News & Thoughts with Bill
Movement recordings for Pre-Kindergarten, Early Childhood, and the physically challenged.
ALL ABOUT CHILDREN’S BEHAVIORS
All children have behavior problems, some being harder to accept than others. Some of these…
On Stress About Children
TOP 8 STRESSORS FOR CHILDREN: Stressed-out parents! Yes, PARENTS stressed can rub off on kids,…
More Rainy Day Games-Part 3-THE “UN-GAMES” and CLASSROOM RELAYS
UN-GAMES: Back To Back Tag – A student is selected to be IT. A special…
More Rainy Day Games-Part 2-Alternative Outdoor Games
Firefighter - Make two goal lines about twenty feet apart. One child is selected as…
More Rainy Day Games-Part 1-Indoor Activities
THESE GAMES IDEAS HELP ENHANCE THE ACADEMIC, SOCIAL, AND PHYSICAL NEEDS OF THE CHILD IN…
The Importance of Pre-School SCIENCE – Part 3
SCIENCE ACTIVITIES - These are ideas to help enhance the importance of science for the…
The Importance of Pre-School Science – Part 2
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO INTRODUCE EARLY LEARNERS TO SCIENCE? There are a variety of…
The Importance of Pre-School Science-Part 1
INTRODUCTION A young child starting preschool brings a sense of wonder and curiosity about the…
Part 6 – The Five Senses – The Sense of Touch
TOUCHING: Our sense of touch shows us the shape, size and "feel" of our world. …
Part 5 – The Five Senses – The Sense of Smell
SENSE of SMELL Have you ever wondered what you smell when you "smell the roses"…
SENSE of HEARING-Part 4
Like your other sense organs, your ears are extremely well designed. In fact, they serve…
SENSE of SIGHT-Part 3
How Your Eyes Work From the moment you wake up in the morning to the…
The Five Senses – Sense of Taste-Part 2
Let’s Look at the Tongue Has anyone ever told you that the tongue is a…
Classroom Theme Ideas Using the Five Senses – Part 1
Every child comes into the world programmed to perceive. Perception happens as a result of…
I’m different, He’s Difficult, They are Impossible!
I’m different, He’s Difficult, They are Impossible! Difference is not the same as being difficult…
A Special Time for the Left Family Story
Directions: Make a circle with the children. Every time. left is said, everyone takes a…
The Importance of Pre-School Science – Part 2
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO INTRODUCE EARLY LEARNERS TO SCIENCE? There are a variety of…
The Importance of Pre-School Science – Part 1
INTRODUCTION: A young child starting preschool brings a sense of wonder and curiosity about the…
Brain Growth and Development
A peek at the early stages of brain development and how early childhood education encourages…
WHAT IS VISION THERAPY and TOUCH AND TONGUE ACTIVITIES?
WHAT IS VISION THERAPY? The child is helped by visual skill activities that reinforce and…
Indoor Games for Tots
Sponge Baseball - Draw on the blackboard the diagram below: Players stand ten feet away. …
Kindergarten Challenge Games
Magic Bridges - A bridge is made by two participants standing facing each other. Have…
Understanding The Infants and Toddlers Worlds
Today, developmentally appropriate care is rare for infants and toddlers in all settings, than it…
Sharing Approval
Recognition can take numerous forms – a word of praise, an embrace, thumbs up sign,…
Cognitive and Emotional Activities
Today, developmentally appropriate care is rarer for infants and toddlers in all settings, than it…
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMMUNICATE BADLY TO SCHOOL CHILDREN?
Communicating badly can lose the attention to what children have to say and others. You…
Icebreaker Games for Children
Ice-breakers are valuable sessions for beginning training children to Raising awareness about social interactions. Doing…
Parachute Games – Sport Activity
Sports activities are usually a large part of leisure time for children. Typically, children join…
WHAT DOES MUSIC DO FOR THE CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT?
The following are music goals of what happens with children at preschool level: Music ignites all…
ABOUT CHILD’S RIGHT AND LEFT BRAIN – Part III
Take time out and review Part II and then proceed to these ideas and activities:…
ABOUT CHILD’S RIGHT AND LEFT BRAIN – Part II
Reviewing! Like all human beings, children are ruled by their emotional right brain and their…
ABOUT CHILD’S RIGHT AND LEFT BRAIN – Part 1
Author and humorist Erma Bombeck once wrote, "When my kids become wild and unruly, I…
Acknowledging and Empathizing Children’s Emotions
Here are some powerful benefits: The child hears two essential messages: You are cared about…
MATH GAMES for CHILDREN UNDER 5
*Childrens appear to be born with an innate understanding of basic laws of mathematics and…
I’VE GOT A LOOSE TOOTH ACTIVITY
Instruction: Go through the chant once. Ask what words are repeated over and over again. …
Sounds Around Us Activities
1. What Is It? The teacher asks the children to close their eyes. The…
Children “Reading” Environmental Print
Children begin to understand how symbols and pattern systems work: use symbols in play to…
Listening Activities
LISTEN AND COUNT FOR COIN DROPS This is an activity to engage children to practice…
WHY SHOULD YOU BE SPENDING TIME HELPING CHILDREN DISCOVER MUSIC?
Here are a few important reasons: - Dancing to music and making music releases…
TEACHERS TEACHING WITH THE COVID-19’s IMPACT
In today’s world, being a teacher is an incredible challenge. Beyond the day of teaching,…
COMMUNICATING NON-VERBALLY
It has been said that one picture is worth a thousand words. And every time…
STOP! LET’S INTERACT WITH OUR CHILDREN!
What we say to people and children and how we say it can have a…
Maybe you as a teacher become the culprit behind the child’s poor behavior?
Many interesting observations have been made about classroom behavior and sometimes seeing that you the…
From Teacher Experiences – Pointers with Preschool Children
The first few days are the most important ones of the year. Help children to…
Helping Children Deal with Negative Emotions-Part 2
Help children tell their stories. Protective as we may be, children will all experience at…
Helping Children Deal with Negative Emotions
Author and humorist Erma Bombeck once wrote, "When my kids become wild and unruly, I…
What is Self-Esteem? Part 1
Webster’s Dictionary: Self-Esteem is a realistic respect for or favorable impression of oneself; self-respect or…
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMMUNICATE BADLY WITH CHILDREN?
Communicating badly can lose the attention to what children have to say and others.…
I’m different, He’s Difficult, They are Impossible!
Difference is not the same as being difficult but you would do well to look…
4 “Marvelous Movement” Game Ideas
Fling Plate – Use paper plates and cut out a hole in the center…
WHY SHOULD YOU BE SPENDING TIME HELPING CHILDREN DISCOVER MUSIC?
Here are a few important reasons: - Dancing to music…
“What are your strengths in dealing with children’s behaviors?”
My question is “What are your strengths in dealing with children’s behaviors?” Since you are…
Leisure-Time and Its Components
DEFINITIONS OF LEISURE Today, the Covid-19 virus has us confined in our homes. Because of…
Fear and Anxiety in Children-Part 5-Fear of Dogs, Loud Noises and the Dark
Fear of Dogs: Dogs are often loud, fast moving, and unpredictable. Many children fear them.…
Fear and Anxiety in Children-Part 4-Fear of Separation and Baths
Fear of separation: Toddlers' anxiety about separation is an indication of growth. Before the toddler…
Fear and Anxiety in Children – Toddler’s Fears – Part 3
For many parents, children's fears make no sense at all. Nevertheless, to children, monsters lurking…
Fear and Anxiety in Children-Part 2 -“Common Fears for Babies”
Newborns have two fears: loud noises and falling. "Babies' brains and nerves grow rapidly in the first…
Fear and Anxiety in Children-Part 1
Parents teach their children to be fearful and cautious of specific dangers, such as fire…
WHAT IS PRAISE?
Praise is defined in the Webster's Dictionary (2000) as "the act of expressing approval or…
Motivational Thoughts for the Teacher
Teach anything at any time. In order to think, you have to have language. The…
The Importance of Pre-School Science
A young child starting preschool brings a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.…
7 Benefits of Music for Children
Improves their brainpower Develops their social skills Builds their confidence Inspires their creativity Teaches…
THE LITTLE WAVE
The story is about a little wave, bobbing along in the ocean, having a grand…
BLACKBOARD ACTIVITIES
1. X Y Z This activity is remarkable, as it teaches the beginning stages…
WHAT DOES MUSIC DO FOR THE CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT?
The following are music goals of what happens with children at preschool level: Music ignites all…
A to Z with Toddler Activities
These are activity ideas for toddlers from A to Z. A toddler learns through play. …
2020 Workshops
Here is the most recent outlook for Bill's 2020 Workshops: Skill correlation chart This…
POSITIVE THINGS TO SAY TO CHILDREN TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS
1 – I Love You This is one of the MOST IMPORTANT THINGS you can ever say to…
A RICH EXPRESSIVE ENVIRONMENT
Classroom environments are rich in language experiences and with the arts, fostering literacy development. Ways…
Common Fears of Toddlers and Preschool Children
Fear of separation: Toddlers' anxiety about separation is an indication of growth. Before the toddler…
LISTENING BEFORE YOU SPEAK
Here are some practical benefits for listening before you speak: Slow down the pace of the conversation…
WHAT DOES MUSIC DO FOR THE CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT?
The following are music goals of what happens with children at preschool level: Music ignites all areas…
Music and Children
Children of all ages express themselves through music. Even young infants sway, bounce, or move their hands in…
WHAT DOES MUSIC DO FOR THE CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT?
Here’s what music does for our children: Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness,…
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRE-SCHOOL SCIENCE
A young child starting preschool brings a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world. Whether…
GAMES for INDOOR AND OUTDOORS for CHILDREN
Children love to play games, imitate, participate with others, and just have a good time. These…
POSITIVE THINGS TO SAY TO CHILDREN TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS
1 – I Love You This is one of the MOST IMPORTANT THINGS you can ever say to…
REASONS WHY WE COMMUNICATE
Dictionary defines communication: “to act one upon another.” We use our communication to: share information comment ask questions express wantsand needsdevelop social relationships develop socialetiquette which is…
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COOPERATIVE GAMES AND COMPETITION GAMES?
How often has this scenario played out in your classroom? You’ve planned a fantastic lesson…
FAMOUS PEOPLE’S THOUGHTS ABOUT CHILDREN
To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself…
CONCEPT CHANTS
Instruction: Children sit in a circle of chairs or on the floor with the teacher. The teacher…
HOW DOES BEHAVIOR DEVELOP
BEHAVIOR IS STRENGTHENED OR WEAKENED BY ITS CONSEQUENCES. WHAT ARE CONSEQUENCES? (CONSEQUENCES ARE THE EFFECT, RESULT, OR OUTCOME…
Why is Play So Important For Child Development?
THE BENEFITS OF PLAY Play allows children to use their creativity while it develops: Their imagination, Their dexterity, Their physical, Their…
How to Recognize Difficult Behaviors
Preschool teachers and child care providers are in a very good position to recognize difficult…
ICEBREAKER GAMES FOR CHILDREN
SIMON SAYS, “HEAD and SHOULDERS and KNEES and TOES”: Goal: Identifying body parts and increasing…
TIPS FOR INFANT & TODDLER TEACHERS AND CAREGIVERS
TALK TALK TALK! Model! Model the correct use of words, the use of familiar word…
PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES
Popcorn: Place a number of beanbags, small balls, or cotton balls onto the parachute. Shake…
CHRISTIAN ACTIVITIES for Two’s
After your 2-year-old celebrates his second birthday, expect him to experience major intellectual, physical, social…
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEARING AND LISTENING
Hearing is simply the act of perceiving sound by the ear. If you are not hearing-impaired, hearing simply happens. Hearing is the…
10 THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER AS WE END 2018!
The easier it is to do, the harder is it to change. Forgiveness is not…
Gross and Fine Motor Skills Development Goals and Games
Gross motor skills are defined by the mastery of large muscle movement (i.e legs and arms).…
TWELVE UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
It is unrealistic to believe that everyone is going to agree with us all the…
Bully Thoughts
I think we should move away from using the word “bullies” with our children. The…
TIME WASTER PROBLEMS
These thoughts are meant for all of us! We fall into the traps of…
Games for Children
Game #1-Dress the Mummy Required: Rolls of toilet paper Players: Small to large groups Set…
The Importance of Pre-School Science
A young child starting preschool brings a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.…
Praising and Sharing Approval
Recognition can take numerous forms – a word of praise, an embrace, thumbs up sign…
Newspaper Activities
Our newspapers are leaving us because of the internet online newspapers! However, some of those…
Importance of Listening with Activities for Pre-Schoolers
The Importance of Listening Children began to listen long before they read, write, or speak. …
HANDICAPPED-DEFINITIONS TO UNDERSTAND
United States Population is 325.7 million (2017)with 40 million having long-lasting conditions or disabilities or 12.6%…
WHY DO CHILDREN BULLY?
Yes, another school year has begun! Will we see bullying occurring again this year? Bullying…
FOCUS ON BEHAVIOR
This skill on focusing on behavior is easy to understand but more difficult to use. …
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COOPERATIVE GAMES AND COMPETITION GAMES?
Cooperative games help children develop the essential skills of cooperation, communication, empathy, and conflict resolution by…
REASONS WHY WE COMMUNICATE
Dictionary defines communication: “to act one upon another.” We use our communication to: share information comment ask questions express wants and needs…
Story about Anger
A man from Michigan had an idea for removing a stump from his yard. He…
What are some of the characteristic traits and value systems a good teacher must have?
The following characteristic traits include trustworthiness, honesty, integrity, promise keeping, respect, responsibility, caring, sharing, justice,…
I’M THE BOSS SAYS THE THREE-YEAR-OLD!
When I saw a 5-year-old pull his mom by the hand with authority in the mall…
How DO We Communicate?
Dictionary defines communication as: “to act one upon another.” We use our communication to: share information comment ask questions express…
Five Ways to Teach Children Science
Getting involved with children’s education is the single best way to ensure they learn according…
Indoor and Outdoor Games for Children
Children love to play games, imitate, participate with others and just have a good time.…
Active Learning Game Ideas
Active learning is a process whereby children engage in activities. These games are “active learning”…
Why is Play So Important For Child Development?
THE BENEFITS OF PLAY Play allows children to use their creativity while it develops: •…
Understanding Classroom Interaction
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLASSROOM INTERACTION AND CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR To get started we should…
Communication!
Mostly, communication is oral, face-to-face, and one-on-one. In our communication, we are the sender of…
Sexual Harassment Awareness for Supervisors
Case #8: You Be the Judge A male employee of an auto manufacturer is in…
WHY SINGING MEANS SO MUCH TO ME (QUOTES)?
I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing. ~William James You can…
IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS IN OUR TEACHING!
For every organization, school, or projects, there are specific and timely reasons why it is…
What is a superstition?
Teaching Cultural Diversity and hearing stories about different superstitions was an interesting topic. Stories were…
THOUGHTS ON CHILDREN’S FIVE SENSES!
Every child comes into the world programmed to perceive. Perception happens as a result of…
Why is Play So Important For Child Development?
Why is Play So Important For Child Development? THE BENEFITS OF PLAY Play allows children…
Laughter is Free
Laughter is free, legal, has no calories, no cholesterol, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients and…
What is Value?
The value systems are our personal core ethical values. Children learn these values early in…
ARE YOU READY TO TEAM TEACH?
WHY IS A TEAM SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE? Here are some reminders as we began…
Looking at the Word “ANGER”
Story: A man from Michigan had an idea for removing a stump from his yard.…
Pointers by Experienced Teachers Working With Preschool Children
A few teachers listed the following pointers from their experiences with preschool children: 1. The…
Activities for Children
Activities for Children THE GERMAN BOY Instruction: This activity is a story about a German…
What if! General Thoughts About Stress! Part 1
WHAT IF What if my car won’t start? What if I’m late for my 10:00…
What are the Good Qualities of a Teacher?
A teacher's job is making sure children are safe, responsible for their health, development, nutrition…
Quick Games for Children
These fun games are randomly selected and created by this author from "Quick Games for…
Thoughts for the Teacher!
• “Me” concept. The child is part of the “me” world. • We teach beyond…
Active Learning Games
Two Active Learning Games - Active learning is a process whereby children engage in activities.…
Difference Between a Reward and a Bribe
Some teachers think that reward is the same as a bribe. It isn’t! There is…
Two Game Ideas for the Classroom
MUFFLE WORDS Instruction: The teacher uses both hands to cover the mouth and then say…
WHICH BODY WILL DO IT?
I love this story "Which Body will Do It?" It shows how easily we get…
Motivating Thoughts for you!
I have this feeling to share these following thoughts with you! They help me think…
Motivational Thoughts as We Head Into 2017!
As we read these few thoughts, know they are sources of motivational guidance in times…
A Pencil Maker-A Word of Encouragement
A PENCIL MAKER TOLD THE PENCIL 5 IMPORTANT LESSONS JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE…
Advice from a 90-year-old lady
Her advice as follows: 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. 2. When in…
Nutrition for the Young Child
Nutrition Joke According to a recent article I just read on nutrition, they said eating…
Honesty and Integrity Thinking
A good teacher should carry out honesty and integrity in working on the job. There…
The Arts of Music, Dance, Drawing, and Stories: The Connection with Emergent Literacy
When I saw the staggering statistics of our Nation on illiteracy, I put a workshop…
Procrastination
Think of a time when you put something off. Ask yourself what were the reasons…
Can “You List” 10 Time Wasters in Five Minutes?
Try to do your own list of 10 time wasters in five minutes: 1. 2.…
It’s About “TIME!”
I was thinking about how fast time goes! July 4th seemed a few days ago!…
2 Fun Summer Activities
The Left Family – The group stands in a circle each holding a piece of…
Everyone Has a Story in Life!
A 24-year-old boy seeing out from the train’s window shouted, “Dad, look the trees are…
It’s “Summertime” Again and Leisure-Time and Play Starts for Our Children!
It's amazing how fast a year goes by. I was thinking about the summertime and…
What Can You Do To Keep Children Close To You?
STAY CLOSE TO THE CHILDREN This means to engage in behavior that will tend to…
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COOPERATIVE GAMES AND COMPETITION GAMES?
How often has this scenario played out in your classroom? You’ve planned a fantastic lesson…
WHAT KIND OF GOALS ARE ACHIEVED THROUGH MUSIC? Part 3
WHAT KIND OF GOALS ARE ACHIEVED THROUGH MUSIC? Music helps the individual and/or group situation…
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSIC?
Last week we discussed "WHY SHOULD YOU BE SPENDING TIME HELPING CHILDREN DISCOVER MUSIC?" I…
WHY SHOULD YOU BE SPENDING TIME HELPING CHILDREN DISCOVER MUSIC?
Here are a few important reasons: - Dancing to music and making music releases stress…
THE UNIVERSAL MAGIC OF MUSIC FOUND IN ALL CHILDREN
Music provides and helps to enhance the academic, social, emotional and physical needs for the…
What are your “greatest strengths” as a teacher?
My question is “What are your strengths in dealing with children’s behaviors?” Why are you…
Stop! Let’s Interact-Part 6-INTERACTIONS TO BE AVOIDED OR MINIMIZED
Let us look at some interactions that should be eliminated completely or minimized: 1. INTERACTIONS…
Stop! Let’s Interact-Part 5-When Praise is Ineffective
WHEN PRAISE IS INEFFECTIVE: a. The use of praise and rewards does not make children…
Stop! Lets Interact-Part 4-Types of Praise
TYPES OF PRAISE STATEMENTS Praise statements can be categorized not only by the function they…
Stop! Let’s Interact! Part 3-Praising Praise
Praising praise – “Everything you say and do and don’t say and don’t do is…
Stop! Let’s Interact! Part 2-Social Interactions
DEFINITION OF SOCIAL INTERACTIONS: Generally speaking, a social interaction must involve a minimum of two…
Stop! Let’s Interact! Part 1-Introduction
This workshop is to educate staff in regards to the different kinds of interactions they…
The Basics of Teacher Team Building-Part 8-TOP 10 QUALITIES OF A GREAT TEACHER
1. An Engaging Personality and Teaching Style: A great teacher is very engaging and holds…
The Basics of Teacher Team Building-Part 7-Fun and Challenging Team-Building Exercises
Last week we ending up with "Extraordinary things happen when people are smiling and laughing!"…
The Basics of Teacher Team Building-Part 6: UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE & WORKING AS A TRUE TEAM PLAYER
UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE & WORKING AS A TRUE TEAM PLAYER Remember, we looked at Webster’s dictionary…
The Basics of Teacher Team Building-Part 5-Good Qualities of a Teacher
What are the Good Qualities of a Teacher? A teacher's job is making sure children…
The Basics of Teacher Team Building-Part 4 – 15 Benefits
In order for the school staff to fulfill their intended roles of improving effectiveness, it…
The Basics of Teacher Team Building-Part 3-Importance of Team Work
WHAT IS A TEAM? Some said it was school staff having one aim, being a…
The Basics of Teacher Team Building-Part 2-Evaluation
Is it hard to express your facial impressions without any body movements? What would a…
The Basics of Teacher Team Building-Part 1
POINT WELL TAKEN As a new school Principal, Mr. Mitchell was checking over his school…
Understanding the Infants and Toddlers Worlds-Part 5-THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERACTING WITH CHILDREN
Here are more facts that you need to know about toddlers: • No two toddlers…
Understanding the Infants and Toddlers Worlds-Part 4-Facts about Toddlers
Here are facts that we need to know and be reminded about toddlers: • No…
Understanding the Infants and Toddlers Worlds-Part 3-WHO ARE TODDLERS?
In many families today, mothers and fathers both have jobs. There also are many single-parent…
Understanding the Infants and Toddlers Worlds-Part 2-Hallmarks of Excellent Care Giving
The following HALLMARKS OF EXCELLENT CARE GIVING are grounded in scientific knowledge of how babies…
Understanding the Infants and Toddlers Worlds-Part 1
Before we begin and some may not read this entire article and since vulnerability exists…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Part 14-Love
Always bear in mind that it's okay for the little one to make mistakes. Keeping…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts”-The “ME ME Virus
The ME ME Virus or Attention seeking children Everywhere you look there is someone demanding…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts”-Responding to the Angry Child
Responding to the Angry Child has 18 suggestions. Take your time reading each point. Some…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Four-Step Process to Stopping Rudeness
Stopping rudeness in children is a four-step process, combining awareness, modeling and practice. 1. Awareness-makes…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Bad Manners Cost Children “Big-Time”
Children who are allowed to grow up engaging in rude, disrespectful or impolite behavior are…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Proudness
This is a difficult word to tackle when it comes to children. "I am proud…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts”-Trustworthiness & Honesty
While lying is generally nothing to worry about for most children, parents and teachers can…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts”-What To Do When The Child Lies?
What to do when the child lies: 1. REINFORCE THE TRUTH: When children tell the…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts”-Why Do Children Lie?
Why do Some Children Lie? Children lie for various reasons: • Lying is actually typical,…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” on Boasting and Lying
Boasting and Lying Acting is like lying. The art of lying well. I'm paid to…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” on Envy and Jealousy
Envy and Jealousy Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts”- Part 2 -What Does Kindness Look Like?
The Power of Noticing and What does Kindness Looks Like? 1. Noticing is a specific…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Kindness
Kindness Kindness is a little thing that means a lot. It can easily be sought.…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Part 4 – Skills on Patience
*Patience can be developed over time — it’s a habit, and like any other habits,…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Part 3 – More on Patience
Patience from the teacher’s standpoint creates an environment of compassion and respect. When you're patient…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Part 2 – Patience
Part 2-Patience and 3 Emotional Components Webster’s Dictionary says: “having or showing the capacity for…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Part 1
To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself…
Introduction to the Styles of Discipline-Part 6-Freeing Children from Negative Roles
We can free children from playing negative roles by: • Looking for opportunities to show…
Introduction to the Styles of Discipline – Part 5 – WHAT IS TRUE BEHAVIOR?
True misbehavior occurs when a child chooses to behave inappropriately. Before you take action, ask…
Introduction to the Styles of Discipline – Part 4 – Warning Signs
Warning Signs when the Disciplinary Approach may not be working: 1. CHILDREN DON'T LISTEN When…
Introduction to the Styles of Discipline – Part 3
What Is Discipline? Webster’s Dictionary says “it is training to act in accordance with rules”…
Introduction to the Styles of Discipline – Part 2
We need to understand the Styles of Discipline we use. Since the type of discipline…
Introduction to the Styles of Discipline – Part 1
"Once upon a time there were two beautiful butterflies who were delighted when their own…
Introduction to Personality Types of Children Ages 2-6-Part 3-Extroverted and Introverted Judging
For very young children (aged 2-6), we recognized the two types from last weeks discussion:…
Introduction to Personality Types of Children Ages 2-6-Part 2-Extraverted and Introverted Perceiving
Remember, we are looking at ages 2-6 as we go through the 4 types of…
Introduction to Personality Types of Children Ages 2-6-Part 1
I attended a few seminars on personality types of children and I felt it would…
Does your school staff work together?
I have been putting together a new topic: "The Basics of Team Building" designed for…
Maybe You as a Teacher Become the Culprit Behind the Child’s Poor Behavior?
From attending previous conferences, many interesting observations have been made about classroom behavior and sometimes…
Recognizing Difficult Behavior with the Preschool Child-Pointers
A few teachers listed the following pointers from their experiences with preschool children: 1. The…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – “ME ME ME Virus” – Part 9
The ME ME ME Virus or attention seeking children are everywhere! Everywhere you look, people…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Rudeness – Part 8
Rudeness by Webster: discourteous or impolite, rough in manners or behavior; not properly or fully…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Why Do Children Lye – Part 7
Children lie for various reasons: • Lying is actually typical, age-appropriate behavior for children throughout…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Boasting and Lying-Part 6
Boasting-When boasting ends, dignity begins. Owen D. Young Lying-Acting is like lying. The art of…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Envy and Jealousy-Part 5
"Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own"-Harold Coffin;…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Noticing Kindness-Part 4
Final thoughts on noticing kindness. If you focused more on the children's actions, you're not…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Noticing Kindness-Part 3
The Power of Noticing: What does Kindness Looks Like? Noticing is a specific skill that…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Kindness-Part 2
Leah Davies shares these values on kindness: http://www.kellybear.com/ParentTips/ParentTip4.html Here are some thoughts on kindness from…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Kindness-Part 1
A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Patience-Part 4
Patience has several skills: 1. The first skill is for you to have the ability…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Patience-Part 3
Ways to Teach Children Patience and Acceptance: 1. Do not expect children to understand vague…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” -Patience-Part 2
So, do children have patience in their talking, thinking and reasoning? It seems to stem…
“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” -Patience-Part 1
Notes from a workshop on how the child thinks and the way the teacher reacts!…
CHARACTERISTICS AND GOALS WITH MUSIC!
Music is one of my favorite activities for listening, for doing, for having fun and…
A to Z Toddler Activities-Part 3
P Plate in the Mirror – Make silly faces into a mirror. Toddlers like to…
A to Z Toddler Activities – Part 2
Continuing the theme on games from A to Z, we will continue with: I I’m…
A to Z Toddler Activities-Part 1
Keeping it light for the Christmas season, here are some activities for teachers to try…
Take the Cultural Diversity Awareness Test
CULTURAL AWARENESS TEST 1. Diversity is the condition of being different. True or False 2.…
WHAT ARE SOME CULTURAL MISUNDERSTANDING?
I love to teach and learn from professionals and children about cultural diversity. Perhaps, you…
LISTING KINDS OF CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS
As you can imagine, behavior problems in children can range from the obvious of: hitting…
What is your greatest strength as a teacher?
Here is a list from teachers about their greatest strengths! Do you have any more…
Keeping Kids Safe from Harm (Pornography Awareness)-Part 7
PORNOGRAPHY AWARENESS: We know how dangerous pornography is in the adult world and how it…
Keeping Kids Safe from Harm (Internet Dangers)-Part 6
It is easy to type the wrong letters and go into internet and see things…
Keeping Kids Safe from Harm (Sex Predators and Dangers)-Part 5
Awareness of Stranger Danger for Children It goes without saying that one of the most…
Keeping Kids Safe from Harm (Sex Predators and Dangers)-Part 4-More on Grooming
Other exploitive strategies with grooming to target children: . The longer the sex offender knows…
Keeping Kids Safe from Harm (Sex Predators and Dangers)-Part 3-Grooming
What is grooming? From Wikipedia, "child grooming comprises actions deliberately undertaken with the aim of…
Keeping Kids Safe from Harm (Sex Predators and Dangers)-Part 2
Last week we looked at the stats for Sex Predators in the USA. On 9.10.14,…
Keeping Kids Safe from Harm (Sex Predators and Dangers)-Part 1
When I put this curriculum together for the South Florida schools, I was deeply concerned…
ANXIETIES AND FEARS IN CHILDREN-FINAL THOUGHTS-PART 8
Teaching Children Productive Thinking Sometimes we think our thoughts are just our thoughts with no room…
ANXIETIES AND FEARS IN CHILDREN-PART 7
How Parents Can Help Their Child: The child's fears depend on his or her level…
ANXIETIES AND FEARS IN CHILDREN-PART 6
“Common Fears of Toddlers and Preschool Children:” Fear of separation: This fear was mentioned several…
Anxieties and Fears in Children-Part 5
Helping Kids Overcome Their Halloween Fears and Phobias I know I love the Halloween days…
Anxieties and Fears in Children-Part 4
I was interested to add dreams to anxieties and fears in my training. I researched…
Anxieties and Fears in Children-Part 3
Looking at Phobias Robbin Koenig said from the last part: "anxiety is something that I…
Anxieties and Fears in Children-Part 2
Recognizing Signs of Anxiety: Even though childhood fears change with age, they will still include the…
Anxieties and Fears in Children-Part 1
Introduction to Anxieties and Fears: We as teachers and parents try hard to teach our…
NINE DIFFERENT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES INVOLVING MUSIC-Part 9
9. Story Time is designed to help children develop an appreciation and enjoyment of literature…
NINE DIFFERENT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES INVOLVING MUSIC-Part 8
8. Block Play Activities with Music allows children's experiences to grow with many different concept…
NINE DIFFERENT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES INVOLVING MUSIC-Part 7
7. 5 Senses Young children learn through their 5 senses; therefore, providing hands-on experience allows…
NINE DIFFERENT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES INVOLVING MUSIC-Part 6
6. Science Activities offer children many hands on opportunities for observation, exploration, investigation, making predictions…
NINE DIFFERENT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES INVOLVING MUSIC-Part 5
5. Music Activities help promote and encourage the children's listening skills, creative expression and social interaction. When…
NINE DIFFERENT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES INVOLVING MUSIC-Part 4
4. Dramatic Play Activities help children express themselves, practice life skills, improve social skills, increase…
NINE DIFFERENT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES INVOLVING MUSIC
On Facebook, yeswelearnbydoing.com, we looked at the first two kinds: Circle-Time and Gross Motor Activities.…
Blackboard Activities
BLACKBOARD ACTIVITIES 1. XYZ - This activity is remarkable, as it teaches the beginning stages…
Young Children Learn Through Their 5 Senses
Young children learn through their 5 senses; therefore, providing hands-on experience allows children to touch,…
Patience with Pre-Schoolers
Webster’s Dictionary says: “having or showing the capacity for endurance; bearing annoyance, hardship, and pain…
When Children Act With Aggression
Attending a seminar of children's behavior, it made sense what the trainer said: When children…
IDEAS for BASIC MOVEMENT ACTIVITIES with OBJECTS
These are easy games for children to increase their dexterity, sharpness, coordination with their body…
Speech and Language Differences
After hearing different consultants talk about Speech and Language, there is a difference! I never thought…
Relay Race Games for Children
Relay Games a. Bounce-A-Ball Relay -- This activity improves coordination and exercise. Two-teams are selected…
Hula-Hoop Activities for Teaching Math, Science and Physical Development
Despite the high tech entertainment consoles of today, the fact remains that real time sports…
Importance of Listening
The Importance of Listening Children began to listen long before they read, write, or speak. …
What Kind of Values does Today’s Teachers Must Have? Part 11
Citizenship becomes our final core ethical value. This concept shows how we ought to behave…
What Kind of Values does Today’s Teachers Must Have? Part 10
CARING is our fifth ethical core value. Caring is the heart of ethics and…
What Kind of Values does Today’s Teachers Must Have? Part 9
Fairness is our fourth ethical core value of trustworthiness and it is a tricky concept. When people…
What Kind of Values does Today’s Teachers Must Have? Part 8
Responsibility is our third ethical core value. As you know, life is full of choices…
What Kind of Values does Today’s Teachers Must Have? Part 7
In summary so far, Trustworthiness as one of the key core ethical values has left…
What Kind of Values does Today’s Teachers Must Have? Part 6
The final part of "trustworthiness is loyalty! Webster says "it is feeling strong support for someone…
What Kind of Values does Today’s Teachers Must Have? Part 5
It is amazing to know another part of trustworthiness is "reliability." Reliability is when we…
What Kind of Values does Today’s Teachers Must Have? Part 4
We are continuing our search of how to make the right decisions to the dilemmas…
What Kind of Values does Today’s Teacher must have? Part 3
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What Kind of Values does Today’s Teacher must have? Part 2
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What Kind of Values does Today’s Teacher must have? Part 1
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Presenting at FLAEYC Conference
I will be presenting for the FLAEYC conference in Orlando on September 27th on "Math…
Music is So Special!
I have seen the child’s self-expressions brought out vividly when music is used and as…
Check out “One Cast Media!”
Scott on left with One Cast Media (www.onecastmedia.com) has exceptional talent as he recently re-done my…
Parachute Games
PARACHUTE GAMES
Number Trade:
Count off numbers by fours, as the group holds the parachute in a circle formation. The instructor counts: "one, two, three"and the parachute is raised up. The leader calls out a number while the parachute is up high. The children with the called out number changes places by running under the parachute to the other side to a new position, while the rest of the group holds the parachute up. After several called numbers, try calling two numbers like 2 and 4. It becomes challenging. The more numbers called the more fun it is to make it to the other side before the parachute comes down.
Race to the Other Side:
Divide the class into two teams. Similar to Number Trade, each team counts off numbers 1 to 4. When all lift the parachute, a number is called like 1 and all one's changes places by going under the chute. The first team to reach the other side, scores a point for their team. Play till one team reaches ten points.
...Woodchuck Pattern
WOODCHUCK RHYTH
Directions: Divide the class into two groups. Group #1 learns the “Woodchuck Chant”
Group #2 learns the “chuck a” part.
The following pattern is used: Group #1 - How much wood would a wood chuck chuck, if a wood chuck would chuck wood?
Group #2 - Chucka, chucka, chucka, chucka (continuously said over and over).
Groups #1 and #2 - Both parts are said at the same time.
...Why Should You Be Spending Time Helping Children Discover Music?
Makin’ Sense
Cooperative Action Games
Paper Plate Disk Toss -- This activity promotes group cooperation, competition, and hand/eye coordination. Place a garbage can or box in the middle of the circle. Have children write their names on their paper plate. Children are in a circle 3 or 4 feet from the garbage can or box. At the signal, the children have 2 minutes to throw the paper plate in the garbage can or box as many times as possible. Whether they miss or get it in, they get their paper plate, return to the circle to try again and again for 2 minutes. The total amount is the winner.
Blanketball -- This activity also promotes group cooperation and to enjoy it. Use an old sheet and have 2 groups. Team one holds one side of the sheet and team two the other side. Place a nerd ball on the sheet. The teams carefully shake the sheet so the ball goes to the other side of the sheet. After practicing awhile, try a game. When the ball goes off a team's side, the other team gets a point. Try 3 points to win.
Ring On A String -- This activity involves cooperation and coordination. Take string and make a large circle of string with it and tie the ends together. Make sure you place a ring or something small and round in the string like the ring from a keychain. Select one to be placed in the circle and child covers his eyes until the class counts to ten. While the counting is happening, the ring is slide around on the string until ten and then that child hides it as the child grabs it. child has guesses with 3 for smaller groups and 5 for larger groups to find the child who has the string. It's a fun activity.
...
Quick Indoor Activities Ideas
2. Music stimulates and utilizes many parts of the brain
3. Music is easily adapted to, and can be reflective of, children’s abilities
4. Music structures timein a way that we can understand
5. Music provides a meaningful, enjoyable context for repetition
6. Music provides a social context -- it sets up a safe, structured setting for verbal and nonverbal communication
7. Music is an effective memory aid
8. Music supports and encourages movement
9. Music taps into memories and emotions
10. Music and the silences within it provides nonverbal, immediate feedback
11. Music is success-oriented - children of all ability levels can ...
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?
- 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
Activity #1 – Be an Occupation. Children like to mimic and asking a child to mimic individually an occupation like be a piano player, teacher, animal trainer, ballet dancer or any other occupation created by you. It is fun to watch children create and use their imagination to fulfill the occupation.
Activity #2 – Be a Geometric Shape. Children individually are asked to use their bodies and make a circle, or square, or triangle, or make designs like a flower by starting first to create a stem, adding leaves, and then the flowers. This one really takes thinking and imagination to perform.
Activity #3 – Be an Emotion. Children individually show emotions like mad, happy, puzzled, worry, etc. Find pictures and cut them out from magazines, cartoon clips from newspapers, or from clip art on the internet. Place them in a basket, mix them up, let the child pick out a picture and then show perform that emotion to the class and let the class guess it. You can also divide the class into 2 teams and a point is earned for each correct answer.
...Non-Rhythm Symbols
Non-Rhythmical Symbols:
The following symbols are introduced one at a time to the whole class. Have the first symbol (!) placed on a whiteboard/blackboard and then do "rub rub knees." ‼!! = rub rub knees
Next add the second symbol
x X X =clapping soft, loud, louder
Repeat the first two symbols, before adding the third symbol.
Repeat all 3 symbols.
^ = say “shh” and slide the pointed index finger up to the ceiling.
Repeat all 4 symbols.
Repeat all 5 symbols and repeat this 3 times.
*Children later can create their own sounds and their own symbols.
This activity involves both "looking at the symbols" and "doing the action" for each.
*Two different parts of the brain is being thought out at the same time!
2 Action Games
FIVE ACTIONS in a ROW Skills Reinforced: Increase listening skills, memory, and gross motor skills Procedure: 1. The teacher describes an action like “I can hop on one foot.” 2. The children perform the action. 3. Another action is described like “I can march in place.” 4. The children perform the “march in place” and then “hop on one foot. 5. The teacher adds a third action and the children perform the actions in order. 6. This continues until five actions are performed.
A E I O U Y ...
Importance of Music-Time in helping Preschoolers Discover Music?
Here are a few important reasons shared by many teachers experiences in the past:
- Dancing to music and making music releases stress and energy.
- Music gives children a way to express their emotions. They're full of emotions they can't express, while dancing around to music and playing rhythm instruments leads to a great way to release their energies.
- Music makes learning fun! Add music to ANY preschool lesson and being creative too, leads children into exciting and fun ways to produce.
- Learning music teaches listening skills. It encourages the ability to listen and concentrate. Songs encourage speech and auditory discrimination. Through music, children learn to hear tempos, dynamics, melodies listening for soft sounds, loud sounds, fast paced music and slow paced music.
- Music provides a pleasant background for regular activities.
- Music helps develop children’s language skills by singing songs, playing games, reciting poems and rhymes which help children develop those well needed early literacy skills. Keeping a steady beat helps develop language. Clapping hands, stamping feet, and using rhythm instruments in time to music develops important pre-reading skills. Young children recognize words, sounds, rhythms, tones, and pitches long before they talk, sing, or dance. So, the more music the children have in their lives, the better they will speak and read.
- Music helps develop children's self-esteem. Music is a wonderful way to address the many needs of children because music is non-judgmental. There is no right or wrong. Listening to different types of music nurtures self-esteem and encourages creativity, self-confidence, and curiosity.
- Music helps develop children's math skills. A simple song can include basic math skills such as counting, repeating patterns, and sequencing.
- Music helps stimulate children's brain connections. A recent study from the University of California found that music trains the brain for higher forms of thinking.
- Music and movement go together. Children naturally respond to music. ...
South Florida Upcoming Workshops
Note: Please call the school to register and make sure the school has not cancelled the in-service
School Date & Time Certificate HRS Topic Cost per Staff
|
North Dade Regional Academy 18022 NW 183rd St. Miami,FL School: 305-621-2930 |
Saturday, 8/6/11, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM |
5 HOURS |
Stop! Let’s Interact |
$20.00 |
|
Bethany Covenant School 125 NE 119th St. North Miami, FL 33161 School: (305) 758-6367 |
Saturday, 8/20/11, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM |
|
What are the Characteristics of Music?
What are the Characteristics of Music?
1. Music captivates and maintains attention
2. Music stimulates and utilizes many parts of the brain
3. Music is easily adapted to, and can be reflective of, children’s abilities
4. Music structures time in a way that we can understand
5. Music provides a meaningful, enjoyable context for repetition
6. Music provides a social context -- it sets up a safe, structured setting for verbal and nonverbal communication
7. Music is an effective memory aid
8. Music supports and encourages movement
9. Music taps into memories and emotions
10. Music and the silences within it provides nonverbal, immediate feedback
11. Music is success-oriented - children of all ability levels can participate
...Group Auditory Games
Group Auditory Games
1. Each child is given a piece of paper with something on it like dog, horse, or pig. They are instructed to listen carefully and follow the directions for coloring one area at a time like color the head blue or co;or the legs green. The goals include manual dexterity, distinguishing colors, and following simple directions.
2. Ear training with using different rhythm band instruments to distinguish notes alike, loud or soft, or how are they different.
3. Ask the
children to name the loudest and softest sounds they can think of like whisper “hello” or “clap loud.” Be creative.
June 9th Workshop
A Special Time for the Left Family Activity
A Special Time for the Left Family
Mr. and Mrs. Left were celebrating their special day today. It was Left’s fifth anniversary. They chose the right restaurant to go to celebrate. It was their favorite Italian restaurant not far from Left’s house. Their children, Mary Left, John Left, and Peter Left planned the whole event. Also, the 6PM time was the right time to go before it became crowded.
Some of the other family and friend members asked for directions. The children wanted the family and friends to have the right direction and not get lost: go 3 miles to Center Street, make a left, go another 3 blocks, stay in the left lane and make another left turn on 4th Street, take 4th Street to Heart Avenue and make a right, go 2 blocks and you will see the Italian restaurant on your left, make a left turn into the parking lot. Make sure you stay in the right side of the parking lot because there is more than one restaurant there and park in the right side of the parking lot. The tables are located in back of the restaurant but ask for Mr. Right, the manager, when you go in. You will see all the names on the tables for your seating. It was not long when Mom Left and Dad Left entered. They were surprised to see many family members and friends attending and seated around the table. Of course, the children were seated next to mom and dad left: Mary Left, John Left, and Peter
Easy Games for Preschoolers
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 their 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 in a fun manner and the more times it is done, those classmates’ names are learned.
Story Time:
Make up a Story
Make up a story using on, in, under, behind, and beside. The teacher demonstrates the words to be used. Children are divided in pairs. The child on the right goes first with the story and then the child on the left follows through with the story. You can use props, too, like a chair or table.
...WHY 3-YEAR-OLDS ARE EASIER TO DISCIPLINE!
Between two and three years, children begin to internalize what you say to them. They pay more attention to directions and store them in their memory bank. When you say the same thing to a three-year-old, they seem to reflect, "Oh, yes, I remember."
Note: The ability to make instructions part of themselves makes discipline easier.
Threes are easier to live with. Threes have the language skills that let two-way communication become real conversation. Threes are more settled having spent a whole year
refining their language skills.
Threes are less egocentric(self-centered, selfish). While twos notice their parent's emotions, threes get involved with them.
Threes become more satisfied with themselves, more obedient, and begin to praise "self. "
The no's of the twos become “yeses” for threes.Threes understand rules and consequences for breaking them.Threes thrives on choices and selection process makes them feel important.
NOTE: Share your choice-making with threes!
...
Puzzle in a Shoebox
PUZZLE IN A SHOEBOX from "Games for Preschoolers" (BJ10) Product with more ideas in www.welearnbydoing.com
Skills Reinforced: Working together, thinking
1. Two groups of children sit on the floor in two different circles.
2. Two shoeboxes are filled with puzzle pieces in it.
3. If an 8-piece puzzle is used, then have eight children sit in a circle. Keep the same amount of puzzle pieces for each group.
4. At the signal, the first child pulls out one piece of puzzle from each group and places it in the middle of the circle and returns to their spot.
5. The shoebox is passed to the second child who places it next to the other puzzle piece.
6. This continues until all 8 pieces of puzzle are next to each other.
7. As the groups start again with the first child, that child has 10 seconds to try to connect two pieces together. If the child does it or does not do it, that child returns to their spot and the next child tries to connect two pieces.
8. This continues around the circle until the puzzle is completed. Remember if a child connects two pieces of puzzle together only, they must return to their spot.
9. The first team to complete the puzzle ...
One to Ten Relay
ONE to TEN RELAY Game
Skills
Reinforced: Number Identification 1-10, Fine and Gross Motor Movements
Procedure:
1. Select two groups of ten and have a starting line ten feet from the blackboard.
2. The teacher gives the “go” signal with a movement direction like “hop on one foot.” The first set of children move to the blackboard hopping. They write number 1 and hop back. The children with numbers three and six proceed to “hop on one foot” and exchange squares. The caller also tries to get to one of the squares “hopping on one foot” before the others do.
3. The next set of children may have the direction of walking backwards and they write 2 and walk backwards back.
4. The teacher continues to create eight more movements until the number 10 is on the blackboard.
5. This game can continue by having the children erase one number at a time in a relay until all the numbers are erased.
...Bill’s CD’s listed in Kimbo Educational Website
Classroom Theme Ideas Using the Five Senses
Young children learn through their 5 senses; therefore, providing hands-on experience allows children to touch, see, smell, taste, and hear become important. Many of us have a hard time developing materials. Teachers in Pre-school and Pre-K often teach centering on themes. Teachers need to think about those real objects and materials for the children to explore. Do we think about the ways children can use their 5 senses? One way is to pick a theme and then gather objects and materials. Children must observe, handle, and explore from that theme. Here are a few ideas from this new workshop for teachers:
See: Draw the Other Half. The child is given half a picture and must think and draw the other half like an apple or a chair.
Touch: Texture
Touch. Place a piece of silk, sandpaper, piece of wood, piece of paper, and others and have the children describe what they touch
like is it soft, hard, rough, etc.
Smell and Taste: Describe the Taste and Smell:
Show a picture of a number of food items that include a wide variety of tastes such as jellybeans, lemons, pretzels, marshmallows, peanuts, raisins, chocolate, olives, sour apples, pickles, onions, melons, and let the children describe to you how they taste. Record words the children use like possible words: sour, sweet, tangy, spicy, salty, bitter, yucky, etc. Add the words to your word wall and then find out which are the children’s favorite foods.
Hear:
Repeat the Rhythm. Tap out a simple rhythm and have children repeat it back to you. Alternatively, you can clap the rhythm or use musical instruments.Hear: From Arms Up Keep Moving CD (9183) check out "The Senses Song" found in www.welearnbydoing.com
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...K-3 Ideas
Put These Ideas Into Practice!
What children learn through play?
· Teaches child’s vocabularies to increase
· Teaches sharing and taking turns and improves cooperation
· Teaches children to develop empathy and express emotions
· Teaches children to develop patience and tolerance
· Teaches children to feel successful and gain independence
Allow Enrichment Experiences for Children K-3
· Read the comic strips from the local newspaper. Teacher can cut the comic strip, write on the back of each strip a number so you know the sequence order, mix them up, and let the children in groups of four arrange them in sequential order. Or white-out the comic strip sayings and let the child create a new story.
· Find familiar pictures or commercials in magazines, cut them out and use them as their first words in reading what they see everyday in their environment like a stop sign or a Burger King picture.
· Use magazines or newspaper pictures and/or pictures of families, show the different kinds of emotions like smiling, being angry, crying and then ask the children questions about the pictures. Let the children draw how they are feeling.
Thoughts about Math for Children under 5
Through mathematics, children learn to understand their world in terms of numbers and shapes. They learn to reason, to connect ideas, and to think logically. Every day as children play they are using mathematics without even realizing it. Children learn best when they find answers for themselves and in their own way.
Try these games:
Sitting On A Number - Double set of numbers 1-10 are made. One set of numbers is handed out to ten children who sit on that number. (Make sure they are mixed up.) The child selected has his/her back turned and selects a number from the second set. The child turns around and trys to guess where the number is located and has three quesses. If the child wins, the child with that number has the next opportunity to guess.
How Many Body Parts - Ask the the children tell how you how many body parts they have like "How many noses in the room?" "How many eyes, or ears, or chins, or fingers or toes are in the room counting the teacher?"
Remember, very young children (age’s two to five) need activities to challenge their minds.
...
Indoor Games
Children love to play games, imitate, participate with others, and just have a good time. These games have the goals needed for the teacher to motivate the children to use those muscles and exercise their bodies into a fun-based educational learning way through these designed games for use both outdoors and indoors. Here are 3 fun games:
Balloon Laugh:
Procedure: Throw the balloon up in the air. The child must keep the balloon up in the air and laugh continuously. If the balloon hits the ground, the laughter stops!
Variation: Can use many children in groups with many balloons as everyone in the group
laughs until the balloon hits the ground for the group.
Clap and Sing Nursery Rhymes:
Procedure: Let the children clap their hands and sing some of the choruses from the nursery rhymes that they know like Mary Had A Little Lamb, Jack and Jill, and add other songs like Bingo, Old MacDonald Had a Farm, etc.
Variation: Rhythms are most important in the children and so have the children clap out the rhythm of the song without singing any of the words.
