I have moved to Grade 1 from Kindergarten and the school I will be teaching in believes in a play-based approach for the students. I will be bringing with me activities and resources that I used in Kindergarten and adapting them to meet the outcomes of the Grade 1 curriculum as well as the learning needs of my students in this play-based Grade 1 classroom.
This week I spent time thinking about my play-based Grade 1 classroom and the types of areas I imagined my students would need and set out to create those spaces. I also wanted to keep in mind that what I imagine they need and what I discover they need could be a perfect match or may require some changes to the space.
As you look through the pictures below, you will notice many blank bulletin boards and empty shelves. This is very intentional as I want to be able to display student work and projects to create a sense of belonging. I eventually plan on displaying learning supports such as a sound wall once I determine where I will be starting with my learners. The empty shelves will soon fill as well as I discover the interests and needs of the students I will be supporting.
Classroom Photos (before set up)
Play-based Grade 1 Classroom Photos (after)
I am so excited to meet my students next week and to see how they respond to the classroom space and the learning resources. Follow along as I reflect on how I best meet the needs of my learners.
Happy Teaching,
Lynda
9 Responses
Sure an amazing inpart, learners will be inspire to aspire in this new world created for them by you.
Congratulations on your move, Linda. I have always said that if we believe play-based learning is good for 5 year olds, then why not for 6 year olds? You will be a great asset to Albert School!
You did a fantastic job!
Amazing arrangements. I guarantee your learners will love it.
I attended the GNAT CTF program in Ghana too. You guys were amazing. I learned alot and have made a whole lot of changes in the way I teach.
Thanks very much.
I will be following closely.
Great work Lynda.
Lynda.. would you be willing to share your daily schedule/dayplan as a springboard for ideas? So many are struggling with how to schedule the minutes of the day and I believe your flexible and cross-curricular approach is key.
Hi Of course I can share our schedule. My post on Oct 29th will be about our schedule. – Lynda
Hello. I will be shifting To grade 1 as well and want to continue with play based learning. I would to know how it went and what your flow of day looks like. 🙂
Hello Anne
I tried to do a balance in my day of teacher-directed and student-led learning. I think this approach honours children and their need for exploration, socialization and inquiry. Our day shifted as the months progressed. Our typical day near the end of grade 1 looks something like this. Arrival, differentiated math task flowing into free play for approximately 45mins. Morning Meeting focused on oral language, phonological and phonemic awarness, snack than recess. After recess is our larger literacy block – this compromises of whole group and small groups (the small groups have playful learning built into the activities). Lunch. After lunch, my children go to their specials – when they return we have a quick mini-lesson focused on science/social studies and follow with play. Many of my students are selected drawing and book writing during this time. They are loving Art for Kids videos. After our last recess, we rotate between numeracy, writing or other content areas. Our day usually wraps up in a whole group meeting. I hope that helps. Feel free to email me with specific wonders.