Monday, May 21, 2012
I'm Going to Kindergarten! Any advice?
I'm very excited, because I am changing grade levels for next year. I have taught 4/5 for 6 years and am now going to teach Kindergarten! I have been thinking about lowering grade levels the past few years but have been too scared to because I am very comfortable with older kids. But since I have started having my own children and am around small kids all the time now, it is alot of fun and I know I can do it. I have also spent the majority of my PE times this year observing Kinder and First grade classrooms at Green Acres so I can learn from amazing teachers. Now is my chance. But it is a huge difference in age and management. Any advice would be great. Does anyone out there know of any good books or websites that are focused on Kindergarten or First grade that could give me ideas on management/lesson plans/games/activities? I am ready to read about it all summer long. Are there any strategies from Teach Like a Champion that would be great for Kindergarten?
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Lori -
ReplyDeleteMy mom is a kinder assistant, and based on what I've seen in her classroom/what she can do, I think setting your expectations high from the get go is super important. :) I know sometimes we say "They are too young", and of course some things aren't developmentally appropriate, but a few things they do are (some may be more better for once you're into the school year):
"Beaver Tracks" (Cougar Tracks, Bear Tracks, whatever) - 10 certain sight words on each 'beaver paw prints' - there are 10 words per 'paw print' that are posted on a bulletin board or wall in order from easier to harder sets - you practice having the kids read the list as the year goes on and when they master one set they move on to the next! These could also be on a ring as cards that can flip. :) They can do this when transitioning from bathroom or drinks to classroom, so there is wait time. Little beaver cut outs w/ names on them mark how far each student has 'tracked'.
Goldfish math - using something edible for easy addition and subtraction in small groups! (Subtraction can be eating!)
Copying stories - copying short sentence stories (There are goldfish. I see five. They are yellow.) for morning work or a center - students then read what the sentences say, with help if needed, to get used to reading and writing sentences. They can color the pictures that go along with.
I think some great Teach Like a Champion techniques could be Entry Routine (28), Stretch It, and Work the Clock. I'm sure you've got good ideas that can carry over. :)
Yay Lori! I'm so excited for you. I think you'll do a great job! The younger kids are so much fun. I will say at Kindergarten, you NEVER know what you're gonna get. :)
ReplyDeleteI have a great handwriting website that I use for my kids. www.handwritingworksheets.com I use this one frequently. You have to make your own worksheets, but it's so worth it to me!
Have fun at Kinder and I'm sure you'll be seeing me in there!