Jenna* is a child in my pre-k class. She is your typical just-turned-5-year-old - curious, sweet, full of energy. Jenna comes from a strong family unit with a brother who probably tests off the IQ scale, a dad who is a high school math teacher, and a mom who is a nurse. Jenna is in crisis.
As a preschool teacher to four year-olds, I’m intrigued with one of Wonderbrains’ new products, Alpharings. Alpharings are designed by Educational Insights, an educational product company that has a 50 year history of providing hands-on activities to reinforce early learning skills. Alpharings come with 130 adjustable plastic illustrated rings (five of each letter) and an instructional guide.
When I first started my career as a public school teacher, I had two requirements: children had to come to me knowing how to add and how to read (thus began my career in junior high!). I felt that once they had a foundation, I could work with them to do just about anything. But, I didn’t want to be the responsible party for learning “the basics”.
Fast forward to Today. I’m teaching four year olds. And, what am I teaching them? Numbers and letters. And, you know what? It isn’t as daunting as I thought it would be! So, I thought I would share a few “tricks of the trade” with you. If you have preschool to early elementary children, these are great activities to do with them at home.
Spring is right around the corner - trees are budding, snow is melting, flowers are starting to peek through the ground in anticipation of warmer weather and longer days. So, now is the perfect time to sit down with your favorite kiddo and make something to celebrate nature. Make a bird feeder and welcome our feathered friends back home! And, gone are the days of the pine cone feeder - here are some great new ways to treat the birds. Read more…
Something amazing happened here Wednesday night. My older son was finishing his homework, and my three year old was sitting at the table as well, coloring in a blank sketch pad. He’s been fixated on letters for a while (I teach 4 year old pre-k classes during the week, so we have quite a few “letter” toys), so I wasn’t too shocked when he drew almost a complete circle and said, “C! The C says /k/!” What impressed me was when he turned the page and wrote his name. Read more…
When my older son was beginning to show an interest in reading, we looked for ways to encourage his interest without pressuring him to learn to read (he was four at the time). I have observed, much too often in my preschool-teaching days, parents who want their child to succeed at reading to the degree that the child becomes completely turned off of the idea of understanding the written word. Combining things children love with print can encourage the child to want to know more about how words work and what reading is all about. Read more…
Once again, our calendar for the fall overfloweth. And, that’s just with my older son. Cub Scouts, our mid-week ministry at our church, piano lessons, baseball practice and games…and that’s not even touching homework and chores. Throw into the mix my husband’s frequent business trips, my younger son’s preschool and gymnastics schedule, and my insane world of three jobs, a bunko group, church choir, and teaching a parenting class at our church, and you have the makings for a bit of stress. Read more…
“The only difference between teaching 8th graders and preschoolers is the height. Everything else is about the same.”
I start out each year with my pre-kindergarten parents with this same line. My experience in teaching is varied, but most of my public school educational experience is from teaching junior high - 8th grade. And, with each class I teach in the preschool age, I notice there isn’t THAT much difference. See if you agree: Read more…
