On Friday we told the children that we were going to have a new routine for snack. We now have snack as part of free choice. In addition to all of the areas from which the children can choose to play, they can now choose to have snack. This puts the responsibility for snack on the children and they are ready for it. Today was the first day and it worked well with teacher supervision. We hope in the near future to have this continue with less teacher assistance. The children who choose to have snack (4 at a time) first had to wash their hands. Then they had to check off their name on the list on the blue clip board. Then each child had to get a cup and a napkin and pour their water. There was a sign on the table with the number one and that means one handful of animal crackers and one handful of raisins.
After each child is finished they clean up by putting their napkin in the trash and their cup in the recycling bin.
Stay tuned..............we will keep you posted on how this experiment works. The positive is putting more responsibility on the child and having small group snack and the negative is no quiet reading. The book shelf has been moved and looking at books is another option in free choice.
Sauci and Alison
Interesting change. What made you do this?
ReplyDeleteWe did this because we want to make free choice longer. As we get involved in our various curricular themes we have more to do at free choice then the time allowed for. This change may or may not be permanent. We are trying it and we will evaluate with the children in a week or two.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment.
It teaches some great self-help skills as well as self-control!
ReplyDeleteWonderful preparation for moving on to
ReplyDeleteKindergarten.
And cuts down dramatically on the time children are waiting. More time for learning!
ReplyDeleteIts also a delightful way to support children's conversations and connections as well as their literacy by using purposeful signage.
ReplyDeleteSherry
Aviva boasted about the change. I think it has helped to foster a great sense of responsibility, autonomy, and confidence. She's proud of the way she checks her name off the list, serves herself, and cleans up after herself. Here's to continued success in classroom "experiments"!
ReplyDeleteAbby