Reggio
-
Reggio inspired math centers
Yesterday I talked about how my classroom is ever-changing. I am constantly rotating materials in my centers, so thought I would give some examples for different center materials. Once I gathered a ton of materials for a particular center it was much easier to switch them out frequently. When it comes to the math center, my students especially love the following math-related materials: Scales (authentic bathroom or kitchen scales, as well as balancing scales) Calculators Abacus (I have a Melissa & Doug Classic Wooden Abacus that my students LOVE) Rulers, yardsticks, and tape measures magnet numbers I also like to add things that students can manipulate with each of these items,…
-
Documentation Display Ideas
Documentation panels are great for so many different purposes, but it can be really difficult to find enough space to display all of them and your students’ artwork, especially when you don’t have a ton of wall space in the classroom. Over the years I’ve gotten pretty creative when it comes to displaying documentation, and of course, one of my favorite places for inspiration is Pinterest. Here are some of the most innovative display ideas (many of these are for photos, but could easily be modified to accomodate artwork, work samples, or panels) that I’ve found – I especially love documentation displays that could tie in with the project itself,…
You May Also Like
Google Drive Student Portfolios
-
Book Talk Tuesday – All things Reggio
One of the things that I am most looking forward to this week at the NAEYC Conference is hearing from the experts. I am always looking to further my understanding of different philosophies, especially Reggio Emilia and the Project Approach. I’ve implemented both of these approaches in my classroom and teaching this way has fundamentally changed my relationships with my students. They know that I respect them as my partners in teaching and learning, and that I want them to work to find the answers to their own questions. They also know that they can count on me to support their efforts, and to encourage them to look at things…
-
DIY Metallic Magnet Letters
I use magnet letters for all kinds of activities in my classroom so they are almost always on my shelves. While I find them invaluable, I’m not so fond of the bright colors. I found a way to make my magnet letters a little more aesthetically appealing, and I can’t believe how easy it was. I have three words for you: Metallic Spray Paint. Seriously, why did I not think of this before?! All I did was spray my plastic magnet letters with three coats of chrome spray paint (I let each coat dry before spraying on another coat). The final result is stunning, and my students couldn’t wait to…
-
A Reggio Inspired Word Wall
I use vocabulary lists with my class all the time. They are a great way to keep track of the new words we have learned, and they help keep parents informed too. When I saw this word wall in one of our preschool classrooms I had to share the idea with you. It's a word wall with a Reggio twist - the kids helped the teacher decide which project- related vocabulary words to put on their wall, she wrote them, and then the children wrote them too. I think this is an awesome way to incorporate a traditional word wall, and make it effective and relevant for the children. I’d…
-
Friday Freebie!
Happy happy happy Friday! This week seemed to drag on forever, maybe because it finally got really hot and I was desperately seeking time in the air conditioning! I made a cute little freebie for you today. This one is a blog exclusive, so send all of your friends here to get it. I’m gearing up for back to school, and this year I have a lot of students who will be new to my teaching philosophy. I’m at a Reggio inspired school and I absolutely love all of the hands-on learning, exploration, and creativity that this philosophy promotes, but sometimes it can take a little getting used to for…
-
Creating an Aesthetically Organized Classroom
I’m a neat freak. When I interviewed for my first teaching position I distinctly remember telling the interview committee that being organized was my greatest strength. I wasn’t exaggerating. Not only does every item in my classroom have it’s own designated space, but I also have a checklist for every possible situation. This is one reason that the Reggio Emilia Philosophy resonates with me. This way of teaching encourages an aesthetically pleasing classroom environment, which helps me manage the chaos that preschool materials can create. Here are some of my all-time favorite storage solutions for the classroom. Each one of these items helps to keep my classroom organized, but they…
-
Drool-worthy Reggio Inspired Products
What is Reggio-Inspired? When it comes to products for the classroom, Reggio-inspired means sustainable, aesthetically pleasing toys that encourage children to be creative and use the items many different ways. This list includes some of my favorite products for the classroom, it also includes some toys that I would love to have…if money wasn’t an issue. Reggio-inspired doesn’t mean expensive, on the contrary rather, Reggio principles encourage using what you have available and re-purposing, but many of the products on this list are handmade and very high quality. This means that they are often worth the price because they will outlast years and years of students, which is not something…
-
Exploring Knowledge Creatively
During our preparations for Valentine’s Day, we have also begun our class project for the semester with some very basic discussion of tornadoes. The boys are fascinated, and when I was finally able to get out our tornado tube they dropped everything and worked with it for an entire afternoon. This was some of the most authentic learning I have seen in months, and at that moment I knew that we had found that coveted project topic They have a pretty good understanding of the basics, seeing as we get some pretty bad storms in the summer months, and most of my students were affected in some way by a…
