crazy for kindergarten: Kindergarten Thinking

We've just driven back from the west coast after a perfect family weekend.?Our family has decided to?start a new tradition this year. Together with our adult children we are planning mini-holidays. It was perfect! Long walks on the beach, outdoor picnics, yoga, runs, card games,?lots of good food and lounging.

On the long drive home I browsed Debbie Miller's amazing book, Teaching with Intention. I love being reminded to be intentional with my Kinders and avoid just managing them. Such powerful and important words!

I am thoughtful about the learning environment both physical and teaching strategies, but always struggle during the first term with getting their thinking out when there is so much to learn about what school is and what our jobs are. But then I remembered that?after the kids left on Friday I noticed that the tape dispenser was empty and?that we still have to have that talk about where the classroom supplies are and whose job is it to replenish things like?paper, the stapler and tape dispenser. I've already done lots of modeling with thinking aloud to solve problems (yes in September we have plenty?of problems to solve)?and?have decided to use this opportunity?to?engage their thinking in solving the simple problem of where they find tools in their classroom/school.? I have chart paper, sticky notes, markers and a block of time. Wish me luck!

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Source: http://crazyforkindergarten68.blogspot.com/2012/09/kindergarten-thinking.html

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