back to school
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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 – 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…
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Back to School Sale!
It’s the first day of August and officially back to school season. What better way to ring it in than a sale on Teachers Pay Teachers?! Whenever there’s a sale I like to share what’s on my wish list, and my list is especially long right now. Here’s what I’m excited about adding to my cart: Four Seasons of Bingo Games from Preschool in Paradise The Big Preschool Activity Book from Mrs. Thompson’s Treasures Carpet Games for Circle Time from Play To Learn Preschool Flag labels from Erin Bradley Designs I’d love to know whats on your wishlist, share the links in the comments so I can find some other…
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First day of School gift for parents and children
One of my all-time favorite ideas is a little gift that I put together for my preschoolers on their first day of kindergarten. It includes two little felt hearts, one for the parent and one for the child to keep with them on the first day, as well as some kleenex and Hershey’s Hugs for a little added comfort. This would also be a great gift to share with your new preschool families on meet the teacher night, or at your open house, so that they can use it on their first day of school. The tags that go with the set and explain the gift to parents are available…
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Family Photo Albums for the Classroom
An easy way to help welcome families at the beginning of the year is to encourage them to share a little information about themselves. Using photo albums is popular because the albums also serve to help children separate from their parents a little easier in the morning. I’ve heard many teachers say that they’ve tried to create albums for the children but they haven’t been successful because families will not provide the photos that they need. This easy printable activity is something that you can send home with each student that might help combat this issue. I created this easy little paper bag album that you can send home for families to…
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Tips for welcoming new families
Whether you work for a year-round program or a program that follows a traditional school calendar there is a good chance that you will be welcoming some families that are new to your program in the fall. I am a huge believer in the importance of building relationships with parents, and those relationships start with first impressions. There are a few simple things that you can do to welcome families and make a positive impression that will lead to stronger relationships. Share information about yourself. It is common practice to share info about your program and classroom practices, but parents really want to know who you are. Consider sending home…
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Friday Freebie – Teacher Planning Pages
Happy Friday! This summer has flown by! This week is a double freebie week. On Tuesday I shared an awesome list of ideas for your monthly newsletters (download that here) and today I have a freebie for those of you who have started thinking about next year – or for those of you who know you probably should, and will eventually! I love, love, love these teacher planning pages. They have helped me stay organized for years and include 6 different idea trackers and lists to keep you on your toes. Go download your set and have a wonderful weekend!
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Skills to practice before kindergarten
The most popular question that I used to get asked as a preschool teacher was “How can I make sure that my child is ready for kindergarten?” Of course there is not one thing that parents can work on with their preschooler, but they usually ask me this question when they don’t actually have time for a long conversation. So I created this workbook to share with parents. It includes simple activities that are easy for families to do and don’t require a ton of materials. This set includes 10 weeks worth of daily activities, one activity for each week day, which can be completed during the weeks between the…
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New Stuff!
I just finished putting together two new resources for the classroom and I LOVE them! I’ve been working on these for a while and I am so excited to share them with you because they are going to add value to your classroom centers! One thing that I’ve always struggled with are the wanderers – those children who have a really hard time choosing an activity, so they just kind of wander around. I also have a hard time helping children who don’t understand how to play all by themselves, you know, the kids who need to be told what to do and when to do it. I designed these…
