PreSchool Teaching | Ideas for teaching your child, prior to schooling

Sample Lesson: colors!

February 16, 2012 by gbush
Sample Lesson: Colors

Colors are always a fun lesson because there are so many options you can choose to incorporate into your color lesson. The world is filled with colors, so it doesn’t take a lot of searching to find a great lesson plan to teach your little one colors.

The main goal with a colors lesson is to teach the child the name of the color, what it looks like, and a few things about that color. For example, if you’re teaching about the color “green” you’ll want to reinforce the connection between the green color and the word “green” then you’ll want to connect the word and the color to items like trees, grass, vegetables, etc. This will help the child understand that the word “green” doesn’t just apple to the crayon or marker they use, but to that color in the world around them.

Here are a few ideas to incorporate into your Colors lesson plan:
1. Art: This one is a bit obvious, but perhaps try a different kind of art project. Provide lots of different mediums, but all in the same color. For example, provide orange crayons, orange construction paper, orange stickers and maybe even finger paints. This allows children to be creative while using only the color of the day.
2. Books: Mouse Paint is a great book for teaching kids about colors. I like to use a book to begin the day and explain the lesson. This book always keeps their attention and is a great way to introduce colors. This books talks about mixing colors, but that’s a little advanced for preschool. Stick with telling the story and focusing on one or two individual colors each day until your students have a good grasp on identifying individual colors.
3. Holiday colors: Holidays are a great time to teach about colors. Valentine’s lessons could focus around red and pink, St. Patrick’s lessons could focus on green.
4. Color Scavenger Hunt: Before the lesson begins, hide colored objects throughout the house. You can hide papers (I like to use paint samples from Home Depot), or hide plastic foods from a play kitchen set, colored balls, marbles, and have the children collect them from around the house and create a “Basket of Blue” or a similar concept. Once they find all of the objects inside, have them go outside and add to their basket with colored objects from nature.
5. Dress the part: If possible, ask the parents to send their children to preschool wearing the color of the day (blue shirts, red shirts, etc.) Give parents plenty of notice so they can find something appropriate, and have extra shirts available for those who may not have one or might forget.
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Ideal Student-Teacher Ratio

February 10, 2012 by gbush

When it comes to preschool, few things are more important than the student-teacher ratio. The size of your preschool group can make all the difference when providing children with the attention and education they need at this time.

A low caregiver child ratio and small group size is crucial to providing a nurturing and successful educational setting. The fewer children each caregiver is responsible for, the better. You want your child to get as much attention as possible, and the odds are better if the caregiver isn’t stretched among a whole lot of children. If you choose to do homeschool, one-on-one ratio is acceptable for the first year, but be sure to include some interaction with other children periodically to encourage social skills and etiquette.

Generally, the younger your child is, the more important a lower caregiver-child ratio is. You also want a smaller number of kids in the group overall; it’s calmer, quieter and more familial. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a maximum staff-child ratio of four to one for children ages 13 to 30 months, with a maximum group size of six. So, with six children total, there should be one, preferably two caregivers present at all times. In my opinion, this age group can be a little challenging because they are new toddlers, learning to walk and share and some attempting potty training in their second year. For me, even three on one can be a little overwhelming when one student is paying attention, another wants a snack, the third needs to go potty, the lesson can easily get hijacked if you’re not prepared. When I do preschool in my home, I usually have one parent helper for every three children, much the same as an office manager would have an administrative assistant. So if I had a total of 6 children, I would have myself as the leader and 2 parent helpers to assist with activities.

As children get older, between 2 and 3 years old, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a ratio of five to one with a maximum group size of 10; and a ratio of seven to one for 3-year-old children, with a maximum group size of 14. Any preschool class with 10-14 children needs to have more than one teacher. It is nearly impossible for one teacher to be sure that all 10 children are supervised completely at all times. Helpful student aids, parent helpers or simply additional eyes and ears in the classroom can make all the difference when trying to herd a dozen or more preschoolers.

Don’t overwhelm yourself if you get involved in a preschool co-op in your area. These are popular and can be a great alternative to over-priced professional preschool options, but they can get too big too fast. For first-time preschool teachers at home, stick with no more than 5 little ones at a time, with another adult helper, especially if your preschool time is more than a few hours.

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Preschool Around the World

February 2, 2012 by gbush

                Preschool is the beginning of a child’s education. It is where they learn and develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually as well as how to act in their specific cultural setting. Preschools are where young Japanese children become Japanese, young Chinese children become Chinese, and young American children become American. All three and four-year olds around the world have similar needs, interests and abilities. So how does the preschool environment differ from country to country?

               Afghanistan: In Afghanistan, the preschools are not part of the actual school system, but are run by the government. The goal of the early childhood education system in Afghanistan is similar to the U.S. with the overall strategy aimed to help families ensure that their children are healthy, intellectually curious, socially confident, and have a solid foundation for lifelong learning.

                Chile: In Chile, the educational system starts at 85 days old in the low nursery. High nursery addresses children from 1 to 2 years old, Low Middle Level addresses children from 2 to 3 years old, High Middle Level addresses children from 3 to 4 years old and then pre-kinder and kinder are the last phases before going to first grade.

                China: In China, preschool starts at age 2 and continues until the age of 6. The younger kids are generally involved in more of a playgroup setting until they are 3 years old, when they begin “Lower Kindergarten” and more to “Upper Kindergarten” at age 5.

                France: In France, pre-school is also known as “nursery school” which is a city-run and free system available throughout the country. They are aimed at children ages 4-5. Similar to the U.S., it is not required, but almost 100% of children attend.

                Germany: In Germany, the preschool system is similar to the U.S., where it is not generally offered through the established school system, but through other organizations or groups. Preschool is referred to as “Kindergarten” and is not free, but also not required.

                India: In India, pre-school is divided into three stages – Playgroup, Junior Kindergarten, and Senior Kindergarten . Typically, a Playgroup consists of children from one and half to two and half years of age. Junior class is three and half to four and half years of age, and the Senior class is four and half to five and half years of age.

                South Korea: In South Korea, children attend at similar ages to the United States, around 3 or 4 years old. However, in South Korea, their ages are calculated very different. They are 1 on the day they are born, and their school age increases January 1, regardless of their birthday.

                It can be very beneficial to learn about the culture and schooling in other areas around the country to give yourself a more broad spectrum of what the world is offering to our little ones. The style of teaching is also very different, in Japan, the curriculum is very structured from the very first day. In the U.S., teachers focus on choice and accountability. In the Sudan, children are taught Arabic and English as their first two subjects.

                Learning about the school systems across the globe can increase awareness and literacy while developing a sense of gratitude and pride in the country you call home.

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Sample Lesson: D is for Dots!

January 25, 2012 by gbush

Here is a great sample lesson you can use for the Letter D!

Sample Lesson: The Letter D

First, spend ten to fifteen minutes at the very beginning of the day playing with dominoes, looking at the dots, counting them if possible and allowing the children to pick them up and put them in a large box or bucket.

Activity: In my teaching career, I’ve found that little ones always have the wiggles at the beginning of the day, so I like to start with a physical activity. Prepare the room ahead of time by having the walls covered in Dots of 5 different sizes, using multiple colors and write the letter D on them. Assign each student a color and have them gather their colored dots off of the walls. First, have each child arrange them large to small. (If you’re doing preschool at home with just your own child, you can have them gather one color at a time and first arrange them large to small and then small to large.) Use this opportunity to discuss small and large things. Have them identify other objects in the room that are large and others that are small.

Counting/Math: Next, have the children draw a number( 1-5) from a container, and have them count out that many dots from their 5 dots, keeping the rest of their dots in their laps. Help them to recount how many dots they have on their lap and how many they have left on the table. Don’t focus on addition and subtraction at this point, just the counting is enough.

Shapes: Help the children to see that the dots are in the shape of circles. Show pictures of dots in animals: Dalmatian, ladybug, octopus, spotted frog, explain that some people have dots called freckles. See who has them! What other things are circles? Point out the sun, tires, nails, etc.)

Reading time! A great book for this day is: “The Dot by Peter Reynolds”

Art/Craft: Break out the art supplies and let your little ones have fun with dots. Have the kids create their own dot art with markers, dot stickers, cricut cut out circles etc. When they are finished with their masterpiece, have them add a “D” to their art page. Make sure the D is a bright color so it is noticed.

Snack Time: I like to have a snack that corresponds with the days activity, and it is easy to find dotted snacks. You can make cookies with round sprinkles, you could do sliced bananas (in circles), melon balls, or use a cookie cutter to cut out small dots of cheese. Another fun snack idea is to use graham crackers with frosting and small white chocolate chips made up like dominos. These are best to make ahead of time.

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Physical Education in Preschool

January 19, 2012 by gbush

It’s not just about reading, writing and arithmetic. With the obesity epidemic sweeping the country, physical education in preschool is more important than ever. These little bundles of energy form habits early, and preschool is the time to build the foundation that they will live off of. As our children grow, we teach them to brush their teeth, bathe, eat healthy. Even for three-year-olds, evidence shows that if they are less active at this age, they remain less active later in life.

The Council on Physical Education for Children, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services all recommend that physical education be offered to children enrolled in preschool programs.

Some people believe that motor skills are instinctual or automatic, this is not so. Hand-eye coordination, special awareness and other motor skills are not developed and refined without instruction and practice. Without these skills, children become clumsy, lose confidence and usually avoid physical activity as adults.

Physical inactivity has contributed to the 100% increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States since 1980 (CDC, 2000). Childhood obesity is a major concern because of the increase in health risk factors, social discrimination and self-esteem issues in children. We all understand the importance of physical activity, so why not start out on the right foot by encouraging physical education in the preschool years?

Children are innately physically active, and they enjoy running around on their own, but physical education in preschool is more than letting the children go outside and play for a few minutes. Physical education lessons need to be planned and taught just the same as letters and numbers. Teachers of preschool education need to lead their class in defined physical activities. Perhaps this includes teaching a dance, marching in lines, following directions, etc. Children learn through movement, it is another form of communication, expression and learning.

Physical education can be integrated throughout the day in various lesson plans. For example, bounce a ball back and forth to practice the alphabet, can use a stopwatch and do sprints to practice math and numbers. The best curriculums include practicing a skill taught in the classroom while also participating in a physical movement.

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (1998) issued physical activity guidelines suggesting that young children should have an accumulation of more than 60 minutes each day to promote health and well-being. Using physical education as a part of the preschool curriculum will give our children more opportunities to learn and grow in the world around them.

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Finding the Best Preschool in Your Area

January 11, 2012 by admin

Children are generally ready for preschool around 3 or 4 years of age. Once you’ve decided your child is ready, it can be somewhat overwhelming to find a good preschool in your areas. It’s best to start with the people closest to you, ask friends or family where they have sent their kids. Once you have a few options in your areas, consider the following areas to choose the best one for you:

Prioritize:

What is most important to you? Location? Curriculum? Ideals? Make yourself a list of what the priorities are, so you can judge each institution individually, based on what is important to you.

Research:

Look for the accreditation of your schools. Generally, a stamp from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a good sign. You can also search the NAEYC database online to find a list of accredited centers near you. Ask about any lawsuits or actions that have been filed against the school in the past.

Visit:

The best way to find the best preschool for your child is to visit them in person. Talk to the teacher and look at the children, are they busy? Are they happy? How is the teacher/child interaction? Ask about everything. Be sure you understand the hours, fees, and vacation schedules as well as their discipline standards and daily schedule. Ask the teachers about their experience, their staff turnover and if they genuinely like their jobs. Look for a school with an outdoor play area and ask the staff about the amount of time children are allowed outside. Look for a school with a strict sick-child policy and one that allows you to stop by anytime during the day to see your child or participate in activities.

Curriculum:

Preschool should have a balanced curriculum. Television should not be a part of the preschool day. Ask about how the curriculum changes over time and look for a program that encourages creativity and organized learning. Ask about naptime and find a curriculum that includes the things that are important for you.

Ask for references.

Ask each school you’re considering for a list of references, other parents whose children have attended the school or are currently attending. Ask them specifically what they like about it, what they don’t like about it and if they have had any problems with the staff.

A good preschool is clean, safe, creative and fun. When you find the school that is the best fit for you and your child call ahead early to be sure you don’t get stuck on a waitlist. Participate with your child if possible for the first few days to be sure he or she is comfortable and thriving in their new environment.

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Reading Aloud: Tips and Techniques

January 4, 2012 by admin

Reading aloud to children is said to be “the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for success in reading.” It is no surprised that children love to be read to. The love looking at pictures and listening to the adventures on each page, but reading is much more than entertainment.

Reading is the biggest component of their foundation in early childhood education. The best time to begin reading books with children is when they are infants. Reading helps children to learn the meaning of new words, the world around them, the difference between writing and speaking, and the rhythm of rhyming words. Reading aloud should be the first foundational step to any teaching career. The importance of reading aloud cannot be underestimated.

Here are a few tips for reading aloud to children in preschool:

1.       Make it comfortable. Have a designated reading area, a rug, a chair or a corner.

2.       Be Enthusiastic. Never use reading as a punishment, always make reading a positive experience.

3.       Read frequently. Storytime doesn’t have to be just once a day, you can read all the time, anytime. Read a story, read a poem, read a book, just read.

4.       Start the day with a book and end the day with a book.

5.       Read after activities to help them settle down their energy.

6.       Read more than just the story, go back through the book and help the children to point out important characters or make observations.

7.       Show the children the pictures.

8.       Explain words that the children might not know, help them to learn more information in the themes the book is teaching.

9.       Talk about the characters’ actions and feelings, help to teach the children empathy and compassion.

10.   Ask questions as you read to help the children connect to the story. Help the children to notice what is in the book and ask them to predict what happens next.

11.   Read all kinds of books. Don’t limit yourself to one genre. You can introduce children to children’s dictionaries, atlas’ and other types of books.

12.   Try to use big or oversized books to help your children point out letters, words, and other features of print

13.   Reread favorite books. Children love to hear their favorite books over and over again. Hearing books read several times helps children understand and notice new things.

14.   Try wordless picture books and give the children the opportunity to tell stories themselves as they “read.”

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Sample Lesson: Snow!

December 29, 2011 by admin
It’s always a good thing to use the seasons/holidays or area around you to teach children. Children are naturally curious about everything, so if you can hone in on this curiosity and create an interactive and exciting lesson plan surrounding the very things they are already interested in, you’ve got a recipe for success! Whether you’re a student the ABC’s or how to become a software engineer, it’s important to begin with a base of something they can build off of.

When it’s snowing outside, kids are excited and energetic. It’s something new and different, and all 3 and 4-year olds are eager to tell you that it’s snowing. They will tell you about the last time it snowed, the next time it will snow, what they did in the snow, how big their footprints are and what their car looks like covered in snow. Use this enthusiasm to complete some of these fun snow-related activities:
1. SnowFlake Art: Scissors are sometimes a little advanced for preschool, so provide dark construction paper and allow children to use chalk to draw snowflakes. Show them how to make a snowflake with a basic X pattern and perpendicular lines.
2. Counting: Use snow-day as a day to focus on the number 6. Display all kinds of pictures of snowflakes and have the children take turns counting the number of points with your children. Help them to see that although each snowflake is unique, they all have six points. Have children decorate the number 6 on a piece of paper, make 6 snowflakes or 6 snowballs out of tissue paper.
3. Get outside! Go the traditional route with sledding, snow angels and follow the leader’s footprints. Warm up with cocoa and a snow story.
4. Learn about Hot and Cold: Go outside and touch the snow, talk about how cold it is and help the children come in and think of other things that are cold. Then switch to hot, talk about some things that are hot. Have the children group pictures into hot and cold groups. Then serve ice cream sandwiches and hot cocoa.
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Using Books to Teach

December 22, 2011 by admin

Children love books, and they love repetition. One of the most effective ways to enhance the methods use in your teaching career is to base lesson plans off of a book children love. You can repeat the themes from the book throughout the day which engages the children and helps them to remember each part of the lesson by connecting it to the book.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a great example of this type of lesson plan. This is a favorite book of most children and has lots of options for various lesson ideas.

Focus on the letter C: You can use this book to jumpstart a day all about the letter C. You can make a caterpillar out of circles of green paper and have each of the students draw a picture of something that begins with the letter “C.”

Learn about different foods by focusing the day on all the things caterpillars had to eat. Learn which foods are good for us and which are not.

Use the book to teach numbers. This is a great book for simple math lessons, repetition of counting and problem solving.

Create your own books by giving your students a similar book made out of paper for them to color, punch and create. This is great for fine motor development and lots of fun for the kids. Then have them re-tell the story with the pictures they drew.

Use the book to practice sorting and categorizing. Re-create the foods with modern clip-art and use a flannel board or table-top to allow the kids to match the foods that are the same together.

Happy Learning!

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Beyond the ABC’s and 123′s

December 15, 2011 by admin

We all know that the ABC’s and 123’s are the foundation to a strong education, but what else do children need to learn in preschool? What is considered a balanced learning experience and what milestones can we expect from these 3-4 year olds? Whether your little one is destined to be a pro-football player, or an accountant, their educational foundation begins in pre-school.

Literacy: Preschoolers should focus on letter and early word recognition, and listening comprehension. They should understand a broader vocabulary, know how books are to be read and begin to be able to write their name, naming each letter and the sound it makes.

Math and Science: Preschoolers should know their numbers and be able to count in order. They should be able to identify shapes and understand concepts of measurement, patterns, putting together and taking apart.

But preschool is about much more than reading, writing and arithmetic. At this stage in life, children’s social development, motor skills and cognitive patterns are still developing and must be nurtured throughout this time.

Other Important Skills: Preschoolers should be able to follow simple gross motor directions such as hopping, dancing and running as well as some fine motor skills like writing or coloring. Preschoolers have the capability and should be taught to care for themselves. They can wash their hands, put on shoes, get dressed and put toys away. At this age, they can also be taught patience, rules, respect and how to be a good sport. This time is a great place to teach basic instructions like sitting where they are told, raising a hand to speak, or waiting for their turn.

Preschool is a great time to establish a foundation of responsibility, academics, social interaction, respect and positive self-esteem. These basic skills, if fostered and developed can provide children with a strong foundation to maintain throughout their life.

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