TIPS
FOR KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM
Kindergarten
is a completely different {and better} world than most grades... so let's break
it down and help out some of these news to Kindergarten teachers.
Kindergarten is a time
for children to expand their love of learning, their general knowledge, their
ability to get along with others, and their interest in reaching out to the
world. Developmentally appropriate kindergarten classrooms encourage the
growth of children's self-esteem, their cultural identities, their independence
and their individual strengths. Kindergarten children will continue to develop
control of their own behaviour through
the guidance and
support of warm, caring adults.
At this stage, children are already eager to
learn and possess an innate curiosity. Teachers with a strong background in
early childhood education and child development can best provide for children
what they need to grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
Here are 10 signs of a
good kindergarten classroom:
1.
Children
are playing and working with materials or other children. They are not
aimlessly wandering or forced to sit quietly for long periods of time.
2.
Children
have access to various activities throughout the day, such as block building,
pretend play, picture books, paints and other art materials, and table toys
such as pegboards, and puzzles. Children are not all doing the same things at
the same time.
3.
Teachers
work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group at different
times during the day. They do not spend time only with the entire group.
4.
The
classroom is decorated with children’s original artwork, their own writing with
invented spelling, and dictated stories.Children learn numbers and the alphabet
in the context of their everyday experiences. Exploring the natural world of
plants and animals, cooking, taking attendance, and serving snack are all
meaningful activities to children.
5.
Children
work on projects and have long periods of time (at least one hour) to play and
explore. Filling out worksheets should not be their primary activity.
6.
Children
have an opportunity to play outside every day that weather permits. This play
is never sacrificed for more instructional time.
7.
Teachers
read books to children throughout the day, not just at group story time.
8.
Curriculum
is adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help.
Because children differ in experiences and background, they do not learn the
same things at the same time in the same way.
9.
Children
and their parents look forward to school. Parents feel safe sending their child
to kindergarten. Children are happy; they are not crying or regularly sick.
Individual
kindergarten classrooms will vary, and curriculum will vary according to the
interests and backgrounds of the children. But all developmentally appropriate
kindergarten classrooms will have one thing in common: the focus will be on the
development of the child as a whole.
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