Scribbles

One of the best ways to help kids with fine motor and pre writing skills is to give them access to art supplies. Even the very young (10+ months) can have fun with a crayon and sheet of paper (as with everything, some activities require more supervision with young children). Learning to hold a crayon and see how it makes marks on a plain piece of paper helps with those important fine motor skills, and will help with writing in the future.
Crayola has some fantastic items for younger kids: crayons that fit in a little egg shaped animal so that it's easier for kids to hold them, stamps, markers, and that color wonder paper and paint that only works with the special paper.
Look for non-toxic stuff, and you don't have to worry about a mouth full of crayon. It won't hurt them...it will make for good stories later on!

Another thought...

The best thing about working with kids is how much laughing you do! I can't think of many other jobs where you can lay on the floor laughing until you are crying and your stomach hurts! Kids do say the funniest things! Take a second and listen to what kids around you are talking about....it can be amusing and amazing at same time!

Welcome!

Hello world! I've been teaching preschool for almost 10 years now in a daycare setting. I love my job and I love giving kids a great start for a lifetime of learning. The idea for this blog came to me after a parent asked me a question about their child. How great would it be for parents, teachers, child care providers,etc. to have place to just get some tips, ideas or information in one easy stop? So, I've started Tips from a Preschool Teacher. My hope is that once a week (more often if possible), I can post a tip or idea from my day.
Parents are often anxious about their child's development and some set the bar too high; others not high enough. Kids can do amazing things if they have the right tools!

Speaking of tools, my first tip is talk to your child! Wow, talking? That's it? That's it. I can't tell you how many people I see come pick up their child while talking on their cell phone. The kids are excited to show them a picture or tell them about something exciting, and their mom or dad is on the phone. Spend a few minutes just talking. Ask about their day, ask about the picture they drew, or what they did in the science area. Talking is the best way for you to model speech to your child. Using please and thank you with your kids will show them manners. Being sure to use polite words or being positive will show your child kindness. Most important though, it teaches your child words! Words are amazing. Words shape our world, and it enables them to give their feelings meaning. Parents don't like when their child whines, but if they don't have the skills to express their needs or feelings, whining is easy for them, and is a hard habit to break. So, take the time to talk with your child. Read signs in the store, read books together, play games of pretend...let your child learn from you in the easiest and best way possible.

Happy Teaching!