Page 19 - Demo

How can an early education teacher build in interest and ensure learning? A caring teacher needs only to:%u00bbListen to the questions and comments that children make.%u00bbAnticipate what questions children might have about a particular topic.%u00bbOffer children real-life experiences and activities.If you listen to the children in your classroom as they study and play you may hear them say something like, %u201cWhere is that truck going today?%u201d or %u201cI wish I could see what is in the back of that truck.%u201d These are two powerful insights into their curiosities and interests. Thoughtful teachers know how to use these questions and comments to pinpoint children%u2019s deeper interests. That teacher will create lessons and an environment that allows children to answer their own questions and explore their own ideas.As a loving teacher, you%u2019ll also want to stop and consider what else YOU might want to know about a topic. Your own curiosity will give children access to new perspectives and experiences. The sharing of ideas between adult and child will also create connection and meaning. If you are wondering about what sounds different birds make, invite the children in your class to study the question with you.Knowing that children learn incredibly well from realistic experiences, you%u2019ll want to make it a priority to offer lots of real-life activities to help them learn. Give them the tools to sweep the floor, dust and pour juice. When it%u2019s time to clean up, set them up with the stuff to wash dishes and wipe up their spills.IDEA319