While cooking with kids, I plan to let them taste and smell individual ingredients and ask questions about how they like the taste/smell, sweet, sour, salty and what they may think about how the finished product will turn out and whether they will like it.
Whether you are anticipating school starting soon or deep into the year, choose ONE learning center in your class and examine each material and ask the questions: ~ Does each item serve a purpose? ~ Can children access it independently? ~ Is there enough variety without creating an overwhelming feeling? ~ Would removing one or two items actually improve children's engagement? ~ Could rotating in a different material spark new curiosity? - Make a plan - match to a theme or child interest. - Then simply observe & Watch how children respond. - Notice what changes in their play, conversations, and independence. **You may be surprised how one small adjustment creates richer learning experiences!
This is such a helpful topic to prompt me to think about my space and materials. I try to have a well rounded selection of materials in my main classroom and notice that the basket of dolls aren’t used much. I’m going to move them into a smaller classroom where my kitchen set is and see if they are used more in this area.
Tell us one area in your room you plan to redesign and why: Art, Blocks, Dramatic Play, Games, Library, a Challenging Space, or another area of interest!
I’m puzzling over how to redesign my reading corner to prevent running and diving into the pillows that make up the reading corner. I’m going to move a shelf in place to stop the running, add a rug, additional basket of books that change seasonal/monthly, small, low table and small, cord free rechargeable lamps -
Choose ONE part of your day that tends to lose children's attention. Share your way to incorporate music & movement to recapture active engagement: - A song that walks children through a transition - A movement that teaches a concept you're already working on - A chant that replaces something you'd normally just say - For instant support, use shakers!
I find that the morning transition to go outside can be tricky with kids going potty, putting on shoes and getting ready to go out side. We have a teacher over seeing the bathroom and one doing diaper changes while another helps kids prepare to go out. I think we will try the sock game while waiting for others to be ready. I’m hoping it will captivate the kids with an interesting activity while waiting for friends together ready.
Show us your elevated visual schedule! Snap a photo and drop it below, or tell us: what's one change you made that you think will make the biggest difference for your kids? 📸