Sunday, October 16, 2016

Do Learning Games For Kindergarten And 1st Grade Really Teach

By Charles Wood


Teachers of small children face special challenges. Some children have been to pre-k prior to kindergarten and have an idea of what to expect. For others, it is their first time in a school environment. Most are excited, happy, anxious, and unsure of themselves, all at the same time. Teachers have to take all of this into account as they begin each new school year. Children entering first grade are a little more seasoned and more secure about what is expected of them, but they are still very young. Education professionals can start the year on a positive note by introducing learning games for kindergarten and 1st grade early on.

All teachers have to follow the curriculum chosen by their school departments and the state and federal government agencies that issue guidelines and progress requirements. Within that structure however, educators can make their own plans for achieving those goals. Students will be tested periodically throughout the year to ensure that they are on the right track.

Small kids have notoriously short attention spans. As an educator, you do not have very much time to capture their attention and imaginations. This is where playing a game can help. If you distract them with something new and unexpected, children will be curious and willing to give it a try.

Stimulating their senses of sight and sound can be very effective. If you decide to read a picture book, you might want to include funny voices and sound effects to keep their interest and attention. The majority of your students will probably already be familiar with computers and electronic games and will enjoy new ones that you introduce.

The majority of your young charges will start the year wanting to please you. Most of them respond positively to sincere praise, affection, and understanding. If you give them a chance, they will try to answer questions posed to them and be excited and happy when they give you the correct response. A few children, who are naturally introverted and shy, may find it harder to participate, but with some thoughtful attention on your part, they should begin to participate.

Small students will not be able to sit at a desk or table all day long. They need frequent breaks. Standing up, stretching, touching toes and doing jumping jacks for just a few minutes will stimulate them physically and mentally. Games that include exercise or some form of movement usually work well with this age group.

Games that involve music are wonderful. The correlation between music and math is well documented and starting to teach this early can make a big difference in the educational life of your students. Music helps children remember things better and retain them longer. You can find great examples of musical learning games online.

Most teachers who work with small children do it because they love it. Their goal is to inspire and promote the joy of learning to all of the kindergartners and first graders in their care. Games, music, and art projects can help you accomplish this important goal and set you on the path of becoming a memorable teacher.




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