We as preschool teachers can sometimes feel stuck in the middle of prepping a child for kindergarten and allowing children to learn the way they were created -through play and exploration. It is a tough spot to be in. Your heart tells you one thing (let them be little), but your brain tells you another (knowing the expectations of the coming year). Truth is, I cannot single handedly change the expectations that Kindergarten brings to our five year olds. I may want it to change, wish it to change- but realistically I must face that as a part of my job, I am stuck in the middle.

So, for me the eclectic approach is best. Do children need to learn to sit and listen at circle time? Yes, they do. Should children be asked to be engaged in teacher lead activities all day long? Umm, no. It's a fine balance.

As far as assessment is concerned, I also look to an eclectic approach.

While I wish my kiddos would show me everything I need to know during observation of play... it doesn't seem to happen that way.

You remember that little boy that could seriate blocks? Yep, that is all he wants to do. You most likely will not find him cutting or gluing at the art center. So, if I want to know what he can do with a pair of scissors - I may have to make it a teacher-lead activity.

But, there is no drill and answer here.

I use games, art projects and group activities to get any reluctant children engaged.

For example, we played a 'Who won the Race?' game that showed me if children could:

-subitize the numbers on a die

-recognize numerals

-graph and analyze data (which animal won)

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We also created bridges for a gingerbread boy and girl and this showed me if children could:

-problem solve

-use fine motor skills to build

-persistence (if the bridge fell down)

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During a whole group activity we went around the room to search for student names. Each child found their name on 3 slips of paper. They then glued them onto a piece of paper and tried to write it too! This showed me if children could:

-recognize their name

-use glue correctly

-hold writing utensil correctly

-what stage they were at with writing their name

There are tons of fun ways to engage children and see what they know!

Looking for more ideas? Keeping working through this bootcamp to find out how!

HOMEWORK:

Reflect on the questions found in workbook on the 'SHIFT IN THINKING' page. Be honest with yourself and decide if you might need a little shift in thinking.

It's not always easy to reflect on what we are used to doing, but just think of the impact it might have for your students!

You have just completed Day 1 - you are rockstar!