Mind in the Making

Hello all,

I am reading Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs by Ellen Galinsky.  I have a very challenging group this year both in the AM and PM sessions, and right now I am devoting time to the first skill - Focus and Self Control.  There are so many things in our world that compete for our attention, and that can be especially true for a preschool child in a classroom with 20 three and four year old children.  Self control can be huge hurdle for little ones.  So to begin intentionally teaching focus and self control I have introduced the game - Red Light Green Light.  It is a simple game but requires the children to pay attention, remember the rules, and inhibit their initial response (which would be to continue with the fun action rather than stop on red).  I use visuals for the game and the children so far in both classes enjoy the challenges presented to them.

I also came across a blog where a kindergarten teacher used blowing bubbles to teach self control.  I have used bubbles to teach 'gentle touches' in the past, and it helped children to understand how to be gentle towards others.  I decided to try the self control bubble lesson.  The first time I blew the bubbles I allowed the children to pop the bubbles.  They were giggling and squealing and had a great time.  I told them that I could see how much they loved popping bubbles.  The second time I instructed the children that they were not allowed to pop the bubbles, even if they wanted to really badly.  I told them it would be very hard, but they had to keep their hands down.  I blew the bubbles a second time and it WAS REALLY HARD for them.  We have done this activity twice now and the second time was much better for most of the children.

I don't know if any of you are familiar with Walter Mischel's Marshmallow Test done many years ago at Columbia University.  Children were offered a marshmallow to eat right away, or if they waited they could have two marshmallows later.  Some children could wait, and some of course could not.  They followed up with those children as adults and the children that could wait had higher test scores, they had graduated high school and attended college, and were successful in many areas of their lives.  Dr. James Heckman refers to these skills as 'soft skills' and they are just as important to develop as the cognitive skills.  I am very focused on being more intentional in our preschool classroom to work with children to develop their 'soft skills'.  When I think back to when I taught kindergarten I was thrilled to have a child that could sit still, listen and follow directions!  I know there are many more expectations of children now but I feel strongly about investing more time getting them ready to learn in the preschool classroom.

Hello Champions!!!  Are you ready for your first assignment as we start this journey together?  The introduction is packed with information and aha's that will get you thinking right from the beginning.  This week we are all going to read the introduction and then post three things. 
1) Give me one aha that will probably change pretty quickly.  For example, after I read about giving directions and standing still I thought about how many times people give directions while passing out the assignment.  My mind immediately goes to the paper in my hands instead of the words the instructor is saying.  As a teacher, I'll never give important information again while handing out a paper. 
2) Watch the video clip and comment on routines.  Whether it be one you could share or something you thought of as you watched or read.
3) The section on teaching assessed standards is very applicable given our pushes in TEEP.  What information from the chapter will help you as you begin to apply the TEEP "I can" philosophies to your classroom?

Please post by Nov. 4th

Welcome McGregor Teachers!!!  Are you ready to become classroom champions?  I'm hoping we all grow together and learn some great things.  Our staff and students are ready to move right through effective to excellent and I know your the ones that can make it happen.  Let's begin our journey!!!
Annie