Play is so much more

Play isn't just play, it's so much more than that. During center time I have two Teacher directed centers in which the children work on an art project and a specific skill each day. The other centers in the classroom are left to the children's device. I layout various games and activities that support skills we are learning, critical thinking, motor skills, support imagination and creativity, independence and so much more...I always survey the room while the children are interacting and engaging in the centers not controlled by teachers and I see and hear so much. Even when children may be playing in a center that focuses on a math or phonics skill and I see they are not quite "doing it right" I can see the wheels turning, they are thinking, problem solving, exploring, socializing perhaps with other peers who are helping or working together. In my classroom we have a structured teaching time at the rug that kids think is "learning time" which it is but if you come into my room and the room is buzzing with little voices, there's movement and games, activities and toys all happening at once this too is learning time! Every teacher has a philopsphy and part of my philosophy is that I believe children learn through play. I provide them with an environment that supports their learning, growth and development. So, if you ever pop into my room during a time other than when we are at our tables practicing writing or "learning time" at the rug remember just how much kids can learn through play! 

Videos

Well Friday came and went...

Desktops have really become a thing of the past for me other than at work and when I am at work I really do not have time to update my blog.  I know I mentioned in my last post, last Friday that I would hop on a desktop and load some videos but that did not work out.

As I have explained, each week the kids get videos based on our letter, sight word and occasionally our number or other theme related topic.  The kids really enjoy these videos.  A majority of the video time is spent during snack to keep the kids engaged and learning.  The kids are constantly socializing in my classroom so during snack the videos also provide a good distraction...more eating less talking which turns into snack time over without much of snack consumed.

I will start this week with some videos they will be using during snack and as a support of what we are doing in the classroom:

Letter Q:

Sesame Street has a podcast that is generally 6 min. long. There are podcasts for each letter of the alphabet.

 

This is by Have Fun Teaching. Have Fun Teaching is an awesome site with activities and videos for each letter, math skills, sight words and other subject areas and themes.  The songs are very catchy!

 

 

Storybots are one of the kids favorites also. Storybots have videos for all letters and nursery rhymes/kids songs remade by them as well.

 

 

On Thursday we switch up videos and watch Olive and the Rhyme Rescue Crew.  Olive has a video for each letter but also focuses on Rhyme.  Remember rhyme is a very important skills and helps support emergent reading skills.

 

Our sight word this week is I, this is also by Have Fun Teaching.

 

 

These are just a few of the videos we use consistently for the whole year.  Each week we use the letter or sight word we are working on and occasionally another topic or subject.  The kids really love these videos.  If your child needs practice or they talk about our videos, throw these on for them at home.  These are all from YouTube but they all could be found in an internet search under videos as well.  The repetition and rhythm of the songs are a really good way to learn.

 

Stay warm, Stay Safe...the Groundhog saw his shadow, winter weather is here to stay!

 

~Mrs. Miller