On 7/11/09, Terri Hoornstra wrote:
> On 7/10/09, Wendy wrote:
>> I would love ideas on how to teach a k/1 combo. I will have
>> about 18 Ks and 12 firsts. The Ks go home at noon. We won't
>> have aides. I am suppose to get the independent older Ks,
>> but who knows!! I would love to know...
>> 1. Do I still need a play center for the Ks
>> 2. What will the firsts do during the play center time?
>> 3. What do Ks respond to as far a discipline? (I've been
>> teaching frist for many years and am a pro at that)
>> Any input would be appreciated!!!
>
> I will also be teaching a K/1 combo this fall. I've been
> teaching for 35+ yrs., over 20 in K and a total of 9 in
> first, including the past 3. I am also looking for any
> suggestions, but I'd like to address the play centers issue:
>
> I will only have 6 Ks, and the other two straight Ks are
> taking 3 each for their play centers. Play centers are SO
> important for Ks and good for 1st as well. If the other Ks
> weren't taking them, I'd make a Centers time that both K and
> first can do at the same time, using activities that can be K
> or first. At my first grade centers, I have construction
> (blocks, legos, other); read/listen to story on tape with a
> written (1st)/drawn (K) response; learning games/puzzles (you
> can make them grade-level appropriate), art (something that
> doesn't need too much supervision, or get a parent helper);
> and computers (learning games such as I Spy, multi-level math
> review games). Sometimes they'd be science and math. Centers
> teach interpersonal skills (working with a group, sharing,
> conversation skills, winning/losing. so much more!) along
> with the learning skills. I just got a letter from a K
> student from 10 years ago, and the main thing she remembered
> from Kdg. was Centers. It was her impression we did those
> "most of the time", when in fact it wasn't more than 30
> minutes a day!
>

I have to set up centers this year as well. Thanks for the great
practical info.

Share This Post | Report This Post

Next Post >>

Posts on this thread, including this one