It was my first full day in my K/1 classroom today so I payed attention to some details of the class dynamic. A kindergarten class is a very busy place. There are kids who need a lot of direction in their everyday duties and some that are eager to follow along to what the teacher asks of them. My SA is wonderful in managing the classroom when it gets a little out of hand. She uses the Grade 1’s as examples for the Kindergartens as to how they should be behaving. The teacher uses a lot of songs and lullabies to help the kids remember their tasks, there is a song for everything! There is a song for how to sit at the carpet, how to put away their toys and books, how to lineup and much more. I think this a great way to help the young ones learn classroom management and tasks. My favourite line the teacher uses is “Pick up, Pack up and Tuck in”. She says this when she transitions from a lesson and it is very easy for the kids to remember and follow along. I am learning a lot from my SA already and I hope I get familiar with the songs soon because I want to use them during my own lessons !
You definitely noticed some good strategies for working with the k/1 students and it is wonderful that you want to learn the songs to use as well. They are gentle reminders of what needs to be done. Routines are so important for students and the understanding that expectations need to be followed to keep the day running smoothly.