Teaching Kindergarten Using Effective Instructional Approaches

Kindergarten plays an important role in molding the young minds of our children since it is their first experience in formal socialization being in a set up where they receive instructions. Teaching kindergarten is not an easy task to do. Commitment to work and love for children are important factors that will serve as key to become an effective kindergarten teacher.

As an administrator, how can I help my teachers become effective handling these young learners? Here are some activities that a teacher may use to become effective instructional leader.

Play is the first and most important mode of instruction in Kindergarten. By providing an environment in which children are free to play with other and with a wide range of carefully selected materials, teacher can facilitate effective development and learning. The amount of learning is affected by the nature of the materials provided and by the quality of teacher’s involvement in the play activity. Aside from providing suitable materials and appropriate conditions for play, the teacher should help children structure and extend their play.

Joining children’s play is successful when the teacher can share in it without directing or dominating. Do not impose what you want them to do and learn. The teacher must be patient enough to be with the children but he/she should know when to withdraw without disrupting the play and not to be noticed by the children until such time that the children are already playing by themselves. Play helps the children develops self confidence and skills in decision making.

Taking initiative is another way of extending children’s play. In this way the teacher can observe the children while they play, when she feels that these children have run into a problem which they could not solve, the teacher should know when to take the initiative to meddle. For instance, children are trying to construct a bridge with unit blocks, the walls supporting the bridge may not be strong enough because the children are simply pilling one block on top of another. This may cause frustration on the part of the children, the teacher can suggest that the children can go outside and look at the way the bricks of a bridge have been put up together. A picture may also help the children think about how a bridge is constructed. Sometimes children can not immediately understand the suggestion but through observation they can find solution to certain situation. This one way of developing and improving their critical thinking skills.

Another strategy is small group sessions. Children enjoy and benefit from small group sessions wherein they learn to listen each other, sing together, listen to stories and develop sense of time by remembering what they have done with their group. Playing music while they are having hands on activities can also motivate them to work quietly on their own. Learning centers are designed to be a venue where children can focus attention on a concept, process or skill and provide opportunity for self-initiated investigation and practice. Children also benefit from well-planned field trips and learn much from subsequent guided discussions.

Brainstorming is also considered as an effective approach in teaching kindergarten. A large or small group activity encourages children to focus on a topic and contribute to the free flow of ideas. The teacher may begin by posing a question or problem or by introducing a topic. Children then express possible answers, relevant words and ideas. Contributions are accepted without criticism or judgement. Initially some children may be reluctant to speak out in a group setting, but brainstorming is an open sharing activity which encourages all children to participate. They should be encouraged to listen carefully and politely to what their classmates contribute. The purpose is to focus children’s attention on generating ideas, accept and respect individual differences and to encourage the children to take risk in sharing their ideas and opinions.

These various instructional approaches in kindergarten can be used to make teaching as well as learning more effective and enjoyable.

Young ones are cute, lovable and trustful... they are smart and their infantile minds are full of curiosity. Always be very careful in whatever information you will impart to them. Remember... teachers are their models.