Teaching preschool in a play-based way can sometimes leave those outside of it wondering when the academic learning pieces come in.  But, those of us who practice and love play-based learning know that we use other times to bring in academic skill practice - such as small group.

And...

Oh, assessments and data collection.... such a necessary evil for preschool teachers all over the globe.  While assessments and evaluation give us teachers the information we need to construct lessons and small groups, they aren't always very much fun for students.

I mean lets be honest......

Games + Circle Time = engaged whole group learning! 

Whole group games work SOOO incredibly well at circle time.  I use them on the daily and these games allow me to work with students as a group to practice/review all those academic skills - but in a fun way!

Sidenote...Did you happen...

Birthdays are a very special, unique time for our little ones. I love doing something to celebrate birthdays in my classroom! So, while I've always celebrated birthdays in my class, this year is the first year I have tried out a birthday bulletin board!

This birthday bulletin board is kept up all...

Do you struggle when it comes to circle time engagement?  Got little rollie pollies on the rug who don't stay engaged for long?  Yep, I did too.  So, many little bodies and so much movement!

While routine and consistency is hugely important for our young learners, sometimes we get...

Let’s talk student connections… shall we?

Tell me... when you think back to your time in school, what stands out to you? You may say a certain class or a certain subject, but many times it comes back to a teacher (or more than one!). A teacher who saw you, made you feel special or...

One of the most common questions that I get in regards to preschool centers is "Do you do free-choice centers or a rotation?".  While I have my own opinions on the topic, I think it's important to look at the pros and cons to everything you do in your classroom, as to make an educated...

The beginning of the school year is such an exciting and exhausting time!  Isn't it funny how we forget how little and new our students are when they start?! It's like we have to reset our brains back to beginning after sending on last year's students.

There is so much to teach our new...