Preschool help!?

Question

I am working with a group of very energitic and " active" 4-5 year old children. I only have them for about 2 hours and day but it feels like 10! I usually teach third grade but am filling in until I go back to public school. I need some ideas as to what I can do with these little cherubs for fun. It is a challenge to get them to listen to a story or even directions to a game for that matter. I do lots of centers to keep them moving. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Ah yes... we do have years like those, don't we?  I agree with the answer from fluflu.  :-)  Shorten those "sitting periods"- get up and moving with them.  Extend the sitting periods a little by little each week.

Suggestions for story time--- one year I provided a basket of "squishies" that I passed around prior to reading a story.  The rule was choose one and pass along and keep until end of the story.  There was no trading.  The squishies were like Koosh balls, balloons filled with flour, etc.  Set the guideline right away about keeping them in the center of your criss cross legs so that they are not throwing them.  This also works for at small group when directions are being given.  More likely than not they are grasping what you are saying more than you think...some kids just need to move...especially at this age.  I have also taught them how to "twiddle their thumbs" and do "finger push-ups"...no materials required.  :-)

Also, take a moment and assess what really bothers you the most and then ask yourself..."does it matter?"  if it doesn't...let it go.   A lot less stress for you.

Another quick thought--- switch the types of "stories" you are doing... act some out... use story telling instead of book reading... get the kids involved with flannel stories... This works better at small group but with one group that was so active I chose to take "story time" to small group.  Sometimes I would provide individual magent or flannel boards and pieces and the children would arrange them on their board and then tell their story to the others in the group... they other children loved to hear each other's stories.  This works great with retelling a story as well... after you have read a book at small group...provide the boards and have them retell.  The key is to keep them involved in everything!

Answer 2

I think the answer is already in your question.  "I keep them moving"  This is the stage of development for discovery, sampling, experimenting.  How have your 9 year olds acquired the "ability" to sit longer, take direction and listen?  Its through opportunities (like you are offering) for them to make some decision and have ownership/identity within the community(class)  My sister runs charter high schools and found herself in your position when in a pre school co-op.  I think that the fundamental difference is that the traditional sit-down, listen, recant...style of a classroom simply wont work because of developmental reasons.  If you have only 2 hours I would do "child centered" activities where the play is not reliant on you or your direction for success.  You will obviously be a "model" for touching, language, guidance. Try doing dramatic play, fort making, outside activities where they can play a part in the outcome/rules of the game.  I am sure you will be fine.  I have also taught 3rd grade and know it is not a easy task.  Just do more facilitating and less "teaching" You will be fine.  A great site for resources and schemes for this age can be found at NAEYC. When I am teaching and the energy is high.....I just go with it.  Movement, discovery, sensorial activities are the rosetta stone.  It might feel a bit awkward for you at first but when you are facilitating you can observe the benefits. You have this one in the bag .....YOU ARE A TEACHER!!!

Answer 3

Try to keep them active with organized activities, they're not going to be able to sit for very long because they don't have the attention span; try morning exercises/stretching (if they can't follow directions well enough for organized physical activities, try blowing bubbles or give them some balloons, guaranteed to entertain), if you're doing story time try to read books that are interactive (lift the flap books- let each child take a turn lifting the flap, pop up books etc.), songs with hand motions are great for that age, keep some relaxing music (Disney songs are good) playing softly in the background (this actually works pretty well with my kindergarten class), build forts or hiding places with blankets; arts and craft projects which involve movement, like bubble painting; also watch what you're giving them for snack, sugary snacks, which are popular in the US, can send kids off the wall. If possible, try to spend as much time as you can outside with free-play or simple games like duck duck goose.

Answer 4

I do this every day - have a routine and keep to it- circle, craft, snack, free centers - outdoor play if the weather cooperates.  They come to know what is expected and in a couple of days you will notice a difference.

Answer 5

I work with this age everyday for 8 hours and love it! I teach pre-K at a childcare center. First of all child this age are very active -- so first what 2 hours of the day do you have them?? and how many do you have?? Children this age in a group generally do not to well with anything where they have to sit or wait for any lenght of time. And when you say you do centers how many are in a center?? For that 2 hours I would have 4 to 8 centers going at one time letting the children choice where they want to go but only allowing so many children per center. For example , only up to 4 playing blocks providing you have enough blocks for 4 children. During that 2 hours I would also have outside time to play and run for 30 mins.  Also music and dancing  for 15 mins. ---I would have a schedule like this



15mins music and songs

1 hour of centers-- art(waterpainting with you supervising), blocks, kitchen, puzzles, cars, coloring,  (switching the centers evdery day)

15 mins of storytime

30 of outside time-- running, playing tag,

good luck