I have a transitional kindergarten class of wonderful four year old students. My students love exploring the world through hands-on experiences. The school's student population is comprised of approximately 25 percent English language learners. Approximately 40% of population receives free or reduced lunch. As a CA Distinguished School, our kindergarten team is thoughtful of the early literary research to close the knowledge gap.
In our classroom there is a thoughtful and conscious effort to balance the importance of STEM content and vocabulary with learning school readiness skills through play.
"Parents and teachers need to design environments that encourage and enhance problem solving from a young age." (Keen 2011).
My Project
Both the California Preschool Learning Foundation and the National Association for the Education of Young Children combine research-based theories with developmentally appropriate practices.
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) "Squishing, rolling, sculpting, molding, young children love to play with playdough.
This simple preschool staple lets children use their imaginations and strengthen the small muscles in their fingers—the same muscles they will one day use to hold a pencil and write. Using playdough with you, a friend, or siblings supports your child’s social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and enjoying being with other people. Playdough also encourages children’s language and literacy, science, and math skills—all at the same time!"
According to the California Preschool Learning Foundation (2010) “Children should also have experiences with equipment that encourages small-muscle skill development, such as puzzles, beads, and string, play dough, and scissors."
Providing students with various textured kinetic play dough, hands-on specimen kits, puzzles, and an interactive number identification kit will provide the tools that they need will develop imagination and strength. The comfortable reading corner will allow students the space to take the next step and to engaging with non-fiction books.
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