I've been with my new group of kids in my church kindergarten class for several months now. When encountering a new group of kids, I try to watch and learn about them. I want to know what they enjoy doing, what they like and don't like, how they interact. This group has been harder to figure out.
I had a group that loved blocks. We did all kinds of things in the blocks center. This group likes blocks but will ignore them, too, on occasion.
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| Car boat |
I had a group that loved dramatic play. They wanted to do all kinds of things and would use their imaginations in lots of ways. This group likes dramatic play. But sometimes that center will remain empty.
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| Feeding the baby |
I've had kids that love art. They want to create elaborate things from different materials. This group enjoys painting and drawing and creating. But at times they don't want to do it.
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| Collage |
So what have I discovered about this group? They always surprise me.
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| Floor to window building |
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| Chenille stem Christmas Tree |
They enjoy trying new things, but usually aren't interested in doing it another week.
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| Independent writing |
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| Building with matching cards |
They like interacting with the adults. They will talk to me for a long time. They will come and join an activity if I'm sitting there for a while.
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| Rain water play |
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| Take a picture of my baby! |
They are interested in their own ideas. They will explore and try out what they want to do (and not really care what I planned for them to do). By the way, I love this about them!
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| Fork painting - a beach |
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| fabric in the blocks center |
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| Can we build the game on the floor? |
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| Painting with oil - three at one time |
They are curious and funny and energetic and loud and active.
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| It's Angry Birds! |
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| Restaurant Words - taking an order |
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| Making an ornament with beads and chenille stems |
They are 5 years old. They like to play and learn.
And I'm learning, too.
