Making Requests

This is a tool we use in my pre-K classroom to help children remember the words to use when making requests.

Steps:
cut out a piece of stiff cardboard with space for three 2-inch picture cards
the first picture clearly symbolizes "I" (the "me" card printed without words and "I" written in)
the second picture is a symbol for "want"
the third space is blank

It is a helpful visual reminder of the proper way to make a request. Laminate for best results!

Jane
Baileywick Elementary
Pre-K classroom

Sally
Northwoods Elementary
Pre-K classroom

Thinking/Waiting Chairs

thinking chair

When a child needs "thinking time" or a quick reminder about the consequences of inappropriate actions, she sits in the thinking chair away from teacher and peer reinforcement. This strategy can be effective if used judiciously.

Waiting chair

Designate a special chair to help diffuse the anxiety of waiting for a turn. Also, see Whose Turn for another example of this idea.

Sally
Northwoods Elementary
Pre-K classroom

Circle Time/Play House

circle-time seats

Use carpet scraps cut in geometric shapes to help each child define his space during circle-time.

play house

Use house-like room partition to define play area.

Sally
Northwoods Elementary
Pre-K classroom

Tactile Tables

two tables with removable tops

Tables with tops that can be slid off provide a flat work area as well as large bins which can be filled with sand or water for a tactile play experience.

sand table

The sliding top can close off the play area while providing an indoor sand box. At times, this table is filled with water for a different type of tactile learning experience.

pipe table

Like the Sand Table, this table has a slidable top and can be filled with different play material. The table can also be used as a storage bin, as shown in this picture. Note that the table is constructed out of standard PVC pipe, which is both light weight and durable.

Sally
Northwoods Elementary
Pre-K classroom

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