Wouldn't it be wonderful, if it was easy for every child to make friends? Some children are so good at finding friends, they don't understand how it feels to want a friend. One Brown Bunny by Marion Dane Bauer and illustrated by Ivan Bates is a good way to start a conversation and build an awareness about how it feels to want a friend and how to approach others with whom you would like to be friends. This short counting book is about one bunny going from place to place asking others to come and play. Before reading ask the children to start thinking about how it feels to want something and not be able to have it. Build some empathy for the bunny and then at the end you can work to build empathy for those who ask to play, but are not included. Use the story to also help teach words people use when they want to play with others. Some children just don't know what words to say. With some creative use of props you could have your class act out the story, which ends with everyone coming to be bunny's friend. Take time to teach the skills children need to make friends. Quietly recognize children when they include others in play.
For more information on the topic, read Vivian Paley's book, "You Can't Say, You Can't Play." It was written a number of years ago, but is still full of valuable insights.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Katy Did It
I could not resist using the title of this book for the title of this blog entree. Katy may have done it, but I sure have been behind on my postings. Bernice has been great about sending me some great new books, so read on!
Katy Did It by Lorianne Siomades is the story of a katydid whose hopping always gets her in trouble,until one day when she saves the day! A good story to help each child see that the things we do, can be used for the good of others. After reading the story, encourage children think about the things they like to do and how they can use that ability to help others. The child who talks all the time, might be able to use that talent to help a new classmate. The child who stays awake at nap, might be able to use that extra energy to work on a special project to help the teacher or another child. The child who loves to show how tough he or she is, can use that strength to help others. As teachers it is our job, to put a child's attributes to good use. All of us make mistakes along the way, so be sure to let children know they aren't the only ones who unintentionally cause a problem or two. How sad it can be to see a child's enthusiasm extinguished Help children find ways to be appreciate themselves and their abilities!
Peep is the story of a little chick, who is afraid to use his abilities. This short simple story by Maria Van Lishout is about taking a risk. Little Peep is afraid to take a leap. You might want to read this story before introducing a new experience, in which you know some children will be hesitant to participate. It might be best to read in a small group with those who are not risk takers! See if you can get them to talk about something they want to do. Have the children draw themselves doing those things. Have them talk about how it might feel. Getting some background info from parents could help you know what kinds of things the children fear doing. Overcoming fears takes time, but this book could be a small start.
I still have a number of good social emotional books sitting beside the computer, so there should be another post soon!
Have a great school year!
Katy Did It by Lorianne Siomades is the story of a katydid whose hopping always gets her in trouble,until one day when she saves the day! A good story to help each child see that the things we do, can be used for the good of others. After reading the story, encourage children think about the things they like to do and how they can use that ability to help others. The child who talks all the time, might be able to use that talent to help a new classmate. The child who stays awake at nap, might be able to use that extra energy to work on a special project to help the teacher or another child. The child who loves to show how tough he or she is, can use that strength to help others. As teachers it is our job, to put a child's attributes to good use. All of us make mistakes along the way, so be sure to let children know they aren't the only ones who unintentionally cause a problem or two. How sad it can be to see a child's enthusiasm extinguished Help children find ways to be appreciate themselves and their abilities!
Peep is the story of a little chick, who is afraid to use his abilities. This short simple story by Maria Van Lishout is about taking a risk. Little Peep is afraid to take a leap. You might want to read this story before introducing a new experience, in which you know some children will be hesitant to participate. It might be best to read in a small group with those who are not risk takers! See if you can get them to talk about something they want to do. Have the children draw themselves doing those things. Have them talk about how it might feel. Getting some background info from parents could help you know what kinds of things the children fear doing. Overcoming fears takes time, but this book could be a small start.
I still have a number of good social emotional books sitting beside the computer, so there should be another post soon!
Have a great school year!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
New Books!
I was so please to see some new books on my local library shelves. With all the problems caused by the economy, I thought it might be awhile until I found some new books to write about. The treasures I found quickly made me want to start writing again.
First there was We are Extremely Very Good Recyclers written by Bridget Hurst, with characters created by Lauren Child. I often shy away from books with a TV connection, but not this time. The message about recycling is way too important. If you like Charlie and Lola, you'll like this book.
Murphy's Three Homes by Jan Levinson Gilman and illustrated by Kathy O'Malley is a story for children in foster care. It is the story of a dog who has had several homes. Murphy experiences many of the same feelings that children in foster care my have.
It is Time for School with Tallulah is by by Nancy Wolff. I am not quite sure who the intended audience might have been,. While I found that some of the text and pictures looked like what you see in primary or elementary school, most of the book appeared to be preschool. In any case the concept behind the book is great. Talluah is a very kind teacher and children will enjoy the pictures and simply having a conversation about what will happen when they go to school.
I may not write as often as last year, but I will be sure to share any good, new, social-emotional books I find.
Have a great school year!
First there was We are Extremely Very Good Recyclers written by Bridget Hurst, with characters created by Lauren Child. I often shy away from books with a TV connection, but not this time. The message about recycling is way too important. If you like Charlie and Lola, you'll like this book.
Murphy's Three Homes by Jan Levinson Gilman and illustrated by Kathy O'Malley is a story for children in foster care. It is the story of a dog who has had several homes. Murphy experiences many of the same feelings that children in foster care my have.
It is Time for School with Tallulah is by by Nancy Wolff. I am not quite sure who the intended audience might have been,. While I found that some of the text and pictures looked like what you see in primary or elementary school, most of the book appeared to be preschool. In any case the concept behind the book is great. Talluah is a very kind teacher and children will enjoy the pictures and simply having a conversation about what will happen when they go to school.
I may not write as often as last year, but I will be sure to share any good, new, social-emotional books I find.
Have a great school year!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Data Driven Instruction
I just returned from the Governor's Institute and wanted to share a little of what we learned. The main topic was data driven instruction. Maybe not the most exciting title, but the when teachers collect information about what children know, plan and teach accordingly, then assess and analyze before teaching again, the result are amazing. Differentiating instruction is a way of teaching I believe in. Children have such a wide difference in knowledge and abilities, I cannot imagine teaching all children the same way.
What kinds of information should teachers collect? You want to find out what the child knows so you don't teach too far below or above his understanding. You also want to learn the child's approach to work. Is the child slow to start or does he jump in impulsively? Does he like to talk things over with others or figure things out himself? You also want to observe to see if the child is having trouble seeing or hearing.
How do we collect information about children? Quite often it is through observation. It may be a written record such as an anecdotal record or a running record. Some teachers find checklists work best for certain skills such as physical activities. The collection of work samples is also popular, but collection is not enough. Teachers need a way to quantify the work. Rubrics are one way to do that.
What do you do with the information once it has been collected? As I said earlier, use the information to make decisions about how best to teach the child. You can also use it to help parents have a better understanding of the child's knowledge and set learning goals for the next step. We also learned that it is important to share info with a child about what they did. In that way the child can see what he has accomplished and know what he has to work on next. If a child is not having success, the information you gathered can be used as evidence for the need for a referral or special services.
If you have questions about what I wrote, want more information about some of the terms I used, or specific methods to use when collecting info, drop a note in the comment section.
What kinds of information should teachers collect? You want to find out what the child knows so you don't teach too far below or above his understanding. You also want to learn the child's approach to work. Is the child slow to start or does he jump in impulsively? Does he like to talk things over with others or figure things out himself? You also want to observe to see if the child is having trouble seeing or hearing.
How do we collect information about children? Quite often it is through observation. It may be a written record such as an anecdotal record or a running record. Some teachers find checklists work best for certain skills such as physical activities. The collection of work samples is also popular, but collection is not enough. Teachers need a way to quantify the work. Rubrics are one way to do that.
What do you do with the information once it has been collected? As I said earlier, use the information to make decisions about how best to teach the child. You can also use it to help parents have a better understanding of the child's knowledge and set learning goals for the next step. We also learned that it is important to share info with a child about what they did. In that way the child can see what he has accomplished and know what he has to work on next. If a child is not having success, the information you gathered can be used as evidence for the need for a referral or special services.
If you have questions about what I wrote, want more information about some of the terms I used, or specific methods to use when collecting info, drop a note in the comment section.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Elephant and Piggie Books
It took me awhile to be a fan of Mo Williams, but now I know it is worth my time to check out whatever he writes. Actually it is often the drawings that make his books so good, but now I am rambling. Today, I am writing about his series of books about two friends. The Elephant and Piggie Books tittles include: My Friend is Sad, I Am Invited to a Party, I Love My New Toy!, and I Will Surprise My Friend!, as well as a number of others. While the books have limited text and can be read by beginning readers, in my mind, they are best when shared with others. My 5 year old grandson, an independent reader found the books interesting from cover to cover. I read four with him and then he read a fifth on his own. He told me about it and then asked me to read it with him.
All of the books can easily spur discussions on social emotional situations involving the two friends. They are funny yet many convey the important message that friends are more important than material things. Take time to check them out!
If you want to learn more about Mo Williams and his books, check out his website at http://www.mowillems.com There is info for parents, teachers, and children. Enjoy!
All of the books can easily spur discussions on social emotional situations involving the two friends. They are funny yet many convey the important message that friends are more important than material things. Take time to check them out!
If you want to learn more about Mo Williams and his books, check out his website at http://www.mowillems.com There is info for parents, teachers, and children. Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Friends, Working Together
Being a friend is a difficult concept for children to understand. Appreciating each others strengths is often equally hard. Tiny and Hercules by Amy Schwartz is a collection of very short stories about two friends, a mouse and an elephant. The fact that they are so different works out for the best, as they use their differing abilities to help each other.
After reading the story have the children relate times when they helped a friend. See if they can create a group story about friends. Over the next few days observe as they children play and photo or report to them times when you saw friends working together. A visual reminder of how to play together is a great reinforcing positive interactions.
It is also worthwhile for each child to see that he or she has something to contribute to a friendship. Help children to value what they can do and then they may be able to better value another child's contribution. Take time to praise specific actions. Children need to hear exactly what action you are pointing out. Say, "I liked that you passed the box to Bill. That way you can both have fun with the toys." This tells what you are acknowledging and why. Later point out how Bill helps his friend. Children who learn early in life to work together will have a much better chance for success and happiness.
After reading the story have the children relate times when they helped a friend. See if they can create a group story about friends. Over the next few days observe as they children play and photo or report to them times when you saw friends working together. A visual reminder of how to play together is a great reinforcing positive interactions.
It is also worthwhile for each child to see that he or she has something to contribute to a friendship. Help children to value what they can do and then they may be able to better value another child's contribution. Take time to praise specific actions. Children need to hear exactly what action you are pointing out. Say, "I liked that you passed the box to Bill. That way you can both have fun with the toys." This tells what you are acknowledging and why. Later point out how Bill helps his friend. Children who learn early in life to work together will have a much better chance for success and happiness.
Empowerment
It is never to early to help children understand that they can make a difference and to stand up for what they feel is important. Ballyhoo Bay by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Derek Anderson is just the book to plant that seed into the minds of children. The story is told in rhyme and has lots of fun pictures for children to examine. It starts out with Mira Bella planning a special art event at the beach. But just before the big day, signs go up announcing the beach is to be developed with parking lots and penthouses. Mira Bella and her friends don't let this setback stop them. They attend a meeting and convince the town council to keep the beach as it is. This may sound like a hefty topic for young children, but the author keeps the text simple enough to be understood my most preschoolers.
This would be a great book to read when the children discover a problem in their environment. Maybe the lunch area is too crowded, or there is too much trash on the playground, or they need a crosswalk in front of the school. Whatever the problem, help the children advocate for a change. If the children don't have a problem tell them about an issue that is important to children such as cutbacks in preschool or library funding and go from there. Our local library has coloring sheets for children to color and mail to local legislators. The coloring sheets advocate library funding. You could help the children make a DVD or write stories about the issue.
Even if you don't have a cause, I like the book because children can see that sometimes even the best plans don't work out, there are disappointments, and you have to figure out a new plan rather than give up.
This would be a great book to read when the children discover a problem in their environment. Maybe the lunch area is too crowded, or there is too much trash on the playground, or they need a crosswalk in front of the school. Whatever the problem, help the children advocate for a change. If the children don't have a problem tell them about an issue that is important to children such as cutbacks in preschool or library funding and go from there. Our local library has coloring sheets for children to color and mail to local legislators. The coloring sheets advocate library funding. You could help the children make a DVD or write stories about the issue.
Even if you don't have a cause, I like the book because children can see that sometimes even the best plans don't work out, there are disappointments, and you have to figure out a new plan rather than give up.
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