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Discussing Opinions with Preschoolers
One of my favorite things about working with preschoolers is that they are just starting to form their own opinions about everything – from what they want to wear to school to how they feel about vegetables. While this makes for interesting conversations, it can also create some friction between classmates as they learn that others don’t necessarily share their opinions. I love to use a question of the day, and I strive for questions that require an extended response because I want my students to think about their answer as they practice the language required for this type of answer. Often, the children get very passionate about their answers.…
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Building Friendships in the Preschool Classroom
For a preschooler, the scariest thing about starting school can be not knowing who you’re going to play with. It’s a very real fear that can cause a lot of anxiety for little ones. This is why I spend so much time throughout the year encouraging children to continue getting to know each other and making sure that they work with people that they may not have chosen to work with on their own. I like to start by helping the children find common interests. We talk about the kinds of toys they enjoy playing with, sports or activities that they participate in, television shows that they like to watch,…
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Helping Preschoolers Feel Comfortable in the Classroom
A huge part of my back to school ritual each year is making sure that my new students feel comfortable in the classroom. When they feel at home they are more likely to build stronger relationships with me, and with each other. Helping children feel comfortable is also the first step in encouraging them to explore and learn. Here are some of my strategies for making sure that my students know that the classroom is their room as much as it is mine: Include them in the classroom set-up process. I rearrange my furniture regularly, to reflect the activities and interests of my students, and each time I move something…
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Friday Freebie – Tech Resources
Happy Friday! This week I’ve shared my favorite resource books for the classroom, and today’s freebie includes a ton of additional resources for you to explore. oday’s freebie is another great resource for teachers, this E-book is full links to different sites that are perfect for teachers. There are sites to use with children in the classroom, sites that are perfect for communicating with parents, sites that can help with lesson planning, and sites that are ideal for online storage and file sharing. Download your copy and take some time to explore, you just might find something that will make next year a whole lot easier!
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Resource Review – The Wonder Weeks
I know that back to school season is in full swing, but I thought I’d do something a little different this year. Instead of sharing tips, tricks, and classroom ideas (because I’ve shared plenty of those already) I thought that I would share some of my favorite resource books. Everyday this week I’ll do a review of a different book that I have read, loved, and use regularly. These will be books that are part of my own personal resource library and have helped me in some way – whether they’ve made planning easier, changed my teaching philosophy fundamentally, or helped me understand my students better. I hope that you will take…
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Preschool Resource Review – Encouraging Curiosity
I know that back to school season is in full swing, but I thought I’d do something a little different this year. Instead of sharing tips, tricks, and classroom ideas (because I’ve shared plenty of those already) I thought that I would share some of my favorite resource books. Everyday this week I’ll do a review of a different book that I have read, loved, and use regularly. These will be books that are part of my own personal resource library and have helped me in some way – whether they’ve made planning easier, changed my teaching philosophy fundamentally, or helped me understand my students better. I hope that you will take…
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Preschool Resource Review – Young Investigators
I know that back to school season is in full swing, but I thought I’d do something a little different this year. Instead of sharing tips, tricks, and classroom ideas (because I’ve shared plenty of those already) I thought that I would share some of my favorite resource books. Everyday this week I’ll do a review of a different book that I have read, loved, and use regularly. These will be books that are part of my own personal resource library and have helped me in some way – whether they’ve made planning easier, changed my teaching philosophy fundamentally, or helped me understand my students better. I hope that you will take…
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Preschool Resource Review – Wonderplay Too
I know that back to school season is in full swing, but I thought I’d do something a little different this year. Instead of sharing tips, tricks, and classroom ideas (because I’ve shared plenty of those already) I thought that I would share some of my favorite resource books. Everyday this week I’ll do a review of a different book that I have read, loved, and use regularly. These will be books that are part of my own personal resource library and have helped me in some way – whether they’ve made planning easier, changed my teaching philosophy fundamentally, or helped me understand my students better. I hope that you…
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Friday Freebie – First Day of Preschool
Happy Friday! I’ve been trying to suck the life out of my last few days of summer. I’m back to work on the 14th and it has gone by way to fast! For those of you who are thinking about going back too, I hope that this freebie will be timely and helpful. This set includes activities and photo props to welcome your little ones on their first day. To read more about it, check out this post and then take a minute to download your copy. Have a wonderful weekend!
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My favorite Back to School Resources
Have you heard?! It’s that time again, time for Teachers Pay Teachers’ annual Back to School sale. Yesterday I shared the items that are on my wishlist, but I also like to share the resources that I’ve created that are super helpful for back to school. Here are a few of my favorites: Inspire Emergent Curriculum: This standards-based curriculum is perfect for programs that implement the Reggio Philosophy or the Project Approach. Circle Time Mega Pack: Start the year off right by implementing successful, developmentally appropriate circle time from the start. Picture Schedule Cards: Make sure that children always know what is coming next with cards they can use independently. This…
