When I started teaching kindergarten we were told that there was no time to do big theme units because we have too many standards we needed to hit. I bought into this for a while but I found a way to fit it into almost any standard I am teaching. With themes you hit, science, social studies, reading, writing, and math. Play based learning for early childhood is so important. What better way to learn through play than using your imagination and entering a room that has been transformed into a new place to learn. I have been doing room transformation days with some of our units to engage our students and fully immerse them into learning. My transformations were easy to plan and did not cost a lot. I do a whole week on a unt and then on Friday I transform my classroom. The learning starts as soon as my students come into the room. I do center based rotations for math and literacy. The rotations also include science and social studies. I have found that my students that struggle behaviorally and academically thrive during our themed centers. I have done Dinosaur Day, Camping, Entomologist, Space, Ocean, and more.. In this PD pop I will teach about the different levels of the transformation. We have 4 kindergarten classes and I designed the units to fit the level they want. One teacher does just the centers and not the whole room, and the other varies. My students talk about what they have learned for weeks. This workshop will be full of fun and engaging information to help you dive into room transformations.
Research says that play-based learning:
Increases brain cells
Builds empathy
Teaches and allows practice of self-control
Improves concentration, memory, and attention span
Reduces Stress
Promotes language development
Allows children to cope with difficult feelings
Teaches problem-solving
Develops mathematical thinking
Supports social development
Promotes physical development(fine and gross motor)
Teaches understanding of the real world
Allows trying out different roles