A multitude of students in the classroom could either be challenging or very pleasing for teachers. However, it is these learners who bring diversity and richness to a class. For example, some learners learn more easily in an academic approach, while others learn better when they are doing hands-on activities. It’s all up to you, dear teacher, to draw on your varied teaching approach to address a wide range of skills and abilities and provide a conducive learning environment for all these learners in the classroom. When it comes to taking in classroom information, one of the most effective ways to keep your learners on track is having good learning habits. These habits, when introduced in a systematic way by the teacher, form strong foundations to underpin learners’ skills as they progress. So, here are some tips to help make the learning process more organized.
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Accommodate Various Learning Styles
A teaching method that appeals to all students is one that combines visually displayed material, spoken presentation, and hands-on/manual activities. For example, a unit on colors should first have pictures of objects with the color, such as a blue pen, a yellow pencil, and so on. The printed words “blue,” “yellow,” and so on should be written on them. There should also be an oral presentation of the same information. Students should then be given materials in various colors and asked to create a collage made out of items cut from magazines having those colors. Teaching to multiple learning styles is beneficial because it increases the chances that all students will understand the material. Additionally, it helps teachers differentiate between learners by incorporating information using more than one method.
Offer choices
Explore the relationship between children’s ages and their ability to explore materials. Some of the ways children can participate or explore include separately, with a companion, in a small or large group, or wearing gloves when exploring materials such as sand, soil, or gel squeeze toys. Some children are complex to sensual experiences. Encourage them to use implements and materials.
Assess, Then Adapt
To ensure that student differences are noted and accommodated, it is important to implement performance assessments in the classroom. When working with a diverse group of students, use a variety of assessment methods to best assess the class as a whole. For example, conduct informal assessments by asking students questions in-class or after completing certain activities to note individual needs. If a student has Attention Deficit Disorder, allow for oral testing or have another student take notes for the student during tests if needed.
Enable children to organize their learning
Parents and educators are faced with the challenge of keeping a child’s work safe, organized, and accessible. This can result in file management systems that require endless amounts of time and energy to maintain. Digital child portfolios help parents and educators create mobile collections of children’s learning-designed in photo-realistic style to resemble a real binder—that improves access, decreases stress, and helps families observe and celebrate their child’s evolving accomplishments!
One Subject, Multiple Concepts
Understanding each learner’s strengths and previous learning experiences provides necessary information. Incorporating different teaching methods for the same subject allows for students to be able to understand different concepts within the assignment, therefore making them more competitive in the workforce. Students who have unique and valuable skills based on personal experience are able to teach in different ways. Those who excel in mathematics can calculate the taxes and figure out the sales, but those with low math skills can brainstorm sales pitch ideas.
Group Work for Roles
Classroom grouping is a process where students are grouped together for different activities. Each student in the group is given particular roles or tasks for that activity. This way, each student can feel better about his or her ability to contribute to a particular activity. Classroom grouping also allows students to learn from one another as they exchange roles of teaching and being taught in different areas. The advantages of group work are many. The teacher may avoid one-on-one lessons due to the number of students being increased. There is also an enhanced sharing of resources, and innovative ideas arise from these discussions. With such use of peer teaching, children will be allowed to learn by helping their fellow friends or classmates. They can all add up their ideas and do something for each other.
Provide a variety of learning materials
As children reach preschool age, it’s important to encourage them to develop a collection of concrete objects to manipulate and explore. This gives them a much richer sensory experience than images or descriptions alone can provide. For example, it’s easier to describe the properties of an orange when you’re holding a real orange instead of a plastic orange or a cartoon picture of a smiling orange. With this in mind, you can help your child identify and understand the features of various items in his world without the need for technology.
Daily Resources for Observation
Teaching is big work. Every student learns at his own pace, in his own way. This means you’ll have to think outside the box and plan activities designed to meet each child’s needs and interests. As you evaluate a preschool or kindergarten curriculum, you want to find a resource that supports your goals and teaching style. We believe The Creative Curriculum for Preschool and The Creative Curriculum for Kindergarten is different because each book is written to help teachers create an environment of individualization where children feel comfortable exploring, investigating, and learning.
Caring for Slow Learners
Slow learners are students in a class who require more assistance and teaching methodologies than the average learner. Sure, there are many ways of teaching and different perspectives to finding the most effective solution to support them. But if we talk about the most common solution, it always comes down to one word. The word is REPETITION. Teaching slow learners requires patience, creativity, and a high level of comprehension. Often, being purposely slow in the process of teaching will entice them to join the rest of their classmates for class discussions.
