answers to your ???

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answers to your ???
By jem

I have them all do the same jobs. It saves me a lot of running around and pulling things out..but you don't have to. Here is what I do:
Before they even come in the door, I have the jobs out and ready at each table. Before
they come in I say " Your morning jobs are on your tables. We will be making AAB patterns using linking cubes." Now, keep in mind that I don't give them a job that they cannot complete independently or as a table (without my constant supervision). I never give them something we have not experienced in another way first. Before I ask them to make AAB patterns with linking cubes, we

have already made the using shapes. I spend some time at the beginning of the school year explaining what I expect of them during morning jobs. This is true of EVERYTHING in kinder though. Also, once I have established what to do with a certain job type, I can use it over and over varying the theme or materials. For instance, once they know how to make patterns, we can make the with blocks, paper hearts, bear counters, beans, etc... But don't do patterns every day in a row...vary it with different jobs. I also have pages where I have letters printed in different fonts. On each line, I have one example of the letter we are studying. They circle our letter in each line. Once we have done this with the first two or three letters, All they have to do is see the paper on their desk and know what to do. This has really been the best morning management system I have ever used. On occasion, I will have books out to read or a blank piece of paper for free choice draw or wrtiing. They love that!
During the first weeks, make the jobs more open ended and "easy" if you need to, to be sure they can be successful without too much "coaching" from you. Draw yourself...make something with clay...trace your name three times...sort blocks by colors...
Be sure to have a system for early finishers. Mine can select a book that is at their table..or they can "write". But, they cannot get up and mill around the room, put their jobs, materials away etc.. until after the pledge. Our principal ends his announcements and pledge with "Have a good day and keep learning." They know that is when they are allowed to push theur seats in and get ready for group time at the carpet.

You asked about large and small groups too. I have a mixture..but due to the lack of additional help in the classroom, I do my main "lessons" as a group. Then, we break away to tables or into groups. I have Education Stations in the morning..which are learning literacy and math activities related to theme that they must complete. I have 5 stations of various type and 5 groups that rotate to a new station each day. I also have centers at the end of the day. They are more free choice like Home Center, blocks, etc..

I hope I have helped in some way. Feel free to email me if you would like any more help.