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Lesson Plans


Re: Kindie Tips

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
ARTNSOUL12
Sun, 26 Sep 1999 23:24:36 EDT

Hi, Judy,
Here are some suggestions for smooth-running kindergarten classes. 1-I
suggest you purchase two items: a "bellhop" or "cleaners" bell and a "magic
bag"- that's right, a Magic Bag, the kind you can easily get in a magic
store. 2- Develop and Maintain a ROUTINE and STRUCTURE. 3- Use little rhymes
and songs to get your points across. 4-Positive reinforcement goes a long
way. 5-Break up the time so that they are on different tasks during art time.
Based on 40 min. class:
I begin every Kindergarten lesson (5-10 min.)by having the children file into
the art room quietly and sit "pretzel-style" on an area rug. I always begin
with a magic trick and a Magician's Assistant (one of the little ones) to
help me by waving the magic wand over my magic bag. Before the class arrives
I've hidden something that I want to relate to my lesson in the hidden
compartment in the bag. The class recites the following: Aabraa Kadaabraa,
Kiddle Kaboom, the children at (school name) have a Magic Art Room! I give
my Magician's Assistant something to put into the bag, for example, a piece
of yellow paper and one red one.The hidden compartment has orange paper. Or,
for another example, if the lesson of the day is centered around squares and
rectangles, then a square could be put into the bag, and with a flip of the
hidden lever, out can come a rectangle. A discussion always follows, but
this magic trick is my "catch". EVERY child is tuned in. Often I say that
artists are like magicians because we can make new colors appear or trick the
eye by drawing 3-d,etc.

Next, usually follows a demo.(5 min.) Children stand around a big table and
we say,"Hands by my side and one step back". After a while, they say it
automatically and it eliminates pushing and everyone can see demo.

Art project next.(20 min.) If using glue, reminder of how much they use
goes like this..we all say(in little high -pitched voices)... An itsy bitsy,
teeny weeny, tiny, whiney drop of glue...Thank You! If they are mixing paint
on their papers, you might have them sing to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your
Boat: Yellow, yellow, yellow and red, yellow, yellow and red, Mix yellow,
yellow,yellow and red...get orange instead! I could go on and on...make up
your own ...it helps them focus on what they are doing. Trust me, they love
it!

The bell....When I ring the bell once it's a signal that everyone puts down
whatever is in their hands and folds them "prayer-style". Eyes are on me and
no talking. I call this "Grandmother's Fingers". I explain at the beginning
of the year that I have a grandmother who lives next door to me. Every day
after school I tell her all about my wonderful artists and what they are
doing. She sits with grandmother's fingers and looks right in my eyes when
I'm talking, so I know she's really listening. So, I further explain, when
they show me "Grandmother's Fingers" it reminds me of my dear, sweet
grandmother!! Works every time and with all ages. Infact, the kids are so
conditioned that it kinda reminds me of Pavlov's dogs....Now two rings of the
bell signals clean-up.(5-10 min) But, that's a whole other e-mail!

The last 5 min. of class I call a Museum Moment. Each table has a turn to
stand in front of the room and show their art work. Often there is applause
from the rest of the class. They all want to do this and it builds self
esteem. They then line up quietly by tables to leave.

Anyone who teaches elementary school knows you need a lot of ENERGY and
CONSISTANCY! Hope I didn't bore you by rambling on....Good Luck! Sue