Our job as preschool teachers here at KSELC is to get children “kindergarten ready,” so we see everything as a learning/teaching opportunity. Because we believe in educating the whole child, we are seizing the opportunity of the Holiday Season as a time for giving. Our Early Learners’ Factory (Get it? E.L.F…? tee hee) is abuzz with the creation of decorations for our classroom tree and Christmas gifts for giving.
Making candy cane ornaments from chenille stems and pony beads involved counting and patterning, and sharing materials. The stringing of our foam peanut garland exercised dexterity, concentration, and patience, all of which are prewriting activities. The tree itself was a cooperative group project, made with the children’s handprints.
We also interweave literacy throughout each and every day.
And always, we teach accountability. Our students clean up after themselves. We monitor and remind as they put caps back on markers, pick up toys and return them to their proper spots, sorting and organizing as they go. It takes longer than if we were to do the clean up ourselves, but we believe that accountability goes a long way toward making good citizens.
Anyway, our “elves” are so very excited to know that they will have a selection of gifts to bestow upon friends and family during the holidays. They get to experience not only the confidence that is a direct result of creativity and accomplishment, but they also experience the joy of giving. And all the while, preparing for kindergarten!
Thanks for reading!
Peace
Mia