Chapter 1- Differentiating Instruction in Kindergarten- What does Differentiated Instruction Mean in Kindergarten-blog 1
-Chapter 1- Teaching and Learning in the Kindergarten year-This Thing Called Kindergarten-blog 1
Please respond to the above readings in this blog. Content criteria can be found in module 1.
Erin F
ReplyDeleteI liked how the book “K Today” looked at Kindergarten as an alien would. Our world is very confusing and contradictory in what it says, thinks, and does in regards to everything but specifically Kindergarten. If it is so vital why is it not required in every city and in every state. Outsiders tend to view Kindergarten as that fun time when kids can just play all day and take naps. The book discusses this on page 3. It also discusses how this is not how Kindergarten runs today. These people are not informed of the amount of learning that actually takes place. One thing I would do to help eliminate this confusion, at least with my class families, would be to fully inform them at the beginning of the year of what we will be learning and maybe even show a put together video of how much is done in a Kindergarten classroom. I would also send out newsletters that tell specifically what we are working on that week. Of course I would also encourage family participation and help in the classroom. This will help at least that family learn what a true Kindergarten class is like in the present.
I really enjoyed how they took you on the journey of Mrs. Kastenbach in her last year of teaching Kindergarten. I loved hearing about how much joy she had in it as well as her honesty in how hard it can be as well. I have always enjoyed hearing stories from excellent teachers. She does a good job of explaining how diverse and colorful the classroom is. On page 5 she goes through each child and where they are currently at. As students get older they start to have a little more even of a playing field but in Kindergarten there is such a huge range of abilities, living circumstances, developmental age, diversity, and previous school experience. I will definitely be able to use this information to help me look for a see the differences in the children I teach. It is my job to meet them where they are at in order to bring them to their fullest potential. I will also take with me the joy and purpose that Mrs. Kastenbach had for her students. When it gets rough it’s important to remember why you are doing it.
The three types of “lags” teachers see that keep children from fitting in with the norm were interesting. They were: pokey maturation, lack of experiences, and a disability. In my previous work with Head Start I say all three but the one that would shock me the most was the lack of experiences. We had a three year old that at lunch would try to eat the whole banana with the peeling on. The child had never had a banana and so had never been taught to peel it. Once we taught the child to peel the banana he proceeded to drop the peeling on the floor. That was a normal behavior for him. It was easy at first to think he was behind because of a delay or disability when in fact he just lack life experiences. I agree with the book also that our expectations for kindergarteners has increased over the years which can alter how we decide if students are deficient or not. This helped remind me to not jump into judging where a child is at or how he got there. I will truly get to know the child and open my eyes up to all of the possibilities.
I also liked the comparison between kindergarten and an alien world. Adults forget how new and strange school can be for young children. The change to kindergarten in recent years has been quite astonishing! A friend of mine teaches kindergarten and the amount of work the children complete would make anyone who thought kindergarten is just for play change their mind very quickly!
DeleteI think that you listed out some great ways to show parents/caregivers that the kindergarten classroom is more than just an environment in which their child plays in. I think that weekly newsletters are a great way to let parents know what their child is learning but it also allows them to carryon that learning at home as well. I helped to create a therapeutic preschool at my previous job, and we had a weekly newsletter that we would send home to parents so that they knew what we were working on with their child as well as give them activities that they were encouraged to do with their child at home. It is a great way to get parents involved in their child’s learning.
DeleteI like your point that you made about the book viewing kindergarten as an alien. I think your ideas about informing the parents about what takes place in the kindergarten classroom would be a great idea! This way parents don't just think that their kids are going and playing all day. After helping in a kindergarten classroom there was a lot more learning and academic time going on than I thought there would be. The kids were very well behaved and the amount of respect that they had toward their teacher was shocking...in a good way!
DeleteErin F continued
ReplyDeleteThe text “Differentiating Instruction in Kindergarten” is also a great book that I am excited to read more of. On page 12 the definition is stated as such “Differentiated instruction means that the teacher has consciously tried to engage children in learning and reinforcing skills through an array of methods while addressing curriculum standards.” It explains that the more different ways we use to teach a topic the more likely it is that the students will remember it. And not a temporary memory but rather “embed” it in their memory. Here is an example of how I could do this in my classroom. To learn about rain forests we could watch a video that showed rain forests and the animals that live there. We could read books about rain forests, and pick our favorite animal from the rain forest to create. We then could share with the class the animal we have chosen and then together created a rainforest in our classroom. By using different senses and skills the students are more apt to have a strong memory of rainforests than if we had just read a book and done a worksheet on it.
I liked how the book helped instill confidence in teachers by telling them that they are already differentiating their instruction to some extent. Teachers don’t just give a worksheet on the letter A but talk about it first using words it starts with and making the sound and then drawing it on the board. This book is to help us accomplish differentiating better by making it purposeful when planning it instead of just doing it by habit or second nature. When we are purposeful we make sure we are covering many areas to teach something as well as covering the standards. I was taught by the lead teacher how to differentiate instruction so it comes second nature to me as well. But in my classroom I will work hard at making it a purposeful thing that follows standards.
I love on page 15 where it says that using multiple teaching methods it will help you find the “switch that “turns on” each student.” Every child has a certain way that makes learning easier. For example some need to actually manipulate or produce something. Some need to hear it and some need to see it. By trying them all out you can observe each child and what clicks for them. In my classroom I will find what gets the excited about learning and what they tend to gravitate to in free play. I have been reminded that every child is unique which is why my instruction for each child may need to be unique as well. It is a daunting task however so I am glad to be reading this book so I can learn more about it.
In response to Erin:
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea of involving parents in the Kindergarten classroom as much as possible. It is really important for parents to understand that Kindergarten is vital to their child's learning experience. There is so much that children learn in Kindergarten and it provides a base for them for the rest of their education. When you discussed differentiating instruction for Kindergarten, I agree that a teacher does not just copy and worksheet and give it to their students. Most teachers are already differentiating student work without even thinking about it. I also like how the book encourages teachers to be confident in what they are doing for their students.
The differentiating Instruction in Kindergarten book mentioned one thing that stood out to me- good teachers use their common sense. I think this can be said for any age. Unfortunately, teachers are having to grade all students on the same standardized scale. Which as we all know is impossible, as no two children are alike. I think that all teachers can agree that children need to be praised for their individual achievements.
ReplyDeleteThe Teaching and Learning in the Kindergarten year book addressed something that I think is very important- play education. I think that especially in the earlier grades, children need the freedom to explore their environment. What adults see as play is really a wonderful learning experience for children. They are learning how the world works, how to take turns, how to communicate with each other, and they are improving their core skills such as vocabulary and maths.
Sharn, I would have to agree with you about the standards that they set for the children not being very accurate. As teachers, we are trying to help children realize who they are and how they can embrace their individuality, yet the government wants them to all be the same. Making them take a test a certain way is not realistic because certain children learn in different ways. We are taught to teach students through differentiated instruction but the government still does not get that sitting them in front a computer and sending them on their way is not going to get them any closer to being at the same standard.
DeleteUnfortunately, I have only been able to read the 'K Today' text because my other book has not arrived yet.
ReplyDeleteI really like how in the beginning of chapter 1 they look at Kindergarten through the eyes of alien. There are so many people who truly do not understand the purpose of Kindergarten. By looking at Kindergarten from different views, we can learn more from others and from ourselves. 'Is kindergarten for social development, as in its earlier days, or is its focus academics, like the rest of the elementary curriculum?' is a question that is asked in the text. I think that this question is very important because you need to be able to work both aspects into the school day for kindergarten students. The book also address the question of when a child does not fit the curriculum map. I'm glad that the book discusses this because thanks to my student teaching and prior experience with children, I believe that the curriculum should fit the child and not the other way around. A teacher's job is to meet the needs of their students. I also think that this is something that can be difficult to distinguish in kindergarten because you may have some students that are far more mature than others. Sometimes it has nothing to do with a disability and more to do with the fact that they have not been exposed to this type of environment.
I would use the information that I have learned in Chapter 1 by creating an environment that supports both a good social environment and a good academic environment. In Kindergarten you should learn through play but you should also make sure to introduce the students to what first grade will be like.
Brandy, I definitely agree with your thoughts on the curriculum fitting the child and not the child having to conform to the curriculum. I think that is something that has definitely become more of a problem since No Child Left Behind has been implemented. I think that because of the things that are awarded if AYP is met, and what is put at risk if AYP is not obtained has caused too many teachers' vision to become cloudy and the ultimate goal of every child understanding a given concept gets put aside in order to receive funding from the government, and that is not what it should be ultimately be about at all. I don't know if AYP and all that entails applies to the kindergarten grade or not, but I still think that it affects other grade levels greatly.
DeleteTeaching and Learning in the Kindergarten Year- I like the quote where the book states “Kindergarten suffers from the middle-child syndrome, it is caught between early education and public education because it share features of both educational levels”. This quote just goes to show you how important of a transition Kindergarten is when a child is coming from the home environment into the school environment. I think it is important to note that the children entering into the Kindergarten classroom are all at different levels of social and academic skills. It is interesting how the book talks about the change in curriculum in Kindergarten is changing because about 80% of students entering have already had some form of school the previous year. This means most students have already started to attain some of the skills needed to thrive in a school setting. But this also means the 20% is at a great disadvantage they are lost in the gap. I like the quote in the book that said, “Kindergarten is about playful learning and learningful play, and about academic socialization and social academics”. I agree with that quote, there needs to be a balance. One aspect is no more important in a child’s development then both, and a child without one skill will be at a disadvantage.
ReplyDeleteDifferentiating Instruction in Kindergarten-This chapter talks about how children have a range of intelligences and the best way to suite every child is differentiating instruction. Students will have strengths and weaknesses and it’s our job as a teacher to help nurture the students to complete the work in the most effective way. “In our kindergarten instruction, we should be presenting the same information in a variety of ways, engaging all the modalities as we present information.” I agree with this statement, children are so eager to learn the more repetition and different activities done will help the comprehension to strengthen. That is even true for myself now, the more I hear something and apply it in different ways the more I comprehend it. When learning letters in a classroom, have the children trace the letter with their finger, have them color it in, then have them glue an object with the same beginning letter in the shape of the letter. This all supports learning. This chapter was so easy to read and very informational, I will definitely enjoy reading more!
Hi Autumn! I like your statement about it being our job as teachers to help nurture the student to complete the work in the most affective way. It just goes back to what the text stated about a responsive environment to the students as well as making sure the student is the "ball" that we hold highest. In response to the 20% that will fall through the cracks, I felt sad to read that. I hope to see those statistics change in the future. I really feel like if Teachers could only 'teach' and children could only 'learn' then maybe that gap could be bridged.
DeleteI think the most important point that was brought up was the idea of learning to know the students with your heart in addition to knowing them intellectually. I can honestly say that through my job as a para in the preschool at the Hays Area Children’s Center, this skill comes in VERY handy. Not only is it a handy skill to have, but I believe it is a necessary one. It allows you to get to know what makes each kid “tick”, some of the things that may be going on in their home life that may contribute to their behavior/misbehavior, the kind of things they do and do not respond to, etc. You have to genuinely care about them get to know them individually and on a personal level before you can make any kind of impact on their education. Luckily, if you have chosen this as your career, this idea comes pretty naturally. Through my job, I have already incorporated this idea into who I am. While I have worked there for a little over three years now and have had some of the same students all of those years, out of all the children that attend our preschool, I can tell you whether or not a particular student will eat our given snack of that afternoon well or not, general things that go on in most of their homes, when their birthdays are, what their middle names are, and what their favorite toy is. This is not difficult information to find out from a child, all you have to do is make the effort to engage in a conversation with them and listen to what they have to say. Children are no different than any other human being. They like to know that they matter to someone else as a person, that their feelings matter, and that they are genuinely cared about.
ReplyDeleteIt was very beneficial to me that the Middendorf text pointed out that while differentiated instruction seems like just one more thing that I need to learn in order to be a teacher, there are already many parts of it that I have incorporated without even realizing that was what I was doing. It is comforting to know that a lot of the basis is already there, now there are just things that I have to build on and consciously work toward. Differentiated instruction is definitely beneficial because it allows each individual to get that maximum amount of information in the best way that they understand it. While it can become difficult to manage stimulating all the different learning styles, it needs to be the ultimate goal of every educator because of the benefits that the students are able to reap from it.
I also really liked this statement in the Middendorf text. It says, “the more ways a kindergartner is exposed to a skill, concept, or idea, using different intelligences, in different situations, with different materials, the more the learning is internalized”. That’s a mouthful, but I think it is of the upmost importance. The more ways that a child has at its fingertips to get the most meaningful experience that he/she can in order to be able to relate to and understand the given concept that is being taught, the more mastery of a concept the teacher will see in each student. Children have to have experiences to relate their learning to otherwise it means nothing to them. I hope to be able to incorporate as many hands-on activities into my classroom as I can because I think that is the best way that small children learn. Hands-on activities give them an experience to relate to, gives them a place to focus their energy in a constructive way, and it allows them to make the connection to what they are learning easier.
Kayla, I love how you said we need “to know the students with our heart.” What a perfect statement. Your right, we need to sit down and take the time to engage in conversations with them. It seems like you have the relational part of our job down pat. I agree about differentiated instruction being something most teachers do already to some degree. We just need to work on making it more purposeful. And yes it is worth it so that our students get the most out of their education.
Delete1) Address 3 important/interesting points from the readings and why you think they are important.
ReplyDeleteOne of the first things I found interesting from the readings was from the K Today text. The section talked about whether Kindergarten was a Social or Academic. I think the text has it right when it says, “To anyone who understands Kindergarten and Kindergarteners , that is like asking whether life is about work or family, or whether water or air is more important” (p. 7). I believe that is really depends on the needs of that child. As educators, we are there to help them along their paths, so when we notice that maybe academically the student will be fine, but socially the student is somewhat suffering. This can be seen in cases of Autism. What do you do? You try your best to be responsive to your students’ needs.
The second thing I read from K Today that I found interesting and strongly agree with is that “Kindergarten is too important not to protect and nurture” (10). The chapter talked a lot about the importance of Kindergarten as social and academic environments for children, but it is more than that. The book states “[Kindergarten] is a transition between home and school, a bridge between early childhood education and elementary school” (p. 10). There has to be a place like that for children, otherwise when we throw them into first grade, the students do not know what is to be expected of them. Essentially, they become new currents to foreign shores. Then, first grade becomes the new “Kindergarten”. If not, would we not be taking a step or two backwards?
The final point I want to make comes from the Differentiating Instruction in Kindergarten. Sometimes with the stressors of assessments, IEPS, staying within the curriculum guidelines, we often forget about this child. Chapter one pointed out that “the most important ball to hold in the air is the child” (10). It is so important that we never forget about why we do what we do. It’s for the kids. It is easy to lose sight of that, even momentarily, but as long as we can remember to keep the child’s best interest at heart and with the help of each other while not losing sight of what is most important, we can do it. As the old cliché goes, it takes a village to raise a child.
2)Discuss how you would use this information in your own kindergarten classroom.
When students come into my classroom, I want them to feel like they are ready to tackle learning by using all of their senses. I want parents to be able to understand that when my class is “playing in a sandbox” that they see that my students are being academically challenged with measuring, dumping, pouring. This is basic math and science. Alike, I want parents who see their child just playing in the kitchen as students who are learning about gender roles, their place in society, using their imagination, sharing, and socializing. I just want parents and students to know that learning and playing can be the same thing. However, in order to do that, I must know my students and what their needs are as a class and individually. I want to use all of this information so that I never forget about what is most important: the child.
You are right, it is so important to make sure parents understand that "play" is learning for this age group. Students can develop a love for learning when it is presented in a fun positive way, that is developmentally appropriate. Relationship with each student is key to meeting the needs of each individual child. Thank you for your post.
DeleteI also enjoyed the statement about life being about work or family. I found it to be so true of how kindergarteners work and how they should be viewed. I also like the way you discuss how learning and play can really be incorporated into one thing. It really is in the best interest of the child to encourage that creativity. I want to ensure that my classroom allows for children to be children through creative play while still setting them up with educational opportunities.
DeleteI found the statement about comparing kindergarten being social or academic to work or family was interesting. It completely depends on the child's needs. I also agree that kindergarten is too important to not protect and nurture. Children need this time to build social and academic skills in the classroom. It is also a gateway into first grade which is sometimes a big step from the kindergarten classroom.
DeleteAddress 3 important/interesting points from the readings and why you think they are important.
ReplyDelete1. The first thing that really stood out to me when reading this chapter was the fact that I never really thought of the Kindergarten classroom as being a confusing place but after reading this chapter I can definitely see how it could be considered to be. I really enjoyed how the author put it in the perspective of aliens coming to our country and trying to understand the concept of what kindergarten truly is. I was really surprised to see that only 14 states in the U.S. mandate children’s attendance in kindergarten, and that there are even 7 states that do not require kindergarten to even be available. I was under the impression that kindergarten is a requirement for all of our children.
2. The second thing that stood out for me in this chapter is the way that the kindergarten classroom has transformed throughout the years. When I attended kindergarten I remember it being more of the social learning environment that this chapter describes, and did feel more like a place where they had students transition from being at home all day into a school environment where you learned social development. I was able to do an internship for reading and language arts in a kindergarten classroom last year and was able to see how much the kindergarten classroom has evolved since I attended. The work these students were doing is stuff that I remember doing in first grade. These students were able to read, write and do math. I was really amazed at what these students were already able to do in kindergarten. I can definitely see how the curriculum has changed and that there is definitely more academic content being emphasized in the curriculum. This chapter did emphasize the importance of kindergarten to be a place where children are able to learn both social development and academics.
3. The last thing that really stuck out for me in this chapter is just how diverse the kindergarten classroom is and how really well prepared you must be as a teacher to be able to meet the needs of all your students and manage the classroom effectively since there is so much going on in there. You must be responsive to the needs of your students, be knowledgeable of child development, and have a well planned curriculum. I really liked how the author used the example of Mrs. Kastenbach and her classroom. The author showed through the example of Mrs. K and how she used responsive teaching with her students in doing the morning message. “One way that teachers such as Mrs. Kastenbach keep their teaching responsive is by carefully balancing teacher-guided learning experiences with those that children choose and pursue primarily on their own initiative”(p. 8). I think that by doing this you are creating an environment that will engage students in the learning process, make it more enjoyable for them, and build their self esteem.
Discuss how you would use this information in your own kindergarten classroom.
The information I have gained from this chapter I find to be very beneficial for me when I have my own kindergarten classroom. I know I really need to be aware of what the goals are for the kindergarten program that I will be teaching are. I also will really need to take the time to get to know my students and what their needs are socially, emotionally, and intellectually. This information I will take with me and know just how important my role is as a teacher and how the way I teach my students will and can affect the futures of my students’ lives.
One of the most important points that the K: Today text made is that the curriculum of kindergarten has changed from mainly being a place where young children go to meet their peers and begin to learn valuable social skills to a curriculum based more on academic skills. I thought this fact was important for future teachers to know because as the government starts putting more pressure on the teachers and students to make standards, through laws such as NCLB, the younger the age is going to get where they start teaching the core curriculum so those students are prepared.
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting and important point that the K: Today text made was that not all children fit the curriculum map. They explain that there are three different types of lags that children can be categorized in if they seem to be having difficulties adjusting to the new life of a kindergartener. The first lag is considered pokey maturation which affects children who may be less developed or more immature compared to their classmates. The second lag is when the kindergartener lacks the experiences that the kindergarten curriculum is based on. These children become less prepared for what they learn in their kindergarten year. The final lag is when a child has a disability. These children may have to be involved in interventions to keep them on task with the others. Knowing how to classify these certain lags are a very important thing for kindergarten teachers to know so they can help the children in every way they can.
A point that stuck out for me when reading Chapter 1 of “Differentiating Instruction in Kindergarten” was when the author stated that “Wise is the teacher who views a classroom through the eyes of a five-year-old, and wise is the teacher who realizes that not all five-year-olds eyes view the world in the same way.” This quote is very important for kindergarten teachers to take to heart because if they don’t, certain students will not get the educational experience that they need.
All three of these points, along with other ideas in both of the texts, will be very beneficial in my future classroom because I will have a greater understanding on how kindergarten is viewed and how I can teach to make it a great experience for all.
That quote from the Differentiating text is a great one. I think, like many things from Kindergarten, it applies to many areas of life. It could also read "Wise is the person who can view the world from another's eyes, and wise is that person who understands that everyone views the world differently." But anyway, I agree with your point on recognizing the different stages of development that you may have in your classroom. It is definitely important to recognize the stages and know how to help them.
DeleteThe first thing I found interesting about the chapter was how Kindergarten has changed over the years. It use to be a place of transition for 5-6 year olds. It was a place where they would learn social skills to enable them to transition from staying at home to going to school. Today Kindergarten has much more focus on academics. It is used to make sure students are ready not only socially, but also in a standards based capacity as well.
ReplyDeleteAnother point that was interesting in the chapter were the three reason Kindergarten students do not fit into the norm. Lack of experience, slow maturation, or a disability can all be reasons students fall outside the norm. It can often be very difficult at this young age to determine which category is the cause. Through assessment, focused instruction, and balanced teaching a good Kindergarten teacher can help her students succeed.
The last point that I found interesting in the chapter was making sure you get to know your students in your "heart." Relationship is key to being a great teacher. When you know your students, you can help them achieve success both academically and socially.
In my classroom I will strive to know each of my students in my "heart." It is important as the text pointed out, to have standards without standardizing your teaching. Kindergarten needs to be a positive first school experience for students not matter what their background, and relationship is key to making that happen.
One of the things that I found interesting was how the Kindergarten program has evolved over the years. It started out as a transition for children from home to school and often was more relaxed. Now, since more moms are working, children are being exposed to a structured environment years before they even go to Kindergarten. Children are being taught more advanced topics and are already going into the classroom with prior knowledge of other things. This in turn makes every other classroom amp up its lesson plans and challenge students more.
ReplyDeleteThe next thing I found helpful was that there needs to be a balance between structured learning and learning through play. Not every child is going to have the same needs and learn in the same way. The teacher needs to be able to evolve with the children's needs and use resources that they are familiar with.
The last thing I liked was that teachers need to take a personal interest in their student's lives. They need to know how to talk to the child and respond so that they feel safe and that they can talk to you.
I feel like all of these can be used in a Kindergarten classroom. When I get to have my own classroom one day, I hope that I can maintain a balance of structured learning and learning through experiences. I feel that real life problems and hands on learning is very important for students. Also,from my experience in a preschool room, students responded better and had less behavioral problems when I took an interest in them and listened to what they said. Helping them feel safe and that they have an ally in their life makes them have a special connection with the teacher.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI agree and it is very true that Kindergarten has transitioned and the standards and goals have increased tremendously. I feel that it is for the best. I agree that the structered instruction along with play is essential. If you do not make learning fun for students they will not want to learn or they will not retain the material because they were not interested in the first place. I also hope that I will have a balanced structure that will help and benefit all of my students.
DeleteOh my goodness! I love that you said Kindergarten is not babysitting! Most parents understand that Kindergarten requires a lot out of their students now, but some think that their child will be fine without help from their parent/guardian. I love the idea of getting parents involved in the classroom so that they can stay up to date with whats happening in their child's life.
ReplyDelete1)Address 3 important/interesting points from the readings and why you think they are important.
ReplyDeleteI currently only have the Teaching and Learning in the Kindergarten Year text. I found the way the text was written drawing me in. The comparison to the way the aliens would view the kindergarten system actually had me laughing a little because it is so true how confusing the kindergarten program can be structured and viewed. One of the important things that jumped out to me were the change in structure. Due to the increased use of educational preschool programs, kindergartens are becoming more of a preparatory program for further grades. There are greater expectations upon the teachers, a more stringent curriculum for children to follow and perhaps even a little less creative room for teachers to mold children. Another thing that jumped out to me was the statistics laced throughout the text. Having previously worked in school setting, I can attest to the fact that students can come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. The way that children are raised in their first few years can really indicate the way their learning style will be – at least initially. Some kindergarten students come into the classroom and are almost ready to begin reading while others begin with such limited exposure that they do not even recognize their name. I appreciated the fact that the text also included that kindergarten is still a stepping stone for children gauging how to behave in social situations, the school setting and teaching skills necessary to succeed in further grades. While the priorities of kindergartens today may have changed a little, there are still basic principles that are still in place.
2)Discuss how you would use this information in your own kindergarten classroom.
In regards to how I would use this information in my own classroom, it is difficult to say. It has always been my opinion that children should be allowed to be children. With all of the changes taking places in kindergartens today, the curriculum focuses have become much more stringent. I think that after reading about how social interactions and expectations for behavior are so important I would want to ensure that I created a learning environment that allowed children to foster their creativity while still encouraging their educational growth. I have seen some classrooms that have just lost their ability to allow kids to engage in childlike activities while still learning. Through reading the text and recognizing how important social interactions are I think that encouraging that aspect through fun learning activities is very important.
I agree with you that the text was very well written and not laborious to read at all! Kindergarten teachers have to be very diverse in their lessons and approaches, as you said when many diverse students will be entering the classrooms. I agree with you as well that many classrooms are losing the important part of socialization. Children need a variety of instruction to thrive in Kindergarten.
DeleteIn differentiating kindergarten instruction, I find the part where they say when you teach a concept in a variety of way, you greatly increase the chances of reaching each student. I would address this in my classroom by utilizing centers. Each center can be different and allow children to work at their own pace or with a group or individually with the teacher. The second part of the reading that I feel is important is that children are still exploring and establishing their own preferred modalities and intelligences. At this point, the teacher needs to be the facilitator for the learning process. The teacher needs to guide the students so that they can find their preferred modalities. I also find the questions at the beginning of the chapter important because they apply to anyone who works with children. I want to be able to incorporate all of these aspects into my classroom.
ReplyDeleteIn K today the book states that most adults remember kindergarten as a time of play and transition from home to school. But kindergarten today is more structured and likely follows one or more years in group settings. I found this interesting because kindergarten has changed since I went to school. It's more structured learning and less play but I'm a big believer in learning through play. I feel that a kindergarten classroom should be mixture of the two which I would use in my classroom. The book also talks about how Kindergarten's mission has changed from helping children get used to school to preparing them to achieve in first grade. I noticed this while in my internship a couple semesters ago. They were also talking about getting ready for 1st grade. I feel that this will help motivate the children and help them succeed in years to come. I will use the preparation for first grade in my classroom by integrating first grade responsibilities. K today talks about how most student have experienced a school setting before coming to kindergarten by a program such as head start or other pre-k programs. This is what caused the change in curriculum. Because most student have learned through their pre-k program the basics, such as, lining up, walking through the halls, listening to directions, and to work and play with one another, this allows teachers to spend more time on curriculum from the beginning.
ReplyDeleteIn Differentiating instruction I really liked the questions in the beginning of the chapter. The questions will apply to all teachers, especially those teaching younger children. I would like to be able to incorporate everything the questions are talking about into my classroom in the future. This text talks about how differentiated instruction is much more than just having different students involved in different activities. A teacher must use a variety of teaching methods, materials, and tools to help solidify the understanding of the concept. I will use several different manipulatives and teaching methods during a lesson to help the children understand. The part about multiplying the chances of each students success is correlated to the teacher using a variety of teaching methods. I will use a variety of reinforcement activities and enrichment activities to help the children understand the concept.
In K-Today, I found Mrs. K’s reflections on her experiences to be quite interesting and important for future educators. I felt that they really gave an insightful look into a quality Kindergarten classroom and the love and work it takes to successfully work with this age group. From this first chapter, I know that I am going to enjoy reading this book. My own ideals and beliefs fall quite nicely in line so far! I like how she uses singing and dancing to help smooth transitions from one subject to the next. This is such a great to do it and it seems to be on the decline in the classrooms I have observed and subbed in – at least in the Wichita area.
ReplyDeleteIn the first text, the author also points out the push back of curriculum from the elementary grades and how Kindergarten is losing its intrinsic value and turning into the “new” 1st grade. As the director of preschool/preK program, we are feeling that push back at our level as well. Things that were once primarily the responsibility of Kindergarten are now in our hands. Kindergarten really is the bridge between early childhood programs and elementary school as the book says, and I do believe that it is the teachers’ responsibility to ensure that bridge is strong and can withstand the changes in education in the years to come.
In the Differentiating text, it was helpful to understand that all of the common sense “I’m already doing this” methods are actually differentiating instruction. Perhaps having a background working with younger children that makes some of these skills ingrained is a good thing! I have been very worried about how successful I would be at making the transition from early childhood (infants thru PreK) to Kindergarten or even first grade. I often feel that elementary schools may be leaving behind what is developmentally appropriate for what is required by standards and assessments. After reading the first chapter of these two books, I am learning that I can bring my experiences with me and that they will be valuable in the world of Kindergarten and aren’t necessarily much different. I’m feeling much more confident about teaching Kindergarten and I’m ready to get started!
In reading K-Today I found what Mrs. Kastenbach states is very essential to learning. She states that, "it can be easy to focus on what gets assessed rather than understanding that you can have standards for learning without standardizing your education." I agree that this has happened over the years and we have gotten away from teaching our children the basics. It is our responsibility to make sure that we don't guide our students too much without allowing them to pursue their goals of learning.
ReplyDeleteI have seen this in my own children as well as those other children I have come in contact with. We have gotten so focused on teaching to these standardized tests that we have gotten away from learning and allowing our students to experience and use their thoughts to learn.
Another interesting point addressed that I have noticed in my daughters school is the fact that we have so many expectations for our teachers that we at times forget the responsibility of the parents as well. We have goals for our programs but we do not hold parents responsible to stand in the gap to help where the risks could be failing due to that lack of guidance in a particular program. We can get off course or in some instances there are no goals so our children are not learning the same things.
In Differentiating text I love the paragraph on page 15 that addresses the issue of teaching in a variety of ways. In school I struggled because I am a visual learner and it takes me a couple of times reading things to understand or comprehend the material. In the paragraph it tells us that teaching in many ways your chances of reaching each of your students is increased. "Also when you match the reinforcing and enrichment activities to the Childs learning preference learning happens effortlessly." I agree with this concept because all children do not learn the same and some children learn quicker when taught in many different ways. These first few readings have given me more hope that the thoughts and idea's I have for reaching students are not completely off track. I will use this information in my classroom greatly because I believe in instructing students to what helps them learn and also helping them learn the basics that they will use in life after school.
I too just got my Differentiating Instruction in Kindergarten book. Fortunately the chapter was nice, short and to the point. Differentiating instruction means that you teach your students the same information in a variety of ways, using different types of teaching methods and materials so that you are able to reach all of your students no matter what their needs may be. By doing this it allows the students to have the information reinforced in several different ways so that it will better stay with them, gives them opportunities to explore, be independent, as well as work in groups, and become engaged in the learning process.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading both of the assigned chapters and found a lot of interesting information. Their was a lot the stock out to me but one of the main things was in the Differentiating Instruction book on how each child is different and learns differently. I love when the book stated, "Differentiated instruction reinforces children's strengths, allows different children to be mastering skills in different ways, and encourages children to explore and process information through varying learning preferences." Every child is different we have to treat them as individuals and not expect them to grasp information just because it is provided to them. The more ways children are exposed to information the more they will understand and fully comprehend it. It is important for use as educators to reinforce information in a positive way that will allow all types of learners to understand the topic.
ReplyDeleteSome thing else that stuck out to me was in the K-today book when they were talking about spending time with each child and really getting t know them as a person and not just someone that needs to meet certain standards. It is hard to really focus on a student and help them learn if you don't know what makes them tick. I work with 3 and 4 year olds with special needs and have noticed when I stop what I am doing and really get to know that child and let the child know me the more likely they are to feel trusted and ready to learn. I am learning so much and am excited to bring my knowledge to a classroom. some of the main things that i pulled out of these chapters is to create an atmosphere of learning that all day long there is something to learn and something to be taught. I will have multi outlets for learning the same thing.
The three important things that I found between the two texts were very simple and well put but made me think about kindergarten in a different perspective. The first statement was in the DI Kindergarten text and it said that one instructional goal or objective can be attained using different strategies, different contents, and/or different finished products for different children. I reason I chose this point was because I feel like I knew this but I never really thought about it to this depth. Every child is different and you have to approach them in all different ways. In my kindergarten classroom I will use this by remembering that each child is different and I will know that I cannot use only one strategy to teach my whole class. I will go about learning the differences of my students and learning how each individual learns the best.
ReplyDeleteThe next point I chose was in the same text and it said at the kindergarten level, children are still exploring and establishing their own preferred modalities and intelligences. I absolutely love this point made. I feel that some people, even parents don't realize that children in kindergarten don't realize this and it is so important to allow the child to still explore what they know and what they are interested in. In my kindergarten classroom I will remember this statement by watching my children be their own individual person. They will prefer to do things in their own way and I will know that they are almost teaching themselves to a point on learning how they learn best.
The third important point that I found was in the K Today text. It stated that is it absolutely reasonable to expect that kindergarten is about playful learning and learningful play, and about academic socialization and social academics. I agree with this statement as well. I feel that it is very important to let children learn through play. It may be hard to understand at first, but children are working on all different types of skills while playing which will later help them in their academics. In my kindergarten classroom I will use this by having play time as well as academic time. I strongly believe that both are very important. In play time children learn to be socially interactive as well as learn to play with their peers. This is a great time for them to learn how to share, and socialize as well as negotiate with their classmates.