ABC's and 123's

Counting and the alphabet are some of the first lessons learned in early childhood.  After all, counting is considered the cornerstone for all future Math lessons and the ABC’s are a prerequisite for learning to read and write.  These activities don’t have to be dull, as there are many ways to make them fun and easily understandable to ages as young as 3. 

Magnetic boards are wonderful ways to make counting and alphabet recognition a playful activity.  Alphabet letters are readily available and can be placed on magnetic easels and boards so children can move them around and build words.  Children subconsciously remember the letter shapes without realizing they are learning.  Consistently looking at the shapes of the letters, even during playtime, causes the child to be familiar with the letters and makes literacy lessons easier.

Magnets are also excellent objects for counting.  The same alphabet magnets can be used in a lesson by asking children to count all of the letters of a certain color or that are vowels, etc.  Counting magnets are also commonly available.  These are usually magnetic strips that can be used as is or can be spiced up by affixing images, pom poms, or other enticing items.  Again, this activity seems like simple child’s play to the student, but is actually building a foundation for future Math classes.  (An important thing to remember is that magnets can be dangerous if ingested by small children, therefore, should always be used under close supervision).

Wood Designs offers great additions to your classroom that contain magnetic boards which are perfect for counting and alphabet fun.  Our WD54100 Big Book Display allows ample storage for books large and small with a magnetic marker board on the front to encourage letter exploration.  The Wood Designs WD95411 Art Center and WD99541 Teaching Center also have a large magnetic marker board for use in counting and alphabet lessons with magnets.  Check out www.WoodDesigns.org to see which will best suit your needs!

Blocks, Shaving Cream, and Kiddos, Oh My!

Sensory play is an important part of Preschool and Kindergarten.  It helps to build motor skills and coordination while educating small children on different tactile experiences.  A great way to do this is by using items in the classroom for multiple purposes so you get the most use out of them. 

Blocks are an excellent way to inspire the imaginations of children while teaching them problem solving.  These same blocks can be used as sensory experience for additional benefits.  Adding shaving cream as a “mortar” for building creates an entirely new experience.  The shaving cream adds a new texture for kids to explore while demonstrating how walls and building are constructed.  Additions such as food coloring for color or water beads for texture can also create new sensorial experiences to the activity. 

Although this activity can create a bit of a mess, fun clean up time can also be incorporated into the lesson.  Having the children clean the blocks with soap and water teaches responsibility and the importance of following steps, all while a great time is had by everyone.  Children will feel a sense of pride at completing the activity from start to finish and cleaning up to restore the blocks back to their common state.

Visit the Wood Designs web site and see the variety of block sets we have to offer so you can begin incorporating block and sensory play into your lessons!

Turning the page

Successfully encouraging children to read can be a challenge at times, but it is an important one to take on.  Reading is one of the most crucial skills taught in young children.  It encourages focus, a foundation that is built upon in all future years of schooling. 

One of the greatest benefits of reading is a higher aptitude for learning in general.  Children exposed to consistent reading early on are more likely to excel in all areas of formal education. Reading is a necessary tool for understanding all other lessons and subjects.  Additionally, it teaches concentration and discipline which is needed to thrive in school and life.  Being read to is extremely beneficial to young children.  Listening to a teacher read stories reinforces the basic sounds and words in language, thus improving the speech of a child.  This familiarity encourages better communication and interaction with other children and adults, while solidifying an interest in reading.

Sometimes, children may not be interested in books because they find the task boring or lack the attention needed to fully focus.  There are numerous ways to encourage literacy and make it an enjoyable event.  One of the most important ways to encourage reading is to have a large assortment of books for children to pick from.  Not every child is alike and their tastes differ accordingly.  Having a wide selection shows them there are more books to read in the future so they do not anticipate running out of choices.  

Need great storage items for your classroom library?  Wood Designs offers a variety of options such as book cases, book stands, and book displays to house all of your literacy items.  Frequent trips to the library can also entice children’s interests.  It is important to make reading a fun and enjoyable experience so why not use your imagination and create an exciting journey to the library?  Once there, create a game of finding books and seeing who can read their book first.  Create charts or fun diagrams listing which books each child has read.

Another important factor to remember when encouraging reading is that children need a comfortable and quiet place to read.  Children are easily distracted so it is important to set up a reading/literacy area that is far away from activity areas and doors so they can focus on the task at hand.  It is also helpful to provide a setting that is warm and enticing.  Comfy chairs and cushions welcome children to sit and enjoy the area with a good book.  Wood Designs has the perfect children’s furniture for your reading nook including cozy chairs, sofas, and benches that are just the right size for your students. Our Imagination Cube with its comfy cushion provides a wonderful space that is inviting for kids to cuddle up with a good book.

So remember the importance of promoting literacy in your classroom and what you can do to make it a fun and entertaining experience that will benefit the children you interact with for years to come.