Half-Day Kindergarten

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : August : 13

Half-Day Kindergarten
By Lynn

Amy,
I have taught two half-day kindergarten classes for several years. I enjoy it but I always need to be very organized because everything is double- double students, parents, class lists, etc. My classes are also
quite large and I do not have an aide.
I do tend to repeat the same songs, stories, work stations, etc. in the afternoon. So instead of planning a whole day's activities I only need to plan for 2 hours worth because I will do a lot of the same activities in the afternoon. Both classes also have an outdoor recess and special classes.
My schedule
8:30-9:00 Students arrive. Students

work with table top activities such as puzzles, lacing, math manipulatives, magnetic letters, etc.
9:00- Group meeting time on rug. Sharing, Songs & movement, calendar activities.
9:20- Big Book Share, language chart, and related project activity.
10:00- Outdoor play.
10:20- Drinks and small snack
10:30- Math activities and math centers.
10:50- Book Buddies, and journal time.
11:15- Prepare for home. Ending circle.
11:30 Dismissal.

*My morning group meeting integrates songs, big books and project activities which include all subject areas.

The afternoon class arrives at 12:20 and follows the same schedule as above.

Tips:
1. Be organized and prepared !
2. Have children wear nametags first few days
of school. You have a lot of names to
remember!
3. Make sure that you keep a detailed list of
who is to pick each child up or what bus the
child rides. With two dismissal times each
day it is best to be prepared!
4. Space can be limited in classroom for supply
boxes. Instead, each table has a basket of
supplies which the children share. This
leaves more room for storage space.
5. Ask for help if you need it! Kindergarten
parents are always eager to donate materials
and volunteer their time.

Congratulations on your new job!