So my new job here in Chicago is at a speech and language pre-school. So far it's been crazy busy, but I'm realizing everyday that it's a really great fit for me. I've always loved working with the little guys and if you can imagine I actually have time built in my schedule for lesson planning (I know, right?!?) Needless to say the lesson planning block is one of the major highlights of my day. I feel like I can really contribute some great ideas during that time. I was perusing Pinterest the other day and saw some really fun activities that I'd love to incorporate into some of my classes. Here are some ideas that I've been anxious to make.
Take different fabrics, products, household items and make a sensory board. I think it would be really fun to do one for every season. Have items that you use during each time of year and create a picture out of them. Winter could have parts of mittens, socks, something shiny. Then you're targeting lots of language that they might hear throughout the season.
I've set up some major race tracks in my day, but I want a giant cardboard tube so bad now. Click on the link to read the ideas behind this tube.
Another great activity that you could incorporate into any theme. Place items that target the vocabulary you are trying to elicit in a bottle and add sand, beans, rice etc. The children can shake the bottles and label all the items. It would be fun if you had a song to go with your theme because the bottles would double as shakers.
Create functional play scenarios with a cardboard box. If you can't afford to buy the plastic versions of grocery stores or kitchens, use a refrigerator box or something large enough for your idea and create your own. Have the kids help you make it (think how much language would be happening!). Recently, our school went on a field trip to the nature museum. In our social language class we had the students create a nature museum out of a cardboard box. They found animals around the room and used markers to create windows and exhibits that they had seen. Such a fun activity!
I just thought this was a cute craft project. You could have a camping theme and the kids could make s'mores and pretend to sit around the campfire and tell stories or sing songs. Also, this justifies my hoarding of toilet paper/paper towel rolls.
So, I feel like I must apologize for my lack of posting. I'm sure all of you know how stressful it is to start a new job, and I come home and am completely exhausted. So while I may have been having some happy hours, the "Appy Hour" was too much for me to wrap my brain around. I will get those rolling again here soon. Thanks for understanding and I'm excited to get really settled- in, in the next couple months and create tons of ideas for you all. The population I work with has decreased in age, but I'll try to make sure to incorporate activities for older elementary when I can. On that note, if you all ever have any requests for activities leave a comment and I will try my best to incorporate that idea into a post. Also, I know you all out there have some great ideas.
Send them to me because I would love, love, love to see them and possibly put them up on the site.
