How to Teach Kindergarten

Video Transcript

"There are many helpful tips and tools, that you can use, when learning how to teach kindergarten. The most important that you need to know, is that kindergartners learn best in a very structured environment. Find a routine and stick with it. Make sure that it's posted, or that the children are aware of it. By providing a structured environment, the children know what to expect, and they feel that they are in control, and secure. A well rounded kindergarten classroom, will contain language arts, which includes reading and writing. This is an introduction of phonics and letters, and also handwriting practice, as well as sound spelling practice, letting the children start creating words, spelling them how they believe that they are spelled. Your kindergarten lesson should also include mathematics, including a number of manipulatives, such as building blocks, connecting cubes, transparency counters, so that they can use to count large groups, any hands on material that they will use. You'll also want to integrate some hands on science experiments and lessons, as well as social science, which will include their social skills, and a chance for them to learn about the community, and the world around them. A large part of teaching kindergarten includes, allowing the children to have times for centers. These centers allow the children a chance to problem solve, as well as interact with one another. They're able to learn on their own independently, through hands on experience. A large part of teaching kindergarten involves having centers, that the children can do daily. The centers allow the kids a chance to interact with one another, and practice problem solving skills. Some great centers that you would want to have in your classroom, may include a housekeeping area, which allows them to practice sociodramatic play. You can also have a puzzle area, a sand or water table, a listening center, a writing center, any opportunities that allow the kiddos to get hands on, such as building blocks. They can interact with each other, have a great time, and still be learning throughout the process. Remember, when working with young children, that they have a very short attention span, so keep your lessons direct, and give them frequent breaks. These breaks can be something as quick as jumping up to shake out your wiggles, or something that allows them to get their energy out, before refocusing on the lesson, that you're trying to teach to them. Keep things hands on, keep them lively, and most importantly, have a lot of patience, because you'll need it."