Xpost kindergarten teachers

? for kindergarten moms and teachers

Message edited 12/23/2009 8:43:33 PM.

Re: Xpost kindergarten teachers

For some reason, I could not post a reply on your x-post, so I'll post here..my coteacher and I have a CTT in a classroom smaller than the norm as well and we have a lot of things packed in cubbies and other areas because we think that clutter brings behavior issues as well. I almost always (depending on what it is) accept appropriate donations of gently used toys for the classroom because I like having a lot of options. We recently closed our block center temporarily because the blocks were getting dangerous AND not cleaned properly (one thing leads to another).

I am confused..do they stay in their classroom for recess? THAT sounds odd to me, but then again, every school is different. In our school, using kitchen, etc. is center time and it comes at the end of the day...some other space saving things we do are:

-having a sand play in large tupperware bins with toys my coteacher had from when she was a kid
-dot paints (look like bingo markers)
-puppets
-puzzles
-educational games
-having magazines for cutting/collaging

We do have an easel, but if there is no room, there are other ways to let them have art. We have legos, chain links, manipulative teddy bears and playdoh at their disposal as well..any other questions, let me know

When you talk to the teacher, the only thing I ask is that you don't sound confrontational about the space..it's not a teacher's choice where they are always and they have to work the best they can with what they have...hope this helps! :)

Re: Xpost kindergarten teachers

Wow that really does help. It confirms what I already thought.

I do not completely blame the teacher, in fact I know she was moved to this classroom from second grade and they only opened a third kindergarten room last year. I blame the school, but I thought I might be overreacting.

For all I know she has stuff stored away or rotates materials with the other rooms. But everyday my son says the same thing. They do morning work, have circle time, snack and then play with legos. During lunch indoor recess stays in his classsroom. They do take a nature walk everyday even when outdoor recess is not permitted.

He has specials five days out of a six day cycle and has yoga once a week too.

Thanks so much for your help.

Message edited 12/24/2009 7:08:47 AM.

Re: Xpost kindergarten teachers

Wow..the yoga is awesome! I know when we do it with our kids, they really like it! Something I just thought of with the legos..I know we have a group of boys who go right to them everyday..maybe your son is one of them??