KINDERGARTEN
A CLASSROOM IN THE FUTURE
Philosophy
Progressivism is a theory of education that is concerned with “learning by doing” and supports that children learn best when pursuing their own interest and satisfying their own needs.
The progressivism philosophy has an educational goal of having the needs and interest of students formulate the curriculum. As a teacher, it is their role to allow the curriculum to be driven by student debate, discussion, and demonstration. As a student, it is their role to join with teachers in integrating content-area interest.
At the center of the Progressivism movement was John Dewey (1859-1952), an American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer.
TEACHING STYLE
VISUAL
Printed materials, focal expressions, body language. What is seen.
AUDITORY
Spoken words and sounds. What is heard and said.
KINESTHETIC
Emotions, actions, movement, taste, smell. What is felt.
DIFFERENTIAL LEARNING
Give students ownership of their learning
As a teacher, don't always be the boss of the class, be part of the community of learners. Allow choice. Encourage students to think about how they learn best. Have students decide how to demonstrate their learning.
One size does not fit all
Not everyone fits the traditional mould of school, but that doesn't mean they cannot learn. Remember you teach people, not subjects.
Bloom's taxonomy
Change the sequence, Learners don't need total mastery of all the skills before they can apply them. Provide meaningful, authentic learning opportunities for everyone.
Technology
Blogging, film making, global interactions, social media, photography, and gaming, all provide naturally differentiated opportunities for learners with varied levels of ability, different interest and special talents.
Learning Network
Students can learn from their peers, other teachers, parents and the world. Help them build their own personal learning network, with and from whom they can learn.
Self-evaluation and reflection
Help students to define goals for their learning. Provide opportunities for ongoing self-evaluation and reflection. Provide constructive, specific feedback.
Our Classrooms
RATIO
20 students : 2 teachers
DESK
5 circle tables, 4 students in chairs at each table. On each table have a supply caddy filled with crayons, glue, sharpened pencils, and things students will need for the day's activities.
BATHROOM & HAND-WASHING SINK
In the classroom for accessible daily use by students.
iPads
For individual learning, as well as group learning.
STUDENT CUBBIES
A place for students to hang their backpacks, jackets and lunch-boxes.
CLASS LIBRARY
Full of age appropriate books in a comfortable environment.
Stability ball chairs
THREE MAIN PURPOSES 1. Movement increases blood flow to the brain, which is better for brain function (and learning!). 2. Movement helps children "get the wiggles out" which aides their natural need to move. This helps them focus by expending the excess energy they build up throughout the day. 3. Sitting on a stability ball supports and builds their core muscles. This also helps develop large motor muscles, which support small motor muscles (think writing and hand strength).
Centers
Centers can include: science lab, math lab, art area and writing area.
Creative play area
Give children real- world things in this area, such as a doctors uniform, or chefs uniform complete with pots and pans. Let the students be creative in how they play.
Classroom management and problems
Classroom rules
Pre-Planning Strategies
Routines
Steps in behavior management
1. Reminding
2. Reinforcing
3. Relocating
4. Repatriating
5. Reporting
6. Reuniting
7. Renegotiating
Behavior interventions
Calming jar
WHOLE CLASS INTERVENTION Shake the jar vigorously- the students watch the jar until all the glitter settles. Great tool to refocus the whole class.
Individualized discipline
Make up a secret gesture (such as tapping on your nose) with a student who often needs reinforcement. Do this when student is acting out, so it doesn't draw attention to the whole class.
Compliment students
Be positive with students. Let them know you care, and make learning fun!
Our common core lesson plan
GROUP PROJECT: CLASSROOM OF THE FUTURE: KINDERGARTEN
Lindsey Ellison, Elizabeth House, Brittaney French, Norah Evans, and Katie Guba
Source list
www.digital.films.com/portalplaylist.aspx?aid=11016&xtid=40277
www.whattedsaid.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/10-ways-to-differentiate-learning/
www.anethicalisland.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/morphing3.png
www1.kent.k12.wa.us/KSD/ID/tools_for_planning/instructional_strategies.html
www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Marshmallow-Measurement-FREE
www.teachingchannel.org/videos/new-teacher-classroom-management
www.teachingchannel.org/tch-presents-kindergarten-common-core
and our textbook:
Kauchak, D. and Eggen, P. (2010). Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional. 4th Edition. Pearson Education, Inc.: Upper Saddle River, NJ.