EK Show and Tell -Online
4/25/2020
Now that distance learning has become the new normal for teachers and students all over the world, creativity is at an all-time high as we are trying to figure out ways to reach and teach our students. As we move forward with online learning, I took a moment to reflect and asked myself 'What is something that brings our class together?' and 'What do my students enjoy the most?'. Show and Tell has always been a special part of our EK classroom and is a time the children look forward to. Zoom has been a great platform for us to continue our weekly Show and Tell.
Students present an item that they are excited and passionate about. This week they presented something that makes them happy. It is always a pleasure to see their faces light up as they explain the significance of their item. My favorite part of Show and Tell is to hear the sweet compliments the students give each other. This positive social interaction can boost a child’s self-esteem as they realize that their thoughts and ideas are valued. Show and Tell is a structured question and answer activity. Oral Language skills are strengthened as they use descriptive words and full sentences to describe their item. Show and Tell has many benefits for young children. This experience helps to build effective speaking and listening skills. It also promotes emotional development in children as they share their interest with the class. It also teaches children how to be patient and wait for their turn to present their own item which can be a challenge for preschoolers. An online Show and Tell session is not exactly the same as what we do in the classroom since the children don’t get a chance to physically play with each others' items. However, I am glad that the students are continuing to gain the benefits of a Show and Tell activity on zoom! Distance Learning- Small Groups
4/10/2020
This week, we incorporated small group sessions to our Early Kindergarten Distance Learning Program. There are many benefits to small group instruction for both students and educators.
Developmental Growth: Early Kindergarteners are working towards developing cognitive and social skills. Small Group discussions provide students with the opportunity to use language to express their thoughts and needs with their peers. This week, we read books including “You Poked My Heart” by Brandy Cook and “Grumpy Pants” by Claire Messer. After reading these stories, the students discussed ways to communicate with peers during disagreements. They also talked about ways to self- soothe when they are feeling grumpy. Cuddling with a stuffed animal, taking a walk, and napping were some ways our students deal with frustration. They enjoyed conversing with their peers on zoom! Cooperation: Small group instruction allows students to further develop cooperation skills, conversation skills and learn how to share and take turns. The students practiced taking turns while playing a math game. The game reviewed numbers 1-10 and practiced counting with meaning. Personalized Instruction: Working in small groups allow teachers to evaluate students' strengths and locate gaps in literacy, math and social skills. This week we practiced sight words, letter recognition, and letter sounds. Collaboration: Small group sessions provide children with a comfortable environment to engage with their peers. While completing activities and playing games, students work together to achieve the same goal. Small group sessions on zoom have brought the class together and allowed us to continue to make meaningful relationships. |
Anna RamseyArchives
April 2021
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