Term Definition

General Terms

concrete Tangible, having a visible shape or form

environment Surroundings

motor skills Skills that involve learning to use large and/or small muscles

objective A statement of what is to be learned/accomplished in a learning activity

passive Not participating, simply observing

spontaneity The tendency to act on impulse, to let things happen naturally

teachable moment A time when children are ready to learn

teaching style The way in which a teacher conducts classes

Play and Learning Materials

closed-end materials Materials meant to be used in one way, with one intended outcome

open-ended materials Materials that can be used in a variety of ways, with no one correct way
to play with them

manipulatives Toys/materials that children can touch, move, or change

multi-purpose Able to be used in a variety of ways

nontoxic Not poisonous, not harmful

Ways Children Learn

auditory Related to the sense of hearing; able to be heard

visual Related to the sense of sight; able to be seen

tactile Related to the sense of touch; able to be touched

interactive Providing opportunities to explore and experiment

role model A person who serves as a good example for others to imitate or learn
from

positive reinforcement Praise, encouragement, and other actions that strengthen a behavior

Term Definition

More Ways Children

Learn

modeling
When a person shows another person how to do something

sensory Relating to one or more of the five senses --- seeing,

touching, hearing, smelling, and tasting

sensory perception Use of the senses to take in and understand information

Teaching Methods
chronological grouping Grouping together children of the same age

developmental grouping Grouping together children of the same ability levels

family grouping Grouping together children according to their age ranges

random grouping Grouping with no pattern in mind; each has an equal chance
to be every group

lesson plan A detailed, step-by-step record of what happens during a

time period

procedures The sequence of steps in a lesson plan or learning activity

teaching technique A method used to help children learn

transition A short activity or method for guiding children smoothly from

one activity to another