A FAVORITE WITH CHILDREN and TEACHERS
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...Morning Greeting Activities
In greeting, each child is welcomed by name. It aids to set a positive tone for the day, provides a sense of belonging and recognition to help
children learn and use everyone’s name and lets children practice hospitality. These are primary learned for socialization.
Describing Your Name – Thechild creates an adjective in front of their first name with the same letter. Example: Hiccups Harvey.
I’ve Got A Name– Have the children sit in a circle. The teacher demonstrates by saying his/her name and by clapping the name at the same time. Then one child is selected to start by saying their name and by clapping their name at the same time. The group copies that child by saying “his/her name is _____.” Each child in the circle follows through with its names. The coordination between saying the name and clapping the name comes from two different parts of the brain and it will help coordinate the rhythms within the child.
Copy Cat Name– Similar to “I’ve Got A Name” except the child stands up says their name with an action like a wave or a wink. The group copies the action and says the child’s name. Each child has a turn and tries to think of a new action with their name to not copy an action already presented. The group learns names the more times it is done.
What Did You Have? - The child stands up and says their name and is asked by the teacher: “What did you have for breakfast?” Each child has a turn to answer and everyone learns about what the child had to eat for breakfast.
Birthday Bash – Matching birthday months with the group and then coming up with a cheer. Have the children find the birthday months with other children. When they are in a group, make sure the group has at least six. If not, find a group, which will ...
SENSE OF HEARING ACTIVITIES
Repeat the Rhythm
Tap out a simple rhythm and have the children repeat it back to you. Alternatively, you can clap the rhythm or use musical instruments.
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What are the Goals Achieved Through Music?
What Kind of Goals is Achieved Through Music?
It sets up goals according to the group and/or individual situation such as:
1. Develops a sense of rhythm.
2. Improves speech and language.
3. Provides an acceptable means for emotional release.
4. Improves self-confidence.
5. Trains following directions.
6. Develops self-control, increasing retention and attention spans.
7. Encourages growth in creativity and imagination.
8. Correlatesmusic with other subjects.
9. Improves coordination and motor control.
10. Strengthens self-expression.
11. Develops interpersonal communication.
...Is the Child Having a Nightmare or Night Terror?
I learned recently about the difference between a nightmare and a night terror, as I put together a workshop on "Anxieties and Fears in Children". One out of every four children between the ages of 3 and 8 experience either night terrors or night‑mares. Both of these situations can be unnerving, but are generally short‑lived.
Night terrors generally occur within an hour of falling asleep. The child awakens suddenly from a state of deep sleep in a state of panic. He or she may scream, sit up in bed, breathe quickly, and stare "glassy eyed." The child also may seem confused, disoriented, and incoherent. Each episode can last from 5 to 30 minutes. A child who experiences night terrors is not aware of any scary thoughts or dreams and is usually able to go back to sleep quickly. In the morning, he or she usually doesn't remember waking at all. Night terrors may occur for several years. Generally they go away with time and are not an indication of any underlying emotional problems.
Nightmares generally occur in the early morning hours. Children who experience nightmares can often recall the vivid details of their scary dream and may have difficulty going back to sleep. Nightmares will often center on a specific problem or life event that is troubling the child. Parents can help by remaining calm and hold the child close and talk in a soft soothing voice to comfort and reassure the child. If possible, the parent or teacher should stay close by until he or she falls asleep. Calm, consistent handling of nightmares or terrors will help the child feel safe and secure.
...What are your Strengths Dealing with Children’s Behaviors?
Just think, children spend up to 12,000 hours+ in their first five years in group childcare with a possible another 1,500 hours in before-school care, after-school care and vacation care.
By not being at home, it is up to you as teachers to teach the missed opportunities and for the children to master those skills.
Now that you have the children for such a length of time, then you have those special talents to work and deal with a variety of children behaviors! What special skills do you have that
have made you successful? Here are some strengths shared by teachers:
- being able to connect with the children and getting on their level.
- managing a classroom and building and maintaining a warm, successful learning classroom environment
- listening and respecting children and developing creative plans and activities
- doing hands-on activities with the children
- having strong presentation skills
- loving teaching and learning how to adapt
- being organized and finding fun ways
- ability to relate to the child
- being flexible and compassionate in teaching the child
- being patient
- showing perseverance
- doing well-planned lessons
- communicating with other teachers, parents, and children
- adapting a lesson at any time
- knowing the objectives in a lesson plan
- using the natural skills
- knowing how to assess the child
- being a positive role model for the children
- bringing fun and excitement into the classroom
- to never stop smiling
- to bring the "real world" into the classroom
- working one-on-one
- to use voice quality and discipline correctly
- to have confidence
- to manage the classroom
*The more you can provide experiences that interest the children, the more likely they are to join in and the more they will enjoy the activity!
*Never forget that ALL children need to know you care about them and that they can contribute in a positive way!!
