As an elementary teacher for over 10 years, I have had a multitude of experiences working with a variety of Kindergarten learners. While not every learner is the same, there are some basic steps I have found that make my math lessons exciting, interesting, and thought provoking for all of my students.
1. Use lots of pictures. Kindergarteners are visual learners. Colorful and interesting pictures will help Kindergarteners engage in the lesson. Be certain when uploading pictures to Edcite that they are images that are not copyright-protected and are free for using and sharing.
- This math shapes assignment and this ELA Sweethearts candy assignment are great examples of picture-filled assignments!
2. Be concise. Since many Kindergarteners are not fluent readers, it is important to be as concise as possible with your instructions. A simple one word instruction, such as “Sort”, “Match”, or “Drag” is enough for a Kindergartener to accomplish the given task.
- Look at the concise instructions in this math object classifying assignment or this ELA “Fruit or vegetable?” assignment.
3. Use a variety of questions. Oftentimes teacher have found that Kindergarteners have short attention spans. By varying the question type, you will have a greater chance of maintaining student interest in the lesson. The more the students are interested, the more they will learn.
- See how varied the questions are in this math digits assignment and this ELA MLK, Jr. assignment?)
4. Take advantage of the largest font. A smaller font can often be overlooked by our younger students. The largest font is used to ensure that Kindergarteners do not miss any important information or instructions.
- Check out the kid-friendly font in this math shapes assignment and this ELA vowels assignment!
5. Have fun! If teachers are excited by the lesson, then, in turn, students will be excited about the lesson. Spread the love for learning with Edcite!
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Josie Fixler is an elementary school teacher who currently designs Common Core math content for Edcite. She received her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Education from York University and her master’s degree in Elementary Education from the Teachers College at Columbia University. After teaching at elementary schools in the greater New York area, Josie began working with curriculum developers to design elementary school content. We’re honored to have Josie’s expertise and contributions on Edcite!
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