I've been teaching for several years now and I was feeling really good about starting school. I thought, I think I'm going to try something new... I'm going to try stations! This is not the moronic part of my story. The choice of stations was as if I was the most unexperienced teacher in the world. I decided on the FIRST day of school, the SECOND hour of the day, with KINDERGARTEN to paint! What was I thinking... The three stations consisted of blocks, drawing circles (concept covered for the day) and visiting me for a painting station. Needless to say, I made adjustments for the next day. I will be sure to share them soon. It was a fun learning lesson:) I'm still sure they will look cute for the fundraiser:) Thanks to Art is what I teach for this lesson plan idea. I may try it with the others later in the year when I have a routine down:)
Stations is a great idea but not an easy one. I find it hard with the amount of kids I teach and the variety of grades. I wouldn't be able to switch out the stations fast enough!!! How do you do that? Do you have all one grade on one day? I DO DO STATIONS THE LAST THREE WEEKS OF SCHOOL. Which has worked out great. The kids ask for it now at the end of the year. Basically they use skills we have learned. I like it because I really get to see what they can do with all the skills we have developed throughout the year. I really want to see more of the station stuff because in an ideal situation I believe it is the best way to teach. Way to go! Brave you!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear Erica! Your words have made me want to try stations again. Maybe you could post something about your stations as well. The last three weeks of school is a great idea! I do have all grades most days. We work on a 5 day rotation so day 5, I have 4 1st grades and a K class. That would be a good station starter. Maybe before holiday break:) Thanks for the comment!
ReplyDeletelove those chicks! Did they stamp them or just paint the circles. I'm going to try stations too, but also at the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteI used sponges to stamp the yellow.
ReplyDeleteI always teach kindergarten with stations or "centers". So easy with that age group. You just have to have the right amount of class time for it to work out well.
ReplyDeletewe've all been there - working out the idea as we go - or should I say as they teach us how to teach it better!! Learning moment - love it!
ReplyDeleteat my school we were discussing how 'young' the kids seem - we remember how they were at the END of the year not the Beginning!!