In the Haifa class, we work very hard to create visual cues to help our students navigate through the day as easily as possible. One area where we noticed our students having trouble was when we came in from outside and in for circle. There was often seat switching, seat saving, and hurt feelings before we started circle, which always put a damper on what we were going to talk about. So we decided to make place cards. Each place card has the student's name and picture on it, so they can choose to look for their name, and if they cannot recognize their name, their photo is there to help them out!
We spoke to Ellen about this a lot before we chose to make these place holders. We realized that circle is something that we do everyday, it is part of our routine. And when we get into a routine, sometimes having a changing variable, like where you are sitting or who you are sitting next to, can be really hard for a preschooler. When we sit down at the dining table to eat each night, we most likely sit in the same seat out of habit, as opposed to having it assigned. So we decided to do the same for our class. We have our place holders, and we are going to keep them in the same order so that it is comfortable and predictable. Everyone is pretty close to friends, and they know where they will sit each day! It makes for a much nicer transition for everyone!
-Alison and Sauci
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