Kindergarten Classroom Management
For many children, kindergarten is their first experience with formal schooling. (And doesn’t that make you appreciate pre-school teachers?!) Helping them learn how to share, take turns, line up and raise their hand can all be challenging on its own. And, wait – you’re supposed to teach them how to read and write, too!
The California Kindergarten Association is here for you! As a group of current and former kindergarten teachers ourselves, we’ve been there, and done that! If trying to get kindergarten kids to work with you as a group is making you feel like you’re herding cats, we have strategies and tips to help. Tried one of our ideas? We’d love to hear how it worked!
Snowflakes, Snowflakes – a Wintery Rhyme to get out the Kindergarten Wiggles
It’s almost December and the holidays are right around the corner. As the days grow shorter, the kids always seem to grow more wiggly. Here’s an easy poem that will get your students up and moving. They’ll be practicing rhyming with a touch of ELD while they work off some energy but most of all, they’ll just have some good ol’ fun. Snowflakes, Snowflakes Snowflakes, snowflakes, dance around, Snowflakes, snowflakes, touch the ground. Snowflakes, snowflakes, on my nose, Snowflakes, snowflakes, on my...
read moreHo-Ho-Homework Help
Adjusting to Kindergarten can be challenging for many students. Even students in higher grades often struggle with getting homework done. Here’s how former CKA Board Member Pam Sunderman worked together with one mom to support her children in getting their assigned work completed. Says Pam, “We came up with the idea of a Special Homework Box. I suggested materials and to make sure he knew that it was very special and just for homework. It would even have a snack inside each day. She took my suggestions and ran with them....
read moreTransitions in Kindergarten: Getting From Here to There Without Going Everywhere
Transitions are always a challenging part of any teacher’s day, and even more so when you’re working with very young children. Whether you’re trying to get your class lined up for recess or dismissing them to their tables to begin their work, moving smoothly from one space to another can be tricky. Here are ten easy ways to help you get your kids from here to there without them winding up everywhere! By first letter of their name – “If your name begins with ‘M’, line up,” etc. You might want to scaffold this by holding...
read moreI Wiggle – a Poem to Help with Classroom Management
The first days back after a holiday are usually full of extra energy. Here’s a quick and easy poem to help work out some of those wiggles! (Wiggle the body parts as they are mentioned.) I wiggle my fingers, I wiggle my toes, I wiggle my nose, I wiggle my shoulders, Now no more wiggles are left in me, So I will sit as still as can be. Hope this Tuesday Teaching Tip helps you to have a calm day in...
read moreShh! A Tip to Help with Classroom Management
Today’s Tuesday Teaching Tip is another poem to help you get your class calm and ready to listen. If you can hear me, put your hands on your head. If you can hear me, put your hands on your shoulders. If you can hear me, put your hands on your hips. If you can hear me, put your hands on your lips. Have a peaceful...
read moreQuiet, Please! A Tip for Classroom Management
Happy Tuesday! With the start of a new school year, comes the challenge of getting a new group of kids used to sitting quietly; ready to learn. Many of us are facing larger classes, making it even harder to get all of them “with” you. Today’s Tuesday Teaching tip is a little poem to help get your students focused and ready to listen on the carpet. Open them, shut them. Open them, shut them. Give a little clap, clap, clap. Open them, shut them. Open them, shut them, Fold them in your lap. How do you encourage your...
read moreClassroom Management Part I
Debra Weller shares tips for color coding your classroom, numbering spaces on the carpet and other efficient ideas to run a smooth classroom.
read moreClassroom Management Part II
Debra Weller explains behavior strategies for setting boundaries and sign language signals.
read moreOur 31st Annual Conference
We are thrilled to announce that our 31st conference in January, was a huge success! We are so thankful to Jim Gill, Peggy Campbell Rush and all of our great presenters who made it a fabulous time. It was wonderful to see so many of you there! We hope you're planning to join us in 2014!
ART Really Teaches
