Tricks, and Tips for Pre-K Teachers
Tricks, and Tips for Pre-K Teachers: Classrooms for Pre-Kindergarten are bright and welcoming, warm and never dull! Whether you’re welcoming the fourth child for the first time or you’re a veteran, here are 50ideas, tips, and suggestions for Pre-K teachers, courtesy of the WeAreTeachers Helpline Facebook page on the web.
Getting Your Classroom Ready
- Select an appealing theme.
We are in love with this “Super”-themed classroom created by one of the Facebook group members.
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Consider laminating your books.
In a classroom for Pre-K, books are appreciated … very much loved. Here are two suggestions for teachers in Pre-K to prevent your books from breaking (or at the very least slow the process).
“Take out the staples of the books and then laminate them.” Samantha L.
“Use the wide packing tape to cover and reinforce books.” Cheryl M.
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Make collections of books about the same subject.
While they’re still pre-readers Pre-K children like to read books about the same subject, like this collection of dinosaurs; sort your books according to the genre or subject to teach youngsters how to learn from the book collection.
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Install sensory tables.
Early childhood teachers are aware that learning through hands-on activities is crucial. Sensory play stimulates an open-ended approach to thinking and language development collaboration and develops strong motor and fine motor skills. Sensory play materials are both stimulating and relaxing.
Pre-Kindergartners are beginning to learn how to read. This is “reading” to their favorite toys. Encourage children to read aloud and then practice what they’ve learned about reading by providing various reading companions (stuffed dolls, animals, and many other toys) within the reading corner.
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Protect your easel.
Use wrapping sheets or clear plastic to make a smooth surface that is easy to clean and blends in your classroom more easily than a plain wooden frame. (Find other ideas for teachers of Pre-K here.
If they include dice, cards, board or spinners, or even a cute cardboard monster or an enormous spoon, games have plenty of advantages for young children.
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Get your hands on some educational toys.
When it comes to selecting toys and games for children, It is best to choose less. The best way to go is simple, long-lasting, and open-ended materials that allow children to imagine, experiment, and create and test their growing reasoning and language skills. Please look at our best toys and games for pre-school and pre-kindergarten.
The First Days of School
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Parents are welcome to stay with their children on the very first day.
Parents who stayed for just a bit longer and gave their words of encouragement performed better when their parents went away. (More tips on reducing separation anxiety are available on The Pre-K pages.)
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Keep your communication with parents crystal clear.
This is likely the first time a parent has had contact with the school, so make sure you know what you expect. Include details about what you expect from your children, such as the “schedule of the day, snacks, discipline, how to get in touch, and what to do if they get scared, have a tantrum, or are hurt” in your newsletter. –Kelly J.
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Make use of the mascots.
Inspire your class with extra enthusiasm with mascots with a unique design in each center. “I teach Pre-K, and my theme for my classroom is superheroes. Every center has a “mascot as well. Hulk and the She-Hulks are mascots for the play center with dramatic elements because they are dynamic and change.” Ariel E.
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Schedule morning meetings.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to strengthen calendars and fundamental skills and create a sense of community. Watch the way this teacher in Pre-K organizes morning meetings in her class.
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Help students in Pre-K to master pencil grip.
Teaching fine motor skills is a challenge! Learn to teach Pre-K students the correct pencil grip right from the beginning, and the future teachers will be thankful for it. (Here are the details about what good pencil grips look like, courtesy of the OT Mom..)
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The alligator method is taught by cutting with scissors.
Holding and using scissors are key ready-for-kindergarten skills that the kinder teachers in your building will thank you for later. Start teaching your Pre-K students the thumbs-up method of the alligator.
Clothespins improve kids’ pincher grip, which can help students hold pencils and other tools. They also help improve academic skills. For instance, this one requires students to put a clothing pin at the right number on every card. (Get additional tips for Pre-K students on 1 + 1 1 Equals 1.)
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Use the buttons.
Try one of these exercises to help children develop their fine motor abilities, practice math, create adorable crafts, etc.
Your day and the whole year will be smooth when your preschoolers know what to expect. Check out this calendar of Fun-a-Day, which features “sign-in” and lots of centers.
