fear.
"The kids are going to test you." My college professor warned. I had not clue what she actually meant by that until I saw certain behaviors in the kids.
I remember in the movie Kindergarten Cop where the fed up Kindergarten Teacher (Arnold Schwarzenegger) said, "There is no bathroom!"
What is it about going to the bathroom anyway?
The class and I eventually knew what to expect of each other until the next batch of children entered my classroom. Here we go again...
Testing. I suppose we all test one another to a certain degree, don't we? To see where one anothers limits, boundaries and integrity lie. I find out so much about myself and the children during these times.

What are some area you have found the kids like to test in? How do you or the kids tend to react during testing?

How did you test adults as a child?

The Look

Anonymous — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:43:00 GMT

You know the look. If your a parent or a teacher that has this down you can stop certain behaviors in kids before it gets out of hand. I think it takes a bit of experience to acquire this.
I remember many years back it all began for me. I was tested and tried by the kids and eventually earned this honor. It was like putting little ones on pause, or something. I had wondered what I looked like so I gave my "look" in the mirror back at myself. Quite frankly I didn't see what the big deal about it was, but I began to worry if my newly acquired skills were frightening kids into submission. I did at least, until one day I was chatting with a co worker at lunch who coincidentally brought it up.
"Hey, Barb, remember when your mom or dad gave you that 'look' and you immediately stopped what your did?" Sharon said unwrapping her chicken salad.
"Boy, do I." I laughed.
"The 'look' never really worked for my mom but it sure did for my dad." She smiled.
"Wait, what do you mean? Why only for your dad?"
"Hmmm. Well, I suppose because my mom and I had a different relationship. My dad I just couldn't handle...um, well.."
"What? What?" I pressed.
"Well...." She began pouring dressing on each lettuce leaf, "I just never wanted to disappoint him."

Great Quiet Activities for Kids

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:03:00 GMT

"There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm."

~Willa Cather

Kids are so full of energy and laughter. I grew up with two other sisters and I remember how I used to scream when something was funny. Unfortunately the rest of my family didn't find it so funny when the sound traveled up their spinal columns. The fun would quickly end after that. I suppose that is around the time my mom started figuring out quiet activities for us kids to do. Most activities us teachers do with kids to keep them engaged tend to be exciting.....okay, so now that they are all excited how do we get them to wind down? It's always good to have a bag of tricks you will need to get kids calm and quiet for the next activity. Here are some quiet-quick-tricks we use that are especially helpful.

Quiet Activities for Kids That Really Work:

Read a Story: Okay, this can be a bit tricky depending on the story, but classics like, Good Night Moon and The Napping House really appeal to kids.
Finger puppets: Yes, finger puppets! The small individual ones that fit on one finger. Believe it or not simply passing them out on a table with small books to read really helps kids focus and wind down.
Cards: We all have stacks of cards somewhere. Kids can make card houses or play simple matching games.
Marbles: Kids love marbles! A simple game of marbles is quite easy to teach while gently bouncing them off of wood blocks makes a pleasant sound.
Lotion: I have been known to have kids stop after washing up from outside play to apply lotion to their own hands, face or legs. Lotion tends to immediately have a calming effect and has a lovely scent.
Socks: Okay, it doesn't have to be a sock, per say, but here at school we always have stray clean socks around. The guessing game, "What's in the Sock?" means simply putting a few small items inside and gather a group. We give clues to the kids as to what may be inside.
Small pom poms: We have a bunch of these for crafts but a quick quiet activity could mean giving them to the kids as a sorting, or math activity.
Guess the Drawing: If you are fairly good at drawing gather a group and slowly begin to draw on a large chalk or dry erase board. The slower you go the more time they have to think. Keeping it simple like only drawing items withing the learning environment really gets them thinking. We always give clues!
Water Play: Get a few small plastic bins and fill them with a few inches of warm water. Place a few very small cups, droppers and toys inside. Small plastic animals are a hit, too. One or two children per bin works best.