[MistySeptember]

I am starting my new job as a preschool teacher tomarrow and while I have this class well covered and am very comfortable with my lesson plans, I found that I will also be covering the after school kids at the end of the day. We have a few games, and I am told some outdoor play things like balls ( though I have not seen any). There are 7 kids ages 5-8 or 9, 5 boys and 2 girls.

I need to bring some kind of order to this program. I spent some time with them last week so we could meet adn so I could kind of get to know the program. They come in running, yelling and have a total disregard for what the other teacher is saying. They mouth back ALOT. The program is in a church and it is not acceptable to have them running and yelling. They did respond well to my stern instructions when I watched over them breifly while one was escorted to the office. But I got alot of "But..." and "Why..." and back talk in general.

My idea is to set a schedule....Come in hang up stuff, use the barthoom have snack then divide into three centers (game, homework and craft), then do an organized game or activity inside or out out followed by an hour or so of free play and then use the last 30-45 minutes for quieter activities.

I know these kids have been couped up in school all day and I haven't seen alot of structure to the program so far. I know they need more stuff to do so they can engage in apporpriate behavior instead of descrustive behavior b/c they are bored. But they also need to be able to blow off some steam and engery so they can wind down for a calm evening at home. Most of them are in kindergarten so homework isn't really a big issue, but I'd like to offer an environment for it anyway for teh couple of older kids.

I don't want to come in like the new sherriff and start ragging on them. But we need some kind of order and respect is a must. Anyideas for activities, games, schedule, rules, behavior managment? Anything would be a huge help! It's been a while since I have been with school kids, I've done preschool kids for the last several years.

[Elanajel]

A few thoughts:

Brainstorm a list of rules/responsibilities with them. Try to frame it positively (i.e., "Treat the materials safely" as opposed to "Don't Break Things"). Once you have the list (4 or 5 bullets maximum), have everyone sign or print their name (on a huge posterboard) and laminate it at the front of the room. That way it will always be visible.

Have each kid bring in a small photo. Clip the photo to a clothespin. Each kid moves their clothespin when they move to a different station. Easy way to keep track of who is where and see if an area is overloaded.

No-bake projects can be fun--using pie filling in little desert shells, etc.

I can't remember too many games besides Hot Potato but I will check some websites I've used and get back to you.

[MistySeptember]

THANKS!!!

I only ahve 7 kids, but you'd think there were 77! They are a handful. It's been a LOOOOOOONG time since I delt withs chool age kids and they are giving me a run for my money. They need more to do, that is the main problem I think. Theya re mostly in kindergarten and first grade and all of the board games in our cupbaords are geared towards 10 and up and many are missing half of the peices or the instructions so I have no clue even how to play.

[Elanajel]

Games:
Puzzles with big pieces
A magnetic board with big letters--they can practice putting together short words
Any art supplies
Bubbles (send them outside!)
Sidewalk chalk
Toothpicks and mini-marshmallows for making little geometric sculptures