Making Word Maps With Preschoolers

I know I have a difficult time reading maps. I still agonize over which way is north or or south. I will usually get frustrated and ask for visual landmarks. My word maps consist of, "If you pass the yellow dog in the yard you have gone too far, go just beyond the blue house and our location is where the green truck in the driveway is."
I wondered how I could teach very young children about following directions while making it fun. Word maps came to mind. Here is how we do it in preschool.

How to do word maps with preschoolers:
Materials: mini toy compasses (optional, but can be bought in bulk at party stores as party favors), paper,strips of paper, tape, a large room, pen, scissors, your imagination.

Process: Draw a simple map of the room where you would what the children to go. Pick 5-7 areas of the room to begin with, once the kids understand what is going on they will definitely want you to extend this activity and do it again.
Cut paper into strips and write clues for exactly where you want the children to look. Keep the first clue and tape the rest in a hidden spot on the location they are to look. This will be in a sequential order so numbering your clues might help.

As kids guess, they can walk over as a group or individually to search for the taped clue in the area they are looking. I like to use colored paper and love to rhyme my clue, but that's not necessary.We all clap and cheer when we are finished finding all the clues. Sometimes I leave a prize at hidden with the last clue (individual bags of fruit loops, stickers, etc.). We worked as a team and are rewarded as a team.
As an extension I introduce compasses and show the children how they work. We use them while finding the clues and I will write down the results in the map.
Word maps are great ways to enhance preschoolers cognitive skills, language development, spacial awareness, sequencing, memory and recall, even motor skills.
Sometimes we all wind up outside depending on the clues. At the end of the circle time activity we try to recall all the places we went!

Doing a Nature Collage with Preschoolers

 "Creativity is thinking up new things. 

Innovation is doing new things."

~Theodore Levitt

 On a beautiful day I will have the children go on a nature walk with me. We will usually decorate a small paper bag and go outside specifically looking for beautiful things in bloom or something we haven't noticed before. We have a casual conversation about being careful not to disturb out "bug friends" but we all can definitely have a look. Most children really don't stop and notice nature in a world of rushing from one place to another. It's nice to have some time and make a project out of the time we spend together.

Nature Collage Materials Needed:

• Paper bags and crayons to color them (of course this can even be a project in itself!)
• Contact paper (or substitute with tape) 
• Construction paper (any color)
• One marker to write down their words. 
• One Large sheet of newsprint.

Procedure:

This can be done at a table, at a circle time in small groups or done over a period over a few days depending on the number of children you have. The kids love the individual attention and a group is sure to gather to hear the story.

1. Ask the child to empty the bag onto the newsprint and everyone have a look and touch at what was found.It may have a fragrance or weight to it. Ask the child to recall where they found it and what they think it is.
2. Write down their words on the construction paper and tape or place the bit of nature on the construction paper. Use your discretion if there are multiple bits of nature-they can always be placed back in the bag as a treasure.
3. When finished have the child help you place the sheet of contact paper over the collage to seal and press it. Voila, your done.

Answering Back.

 "The creative person wants to be a know-it-all. He wants to know about all kinds of things: ancient history, nineteenth-century mathematics, current manufacturing techniques, flower arranging, and hog futures. Because he never knows when these ideas might come together to form a new idea. It may happen six minutes later or six months, or six years down the road. But he has faith that it will happen."

*Carl Ally*

"But why?"

"Who?"

"Do we have to?"

"Say that again?"

"Huh?"

"So, what does that mean?"

"When?"

"But where did it go?"

"No way! Tell me how!"

Yes....I answer all of them. Yes. All of them.
I suppose being a teacher means we look past the questions and see things like creativity at work, science in motion, motivation, intrigue....
Like most teachers, I'm often asked how I developed so much patience.
Patience?
It's meant as a compliment and I often wonder; that must be what 'caring' really looks like.

Puzzled? In Early Childhood Education....

"What's to puzzle over? Spread your 

wings and let your soul melt into the sky"

~Anonymous 

 

Puzzles come in all shapes and sizes for preschoolers. Good quality puzzles can be purchased at yard sales, consignment or thrift shops, and lending toy libraries.
Children love cutting pictures from magazines to create their own puzzles. Simply mount the pictures on cardboard pieces or popsicle sticks. Homemade puzzles make thoughtful gift ideas, too!

Here are some things children are learning when they work with puzzles:
*Puzzles assist children in recognizing shapes, colors, and symbols
*Strengthens reading and writing skills
*Develops fine motor skills (Pincer grasp) and hand eye coordination
*Helps children recognize how the brain and body work together to solve problems


Tips About Puzzles:
*Puzzles are self correcting; there is usually only one way to do them

*Always make sure all the puzzles have all the pieces to them. Children can be taught to check for this as they put them away
*Teach proper puzzle care and maintenance to your children
*As children master puzzles, challenge them with new ways to do them or new puzzles, too!
*Introduce new puzzles slowly into the learning environment
*Encourage children to work together to solve a frustration puzzle. Coach a child through a puzzle and never simply ‘do’ it for him or her (a sense of completion to solving a problem is very important; even if you leave it be for a time and return to it later)
*Relax and have fun!
What kinds of games do you like to do with puzzles as extensions?

Smart Go Green Tips For Children's Art Work In Early Childhood Education

"Nature hates calculators."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I had collected a mountain of children’s artwork over the years. Even dictation I have collected. I was thankful when the work children did went into portfolios, then I didn’t have mini piles meeting me at my door when I got home.
Since I started going green it has been much easier. That, and I just think differently about everything I do.
Here is how you can save a ton of money on wrapping paper and packing materials. Just before you toss it or recycle it.

Tips for What I Keep:

*In 20 years I have maybe a few pieces of artwork from children.
The rest never make it in the door unless there is a “Go Green” reason.

*Timing is everything, just before a birthday or a major gift exchange I start saving the most vibrant artworks. I doesn’t matter if it is a collage, mosaic, or painting, but the bigger in size the better. When you think of it this way you won’t be cluttered in your mind as to what to keep. Remember, You don't want a 'well meaning' pile sitting forever.
*If you don’t have one I recommend you get a shredder. I love it.
I keep one in my personal office and refill paper in the art area collage box at the preschool.

What I Do With It All To Go Green:
• Hand Made Cards: Children’s Artwork makes excellent cards. Simply fold it in half and keep some insert an extra white sheet of paper or tag board inside and staple or glue it as the cover. Allow 24 hours to dry before writing inside if you glue.

• Home Made Wrapping Paper: Usually large sheets of art work best but if you don’t have that don’t panic! I have cut off the bottom of a brown paper bag and had children color on it and tied it with raffia ribbon or hair ribbons. It lookes lovely!
• GO Green Packaging Tip: Before you buy those packing peanuts look into purchasing or borrow a shredder. I mix it up in there or shread my newsprint. Hope these Go Green ideas save you some time and money!

Hope these tips work for you, pass them on and share some with us!

Working With Natural Clay in Early Childhood Education

When my daughter was about seven years old, she asked me one day what I did at work. I told her I worked at the college - that my job was to teach people how to draw. She stared at me, incredulous, and said, "You mean they forget?" 
~Howard Ikemoto

One of my favorite things to do with preschoolers in the classroom is clay. I know, I always say everything is “one of my favorite things”…but it is. Next to art, and everything else…that is. I mean the fresh stuff too, people. Not a bunch of hard crumbly dried up rocks because someone forgot to store it properly, lol.
Proper storage for clay is;
*Air tight container
*Plastic bag covering the clay

*Damp cloth over the top of the clay

I use interlocked pipe cleaners I have twisted together to “cut” it if it is purchased in bulk. I put the wire around the trunk of it as if I was going to tie a bow around it- but instead I simply keep pulling the pipe cleaner toward me and it makes a clean cut through the clay.

Materials:
Clay, trays, small cups of water for each child, covered tables with news print,small bin of water, towels, and smocks (optional)

The Process:
I give the little ones a tray, a damp sponge, a hunk of clay, damp sponges, small cups of water, and put bins of water under the table with towels to dry off (This way they are not dripping back and forth to the sink)
The first few experiences the clay I don’t give them any tools to work with, just their hands. Sometimes they make a product but that is not the main focus, it is mainly sensorial now, later on I add extensions as they become interested in making something.

Extension ideas:
*Pressing dinosaur feet or skeletons in the clay to make fossil impressions
*Pressing insects in the clay and painting them of fossil impressions
*Hand and footprint impressions
*Pressing sea glass and small beads for art projects

What do you enjoy doing with clay?

Fostering Resiliency in Children in Early Childhood Education

You always pass failure on your way to success. 

~Mickey Rooney

I would hate to think I am an Early Childhood Educator that discourages children. Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it, I mean who would go put of their way to do that, right? I really do look at the lives to people who have been success stories and they do tend to credit influential people like teachers that have- in fact said very hurtful and discouraging things to them.
Their clearly was something in the content to their character that made them persevere.
Resiliency…. that amazing ability to bounce back from situations.
I always think of a ball or a bubble. It’s simplicity. A soap bubble takes a round form simply because it is the most efficient practical shape it exist. It’s no wonder we use term, a well rounded individual.
Either way…I would like to be remembered for fostering 'good' by the children.

Creative and Open Ended Art in Early Childhood Education

“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what

 to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”

~George Smith Patton, War as I Knew It, 1947

I think for the first few years of teaching in early childhood education I told the preschoolers what to do most of the day. I mean…I was on top of them. Hovering, like some kind of kinder-cop helicopter; alert and ready to airlift anyone with messy pants or a sour disposition.
What’s different now…well, the messy pants part hasn’t changed.

But I defiantly allow leeway when it comes to creativity. Creative art, creative problem solving (conflict resolution skills), creative solutions….
I am not so quick to rush in and have all the answers for the children. Often I find if I simply am a comforting positive and encouraging presence the children have many skills when they have been given a good foundation from the beginning of the school year and understand the rules.
Creative art is also open-ended art and can be done in any area of the preschool classroom and with any type of material. I think it’s one of my favorite areas and center’s to watch the children in.
Children don’t have much control in their own environment- but they do over what goes on their paper.
Art is always a preference with children-some truly enjoy the process of crafts.....
What type of art do your preschoolers enjoy doing?

Early Childhood Educational Memory Activites and Games

"Memory is a child walking along a seashore. You never can tell what small pebble it will pick up and store away among its treasured things."

~Pierce Harris, Atlanta Journal

I enjoy story times. Early Childhood Education is not always about the education young children, I have found out. I have learned quite a few things myself-especially from a child’s point of view.
What preschoolers retain, recall, learn and perceive are very important to me. This is why I love hearing them tell me stories and recall events. I will even incorporate it as part of the preschool curriculum…games, activities, even books!

Questions like;
What was your favorite thing you did outside today?
How many kids did you play with at school today?
What is your favorite thing that happened today?
What made you happy today?

What types of questions inspire your children or preschoolers?
*Special thanks to Capri Giles for showing us this video!

Creating Excellent Work Habits in the Early Childhood Classroom

 

Habits are at first cobwebs, then cables. 
~Spanish Proverb

As an early childhood educator I really have a strong desire to teach the young children excellent work habits. Skills that will give them a foundation for success in life and a foundation they can build throughout their own lives.
This is why my studies led me to so many areas of curriculum and methodologies for my own classroom. High/Scope, Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Montessori, Emergent Curriculum, Reggio Emilia,The Multiple Intelligences Theory…and so many more. I really wanted to know what worked in the ways children learned. And there were success stories in all of them.
I think the one that really amazes me now is The Multiple Intelligences Theory. It can keep going on forever…
Because the brain and intelligence is so vast.
If anything, I want preschoolers to know that.

They are capable of anything if they set their whole heart to it.

Creative Movement in Early Childhood Education

Commit to be fit. ~Author Unknown

I really feel that early childhood educators have a certain amount of responsibility encouraging preschoolers to be creative. This leads to creativity throughout our adult lives…ahem.
Creative movement and exercise in early childhood programs can be so much fun, especially infused with the right music and movement activities. When it’s incorporated as part of the preschool curriculum children really look forward to these activities.
Times really have changed; in a world where videos, TV, and technology have really taken over…our preschoolers are being studied to find out why they are gaining more weight and are more likely to eat less healthy foods.
Share with us some great activities and snacks kids love...we'd love to hear them!

Life Skills 411 Education for Every Age...

Why should society feel responsible only for the education of children, and not for the education of all adults of every age? ~Erich Fromm

We all have a lot to learn from on another.
Adults can make mistakes just as often as young children. Some children have really good advice to give and adults won’t listen simply because they are “the adults”.
I really liked school as a preschooler and in general. I was glad after I finished collage I found a program years later called Life Skills 411 that was like a continuation program for me in life. I could have spent my time being a professional student drowning in text book smarts and no social skills.
I am not the only one that Life Skills 411 has made to bloom like a rose, incidentally, I had looked into and tried other programs but none worked for me like this. At first I just wanted just wanted to go to school, I had no clue I was about to change my life...
Youth that where taking the courses at Life Skills Academy really began to change. I saw the youth’s grades turn around, they gained confidence, kids began the set goals and think about their future….
It is very inspirational. I took the adult courses, and now it’s a way of life for me.
I believe it won’t be long now before we are hearing more about programs like these….they are very needful, and are being talked about already by economists and society alike.

The Heckman Equation

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Cooking Projects in Early Childhood Education

“The belly rules the mind.” ~Spanish Proverb

I love doing cooking projects with preschoolers. I often get chances to ask them what foods they like, dislike….you know, check out what they know about nutrition. I get great curriculum ideas just from talking to my children-but I really like to find out where they are at first.
That’s the best part of my job.
Here are some responses to what I’ve asked them regarding;

What favorite food do you like to eat?

“My favorite food is cow.”
“Mine is Hang-gabbers.” (Hamburgers, I believe)
“My favorite animal is hot dog”

What kind of food is bad for you?
“Blue meat is bad for you.”
“Dead things is-a bad for you.”
“Bad breath is bad for you.”
“When I am out of my candies…that’s bad.”
"Eatting stuffs that falled off the floor."

How do you make Egg Foo Young?
“You get a baby egg and foo it.” 

    What do you like to cook with kids?                                               

Working with Parents as Partners in Early Childhood Education

“It's so hard when I have to, and so easy when I want to.”

~Annie Gottlier

Creating a sense of community takes time in a preschool environment. I think of it much like building a small city. Everyone has a place and a task….and of course, a temperament.

I really have to spend lots of time getting to know each child as much as I can. Talking with children, doing activities along with the children; math, science and clean up times...everyday routines really do count. One on one bonding can be a difficult task when there are so many little ones at first- but when I spend time investing in the parents and families it makes it much smoother.
This is how I stay connected to families and children:
*I’ll write personal notes on colorful stationary.
*Send home updated questionnaires on changes to foods, allergies, likes and dislikes, usually every 3-6 months (depending on the child)
*Send home humorous anecdotes their child says.
*Thank you notes for having their child come play with us and the wonderful skills I am seeing developing.

I have often seeing that children look to their parents for how to react to school or new situations. Sometimes I spend more time consoling a parent over a situation than a child….and this is necessary for everyone involved, in the end.
I remember one conversation I had with a preschooler while I was working with her mother during her child's preschool transition.
“Ms. Barbra?”
“Yes?”
“I think my mom like for me to go to school now. Yeah.”
“You think so, huh?’
“Yeah-huh, a-cause she didn’t cry in the car today.”
“That sounds sad. Do you like school, though?”
“Yeah-huh, but she really needs to stop crying forever.”
In what ways do you stay connected to young children and families?

Art in Early Childhood Education

“Conditions for creativity are to be puzzled; to concentrate; to accept conflict and tension; to be born everyday; to feel a sense of self.”

~Eric Fromm

Artists tend to look at the marks or strokes that are left behind on the paper or canvas. They can be beautiful within themselves. This is usually why young children’s art work is appreciated so much.
Crayons, markers, pens and pencils are usually staples in any art area. As children’s skills grow and develop the materials usually graduate with them. Staplers, tape, scissors, stickers etc. The list can go on. I recruit help from the families as well. It’s not always that it is necessary, but it is important to involve them as active members in the preschooler’s education.
Parents and families are creative as well and have so much to bring to the table. They are so necessary in the education of the ‘whole child’.

The saying, It takes a village to raise a child…I believe holds true. The village must also know how to work together, come together, and be quite a community in the first place in order to do that.
Wow…what a group of people…and the children….imagine the community…and the work that they would produce.

Preschool Manners in Early Childhood Education

“Apology is a lovely perfume; it can transform the clumsiest moment into a gracious gift.”

~Margaret Lee Runbeck

As a young child I was made to apologize to my sisters. I remember my parents standing over me watching me do it, too.….listening to my tone of voice.
As young as I was, my mother’s ear was tuned to the ‘twang’ in of the tone I had as I apologized.
“Don’t you think you should try that apology once more?” She would offer.
I took a breath and looked at my sister’s Cheshire Cat grin….(I knew what my mom meant)…ahem.
My own parents viewed an apology as a part of manners, just like saying please or thank you. Being pretty practical no nonsense people I'm not sure they would have care about looking at any developmental standpoints, either.

Preschoolers learn by example. I have apologized to children and have apologized on behalf of preschooler’s behavior. Telling young children I feel sorry to hear about a particular sad situation, or simply sorry that they feel sad or upset is my way of acknowledging I know they troubled.
“I’m Sorry” can be a difficult words to say sometimes. But when it is infused in our children’s environment, perhaps it makes it a bit easier to say when it is a familiar phrase.
There really is something about preschoolers-how they don’t hold grudges. Three minutes later they are off playing and laughing with one another…
It’s really us big folks that do things like that.
I have worked in schools that often have strong policies about whether or not children should even apologize to one another. I found this quite surprising. What are your thoughts on this?

The Honorable Mention: Should Vegetarians Eat Animal Crackers?

"Perhaps imagination is only intelligence having fun." ~George Scialabba

“AaaaaGh! No!”

There was a scream from across the room.
“Maggie ate something she wasn’t a-pposed to!”
My preschool teachers brain worked quickly…synapse’s firing at lightening speed.
Let’s see…Maggie: vegetarian, no meat or milk. She is nowhere near either…yes, I can breathe now.
“Everything is fine, children.” I smiled. “What seem to be the problem? Why is everyone so worried?”

“Well…”one child explained, “Maggie eatted all plants, right?”
“That’s correct.”
Another concerned friend chimed in, “But, look-it what she’s eating! Aaaaagh, no, no!”
I was utterly confused as I sat down and watched them all eating the same snack….was I missing something?
“Ms. Barbra? Should she be eating those animal crackers?” A child leaned over and whispered in my ear.

Sugar and Behavior in Early Childhood Education

“Sugar is a type of bodily fuel, yes, but your body runs about as well on it as a car would.” ~V.L. Allineare

The children are already getting that glazed look. Sugar. Candy…. In all shapes forms and sizes.
Seems like most schools I have worked at over the years have caved into parents demands or modified their policies for specific occasions.
I’ll do what I am told to do either way as a preschool teacher.
But there are definite consequences to our actions when children are given lots of sugar. I usually type up a personal letter for the families giving a gentle reminder about their intake. Kids may go over friend’s houses, various families houses sampling goodies, a few party invites- vacuuming up holiday cookies and candies…the next thing you know…..They are in trouble for swinging from the rafters and for such unusual behavior.
The rules in the preschool class are the same as any other time.
There seems to be something about festivities and holidays that makes us want to make a shift from our daily routines…all the things we know that are good for us.
I have to remind myself too.
Kids can be sweet without all that sugar.

Funny Things That Happen To A Preschool Teacher in Early Childhood Education

 

“The door to safety swings on the hinges of common sense.”
~Author Unknown

I tripped at school.
This was cause for great concern for all the preschoolers because I am a stickler for being safe and picking up toys.
The children gathered around me with great concern and produced the culprit.
It was a giant puzzle piece. An inconspicuous looking, fun-foam letter ‘a’.
Sometimes I get to be the object lesson.
The class artist drew a picture of the incident just before I caught myself.
“Um Ms. Barbra…How do you spell, OOph?”
Yeah…that was the sound of a preschool teacher about to take a face plant….without hazard pay.
I am pretty sure they got the expression right, too….

Humorous Memories of an Early Childhood Educator

"One of the virtues of being very young is that  you don't

let the facts get in the way of your imagination."
~Sam Levenson

Years ago, I was picking up a friend’s child from her Kindergarten class. The first thing that hit me was how the children were addressed by the teacher…but kids are still kids wherever you go.
“You WILL color the whole paper….” The teacher, Ms. Thompson, went on to say.
I wasn’t sure what activity they were doing but Ms. Thompson seemed mighty stern.
Yikes. I thought.
“And not one of you will get up from your chair until you finish. Do you all understand? No Bathroom.”
Uh….yeah…well, the teacher didn’t see me standing behind her so she was startled when she saw me.
I smiled, she didn’t.
Rinny ran to me and hugged me with a paper in her hand.
“Just a moment, young lady,” the teacher added, “your work?”
“Oh, I’m done Ms Thompson.” Rinny said handing her the paper.
“How can that be, we all just start…” She paused and eyed Rinny suspiciously.
“It’s a snowstorm.”
“Rinny Nicole Atwell. I have had enough of your shenanigans.”
“It's a snowstorm, Ms. Thompson, really. In Ohio…where I am from, it would get so cold and snowy I couldn't see anything outside my window. It was really scary…”
“I see….” Ms Thompson said. “Well,…I’ll just put it up on the wall later….you may go.”
“Thank you Ms. Thompson.”
Interesting….I never asked Rinny what that was about, if she really just wanted to leave or what. What I did know was that in Ms. Thompson’s Kindergarten Class a perfectly blank sheet of paper hung neatly matted and framed along the wall with everyone else’s on Parent Night.
It was labeled: The Snow Storm