Wonderful! Thanks so much for commenting!

I started out as an aid! I love teacher aids so much...it is such a hard job and so important! I hope you are valued...your lead is so lucky to have you!

Thanks for your comment...I think I would like to learn a little more about the Creative Curriculum...I know a little, but not enough to be knowledgeable. I am assuming that curriculum does what just about every other curriculum out there does...which is just what you say here...caters to either 3-4, or 4-5 with very little help as to how to level up or down. You can't blame them...it's hard! Those ages are incredibly different developmentally! I am wondering how teachers with mixed ages do it all!

Hey! Thanks for commenting. There are so many books out there for 2 year-olds! I would start with an amazon search for that age group and make a list. I bring books related to my theme for the week, and read some at story time and supplement my library center with some too.

The Creative Curriculum is a good curriculum...mostof them are, but remember that you need to fit it into your classroom with your kids and not the other way around and you will be great!

Yeah...you are lucky! It can make things a little more challenging, but ultimately, if you know what youare doing iti s lots better!

Thank you for the inspiration! I felt your frustration and remembered being there myself...it is so hard! hang in there...I promise it will get easier...it will always be hard, just not as hard

I agree! Thanks for the comment!

Hi! First off...who cares about bulletin boards? get your routine down first. For free choice centers, why are you only introducing 3? What curriculum are you following? I have a lot of freedom at my school, I have tried following a published curriculum, but those are written by PHD's who haven't been in a real classroom that they have to run by themselves with one aide...if you are lucky. They set these curriculum's up at university lab schools with almost unlimited materials and LOTS of teachers and students running the classroom. I figured out really fast that I had to deal with reality and start adding my own stuff to the bones of the curriculum and toss out the things that were not working. This is how my little company began...I created what I needed and passed it on. My feelings on questions of the day are as follows...yes/no questions only with a visual yes and a visual no that make sense to the kids. or 2 options such as Pizza or Popcorn using a visual for the kids to place their name under and create your graph. Think simple...then make it even simpler than you are thinking. As far as practicing procedures...you practice them every day as you do them. If lining up is a nightmare...think of a reason to line up to add extra time to practice. Just review the high points every time you line up, every time you go to the rug, clean up, go to free choice centers, etc...that's where the practice comes in. Little by little you will be able to use less prompts and just say things like "When I call your name you can use your quiet walking fee to go to the line". I have some kids that need nearly constant attention too...sometimes you just need to be there redirecting them while you are doing what needs to be done at the time...it is a juggling act, and it is not easy! I use Little Chick here and there. If we had a problem at he sensory bin...I would bring out little chick and say, "our friend Little chick noticed a mess at the sensory bin yesterday. Let's read about what happened to little Chick at the sensory bin and how he learned the right way to play". Then I'd read just that one little part and we would talk about how we will be better at the sensory bin like Little Chick today. Don't be afraid to close a center when kids are being chaotic. It's ok. 2 weeks ago I took all the rainbow rice out of the sensory bin because one little girl was literally dumping handfuls on the floor. I told the kids why I took it out...I just said that they showed me they were not ready to have the rice in there. I didn't put the rice back in the rest of the week...they were great last week with the sand. I can't imagine not opening all of my free centers...especially if you have centers twice a day. It makes no sense. You have to have enough places open for play so that centers don't become overcrowded chaotic play areas...but what do I know I don't have a PHD...LOL! Give yourself grace. Take a breath and concentrate on one thing to work on this week. Get where you feel good about that one thing, then...keep doing what you're there and find another thing to work on. Rome was not built in a day. I have lots of days where I feel like I was run over by a truck...thats teaching early childhood. It's HARD! People think we just play with kids all day...nope! We have the hardest job in education outside of special ed. I hope I was helpful. Please email me at [email protected] if you want to continue the conversation or if you need more help.

Honestly, it's the only way to get the kids to feel safe and secure at school with their teachers. We have crying the first week...then rarely ever after that.

Good Morning! Sorry this took so long...it's been a crazy week at my house! you can find my journal bundle on Teachers Pay Teachers. just copy the link below and paste it into your browser...it'll take you right to it! Thanks for your interest! www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Preschool-Writing-Journal-Prompts-Preschool-PreK-Writing-BUNDLE-3848745?st=d6e36ffe6e11fa7f0c922472ed8abf6f

getting 2 year olds to do anything is so difficult! Lower your. expectations for sure...and just let them play. My teacher bestie teaches 2's and she is so good at it, but they don't listen, they roll around during circle time, they don't clean up...they are SO 2! I love your attitude about hem though...it will get a little better after winter break...but I hate to say it...no much! LOL!

Hi...I know kids like that...it's never easy. First, sitting and doing work might be the problem. I have a child right now in my class who doesn't ever want to come to teacher-led centers, which sometimes involves sitting an doing an art project, or playing a game. His problem is that he doesn't want to leave the free play centers because he is having so much fun. He's 4 going on 5, so if the child you are speaking of is younger...you may need to modify this approach. That said, I don't always make him go to all the teacher-led centers, if there are 2, I have him go to the one I feel would benefit him the most, or that he would like the most. I will also let him bring an item he is playing with at the free choice center with him to the teacher-led center. I have also let him miss a center that I know he would love and suffer the consequences of that choice-we made Stop signs this week and he was doing everything he could not to go...when he saw all the kids playing with their stop signs, he was really sad...now I have an example to bring up when this happens again. I know it sucks for him, and I hate to see him sad, but life is full of natural consequences. Also, I don't like seat work for kids 3-5 at all. I rarely do 'seat work unless it is in the form of sitting and sorting, building, playing an interactive game...etc. Sitting and tracing letters for example can be very tedious...you need to find ways to make it fun. I also don't require sitting. I know that sometimes I am much more engaged and productive if I can stand up and work if I want...that is absolutely acceptable. My classroom is noisy! The only time we are quiet is during circle time-and that is only here and there, I have the kids up and moving, responding out loud, and I find as many ways as I can to make them not just have to listen to me...even though attending is really important too...It is hard for them...very hard for some. In your first year you have high expectations of yourself and the kids. You want to be the best teacher and classroom manager in the world...but remember, you are new to this too...grace must be given to the kids...and yourself. Step back from your teacher role and begin to see your classroom and everything you do from the eyes and maturity of a 3-5 year-old. Thats where it all begins. You have to meet their world...they can't meet yours because they don't have the tools. Your job is to see things from this child's perspective...what is important to him/her? are they new to playing with other kids? Are they young or old for this group? How do they learn best? How can you incorporate different ways to learn in your routines? It's a tough job, and what you try won't always work. Keep trying, keep talking to veteran teachers like me...it will never be perfect. Each year will give you new challenges...but it sounds like you care a lot and will seek out all the information and help. you need to become even more amazing at your job than you already are...I don't know if any of this will help you, but keep trying different things. Respect the child while earning their respect too. Get to know tis child better and you will figure out what makes them tick. Find ways to get kids out of their seats and doing work in new and creative ways...you got this!

@@teachpre-k101 Thank you!! It never even crossed my mind to not have him sitting at a table! I need to change things up and do some thinking out of the box asap! Thank you!

what are those?

and I have 40 of them....

NO! 40...not all at once I pray! "Honey badgers" is the perfect name! LOL!

I know exactly how you feel. Great job having a meeting and including your director though...that's the first step. I would suggest that there be a notebook in a location that your aide and the floaters know where it is. Start documenting the behaviors. When you feel it's time, schedule another meeting. Talk to your director before the meeting, share all the notes you and the aides have been taking. Sometimes you need to suggest an evaluation of more than just speech before the child can return to the classroom. Parents are really reistant to anything being wrong with their child, or their child neecding some extra help. If there is a behavior specialist in your area that can observe this child in class and observe what is going on with the other children ...that is helpful too. Sometimes if you have a behavior specialist join in on the meeting and talk directly to the parents, it will diffuse the situation a bit so the parents don't get into blaming mode and blame you or the school. I will tell you the hard truth, the parents might just pull the child from the school and find another school...the same thing will happen and they will try another school. DEnial is really difficult to combat. The fact that they say this isn't happening at. home can only mean 2 things...they are not being honest with you or themselves, or they let the child do whatever he/she wants so there is no conflict..thus perpetuating the problem. Good luck!

@@teachpre-k101 thank you!

I'm glad...but it is so hard! We think we should be able to handle everything, and if we were just a little more loving, firm, on top of it, PERFECT....it would be so easy. I learned something big that year...sometimes it's not me...it's them. And there is very little I can actually do.

Yeah...I hear you! I feel like I"m finally back to myself this year. It took 3 years of really difficult kids, and trying to find my footing, my passion, and my love for teaching again. I started to feel it again last year, but this year it is finally back. funny thing, I have a little girl in my class this year whose mom is teaching my really difficult class I'm talking about in that video...she cries everyday after work and sometimes during. I've had to go up and give her encouragement and let her vent...and we are only a month in...they are STILL impossible! And she was the behavior specialist that had no idea how to help me! COVID did a lot of damage to our collective psyche.

Staci...I think we have lived the same experience...I always felt like an island! Some kids are just too difficult to handle on your own...especially when they are difficult at such a young age. I don't hink people realize what is hoisted upon preschool and Pre-K teachers...it's a lot! We aren't just "playing with kids" all day! Good luck...keep me posted on how things are going!

Yes I have...it sounds all too familiar. I'm not certified special ed, or an autism specialist or anything either, but we know what we know and when we see atypical behavior...we KNOW it! I've had kids who are mostly nonverbal...They are frustrated that they can't communicate or socialize, or that no one is understanding what they want or need...they communicate this through some behaviors that are aggressive in nature. I know from experience that this is how they are dealing with their frustrations, but ...whoa! It is so hard! You absoulutely have to get the admin and parents on board. You have to have a meeting and discuss what you are seeing, you have to have your admin or director come and observe. The first step would be a speech screening, then the speech therapist can recommend other avenues to explore without you having to bring up "Spectrum-like" behavior...that freaks parents out and has the potential to make things worse for everyone. I always use the words "I'm seeing some behavior that is no typical", Or "i'm seeing aggressive behavior in cases where it is not defensive" or "i'm seeing this...(whatever behavior is most troubling) in the classroom, how do you handle that at home?" We all KNOW that we see behaviors at school that are usually not as bad as they are at home, but have the potential to get as bad as at home the more comfortable the child is in the classroom. Any parent who will tell you they never see that kind of behavior is either in denial or flat out lying. We have had to ask 2 children in my 16b years to leave the program because we just did not have the manpower to handle their issues. Have some community resorces to suggest. We have a child center here in my city for kids with behavior issues. They recieve a lot of different therapies and they have a huge staff so kids can get more 1 on 1 attention and supervision. It's a tough choice to ask a family to leave your school, but sometimes it has to be done. YOur situation sounds really rough. I wish you the best. Keep me posted!

Thanks so much for the great advice! The parent came early the first day and somehow ended up coming in my room for awhile. I could barely read a book to the class. The child was acting out and even pushing his mother. She did really nothing until finally she nearly dragged him out. My classroom is now changed to the main level and it is literally next door to the office. I may have to wait 30-40 days before I can request any kind of evaluation. I hope not because I don't think my assistant can handle him solely by herself all day. Again thank you very much and I will keep you posted. Wishing you a fantastic school year!

I had that 2 years ago...just remember...It's not you...it's them! Seriously though, I know how hard that is. Don't beat yourself up! You are a good teacher, you are good at classroom management...some things are just too hard to manage.

i'm not sure what you mean...

www.teacherspayteachers.com. That'll get you there! Get ready for more teaching resources than you could ever imagine!

Thank you! I’m ok and on the mend

Glad it was helpful!

I'm so glad! You got this! Go slow, give yourself lots of space and grace. Best of luck!

They are from Bella luna toys. They are super inexpensive too! This link shulod get you there, if not you may have to go to their web store. www.bellalunatoys.com/products/music-wands-tree-blocks?tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=17870025074&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrKu2BhDkARIsAD7GBov59wYqAl_JRkmRY3PGZ-_ST7mMIKS0IvI0Hi504IbrcM1XUt8FlMEaAiWxEALw_wcB

Thank you so much! I love teaching preschool so much and I am so happy to share what I know and how I do things with other teachers!

Thank you so much. I am always happy to help! I'll send you the link to the lesson plan subscription. . I'm working on next month's right now! preschoolplanned.com/sales-page-with-opt-in-5702-6336-8534-2651

What I like to do is read the first one “Little Chick Goes to School to introduce Little Chick. Then I read the others as needed. Like maybe before we use markers for the first time…I’d use that one in small group. The free choice center books I’ve read before we introduce the center in small group, or if there’s been a rough day at a center as a review.

Hi...I am happy to answer your questions. I only change my block center each day during the first week of school to introduce the kids to a variety of building toys and how to use them. After that, I change it weekly. I will duplicate building materials several times during the year but will add different animals, action figures, etc. for mini centers that I do on the 3 tables at arrival, you might have to use your rug, or other areas in your room. it doesn't have to be a table. That just makes sense for my tiny room. My classroom is in a basement as well...so I totally understand the life of the basement dweller. not ideal, but workable.

@@teachpre-k101 Thank you for responding Diane! Have a great school year!

thank you

There is a link in the resource. I'll see if I can find it for you.... amzn.to/3T0DmZC

It is launched! I'll send the link...there has been some issues with the automation...so if you purchase and you don't get an email with a link right away email me and I'll send it to you immediately after school today! preschoolplanned.com/sales-page-with-opt-in-5702-6336-8534-2651

@@teachpre-k101 thank you so much for the reply. Just to confirm, if I purchase the yearly subscription in august, I’ll get to keep all the lesson plans indefinitely? Thank you so much in advance 💕

Yes! That is right.

you are so welcome! I hope you love them! I've been deepinto Little Chick for two weeks now!

Hmmmm....I'll put it here and try to fix it. Thank you for letting me know www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Week-of-Preschool-PreK-How-to-Use-school-Supplies-Procedures-10043910?st=0296944d04bac404f6e03d83ff1bb31a

@@teachpre-k101 thank you! Got it.

@@debraholmes3299 no…thank YOU! Enjoy!

Thought you might enjoy that! How are you?

Good.

How are u after that accident???? Ouch!

I’m ok…car…totaled! I’m lucky. It could have been so much worse

Not for Free, but Here's the link to the whole set in my TPT store www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Week-of-Preschool-PreK-How-to-Use-school-Supplies-Procedures-10043910

Email me at [email protected] and I’ll get them to you after school

@@teachpre-k101 sorry, I forget to ask how you are doing? 🙏🏿🙏🏿

@@jeanettephillips4407 I’m fine! Hey…could you email me at [email protected] and I can get those templates to you! Thanks for checking in!

Yes!

for the center tags...you need to email me directly at [email protected] and I will send you a downloadable file

You can find the center signs as a free download in my Teachers Pay Teachers store I'll leave the link below www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Center-Signs-for-Preschool-Pre-K-7035264

@@teachpre-k101Thank you!!!

We are a private school and have some different licensing guidelines. in 16 years I have never had a child go for the wipes...not ever. But I do keep an eye on things and they know there are ares they cannot go. We use baby wipes when they help clean tables and placemats, then we go over everything with safe sanitizing sprays and use hot soapy water on the placemats with a good rinse. I am so excited to see the end result of the self portrait project too...it is my favorite of the year! My 3-4's are so young this year...I'm sure it will be the wonkiest looking bulletin board yet! I LOVE wonky drawings! They make me so happy...the wonkier the better!

@@teachpre-k101 I figured you might have different rules!! I wish we can keep our sanitizing wipes under the sink-it is a pain to have to store them in our closet. Some cleaners we cannot have at all in our classrooms which is a bummer! For many years we could not use shaving cream bc of the toxins. The just changed that last year and we are able to use it again-funny huh?

@@lauryshattock7570 I guess the toxins magically disappeared? LOL!

Hello, I'm glad you are feeling better. Can you please explain the watercolor name in details. I would love to do this next week.

Thank you! That is high praise for sure! I am glad you found it helpful. I really want to help teachers make their circle time fun and effective. It can be a really challenging part of the day.

Oh my gosh yes! That exact calendar is FREE in my TPT store! I will leave the link below. Thanks for commenting! www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-PreschoolPre-K-12-Month-Planning-Calendar-August-July-3958372?F11%2F2024&

Hi...I'm pretty sure you can in most states, but that is something you would have to look up and check Soemtimes you can just get a CDA by taking an online course too. Look into your options!