observation

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Home : 2003 : September : 20

observation
By Gail

Principals observe all the time. I think they especially like Kindergarten because the kids are so honest and innocent.
What kind of centers are you talking about? Literacy, play, Math?
I don't recommend that you throw
new procedures at the kids. Keep to the same tried and true things that they know how to operate. Use play dough (letter or number cookie cutters maybe), have them make stationery with stamps by decorating borders. Puzzles and games can be fun and easy. Cut and paste activities are usually good. Have them decorate a worksheet with a familiar poem on it.
I think what she wants to

see are age and developmentally appropriate centers that are engaging and authentic to the curriculum. We can give more information on centers if you can be more specific. Remember to teach them all about how a few centers operate this week so that next week they will not need a lot of help. The more smoothly the kids do it on their own, with you constantly providing support and positive feedback, the more impressed the principal will be. A really important thing to do at the end of centers is to call the kids together for a debriefing session. Ask them if they had any problems today. As a group iron out possible solutions. Show them a couple of exemplar products from that center time and be specific about what you like. Praise them for any good behavior you saw. Include poorer students with this by pointing out the variety of colors used or the time they put into it. Principals really eat up the positive feedback. The kids do too! Keep it simple so you don't go crazy!! Good Luck!