This week we discussed the changes the children have been observing outside during the start of our fall season. I used several non-fiction books to support the learning. Since it is our first-time using non-fiction resources, I teach the students a non-fiction engagement strategy.
Slow Down and Think Strategy
One of the engagement strategies I teach is to slow down and think about each page and to ask themselves if this is information that they already knew or information that is new to them. To avoid a chorus of children yelling out their responses, we use hand signals. If the information is new – we touch our heads to signify that we are adding this to our brains. If the information is previous knowledge – we quickly touch the tip of nose.
Strategy Transfer
One of the things I love about teaching is when I see children transfer the skill to other settings. I was working with a student later that day on an alphabet puzzle. The student was not yet familiar with all the letter names and so she would select a letter, I would say the letter name and sound, she would repeat and then I noticed that she is reaching up for her head after each letter. At first, I am thinking, hmmm do I need to check if she is itchy? She catches me watching her and says, “I’m putting these letters into my brain so I will remember the names”.
I love these surprise moments when a student transfers a the strategy to a new situation!
Follow Up Invitation
Here are a few photos of a project our student teacher intern did with the children. She had read the book “Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert and then invited children to create their own leaf creation. I noticed they worked on balancing their designs much like I see them using balance during play.
Check out these photos of carefully balanced blocks and the balanced wood cookies.
Happy Teaching and Learning,
Lynda
