Well, we got through this crazy year! And it was FUN! Unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures of the last month 😦 . So instead of my normal blog, I wanted to reflect on this year and the lessons learned and what I can take into next year.
Lesson One: Outside is the place to be. There is so much learning that happens outside, none of which can fit into a lesson plan.
Lesson two: The best art happens organically. I have been trying to do more open ended art, instead of art projects. And although the art projects I do are still fairly open ended, and there are no direct instructions given, these totally open ended art instigated by the kids are some of my favorites. And bonus lesson: not all art needs go home, sometimes the best art is for the process only, and not the product.
Lesson three: Trust the students. I used to think that I had to spend circle time teaching concepts. like sorting. This year I learned I just need to set out materials and the kids figure it out on their own.
The other thing I can trust the students in, is when they are ready to write. Years past I would make sure I had called everyone in at least a couple of times a month to practice their names, or write in their journal. This year I had both accessible, plus other writing materials, and I did not limit where the writing had to happen. I think there was more writing on their own this year then ever before.
And lesson four: Kids adapt. We started out the year with no mask and then in November had to wear them. The students did not bat an eye at the changes. They just did what they needed to had still had fun and learned! Towards the end of the year, we could take masks off outside. However, one little girl had a high risk family member so her mom wanted her to wear it all the time. When her friend found out she opted to keep her mask on also, to show support to her friend. That’s probably the biggest takeaway this year. Kids are kind and loving and we need to be more like them!
Miss Lori's Preschool 