After almost a week with Kindergarteners I have collected a few new fun ideas for teaching the lower elementary grades! I will list them below:
-Sensory table filled with coffee grounds (flavored vanilla/hazelnut)
-Rain experiment in a cup! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/263882859388833486/
-Conflict Chart (explaining how to solve their own problems without involving the teacher all the time)
-Demonstrating ABAB patterns on a calendar for every day of the month
Add to this if you see/find other good ideas!
The sensory table is a wonderful idea. I have seen students in your cooperating teacher’s classroom use it and it is a big draw during play time. I’m pretty sure she changes the sensory item as well (or had talked about it) – it would be interesting to see what students’ reactions would be when it is changed.
I personally find that whiteboards or worksheets with page protectors over them work well when students are learning a new skill and want to practice and/or not worry about making mistakes.
Another idea I saw was to use puzzles in the classroom when students finish their work early. It allows them to think logically but in a different way!
The conflict chart sounds like such a great idea! Other things that I saw/experienced in the classroom were:
– pop bottles filled with rice and alphabet beads, students have to locate and identify all the letters
– Cake pans with magnetic letters
– cake pans with sand used to write in
– daily five charts right on the students desks