Small Group Time

Over the past few weeks we have started a more regular schedule of small group time.  I usually plan two to three activities and break the kids into two or three small groups.  Everyone works for ten to fifteen minutes on a specific task.  One group works with me, one group works in their journals, and if Ms. Carrie is with us, she works with a third group.  Over the years I have tried several different approaches to small groups and this seems to be working out the best.  The children aren't interrupted during their self directed activities and they aren't distracted by the play of others in the classroom.  I'm happy to say that many kids ask throughout the morning when small group time is!

We matched letters while talking about their characteristics and sounds.

We sorted and counted items and then chose the correct corresponding numbers.

We measured items with legos.

We worked together using wooden blocks to fill a shape.

In our journals we have worked on tracing and writing our names.  We use stickers, stamps, markers. crayons and pencils.  

As part of our seed study I glued a seed to a journal page and the children drew what their seed grew.  They either dictated what they wanted to write about their drawing or wrote the words with help from a teacher.

The following are samples from some of the children's journals.

Please feel free to check out your child's journal at any time.  We will be sending them home when your child moves on to the Prairie Room!