Kindergarten Teachers Chatboard

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DAP lover I 100&37; agree with Flacka. Go for play-based. Believe it or not, your child might learn MORE in that atmosphere.

On 8/20/16, Flacka wrote: > I have taught both preK and Kindergarten for many years. > Kindergarten is now what first grade used to be with all or nearly > all of the day spent in academics. Assuming both preschoo...See MoreI 100&37; agree with Flacka. Go for play-based. Believe it or not, your child might learn MORE in that atmosphere.

On 8/20/16, Flacka wrote: > I have taught both preK and Kindergarten for many years. > Kindergarten is now what first grade used to be with all or nearly > all of the day spent in academics. Assuming both preschools are > high quality I would choose the play-based program. > > He is only 4 and has many,many years of academics ahead but > little time for socialization and discovery. I good play based > program will offer plenty of opportunities for learning and > discovery along with socialization. > > Check with the kindergarten teachers in your district for what > skills they expect when the child enters K, make sure that he has > those skills, and he will be fine. > > > > On 8/19/16, SuperTeacher wrote: >> On 8/18/16, Nicole wrote: >>> I am struggling with the choice of an academic preschool >>> where my son is currently enrolled which has Spanish, >>> science, math/computer, fun and fitness, and English >>> lessons (with specialized teachers) vs a play based >>> curriculum. Which is better or does it even matter? My >>> son is extremely bright but I worry that it's a bit much >> for >>> his age. He will be ready for first grade before he's 5. >>> Thoughts??? >> >> I think it depends on your values, as well as your child. >> >> My daughter is 3 and a half. She is very bright, >> academically. She can count, knows her letters and sounds, >> loves to read. I'm not worried about academics. >> >> However, my daughter DOES need help socially. When she's >> with other kids, she plays alone. She usually won't talk to >> adults besides her parents. She is in a toddler soccer >> league and acts like she's afraid of the coach (who is super >> nice)! >> >> For my daughter, a play-based preschool is the best choice. >> She needs to learn the social skills! >> >> Also remember - you don't need to pick a super-insense >> academic or a strictly-play-based preschool. Many schools >> offer a nice balance of both. >> >> Think carefully about your son, and what he needs. Then your >> decision will be easy. >> >> I wish your son much success as he enters his school years! >> >> ____

Aug 20, 2016

maureen On 8/18/16, Nicole wrote: > I am struggling with the choice of an academic preschool > where my son is currently enrolled which has Spanish, > science, math/computer, fun and fitness, and English > lessons (with specialized teachers) vs a play based > curriculum. Which is better or does it even matter? My > son is extremely bright...See MoreOn 8/18/16, Nicole wrote: > I am struggling with the choice of an academic preschool > where my son is currently enrolled which has Spanish, > science, math/computer, fun and fitness, and English > lessons (with specialized teachers) vs a play based > curriculum. Which is better or does it even matter? My > son is extremely bright but I worry that it's a bit much for > his age. He will be ready for first grade before he's 5. > Thoughts???

I am a bit biased as I am a retired Montessori pre school teacher. I wonder why the two need to be separate - play based and academic? I loved teaching Montessori because children could have the freedom to be children yet have the opportunity to learn just about anything their minds and motivation were ready for. Purposeful "work" is child's play. Since Montessori is not group based learning but rather individual, that is why my classrooms would have quite a mix of children who were typical, gifted, learning challenged, not English speaking, etc. Each child was able to have his or her needs met

Although Montessori was originally rooted in special education, many people have all sorts of beliefs as to what "type" of student the schools attract. Some feel that the schools are for gifted children. Some think it is only for special education. Some think it is only for the rich. All sorts of misconceptions. A good Montessori school would have a mix of everything - variety makes the experience so much richer for everyone. I never had an aide for my special education students in the classroom and I usually had anywhere between 18 to 30 students with an assistant. The classes also consisted of a balance of three different ages - 2 1/2 years through age 6.

The schools tend to be extremely expensive on the east and west coasts, but it is possible to find affordable Montessori schools everywhere. The key is to find an authentic Montessori school. The name is not trademarked so just about anyone can open a school and put the name Montessori on it. You have to do a lot of research to read what it means to be "authentic". Then you should visit several schools (all kinds, not just Montessori) until you get a "feel" for what seems right for your child AND your family.

Some families balk about sending their child to Montessori for just the reason that it is recommended that the child attend five days a week rather then part time. There are very good reasons for that recommendation that the director of the school should be able to address. It doesn't have to be full days, half days are fine, but usually the children are ready for full days by age 5.

I certainly wouldn't be concerned that your child will be ready for first grade before he is 5. I had so many former students who graduated first in their senior classes over the past several years who obviously did just fine in their traditional schools. I am also proud to say that one of those is a gold medal Olympian this year, too. I love watching the achievements of my former students and a couple even surprised me. I just find joy when they grew up to be good people and are making the world a better place in their own unique ways.

Around here, looking for a placement in any preschool would have started in the spring at the very latest. Most of ours are full by now, but of course, that would be different in different locales. You sound like a caring, loving parent who wants the best for your child. Only you can research all the options and make the decision of the best placement for your son. Best wishes to you and I am sure his behavior in his classroom will tell you if you made the right decision. It's tough to always know, but depending on your area, there is often a lot of choices for preschools as you are finding out. Good luck!

Aug 21, 2016

What does your school provide

by curious

Aug 12, 2016

I am an admin. on a FB site for teachers to sell their own materials, books, etc. that they no longer need. One stipulation is that the items cannot have be bought by the school or district. On the site their are teachers selling or looking for guided reading books and math manipulatives like unifix cubes and pattern blocks.

Does your scho...See More

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Amy K My district provides our guided reading books. We actually have a guided book room where you go and can check out what ever levels you want. We literally have thousands of books. My district is school wide title 1. We often use our title money to buy new books for the book room. We also use the money to buy reading materials to use in literacy cent...See More

Aug 16, 2016

Flacka I would love to see the look on the face of admin and the parents if there was nothing in the room except for what was provided by the district.

On 8/16/16, Amy K wrote: > My district provides our guided reading books. We actually have a > guided book room where you go and can check out what ever levels > you want. We literally h...See MoreI would love to see the look on the face of admin and the parents if there was nothing in the room except for what was provided by the district.

On 8/16/16, Amy K wrote: > My district provides our guided reading books. We actually have a > guided book room where you go and can check out what ever levels > you want. We literally have thousands of books. My district is school > wide title 1. We often use our title money to buy new books for the > book room. We also use the money to buy reading materials to use > in literacy centers. > > Math manipulatives usually come with what ever series is purchased > by the district. I have been through several series and have tons of > manipulatives, especially Teddy bear counters. No more teddy bear > counters!!! > > Our district provides basic school supplies such as paper, crayons, > scissors, pencils, paint, glue etc... > > Teachers buy non essential things such as stickers, markers, birthday > crowns, labels, folders,etc... > > As a kindergarten teacher, what bothers me is that the district will not > buy toys. I have been teaching 20 years and the only new toys that > have entered my classroom are the ones I have purchased at garage > sales. Toys are essential to learning in kindergarten, but the district > doesn't see it that way. We are supposed to have a playtime, but > they don't want to provide any toys. > > The district used to buy us things to decorate our rooms, such as > border strip and bulletin board kits. No more! That is now my > expense. > > I honestly don't think our administration has any clue as to how much > our teachers spend on our classrooms. > > > > > On 8/12/16, curious wrote: >> I am an admin. on a FB site for teachers to sell their own >> materials, books, etc. that they no longer need. One >> stipulation is that the items cannot have be bought by the >> school or district. On the site their are teachers selling or >> looking for guided reading books and math manipulatives like >> unifix cubes and pattern blocks. >> >> Does your school or district provide you with guided reading >> books and math manipulatives or do you have to buy them >> yourself?

Aug 16, 2016

Hey I am a kinder garden teacher from Israel

I'd like to know about the age difference in usa.

Here a 1 aged group for pre school kindergarden would meen: from september to december including, will be 5th birthday and from january to next september 6th birth day.

By the way, maximum in class would be 35 kids with 2 adult...See More

need to know

by ido

Aug 8, 2016

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Amy K Kindergarten in the United States varies from state to state. The area of the country where I live (Pennsylvania) most schools have a cut off date of September 1st. This means a child must be 5 by September 1st to start school. We usually start school around that time, so all of my kids are at least 5 years old. Some students are older. Often paren...See More

Aug 10, 2016

Ellen Hi there ido,

I've just joined this website to connect with teachers around the world. I live 45 mins south west of Sydney in Australia. This is my 3rd year teaching kindergarten (1st year of proper schooling after preschool).

The age difference can be a whole year or so between students here. Some are still 4 turning 5 when they ...See More

Aug 13, 2016

20 Movement Activities for the School Day

Jul 26, 2016

Being involved in movement positively affects children both cognitively and physically. Here are 20 quick, simple ideas to use (and adapt) in your classroom. {Click below]

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DonnaR/CA On 7/26/16, Teachers.Net Gazette wrote: > Being involved in movement positively affects children both > cognitively and physically. Here are 20 quick, simple ideas > to use (and adapt) in your classroom. {Click below]

I have my kids use Jack Hartmann's stuff -- available on CD or on YouTube -- during the day. Among my favorites (a...See More

Aug 8, 2016

Except for Tnet Gazette, it has been 2 weeks since there have been any postings on here. This board used to busy with lots of new, young teachers heading into the unique world of kindergarten and seasoned teachers looking for some new ideas and information to make tweaks for the new year.

I know there are lots of K teachers out there beca...See More

no postings

by Flacka

Jul 24, 2016

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Pfp On 7/25/16, Amy K wrote: > I used to spend a lot of time here as well. Then I got obsessed with > Pinterest and TPT. I am now over that phase and am ready for teaching > discussions again. Like you, when I returned I found that nobody is here. > > > On 7/24/16, Flacka wrote: >> Except for Tnet Gazette, it has been 2 weeks si...See More

Jul 26, 2016

DonnaR/CA On 7/24/16, Flacka wrote:

> Where did everyone go??

I, for one, have been on a road trip. Then, after a few days home, younger daughter had her baby. So I was with her and her husband as part of the LDR support team.

Donna

Aug 6, 2016

How do you set up your reading center

by Amy K

Aug 1, 2016

How do you set up your reading center in your classroom? I see so many pictures of rooms online where people have bins and bins and bins of books for the kids to select from. They are all organized so nicely by subject, author etc... They then have comfy chairs or even a couch in the reading center. It all looks great, but do most people really hav...See More

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Flacka Pinterest has been a godsend and a curse to everyone, including teachers. If your system works for you then there is no need to change. I am a big believer that kids need choices but too many choices is overwhelming, even for adults.

I found that reading in the reading center became social time and they really didn't read or even look at ...See MorePinterest has been a godsend and a curse to everyone, including teachers. If your system works for you then there is no need to change. I am a big believer that kids need choices but too many choices is overwhelming, even for adults.

I found that reading in the reading center became social time and they really didn't read or even look at the pictures much. Sometimes it was part of my daily 5 rotation and sometimes not.

We each have to find what works for us and our class and there is no need to "compete" with the teachers who post these fabulous pictures.

On 8/01/16, Amy K wrote: > How do you set up your reading center in your classroom? I see so > many pictures of rooms online where people have bins and bins and > bins of books for the kids to select from. They are all organized so > nicely by subject, author etc... They then have comfy chairs or even a > couch in the reading center. It all looks great, but do most people > really have that much space? My room is not super tiny, but it isn't real > big either. If I dedicated as much space in my room for a reading > center as I see on Pinterest and teacher websites, my kids wouldn't > have any space too sit, do work or play. It baffles me that so many > teachers have rooms that have to be at least twice the space that I > have. I have a very small, simplistic reading center. I have a very > nice Lakeshore reading shelf that I change out monthly. It houses > holiday / seasonal books (fall, Halloweeen, Christmas, winter etc....) I > then have a shelf that holds four large bins. I label 2 bins "fiction" and > 2 bins "nonfiction." As we read books that are not holiday/seasonal, I > put them in these bins for the kids to read and look at. Once they get > too full, I take some of the books out and put them away to make room > for new books that we have read. It works and my kids have plenty of > books to read. I just feel like sometimes I am the only teacher that > doesn't have an elaborate reading center for my kindergarteners. So I > am just curious as to what everyone else is doing.

Aug 1, 2016

maureen I was always blessed to have rather large classrooms so I usually had a little sofa where 2 or 3 children could sit and sometimes I even had a couple added recliners (that I tied inside so they couldn't recline). The other children just sat on the floor or brought books to a table.(I usually had between 24 - 30 students each year) I had a nice litt...See MoreI was always blessed to have rather large classrooms so I usually had a little sofa where 2 or 3 children could sit and sometimes I even had a couple added recliners (that I tied inside so they couldn't recline). The other children just sat on the floor or brought books to a table.(I usually had between 24 - 30 students each year) I had a nice little throw rug in front of the sofa and a basket of books set off to the side. There would a nice print of a classic painting over the sofa to tie in the color. I didn't have access to Pinterest in those days.

My bookshelves for all of my books were separate from the reading corner. I didn't use bins. I just taped a strip on the binding in different colors (green for science, blue for geography, brown for botany, red for fiction, yellow for cultural) and kept them sorted on the bookshelves like they are in libraries. Sometimes a child would "fix" any out of place books or we would do it together as a project. Overall, the children did a great job keeping the books organized. I only changed the books in the basket next to the sofa. Those would have some seasonal books or the ones I read to the class as a group. We had very few fiction books in our classroom. I kept the ones we had that did not have talking animals - only reality based as much as possible. The children would spend a great deal of time looking at pictures of the non fiction books especially those animal "dictionaries".

If I used actual "readers" I kept them in a separate area. I wanted to be sure they were reading those books instead of just memorizing the text.

I think your approach is very good and since it works so well for you, I wouldn't change a thing. I was an interior designer in my first career so I was strong in providing an inviting and classic environment just for children. To me as long as the children want to spend time in the area looking or reading books, then you have a nice reading center. I have seen such centers that were so over the top, that it looked like it was more to impress the adults then it was to support children's reading of books.

I agree with Flacka - don't sweat it - your reading corner sounds like it is working just fine.

Aug 1, 2016

I used to post on the kindergarten chat board, but last year I taught 3rd grade after teaching K for 16 years. I had a great time in 3rd grade, and am scheduled to teach 4th grade this year to the same kids I had last year in 3rd grade (we are a small school), so I am on the 4th grade board now. I posted something there a few days ago, asking for p...See More

Where did everyone go?

by Steve

Jul 24, 2016

K-12 - Quotes, links re students' body & mind

Jul 24, 2016

“Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.” John F. Kennedy

CLICK below for more quotes and articles related to the importance of physical exercise as it relates to learning.

Alarming Effects of Lack of Active Learning, Recess

Read this excerpt from Brad and Melody's book to learn why it's important that educators press NOW for more movement, more recess, more physical education in every school day. For example, this stunning fact:

Core muscle strength actually affects the area of the brain which controls executive function. Research shows that only one in twel...See More

Jul 20, 2016

How recess supports academic, social-emotional, development

Jul 14, 2016

Stanford Study Shows School Recess Offers Numerous Benefits

Click below to read more about what the report reveals about how recess can impact students' physical, emotional and academic well-being.