January is my favorite month for early learning

I know that I am jumping ahead a bit but January will be here very soon and it is my absolute favorite time of the year when it comes to teaching and learning.

I’ve spent the past few days dragging out all my favorite books and making a list of every book I want to read to my Kindy Ready students for the rest of the school year. I want to be able to hit the floor running once January gets here. In January, the holidays will be over and the children who started at three or four all suddenly start turning four and five and the difference in their understanding and interest is always amazing. In January, the Holiday lights may all start to go out but the learning lights begin to go on.

Making Soft Plans

Not only have a made a list of books I want to read, but I have sketched out each story book chart I will do with the children. Oh, I don’t have every detail figured out, but enough to help me start pulling together the things I will need to get up and running week after week. And it doesn’t mean I won’t change my mind but having a soft plan in place helps me to be able to be more creative when it comes to coming up with new ideas.

Different Plans for Different Kinds of Teaching

Part of my teaching time is spent teaching Live on Zoom which is a very different kind of teaching than in the classroom. To get ready for Zoom, I have to choose the right kind of books to read so to keep the children’s interest. I have my Kindy Ready Live set of books all set aside in one pile and all the other books that I hope to read set aside in another pile.

Staying Inspired

I will be straight up with you though. Every time I walk past my library of books, I find another one that I want to read to the children and every book leads to an entire world of play and exploration. There is nothing more inspiring when it comes to planning for the children than a really great book.

What’s On Your Agenda?

Are you already thinking ahead too or are you still just trying to get through December? I have one more live zoom class to teach (which is tomorrow) then I have a little break till the new year. Yay for winter break! Tomorrow I will be reading “The Sweet Smells of Christmas,” by Patricia Scarry. Have you heard of that book? It’s a great book for getting those senses stirred up. If you haven’t heard of it, you can read my post on it by going here –> Deborah’s Sweet Smells of Christmas blog post.

Are you on Instagram?

By the way, the next time you are on Instagram, be sure to look me up! You can find me at https://instagram.com/teachpreschool ! I have been learning how to do reels – they sure make that complicated – but I do have a few that I have shared to my stories. Follow me today on Instagram!

See ya soon!

Deborah

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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