In all the preschool classrooms I go to, I see scenarios at least several times a day that have teachers looking like they want to pull their hair out.
Here is a prime example:
Renee is sitting at circle and has turned around several times to play with a stacking toy on the shelf behind her. The teacher has talked to her each time. She turns around and plays with the toy again.
Question 1: What do you say to Renee?
Question 2: What do you think the teacher has said the first several times?
1: Renee, stop. Teacher is trying to read.
ReplyDelete2: Stop, don't touch that, that's not available right now.
I think it is important for the teacher to be cognizant of the developmental stage the children in her preschool class are at. Many young children are not yet able to sit in circle time. The teacher could try techniques that could make circle time more appealing such as using props, finger plays, or singing. If he/she is already incorporating such techniques, and Renee is still distracted, I would have to say that Renee not interested in participating and that is okay. For this age group it is all about exploring their world on their own terms. There will be plenty of time for conforming once they reach elementary age. Let her play with the blocks. She will likely learn about gravity, geometry, and what a wood block tastes like. The fact is, that she is learning, and that's a good thing.
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