Let's Talk About It!

I was an intermediate teacher (mostly at sixth grade) for twenty-two years before becoming a K-5 Technology Specialist. In my third year, I still struggle with instructional design for my Kindergarteners.

One strategy I have been using more frequently is to work on oral skills. As students play games or work on a digital task, I stroll by them, observing and making comments or asking questions. When I take the time to carefully watch their activity, I can easily find "teachable moments."

Here are some recent examples.

"Let's count together, 1,2,3,4,5...what comes after 5?"

"Where do these animals live?"

"What animal is this?"

"Which animal do you like most?"

"What happens when you click on the curved arrows?"

"Please point to the square."

"How does this game work?"

"Can you tell me how you do this?"

"What are you making?"

"Do you have a favorite drawing tool?"

Through these short interactions, I can communicate with each child individually. We can make connections, share an idea and develop oral language skills. I can also observe skills a student is using, find a teaching point or correct a misconception.