Sunday, December 28, 2008

Routines, routines, routines!

The most important thing at the beginning of the school year is not the curriculum!

Rather, it is training your class that there is a specific routine and process for everything.

The first six weeks of grade one need to focus on classroom routines as well as language and math.

Students who know how the day will unfold feel secure and ready to learn.

Make singing a regular routine. Beginning regular music classes at this time is very important.

Use a picture book to introduce a new lesson. The picture book may be based on fact or fiction. This approach settles the students and focuses their attention.

Gradually introduce science, social studies and health. Use the students’ experiences as the foundation for beginning these subjects:

e.g.: Begin science in the earth and space strand by studying the changing seasons.
Begin social studies with “Me”.
Begin health with nutrition, using a harvest and Thanksgiving theme.
The story of “The Little Red Hen” is a great story to use to introduce
the cereals and grains food group.

Any time lost at the beginning will be quickly recovered because the students will know and understand the expectations in the classroom.

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