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Justine Lewis |
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Here Are 10 Signs of a Good Kindergarten ClassroomHere are Ten Signs of a Good Kindergarten Classroom
1. Children are working or playing with materials or with other children. They are not aimlessly wandering or forced to sit quietly for long periods of time.
2. Children have access to various activities throughout the day, such as block building, pretend play, picture books, art materials, and table toys such as legos and puzzles. Children are not all doing the same thing at the same time.
3. Teachers work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group at different times of the day. They do not spend time only with the entire group.
4. The classroom is decorated with childrens individual artwork and writing.
5. Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences. Exploring the natural world of plants and animals, taking attendance, and serving snack are all meaningful activities for children.
6. Children work on projects and have long periods of time to play and explore.
7. Children have an opportunity to play outside when the weather permits. This time is not sacrificed for instructional time.
8. Teacher reads books to children throughout the day not just at group story time.
9. Curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help. Because children differ in experiences and backgrounds , they do not learn the same things the same way.
10. Children and their parents look forward to school. Parents feel safe sending their child to school and children are happy. They are not regularly crying or sick.
Individual Kindergarten classrooms will vary, and curriculum will vary according to interests and backgrounds of the children. But all developmentally appropriate kindergarten classrooms will have one thing in common- the focus will be on the development of the group as a whole.
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