4-Implement student teacher-developed activity plans

Young children learn by doing. Children need to touch, move, smell, and listen to
develop understanding. Watching a childs activities and listening to their
conversations will help you develop curriculum and activities that will capture their
interests and foster learning. Teachable moments happen every day. When we
create environments where children feel safe and secure and their emotional needs
o day activities for are met, they are better able to turn their attention to learning. I
learned from the article Write it or forget it that writing anecdotal records helps a
teacher integrate day to day activities for teaching children. Through our
observations and documentations, we see what a child needs help with. I learned
the different types of activity plans, circle times, and transition tools. I learned from
the article Teaching tips for a successful circle time that circle time is any time a
group of children are together for an activity. Circle times help children:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Develop listening skills and attention spans

Promote oral communication
Teachers new concepts and skills
Have fun

I learned some tips to making circle time effective and enjoyable. They are:
1) Plan out circle times-Have at least two, one in the beginning and one in the
end of the day.
2) Location- Face circle time away from distractions
3) Dont sit like a W-This is unhealthy and potentially harmful
4) Keep circle time short- A toddlers attention span is only 5-10 minutes
5) Involve everyone- Encourage children to join in when they are comfortable
and ready
6) Organize activities in sequence- Sequencing helps children learn and do what
is expected
7) Have fun- Teachers need to be enthusiastic and enjoy children
I learned from the article The power of planning-Developing effective read-aloud
that reading to children is very important. Circle times are a great time to read to
children. Successful read-aloud are the result of planning and careful attention to
the details. By selecting a book that children will find engaging and have a
purposeful presentation, you increase the success of a read-aloud and help
childrens literacy skills develop. I learned the importance of transitions. Transition
time can take up to 30% of the day. These are great opportunities for learning.
Children do not do well waiting. By using transition tools it provides a smooth flow
from one activity to another. Transitions should be constructed according to the
interest of the children in your class. Be flexible when planning activity plans, circle
times, and transitions. Dont expect children to change their behaviors instantly. I
learned from the book Transitions magician transitions welcome children when
they arrive, connect daily activities throughout the day, help children focus on the
task at hand, and say farewell at the end of the day. Transition magician described
transition times as:

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

Routine changes
Settlers
Attention grabbers
Stretchers
Extenders
Magic carpet activities

I learned from practicum 2 how to develop and implement math, science, and
sensory activity plans. My activity plans are based on my observations and
documentations. I learned how to base my activity plans on the skills and concepts I
wanted the children to learn. From the open ended questions I asked at the end of
the activity, I could see if the children learned what I was trying to teach them. In
every activity and circle time I plan, I include the Wisconsin Model Early Learning
Standards in planning and curriculum goals. My activity plans are created and
implemented by the established guidelines and follow the Wisconsin Model Early
Learning Standards. Activity plans can use written or oral activities. Activity plans
can be for groups or individuals. Any environment can invite teachable moments,
they can be in a classroom setting, a simulated environment, or a practicum site.
Children learn through direct experiences with people and things. Choosing a
curriculum and instructional assessment tools fits the needs of the children in your
care and the families.