All Things CLASS

As a teacher, it really hit the nail on the head to hear Joanna discuss different rollercoasters that it seems every teacher may struggle with.  We really aren't perfect and some days will be just "those days" where you just let go of the lesson plan and divert to keep everyone calm. In my classroom, I really try my best to be fearlessly authentic. Some days 14 2 year olds running around really just drain me but it's very important to still be present for them. They're still so vulnerable and young and who knows what's going on at home so we don't want to withdraw from their emotional piggy banks! Anytime a child calls my name, I acknowledge them, whether it's a tower they built, a difficult puzzle they figured out, or even putting on their shoe, you can immediately see their smile and happiness when you praise them. Other times, I have 2/3 kids attached to my leg crying by the afternoon because they're just done and that's okay. I get down to their eye level and talk to them and let them know it's okay to be sad we can take a moment and relax and usually that'll do the trick! 

My favorite activities to do when everyone is close to the edge are playing with bubbles, dancing, or I just start whispering. Once they see the whispering they also quiet down to hear what I'm saying. What other activities do you guys do in your classroom to calm everyone down

I am so in tune to my pre-k4, student's. I starts at the morning duty, helping take the children from the car terminal. Some maybe crying not to leave their family due to maybe an exciting weekend. So I walk the students to the next drop off point and let them know that their is so new theme that waiting for them and that I would see them after duty. When I arrive back in the classroom, the student are looking at the pictures that ask them to greet their classmates with a hug, smile, high five are a dance. the pick the pictures as to how they are feeling by drawing a picture, like a smiley face, angry face, silly, or excited face. Then the question is asked why do you feel that way and what would make you happy. Some may say that they are tired and would like to go in the quiet corner and hold a stuff animal are can I get my cot. Most of the time after circle time, is center time. Seeing all of the new experiences the students wants to get their names to join their peers in the centers. Our small groups are lead by the children goals and experiences.  Examples maybe a beauty salon, pet shop, different types of writing supplies and paint options. Their emotions are very unique, and their physical environment plays a great motivation in giving them many  choses of to development their small motor skills, sensory skills, large motor skills. But looking to make sure that each child, has a great experience and looking forward to coming back to experience more.