at the moment in our pre school we are given the children freedom of choose for example what to play?

Question

we have two rooms where they can play and they move from room to room this is the way ofstead like preschools to be but we are so used to structure any tips grateful

Answer 1

Choices are a great thing for young children. They learn through their play, and allowing them to make choices has so many benifits: they are more interested in what they are doing, they get more confident in themselves and their ability to make decisions (rather than be dependant on an adult making them for them), children at different levels of development are able to work at different levels which are appropriate for them, etc. There are TONS of websites and magizines with more information on this. They key to organization is this: a quality teacher is able to skillfully weave in specific goals. All of the activities available should promote learning. For this age, that could be a block center (geometry, physics, social skills, hand-eye coordination), an art center (creativity, small muscle development)...the list goes on and on.

Answer 2

You want to promote freedom to choose, but order and structure is also vital at a young age. When you have organzied sections where they can CHOOSE different activites in the rooms, then this is better. If you offer blocks, leggos, dolls, and a water table for example, when a child wishes to change stations you can establish that they must first clean up the old toys they were playing with and put them away. So they will learn about order, neatness and still be able to have fun. Atleast that;s how we did it where I used to work. It helps with keeping cubbys clean, and snack centre's and personals desks, and moving from one to the other. After eating the children know they must put the food away in order to play at the table..etc...Good luck

try your hand at organizing fun . Set up a free play time, a group reading, a paint time, and outdoor time..It'll be easier on you all and the children will learn so much more.,.

Answer 3

There should always be structure in preschool. Preschool sets the way they will learn for their entire school career. What you just explained sounds like mass chaos and certainly not preschool. Sounds more like a baby sitter. My son was in preschool and they had structure. By the first semester of kindergarten he was reading. Now in third grade he reads at an 8th grade level. I think a lot of it has do to do with his preschool experience. There was free choice time but not always. I wouldn't allow my child to go to this preschool. Sounds too chaotic.

Answer 4

When I taught preschool, children had choices for at least an hour each day. We called it "centre time". They could move about and choose from art, dramatic play, blocks, puzzles/manipulatives, writing, science, etc. I had enough centres so there were only about 3 children in a centre at any given time. I'd move about from centre to centre, talking to the children about what they were doing, extending their play where possible, helping resolve any conflicts, etc.

Having centre time is important as it allows children to develop their own interests, to work at decision making, and develop independence they will need in kindergarten.

One thing that will help tame any chaos you may experience is limiting the number of children that can be in any area. We posted a picture of stick figures showing the number of children that could safely play in each area (for example, the dramatic play area could really only have 4 children). It also helps if adults encourage children to try different areas, especially if they seem "stuck" in the same area every day. Children can be encouraged to move on after 15 minutes or so if other children are waiting.

I also had a chart with each child's name on it. They put a picture/word card representing each area on the chart next to their name when they had played in an area. We could see, then, who was spending the most time in certain areas.

Answer 5

Hi! It all depends on the philosophy that you are trying to promote. When people talk about structure, they should be talking about setting firm routines and rituals so that children clearly know what is expected of them at all times. There should be consequences if they do not meet these expectations. Choice is a wonderful thing - it's the basis of democracy. Our job, as teachers, is to guide children in making appropriate and meaningful choices. I'd suggest going to have a look at a great site called Teacher's TV where you can view footage from schools in the UK.

Answer 6

Children learn through their play. When they choose what they want to do , they are more interested. Every school should have at least 1 hour of free choice time a day. During free choice time, offer an art activity, a science activity, a block area , a reading area, a math or counting area. and playdough table. Let them move freely through the areas and choose activities. All are important for proper development.

Answer 7

We all know.. or those of us who 'know' know.. that this is most likely a silly question.. So, before I get thumbs down, I want to say that my little one played hooky one day last week too... but ended up getting sick the day after... so Karma got us.. I guess.. Anway, I would say that she stuck a crayon up her nose.. she's young enough that they would believe it.. and it would still be a cute creative excuse.. Gawsh.. I can't even think of good things to say.. all these 'hatin' parents'.... Lighten up.. the kids go to school 180+ days a year... let them have a day off once in a while!!

Answer 8

Choice is great for kids but maybe only do it once to a couple times a week. Try setting a day aside where they can choose. Otherwise you may have some unruly kids on your hands if they don't play what they want.

Answer 9

have a moving on time limit so the children are not staying in the one place for extended periods. encourage learning by moving staff on as well so everyone has to participate not just the children.

Answer 10

make sure they don't have too many options have maybe 2 or 3 activities to choose from depending on how many kids per staff.