My students are very excited about learning. Being 4 years old, they need every opportunity to move. What better way to make knowledge stick by combining it with motor skills!!
"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning." --Diane Ackerman
I teach a class of 4 and 5 year olds from a rural community.
They have developed a lovely classroom community and are quick to help one another. They have much compassion for each other. It's amazing to see such selflessness in 4 year olds as they give up a favorite toy in a center just because a classmate is sad!
Their favorite part of school is when we get to play outside. They love to run and play. They love just about any activity we do that gets them moving! They are very active and need activities to channel their energy into.
My Project
There are many activities to play on the balance beam and board. These activities will help students with balance, hand-eye coordination, and more. We will also play games on the boards and beam to practice counting, letter identification, numeral identification, and letter/sound correspondence. Many games can be modified to be played with prekindergarten skills and the board. For example, we can balance on a board and throw a bean bag into the circle with the letter called.
I recently attended a conference and sat in sessions that reminded me of just how important play and motor skills are for my students. It's easy to forget when looking at a list of standards every week. Academic success can be linked to motor skills. Students struggling in class often have deficiencies in motor skills.
Helping students develop motor skills and cross their midline make both sides of the brain work together.
This will greatly impact a students learning experience. If we can help students develop motor skills, we are setting them up for ACADEMIC SUCCESS!!
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