Book Talks and Author Studies are wonderful ways to explore and learn about children’s literature. I highly recommend doing them with the children you teach. They are also excellent additions to teacher education classes. I started doing these activities with my undergraduate students for two reasons: 1. I wanted my students to discover as many children’s books [...]
Archive for September, 2011
Basic Tips for ESL/ELL Instruction
Almost every classroom in the United States has children whose first language is not English. Early Childhood teaching strategies are very appropriate for working with this population of children. Here are a few tips for teachers with ESL children in their classrooms:
The Different Types of Alphabet Books
ABC Concept books don’t focus on one specific theme for the book, but rather focus on learning the actual letters. The children will primarily learn the alphabet. Try: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom ABC Content books have one central theme and each letter represents something from that theme. The children will learn theme-specific vocabulary and the alphabet. Try: Eating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A [...]
ESL/ELL Instruction – It’s easier than you think!
Whether you have ESL children or not in your classroom, having a variety of word games to be played by pairs of students or small groups is ideal. Pocket charts are great for these types of games. The key is to do activities where all students can interact and move around.
A fun twist on the alphabet song
Looking for a fun twist to the traditional alphabet song? Try the Hip Hop Alphabet. You can play the song in the background (the video isn’t needed) and either: 1. Display the alphabet on a large screen or easel and have one child use a pointer to point to each letter as the class sings the [...]
What’s your name?
So it’s time for your Kindergarteners to learn the letters of the alphabet. I mean really learn the letters. They all can sing the ABC song, but can they really point to each letter and identify it? Probably not. (And that’s fine by the way). I suggest using the children’s names to jumpstart your exploration into letters.
Make-Your-Own Light Table (and add some Reggio Emilia to your life)
Before becoming a college professor and developing my Early Childhood Education program, I was privileged enough to teach infants, toddlers and preschoolers at a Reggio Emilia-inspired laboratory school at Virginia Tech. While a teacher at the school, I worked deeply with the Reggio philosophy and was able to see what can happen when teachers listen to [...]
Adding Letters to Puzzle Play
While playing with this animal puzzle one afternoon, Miss H decided to add a new material. After we had put all of the animals together and were talking about what each animal was, she got up, went to her toy shelf, and came back with her container of letters.

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