classroom management
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A flexible schedule in the preschool classroom
The words flexible and schedule don’t really seem like they should go together. Schedules aren’t generally flexible, but in preschool they should be. So what exactly is a flexible schedule? It’s a daily routine that has a some wiggle room. This lets the teacher follow the needs and interests of the children so that the entire group gets the opportunity to take advantage of teachable moments. Have you ever had an entire group of children working together to build a magnificent city in the block area, and you had to tell them that it was time to put it all away so that they could come to circle time? As…
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Preschool transitions – signals and warnings
Coming back to school after a holiday break is the perfect time to tweak and reinforce you daily schedule. One technique that can really help your schedule flow smoothly is is to employ warnings and signals that will let children know a transition is coming so that they are prepared to finish what they are working on. Having time to finish a project makes moving on a lot easier. Here are some ideas for warning signals that will catch their attention: Flip the lights off: Teach the children that they should freeze and listen for your message when the lights go off. Use a chime: Ring one note as…
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Friday Freebie – Positive Behaviors
I have found the cutest freebie ever! I can’t even wait to share these with you – these are Beehavior Beads (they all have a bee theme). The idea is that you print a bunch of them, laminate them, and punch a hole in the corner of each one, then each child gets a necklace (a ribbon, lanyard, or piece of yarn) and they can collect them as you catch them “bee-ing” helpful. Such a great idea! Go download your set from Double Trouble.
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Taking a step back
I can tell that my students have been spending too much time together (since I teach in a child care center my students can potentially be together from 7am until 6pm 5 days a week, and I am with them from 9am until 6pm every day) because of the ways that they have been treating each other lately. Little ones can be downright mean, and it breaks my heart the way that they talk to each other. I know that some self-centeredness is developmentally appropriate, that doesn’t mean that it is acceptable in my classroom. I do my best to encourage kindness and caring, but I too find myself responding…
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Let’s talk about guidance…
I’ve spent the last hour on Pinterest looking for the perfect quote to go along with this post, or at least, that’s what I told myself I was doing. I’m pretty sure that what I was really doing was putting off writing this. I’ve been thinking about this post for the last week, and I’m still not sure what I want to say, or how I want to say it, but I will get the thoughts out of my head, I promise. Classroom management. Those are two words that can strike fear into even the most seasoned teacher, because the way that you manage your classroom works for you, but…
