Encouraging Kindergarten Group Discussion

This article provides good advice on how to promote constructive discussion in a kindergarten classroom. The idea of establishing the rule where the students talk to eachother and work throu... See More

This article provides good advice on how to promote constructive discussion in a kindergarten classroom. The idea of establishing the rule where the students talk to eachother and work through their disagreements without initial assistance from the teacher is important, this idea will not only help students see both sides of a problem, but it will help develop a life skill. It was nice to see that this article discussed situations when the teacher allowed the students to work through their disagreements as well as when to intervene, and then the follow up to the intervention.

Vocabulary Rich

Creating a concept map is a great way to help students share their known vocabulary in science and to introduce new vocabulary. I have used this idea before in older grades but have not done... See More

Creating a concept map is a great way to help students share their known vocabulary in science and to introduce new vocabulary. I have used this idea before in older grades but have not done so in kindergarten. I do believe that with the way you presented it, students could be very successful. I also wanted to compliment you on writing the question mark beside questionable thoughts. Then you used a book, not the internet to find the answer right away. All to often our children think we just google it and sometimes that is alright. However, I love how you showed them that answers are found in books and reading can be enjoyable. This is a great way to teach across the curriculum.

Vocabulary Rich

Creating a concept map is a great way to help students share their known vocabulary in science and to introduce new vocabulary. I have used this idea before in older grades but have not done... See More

Creating a concept map is a great way to help students share their known vocabulary in science and to introduce new vocabulary. I have used this idea before in older grades but have not done so in kindergarten. I do believe that with the way you presented it, students could be very successful. I also wanted to compliment you on writing the question mark beside questionable thoughts. Then you used a book, not the internet to find the answer right away. All to often our children think we just google it and sometimes that is alright. However, I love how you showed them that answers are found in books and reading can be enjoyable. This is a great way to teach across the curriculum.

Participating in Large Group Science Discussions

This article provides helpful tips to have often too talkative kindergarten students to participate in large group discussions about science. Initial rules have to be established and reinfo... See More

This article provides helpful tips to have often too talkative kindergarten students to participate in large group discussions about science. Initial rules have to be established and reinforced until students accept this new way of discussion. The learning of this skill is a work in progress that gets better the more you use it with your students.

Kinders need more guidence

I enjoyed this article. I teach K/1 where conversations among students generally go fairly well. While there might be some silliness taking place, usually at least one of the students stay... See More

I enjoyed this article. I teach K/1 where conversations among students generally go fairly well. While there might be some silliness taking place, usually at least one of the students stays on topic. Sounds like this is more tricky in a room full of kindergarteners. Using an object for students to pass when they are talking helped.