All Things CLASS

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  • 1.  Concept Development

    Posted 12-10-2021 13:49
    How do you implement CD in classes with weekly themes and forced rotation?

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    Sharline Hardee
    Stafford TX
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  • 2.  RE: Concept Development

    Posted 12-13-2021 11:51
    Concept Development can be as simple as printing a few pictures of something related to a theme and putting them on the table when the children arrive in the morning, having them look and discuss with their peers what they see. For example for a Building Theme a few pictures of various buildings can spark conversation between children or various fruits for a Plant/Fruit & Veges Theme.

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    Samantha Walters
    Scarsdale NY
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  • 3.  RE: Concept Development

    Posted 12-15-2021 19:58
    I love this response. Something that seems so simple can truly spark a young minds imagination. I will definitely use this in my classroom as I am moving to the 3 yr old room next week.

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    Mary Flores
    Deer Park tx
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  • 4.  RE: Concept Development

    Posted 12-13-2021 12:26
    Such a good question. I think what's important to note that Concept Development is all about how the teacher leads children in the provocation of wonder. Giving them the opportunity to plan and create for the theme in your classroom. And asking those questions to help them get to the "hmmm" of the activity. Those were great tips provided by Samantha as well. Check out the link below that's available for resources and how to really maximize any moment with children!
    Teacher Tips: Every Moment Matters

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    Carmin Issa
    CLASS Specialist
    Teachstone
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  • 5.  RE: Concept Development

    Posted 12-13-2021 12:56

    Hi Sharline!

    "Forced" anything sounds like a bummer, and I commend you for trying to figure out how to support children's engagement and learning when you're not able to follow their interests with the flexibility you might prefer. Luckily, Concept Development is really just about *how* you talk to children about the content you're introducing them to. A weekly theme presents some good opportunities for "integration" which is a Concept Development strategy where you point out connections between different activities (So something like: "Earlier today we carved pumpkins, now we're going to draw pumpkins. What parts of the real pumpkins do you remember? You can put those in your drawing!"). Make these connections, ask lots of questions, and help children see how the content relates to the real world, and you'll be well on your way! 

    We have a lesson planning template for thinking through how to match up Concept Development strategies with your curriculum. I'd be curious if you find it useful! https://info.teachstone.com/concept-development-lesson-plan-for-teachers  



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    Marielle Sheridan
    Production Manager
    Teachstone
    Virginia
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  • 6.  RE: Concept Development

    Posted 12-17-2021 11:18
    Lol well maybe forced wasn't the best term. Timed rotation may be better and not so stinky. Changing programs means changing structure and I want to support my teachers with what they already are doing. They conduct center time on an 10 minute average before cleaning up and switching. Last program was an hour to move as the children wanted provided there was space in the center. I understand the connection piece because although there are themes, the subthemes keep the connection there from previous weeks. Thanks for the resource!

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    Sharline Hardee
    Stafford TX
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  • 7.  RE: Concept Development

    Posted 12-17-2021 13:13
    Oh  My  goodness!  So many transitions!

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    Susan Hinman Waldman
    Practice Based Coach
    Communities United Inc.
    Lexington, MA
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  • 8.  RE: Concept Development

    Posted 12-15-2021 11:37
    I love the feedback you have received so far. CD promotes depth of learning, engaging conversations and explorations. Every classroom has a different style of teaching and classroom implementation. As I read the phrase -  "forced rotation", I would encourage you to pause and reflect before you interact with this site again to make sure you are walking in objective and ready to support strengths. We are all doing the best we can with what we know. How lucky they are to have you walk alongside and promote positive interactions and classroom learning!

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    Christina Roseli
    Camarillo CA
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  • 9.  RE: Concept Development

    Posted 12-20-2021 07:37
    Some great tips and resources here! To add to that, I also recommend this episode of the Teaching with CLASS podcast, especially the 2nd half that has a number of Instructional Support tips and this downloadable resource on Concept Development throughout the day.

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    Liz Savage
    Community Manager
    Teachstone
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  • 10.  RE: Concept Development

    Posted 12-22-2021 12:50
      |   view attached
    From MyPeers:

    Finding Opportunities for Concept Development Within Your Curriculum
    See Translation
    This resource provides guiding questions for exploring how a curriculum fosters concept development. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/finding-opportunities-concept-development-within-your-curriculum
    Cómo encontrar oportunidades para el desarrollo de conceptos en su currículo
    Este recurso proporciona preguntas orientadoras para explorar cómo un currículo fomenta el desarrollo conceptual.


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    Susan Hinman Waldman
    Practice Based Coach
    Communities United Inc.
    Lexington, MA
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