Sunday, January 6, 2013

Dinosaurs
In the early years many children are fascinated by dinosaurs. These creatures offer many opportunities for learning.
Language - There is an amazing amount of opportunity for language development as children wrap their tongues around those long and complicated dinosaur names.  Many publishers have published quality books about dinosaurs that can be added to your books corner to enhance literacy.
Art - Use a large model dinosaur at the art table to enable children to draw the dinosaur. The model will low them to see all aspects of the dinosaur giving a 3D perspective.
History  - Help the children make a timeline of when the dinosaurs walked on the earth. Math and history can be covered in this experience.
Health and Science - Research the habitats and food sources of the dinosaurs. children can build these habitats in the room. Compare the food we eat with that of dinosaurs. What is healthy food for dinosaurs? What is healthy food for humans?
These are just a few ideas. How are you using dinosaurs in the curriculum?


I love this article and the amazing photos at Happy Hooligans
http://happyhooligans.ca/2012/06/07/dinosaur-activity-bin/

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Writing in the early years

Writing in early childhood develops overtime. Those in the very early years will start with drawing and mark making on paper. In the later years children will be constructing sentences and stories.
In the very early year we encourage children to write thought the provision of a text rich environment and ensuring access to a variety of mediums. A writing centre is one way this can be achieved.
The writing centre in the early years should consist of a range of open ended writing materials including pencils, crayons, paper, notebooks, envelopes etc. Children should be encouraged to spend time at the writing centre. Many will be naturally drawn to the centre if it is well set out. Of course the writing centre is not the only place children will participate in writing.
As children get older a comfortable desk with a range of writing material, computer, good quality paper etc could be provided in the writing centre. This area will encourage children to become intrinsically motivated to write. They will decide on the purpose of the writing. They may write letters, produce books or blogs. This writing centre will only be limited by the children's imagination and the teachers level of innovation.
This is an interesting article on writing centres I would like to share with you.http://www.pre-kpages.com/whats-in-your-writing-center/
Tell us about the writing centre in your room.

Friday, January 4, 2013

#Kinderchat: Teaching With Intention

Here is an interesting link that discusses intentional teaching and what this might look like in the early years.
I would be interested to here what you think intentional teaching is and how you integrate it into your program.


#Kinderchat: Teaching With Intention

Moving Smart: SMART STEPS: WALK THE LINE!

There are sime fantastic ideas snd concepts in this article.

Moving Smart: SMART STEPS: WALK THE LINE!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013



This is what we should be focussing on in early childhood.