Creative Lesson Beginning for Reception/Kindergarten
Introduction: Welcome to Our Classroom Adventure!
Objective: To create an engaging and welcoming environment for the first two weeks of kindergarten, where children feel excited to learn and explore.
The Magic Balloon
Materials Needed:
- A colorful, helium-filled balloon (or a large picture of a balloon)
- Confetti or sparkly paper (optional)
- A small, fun sound-making device (like a bell or a soft chime)
Activity Steps:
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Gather the Children: As students arrive, invite them to sit in a circle on the carpet, ensuring every child feels included and is comfortable.
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Introduce the Magic Balloon:
- Hold the balloon up high and say, "Look, everyone! This is our Magic Balloon of Adventure! This balloon will help us remember all the fun and exciting things we will learn together this year."
- Optionally, sprinkle confetti in the air to capture their attention and create a sense of wonder.
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Explain the Magic:
- Tell the children that each time they have a fantastic idea, share something new they learned, or help a friend, the balloon will get more magical.
- Each day, if someone has shown kindness, creativity, or teamwork, they can come up and give the balloon a gentle tap (or shake the balloon picture) to make it "sparkle."
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Sound of Wonder:
- Introduce the sound-making device. Use this whenever you announce a new fun activity or learning session, creating an atmosphere of excitement.
- You could say, "When you hear this sound, it means we're about to embark on a new adventure with our Magic Balloon!"
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Discuss Expectations:
- Briefly talk about classroom rules and what it means to be a respectful participant in their adventure. Use simple language and examples they can relate to, like sharing and listening.
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Open Floor for Sharing:
- Finally, encourage the children to share what they are most excited about in kindergarten. Allow each child to have a turn, creating a sense of community and belonging.
Conclusion
This engaging start to the school year not only sets a positive tone but also allows children to feel personally connected to their learning journey. Through the Magic Balloon, children are encouraged to embrace kindness, creativity, and collaboration while feeling safe in their new classroom environment.
Let the Adventure Begin! 🎈