Lesson 6: Embedding Goals Attention How does this image make you feel? Now think about how families may feel when you talk to them about embedding a child’s goals into their day. Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this lesson's material
Teaching Teachers need to be intentional in their teaching. By using the following steps, educators will raise their own awareness and attention to academic learning and communicating:
Remember to always be thinking
Play-based academics (Open Learning Time) CHILDREN LEARN FROM PLAY!!!!! Play allows children to show their knowledge, observe others playing to see new approaches and hear new words, learn using a hands on approach and have opportunities to relive life experiences to gain more sense of their world. Children contribute their own ideas, use problem solving techniques, and pursue their own interests. This type of curriculum is VERY appropriate for children. Educators using an open learning curriculum need to skillfully weave goals and objectives into activities and environmental centers throughout the classroom. Educators actually get down on the floor and at small tables to lay with children to build on each child’s previous knowledge and challenge those children to try new things. Academic learning can be playful and fun! The Workbook Approach is discussed in this chapter. As an educator, it is easy to use worksheets with children. These can be used to keeps children busy and quiet while an educator works with a small group of children. For many children, worksheets are not compatible with their learning style. They prefer a more hands-on approach. Something to think about: For each worksheet an educator offers, do they also provide a blank piece of paper for a child time to create something on her own? Or a hands-on activity where the same goal could be met in a different way? Identifying Goals for Play Areas Often educators hear from families – “All my child does is play all day! When is he going to learn something?” As educators we need to be ready to answer these comments and questions with clear facts about a child’s day. Gronlund answers this question in a very specific highly academic manner. This may be a bit over some families need to know. However, she makes a valid point in the importance to educating families about their child’s day and what he is really learning. Education of families and communities is key! Newsletters, portfolios, pictures displayed with messages of what a child is learning are all great ways to educate families. Gronlund compiles quite a list on pages 75 and 76. When you look over the list, do you see the similarities to elementary school expectations? Do you see anything missing? Something to think about: Do you believe there are varying degrees of understanding or knowledge or ability to the items listed? Will that change as children mature? Gronlund also discusses children’s social/emotional skills, approaches to learning; gross motor development, and fine motor development. For preschoolers to become contributing members of society and effective learners throughout their lives, they need these domains to be nurtured by caring preschool teachers. Embedding learning goals into a child’s schedule to develop these domains can be done as he plays in areas throughout a class room. Look at Appendix B beginning on page 250. Can you see how the goals can be met on a daily basis? Beyond Identifying Goals Once goals have been determined, it is an educator’s job to be intentional in planning, organizing, and following through to make sure the goals are met. Adult interactions with children can be influence by the following;
Educators need to be responsive to children, observe and listen to children to determine the best way to interact with a child. Educators need to introduce key concepts, skills and vocabulary related to a goal in a way that builds on what a child is doing and sustain and enhance her engagement in an activity or area. It is important to talk to children about the learning goal that is being met when working with an activity or area. The conversation can cover many of the terminology suggested in the list above. Embedding Goals in Daily Routines Daily routines in a classroom should be rich in learning possibilities when teachers are intentional and plan appropriately. Educators can prepare daily routines with predictable rituals that incorporate learning goals. This allows a child’s brain to function in a higher-level of cognitive thinking. He will have to focus on the challenges and complete a task at the same time. Educators need to consider the following aspects when embedding goals into daily routines:
Outdoor Exploration Preschooler’s growing bodies are developing muscle control and need to expend energy and experience fresh air and a lifelong enjoyment of nature. It is important to plan how learning goals can be met while playing children are playing outside. Some of the planning can be covered when designing an outdoor playground. Is there place for balancing, running, jumping, climbing, and swinging? These things are important; however think about what you previously read in Big Body Play, what else needs to be included when planning for outdoor play? Many facilities are moving towards creating more natural playgrounds. These playgrounds over child opportunities to play with wood and other items found in nature instead of colorful plastic toys. For more information go to http://www.adventurouschild.com/natural-play.php Embedding Learning Goals during Large and Small Group Play Large group activities like Circle time offer opportunities for educators to address learning goals such as:
These same learning goals can be met in small group and individual times. Often may from the above list are initially taught to an individual or in small groups. This is like pre-teaching something to an individual for later success in a small group and them in a larger group. An example of this may be a child learning to express emotions appropriately or to self-regulate. These skills are learned at an individual level first, then can be practiced and mastered in small and large groups. There are many approaches to teaching children. The following link provides a brief overview of six types of preschools and teaching styles. As you read each section, think about how they embed goals into each day. Assessment Lesson 6 Discussion Many children have goals to interact with peers in a community building manner. Think of an area inside or outside and explain how you would embed such a goal into a child’s day. Lesson 6 Quiz
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