Here’s an idea to build on yesterday’s blog. Make “I CAN Cards” similar to the ones shown that children can earn when they learn the information. You could also have a “Birthday Club” or “Address Club” where children get to sign their name when they master the skill.
Remember Rhymes
Use these rhymes to dismiss children to a new activity while they review personal information.
Apples, peaches, pears, plums,
Tell me when your birthday comes…
Ring, ring, anybody home?
What’s the number on your phone?
Dog, cat, fish, mouse,
What’s the number on your house?
Hint! You will always have a child who struggles with things like this, but you know how to set them up for success, don’t you? As they try to remember, have them look at you as you “mouth” the words. Works every time!
My friend Krista Weber sent me this link for an article by Wendy Lecker that echoes the concern that many of us have about the “transformation” of kindergarten. Wendy reminds us that children haven’t changed in the past 100 years, but the emphasis on testing and academics certainly has! This is her closing point, and one that I hope will spark a revolution and reform…but I doubt it! It’s just comforting to know that other people in the world feel like I do!
It may satisfy politicians to see children perform inappropriately difficult tasks like trained circus animals. However, if we want our youngest to actually learn, we will demand the return of developmentally appropriate kindergarten.
http://tablet.olivesoftware.com/Olive/Tablet/DanburyNewsTimes/SharedArticle.aspx?href=DNT%2F2014%2F02%2F23&id=Ar02107