Writing Focused On The Game

I have found a lovely, photo based blog entry on supporting writing skills through a play based curriculum.

Check it out. Jenny's preschool classroom writing experiences (indoors and outdoors) are fantastic!

Let the Children Play

Cheap! Dinosaur Measurement And Science

In today's economy (and, as a frugal and financially wise, at any time!) I'm always interested in the lessons that can be improved in the most economical way possible.

My class was involved in the study of dinosaurs is based on the unit, and last week. It seems to me that there is always an easy way to combine language and literacy in every unit, but sometimes it is more difficult to integrate science and mathematics. Since this unit focuses on dinosaurs, science is not a problem either, but how we can integrate math concepts? Here's an idea that was used.

I found these pictures of dinosaurs in my local dollar tree. (Yes, it cost at least $ 1 for this lesson.)

I told my students that these dinosaurs were bigger when we put them in water. We decided to measure with a ruler, to predict the size we thought it would get, and then measure after.

Because I wanted to concentrate on a couple of math skills have made a big deal to measure the dinosaur. I left my finger on number 4, after which we measured and reminded the children that he should be "greater." I asked them: "How big do you think he is?" In other courses, such as pointing the finger at the top of the ruler (showing them the logical choice around the ruler.) They made predictions I recorded them and then observed. Pictures show what we have so far!

After measuring our dinosaur again tomorrow, we will leave the water and predict what will happen. It will be interesting to see if one of the children to predict which decreased by 4 inches (remember, this is where we begin our first step!)

'Post It' Charts

Here is a simple strategy you use a lot in my class. Write the name of each child in a post-it. "I can write a question on a sheet of paper each and usually add visual effects for each column of the table. Here is a picture of our latest video:

I like to use to write the charts for many reasons:

1) They help children learn reading skills, reading their names and the names of their peers'.

2) They help children develop their language skills by answering questions and making choices.

3) They help children develop skills related to employment and concentration because they are actively involved, and they physically visit their own name on the card.

4) They help children develop social skills, learn to shoot and wait their turn.

5) They help children develop math skills to count the number of votes in each column and discuss the concepts more, less, and the same (equal).

6) They help children develop reading skills by becoming a part of our environmental footprint in the classroom.

7) It is a fast and easy! That means we do not spend more time preparing materials for children is needed to effectively participate in the activity.