Wednesday 4.8.2010

So I got to school and my teacher asked me to take the literacy block so she could do some running records. So I launched in, no preparation..

Describe:

So grammar and Rhyme comprehension it is.. I really pushed the kids this morning to get 2 grammar and comprehension sheets based around our nursery rhyme for the week Jack and Jill. The kids were so chatty this morning, I went through the Jack and Jill sequencing sheet with them on the floor then told we sang through the nursery rhyme again to remind them the order of the rhyme. I then showed them the sentences and modelled how to stick the sentences to match the words. I sent them back to their desks and students completed this sheet. I then moved them onto the comprehension sheet. I packed the kids desks up and got them to sit back at the floor, we modelled some rhyming words and brainstormed ideas on the smart board and then sent them back to their desks to fill it in. We only had 5 minutes left so I decided it wasn't enough time to start the nouns activity so I played a quick game of 'Who stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar'The kids LOVED this. They were talking the whole day about who stole the cookie from the cookie jar, and got so excited when they found cookies in their lunchboxes.

Analyse:

I ha vent really taught much of the literacy block as of yet, So it was really thrown in the deep end and I literally had about 10 minutes notice. But it was great practice, being able to be flexible I guess for casual teaching. You have to make the worksheets left for you somehow meaningful for the kids and make it go beyond just a worksheet, so integrating the smart board and making it visual for them rather then just writing. It really emphasised how important those little games/ songs/ activities/ stretches (anything) to get the kids moving, thinking, just giving them a break. For kindergarten 15 minutes on one activity is a LONG time. So you have to mix it up, make it fun for them, they wont even realise its a worksheet they are doing if you integrate songs, drama etc. I think I wasted alot of time sort of in between waffling on in my instructions to the kids. I really need practice on getting more concise and simple with instructions, I know that's a bit of an oxymoron but there you have it.

Plan:

for next time I think perhaps in the literacy session when they often tend to have a lot of worksheets to do, having games up my sleeve or songs that tie into other lessons to sing in the middle just to keep them switched on. Also needed to go through things with them at their desks rather then letting them independently do all the activities its too much so, get them to complete one activity, think of suggestions and do all together, then move on to next one, repeat so that every ones not getting lost. Saves time and confusion.