Aug 31 2009
Classroom Assistance Part 1
The next several blogs are dedicated to answering the question, “How do I attain goals in an early childhood classroom?” To begin, let’s all agree what goals we are referring to. I will include socio-emotional, cognitive, physical and language as the highlighted objectives for the children. As for the parent’s goals, I will include maintaining open communication and making certain that parents are cognizant of what is age appropriate for their particular children.
Before getting into specifics, it is imperative for teachers to create and maintain a safe, attractive environment for the boys and girls. Scientists report that significant learning will take place when children feel secure, so let’s do everything that we can to help them feel safe. Besides arranging the furniture, toys, and equipment in a well thought out manner, it is also important for the children to understand what the teacher’s main responsibility is. I like to tell the children that my job as their teacher is to make certain that each and every one of them is safe. I extend the concept of keeping each other safe by giving the boys and girls an important job. Each child must help me, the teacher, to keep friends, books, and toys safe. The extent of the conversation will be determined by the children’s age. You may want to ask, “How can you keep your friends safe?” Do you think that doing x or y would be hurtful or kind? What would you do if…? If you have baby dolls or puppets available, it would be fun to distribute one to each child while singing “Rock a Bye Baby”. Have the children demonstrate how they would keep their babies safe. It is also a valuable idea to have slighter older kids pass a ball around the circle. Have the children show you how they would pass the ball with gentle hands versus with rough hands. Reinforce to the boys and girls that in order to keep friends safe, children will use gentle hands while they are at school.
Creating a consistent daily schedule also adds to children’s comfort levels. Like most of us, children like to know what will happen next. I like to give children the heads up when one activity is winding down by turning off the lights, getting the children’s attention, announcing that they will be finishing up, and then reporting what the next set of activities/behaviors include. By eliminating ambiguities and indecisiveness, children relax and generally do what they are expected to do.
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
