Magic Draws

Here are the labels I  made for my "Magic Draws"! Let me know if you tried them and what strategies helped your students stay focused and successful!

Word wall

Dollar Tree store has theses vocabulary cards with pictures! :) Awesome find!

Library Center

Many teachers believe that the library center is the one of the most important centers in a good preschool classroom. Creating a print-rich preschool classroom is essential to building early literacy skills and outlining the importance of reading and writing. The library center should contain a reflection of the lesson plan theme and curriculum goals you have chosen. Previously read books, children magazines, big books, and character favorites, such as, “Dora” should also be included.

Comfortable seating is a must for your preschool library center. It is important to create a cozy place to curl up include beanbags, large pillows, and even child-sized armchairs or toddler bed! Be sure to place the library center in the quietest corner of your classroom. Ideally, the reading corner would be placed away from noisy areas such as the sensory table or block corner.

Friendship Survey

This is a survey that I have children use independently or you can  model surveying/asking questions in a small group.

Getting to know you games!

Cross the Road: Gather your students in a line on one side of the rug. Explain to the children that you will be asking them a question if it is a "Yes" they drive across the "road" if it is a "No" they stay parked in their cars right where they are. For example; "Do you have a brother?" It is also helpful to have pictures that coincide with the question, for visual learners and second language learners. You can use substitue "road" for anything ( river, draw bridge, ocean, galaxy).

Stand Up and Sit Down Game:  Place chairs in rows on the rug. Explain to the children that you will be asking them a question if it is a "Yes" they Stand Up , if it is a "No" they stay in their seats right where they are. For example; "Do you have a brother?" It is also helpful to have pictures that coincide with the question, for visual learners and second language learners. Before each question have all students sit back down.

Back to School

The first week of school is focused on getting the students acquainted with their new school and classroom. I put out a few materials at each lab and spend this time observing my students and trying to really get to know them. We sing songs, play cooperative learning games and explore and answer any questions the children might have about their school. The first weeks of school  are crutuial for children to feel safe and also as valued memeber of their new classroom and school.