My Best Teaching Advice

One of my favorite things I loved doing with my daycare kiddos was circle/lesson time! And I did it every single day. That’s right, every single day!

I know some of you might be asking HOW!?!? ā€œSylvie, how in the world did you make the kids sit still? Or pay attention?ā€

Great questions!

Because let’s face it… good circle/lesson time doesn’t happen by accident.

So here are five simple steps I followed that made my circle/lesson time successful and fun!

Ready!?

1ļøāƒ£ Music + dance time.


I always started our circle/lesson time with music. I would play cheerful and upbeat songs that we danced to. YES, I danced with the kiddos and had a blast! But we also listened to classic kid songs like: The Wheels On The Bus, Head And Shoulders etc. and did lots of actions! Not only did we have a great time but the kiddos got their energy out so they were ready to sit down for my lesson! Yes!!!!!!! Our dance time lasted 20-30 minutes. About 5 songs!

2ļøāƒ£ Story Time


When dance time was over, we’d sit down for a story time. I would pick a book to read out loud that went with my lesson. I also showed the kiddos pictures inside the book, which they loved, and they made the cutest comments! My favorite! Extra tip: make reading exciting and not boring!

3ļøāƒ£ Lesson Time


I had a big white board on my wall which was extremely helpful while I was doing lesson time! Even though most of my kids were young and couldn’t read, (ages 6 weeks – 5 years) I would still write on the white board and draw pictures of whatever I was teaching that day. For example: if I was teaching Seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter) I would write those words and draw pictures that represented each season: sun for summer, snowflakes for winter etc. The kids loved it and it helped them pay attention! Plus they started to get familiar with words and letters!

4ļøāƒ£ Q & A Time


At the end of each class, I would ask the kiddos 3-5 questions that went with my lesson. For example: if my lesson was about Fall, I’d ask them: ā€œHave you ever been to a pumkin patch? Or what letter does a pumpkin start with?ā€ I made sure every child was involved and had a chance to answer. It was such a treat to see how much they were learning and I couldn’t be more proud!

5ļøāƒ£ Reward Time


It’s no secret that kids love treats! Well, I had a jar of M&M’s so after each class kids who paid attention and listened got 3 M&M’s. Yup, only 3 because nobody wants over sugared kids! Right? Right! My kiddos were happy to get them and I was happy to reward them. It was a win win. Extra tip: When kids were getting antsy during lesson time, I’d grab the M&M’s jar and shook it. It was a great reminder that there was a treat waiting for the kids who listened at the end of our lesson time. Worked like a charm!

Now, that’s what I call a winning strategy! See for yourself by trying these powerful and simple tips!

READY FOR CIRCLE/LESSON TIME?

You got this!

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