Play in the sand and water tables

The sand and water tables are another sensory experience that kids love and need. They are messy creatures and it takes a while to practice using these areas correctly. In the sand table, we start out using larger, easier to clean (off the floor) materials and gradually make our way to sand by the end of the year.

First, we put a variety of packing peanuts and colorful craft foam pieces and explain not to break them into pieces. We also discuss not to put them in their mouth, but that since they are not food, if they fall on the floor it is okay to pick them up and put them back in the sand table. We have scoops, shovels, funnels, rakes, spoons, and small toys to hide. We picked red toys initially, just so they will start to notice particular colors in isolation, but will change them in another week or so.

The water table gets changed up periodically by adding colored toys and sometimes by adding color to the water. We have spoons, funnels, measuring cups, as well as several size clear hoses in the water table to explore with. We recently found a water mill that everyone is enjoying! Every so often, the water table gets turned into a baby bathtub which always seems to be a big hit with girls and boys!

Pretend play doesn't just happen in house area. I am always surprised and delighted to hear all the pretend play happening in these areas. On my birthday this past week, everyone who went in the sand table made me a birthday cake:)

Rules and Routines

     I've been so busy trying to establish rules and routines, all while managing behavior, that I haven't posted anything lately. It is important to be firm in establishing rules and routines early in the year so that children know what to expect. We have lots of toys in the classroom, but most of them are not available to play with as soon as they enter the classroom. It can be very tiring constantly guiding children away from house area and block area the first few weeks, but eventually they will know that there will be plenty of time to play later in the day.

     I want children to remember the rules and schedule, but I also want them to be able to "read" them as a reference as well. I found great pictures to illustrate the rules and took class photos for the schedule. Class rules are important; there should be 3-5, and the rules should be easy to understand. We spend quite a bit of time discussing the rules and their importance in keeping everyone safe. I have children take turns reading the rules to the class each day as well.

     We discuss listening to the teachers as well as each other, because I teach them how to solve their own social problems instead of me intervening for them. We talk about walking in the class and in the hall, but also that they are able to run, just in the gym or outside! When we talk about sharing, we discuss how sharing doesn't mean giving toys away to someone just because they ask for it, but that it means playing together and taking turns. 

     I put a lot of effort into modeling pro-social behaviors and I love it when I hear and see my students using my words and imitating my behavior. On Friday, one of my "big" kids told a younger child "good thinking!" during a conversation. I am hopeful that all of my hard work will pay off, although I have a lot of boys in my afternoon class with a variety of behavioral issues. It is a work in progress, but a chance to try different management techniques.