Toddler Preschool - Sharing & Social Abilities

One of the key areas of interest when you have a toddler preschool environment is that of social abilities and development.

It is my strong belief that a preschool teacher of toddlers keep in mind the following facts when developing activities and plans for the two to three year olds in the class.


INDEPENDENCE
Toddlers are learning how to be independent.

They are learning that they have power to do things or not do things. Allow them to experience this and the consequences of their actions.

**Note: this helps to explain why SHARING is often difficult. If they are establishing their own sense of self it is hard for them to share with another. This is a gradual process and improves closer to three years of age or older.

SHARING
Toddlers can’t see things or understand things “from another person’s point of view”.

This is the stage where they are struggling to assert themselves and can’t really understand the other side of the story! They are busy establishing their autonomy.

As a toddler preschool teacher, keep these facts in mind in your planning and your days will be successful not stressful. Allow the developmental stages and work with your toddlers to grow to the next level of learning to share.


If you like these preschool classroom ideas, check out the other ideas in the Preschool Planner.

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html

There are Two Editions now for the Preschool Planner: Basic or Platinum.

If you prefer lessons which have ideas for the Toddler Age, go here to the second volume of lessons. There is an entire bonus section devoted to TODDLERS.

http://www.preschoolwhiz.com/v2.html

Send me any ideas you would like to share and I will post them on my Blog.

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

Preschool Classroom - Welcome to Preschool

The fall may mark the end of summer but it is just the beginning of a brand new year for preschoolers. Take special steps to set up the preschool classroom now more than any other time throughout the year.

What a preschooler or toddler sees on those first few days will be the first and lasting impression of where he will be spending his first time away from his/her parents or caregivers. They need to feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. Give this your keen attention!

If you are having toddlers as well as preschool age be sure that their school items are located within their reach, that any small items pass the choke test-- (larger than approximately 2 1/2 " with a diameter of 1 1/4", or not small enough to fit inside a 35mm film canister); and that the tables and chairs are the right size for them to be able to seat themselves and master their independence!

Since toddler and preschool toys are brightly colored already, I make sure to use woods and natural soothing colors whenever possible to tone down the classroom. Too much color and too many things can lead to overstimulation at this age.

I divide the classroom into different areas--providing activity areas, tables and chair station, circle area (which tends to be the largest space) and a cozy area where your preschoolers can go to calm down, to cuddle with a pillow and look at books or just enjoy some quiet time.

Bulletin boards are excellent for creating welcome signs, showing pictures of activities that they will be doing in the classroom but, be sure to leave some blank framed areas. Point out that this is where you will need their help to complete the room decorations! This is an excellent way to engage them and to have them put their own touch on the classroom environment.

Of equal importance is to also provide a Parent Board where you will post class information, reminders, sign in and sign out sheets, snack menus and a suggestion box. This helps the parents with their own adjustment of leaving their preschooler in your care.


If you like these preschool classroom ideas, check out the other ideas in the Preschool Planner.

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html

There are Two Editions now for the Preschool Planner: Basic or Platinum.

If you prefer lessons which have ideas for the Toddler Age, go here to the second volume of lessons. There is an entire bonus section devoted to TODDLERS.

http://www.preschoolwhiz.com/v2.html

Send me any ideas you would like to share and I will post them on my Blog.

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

Preschool Shapes - Today is Oval Day!

When you are planning your lesson to teach preschool shapes to your preschoolers, use the idea below to encourage interest, participation and excitement. It works like magic every time!

You can substitute any shape into the title for the shape you are discussing. Begin by building anticipation for tomorrow's lesson by telling them the name of the shape for the next day. As they learn more and more shapes, you can begin to hide the different shapes they have learned. Once they find a hidden shape, you can have them identify it also.


Today is Oval Day!

Try to get the kids excited by announcing that tomorrow is going to be "oval" day.

We have been learning about different shapes for 2 year olds. I cut them out and tape them to walls and windows and they hunt for them like an egg hunt. Then we sit down and decorate them - glitter paint, paint or colors. While doing this - we talk about the shape and also talk about the shapes that we have done earlier in the week. I also make "Shape" place matts for lunch or snack time. So it is "Oval Day" all day long.


This is one of the many ideas sent to me by my readers. Thanks for sending these to me. Please continue to send me your ideas to share here for all to use.

If you like this idea for teaching preschool shapes, you'll love the other ideas in the Preschool Planner.

Check them out:

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html

Enjoy and remember to send in any ideas you wish to share and I will post them here.

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

PS: If you would like to receive my free newsletter for more ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Teaching Ideas - Flip That Plate

The beginning of a new school year presents special situations for the teachers as well as the preschoolers. One of my essential preschool teaching ideas is to learn the names of the children as quickly as possible. Secondly provide helpful ways to teach the children the names of their classmates.


Try this game that was sent to me recently for learning names. This game teaches name recognition, memory skills, letter recognition and many more.

You can modify this game in many ways to suit your situation and the ages of the children attending your preschool.


Flip That Plate
At the beginning of the year I write everyone's first name on a paper plate. For the first week, I hold the plates and hold one up at a time and ask the child whose name it is to tell me. This helps them recognize their own name. After I feel the kids can recognize their own name, we sit on the floor in our circle, I give everyone a plate face down and say "Don't touch that plate!"

I then call on my preschoolers one at a time to "Flip that Plate!!" they tell me whose name is on the plate. This helped everyone at the beginning of the year to learn names.
Later in the year I put last names on the plates and repeated the process. I also ask the kids to spell the names pointing to each letter as they spell.

My students love to play this game.

If you like these preschool teaching ideas, you'll love the other ideas in the Preschool Planner.

Check them out:

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html

There are Two Editions now for the Preschool Planner: Basic or Platinum.

If you prefer lessons which have ideas for the Toddler Age, go here to the second volume of lessons. There is an entire bonus section devoted to TODDLERS.

http://www.preschoolwhiz.com/v2.html

Send me any ideas you would like to share and I will post them on my Blog.

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

Preschool Back to School Ideas - Letter to Parents

I know the summer is winding down but you are probably gearing up for a new school year about to begin. Lots of questions and requests come in for preschool back to school ideas, activities, tips, etc.

Whenever possible, I like to send home a letter to parents with tips I've picked up over the years about the first days of preschool.

Here are some of the key ones I want my preschool parents to know about the separation process.

1. The great thing about the first day of preschool is that there are many other parents in the room who are going through the same exact thing as you.
2. As parents you can work together as a team; it becomes that much easier and that much more fun. (See tip #4 below for an example of this teamwork.)
3. They can point out a child that their preschooler may know from another activity or the neighborhood.
4. If they don't know anyone, help them to meet their first friend. For example, "Hello, this is Steve. Can we sit here with you?" They could also complement the other child on something he brought or is wearing. This child's parent will probably pick up on the introduction and join in as well.
5. When it is time to leave, don't take your preschooler out of the room. The teacher or assistant will be there to help.
6. Even if it appears tempting, DO NOT SNEAK out while your child is busy with something else.
7. Don't ask your child permission to leave or offer a bribe to stay there. This sets up a very difficult situation for you and your child.

8. Last and equally important, thank the parent for entrusting you with their child. Acknowledge that you know how difficult this can be for them as well with many mixed feelings. Reassure them that you are there to help their child learn, grow and make friends and that you are working together with them to provide the best possible experience you can.


If you like these preschool back to school ideas, come back over the next couple of weeks for more ideas to come.

You'll love the other ideas in the Preschool Planner as well.


Check them out:

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html

Enjoy and remember to send in any ideas you wish to share and I will post them here.

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

PS: If you would like to receive my free newsletter for more ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Learning Activities - Mini Greenhouse

I have been receiving so many wonderful preschool learning activities this month. Thanks to all of you who are sending them to share on the blog.

This preschool activity is one I have done many times and it is always a hit with my preschoolers. Often a long term activity is difficult to capture the attention of a three or four year old but this one is different. Thanks Norah for reminding of this one!

Give this a try and you'll see how fun it is to watch the progress and learn something new everyday from it.

MINI GREENHOUSE

Material:
* 2 liter plastic drink bottle
* dirt/potting mix
* seeds
* water
Method:
1. Cut top of bottle off. (approxiamately 10cm down)
2. Fill bottom of bottle with approximately 10cm of dirt.
3. Plant seeds in soil.
4. Water slightly.
5. Place top back on by inserting just inside bottom piece. (This will catch the dew and the plant will be self-watering)
6. Place in a sunny position.
7. When big enough plant outside in the garden.

Learning Objectives:
* Develop concepts of time and growth. (how things grow)
* Enhance scientific knowledge. (plants self watering, plants need sunlight)
* Promotes language development.
* Develop cognitive skills. (questioning etc.)
* Develop responsibility and confidence for care of other living things.
* Develop environmental awareness.

If you like these preschool learning activities, you'll love the other ideas in the Preschool Planner.

Check them out:

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html

Enjoy and remember to send in any ideas you wish to share and I will post them here.

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

PS: If you would like to receive my free newsletter for more ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Teacher Supplies - Pictures and Markers

It's the time of year that we are all setting up our classes for the new fall session to begin. If you are searching for preschool teacher supplies, try out the ideas below.

One of my readers sent these and I couldn't wait to pass them along to you.


Photo Paper and Bingo Markers!

I discovered by accident was to use photo paper to print an image of anything I wanted, off my computer. No need to laminate and it's permanent! The color looks so much better than my coloring an image ( I hate to color!).

Another idea that works well with my Developmentally Delayed and Autistic preschoolers is to use bingo markers as a "writing" tool. They're great to use when making patterns on graph paper and the list of activities with these markers is never ending! It is also easy for the kid to get a good grasp.

Keep sending in your ideas and I will be sure to post them here for all to use!

If you like these ideas for preschool teacher supplies, you'll love the other ideas in the Preschool Planner.

Check them out:

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html


Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com


PS: If you would like to receive my free newsletter for more ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Fine Motor Activities for Preschool - Name Recognition

I love finding new ideas for fine motor activities for preschool. Couple that with teaching your preschoolers name recognition and you have a wonderful new teaching tool.

One of my readers sent this idea to me and I couldn't wait to share it.

This is a fine motor activity that you will need to supervise but the children love doing this and their result is something they can keep, take home, show their parents, and hang in their rooms.


Pin Point Name Signs

For name recognition and fine motor development I like to write the child's name on an index card, using a dot format.

Next I give the child a push pin and place the card on a folded towel. They are so excited to have a push pin that they will take all of the time they need to punch each little dot and make a pin hole.

Then we hold it up to the light and they can see their name!

Thanks so much for sending me these fine motor activities for preschool. Remember to send in any preschool ideas you wish to share and I will post them here. Thanks for all the ideas that come in daily.

If you like these ideas, you'll love the other ideas in the Preschool Planner.

Check them out:

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html


Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com


PS: If you would like to receive my free newsletter for more ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html