'cause someone's got to say it

  Objective: To explore the challenges and strategies for supporting early writing skills in English for preschoolers who are concurrently learning to write in their mother tongue. Task Description: Dual-Language Observation: Activity: 'Writing Worlds' Spend a week observing and noting how your students approach writing tasks in both English and their native language. Pay special attention to their level of engagement, comfort, and the types of support they seek or require. Creative Documentation: Activity: 'Language Journey Map' Create a visual map or journey line for each child, documenting their progress and experiences in writing in both languages. Use symbols, colors, or drawings to represent different aspects of their learning journey (e.g., a sun for moments of understanding, a cloud for challenges). Collaborative Reflection: Activity: 'Teachers' Tapestry' Arrange a session with fellow teachers to share your 'Language Journey Maps.' Discuss pa...

  Objective: To explore and reflect on the balance between encouraging a love for reading and respecting the natural pace of each child's cognitive development. Task Description: Observation and Note-Taking: Activity: 'Reading Watch' Spend a week observing your students during free reading time. Note their choices, engagement level, and any signs of enjoyment or frustration. Observe both structured reading activities and moments where children choose to look at books during free play. Reflective Art Project: Activity: 'The Reading Garden' Create a 'Reading Garden' mural or bulletin board in your classroom. For each child, add a flower or plant to represent their reading journey. Decorate each plant according to your observations: bright colors for engagement and enjoyment, and subdued colors for signs of struggle or disinterest. Group Discussion and Brainstorming: Activity: 'Garden Talk' Hold a casual group discussion with other teachers or assistant...

  Objective: To identify challenges and develop creative solutions for motivating preschool children to speak in a foreign language. Task Description: Challenge Identification: Activity: 'The Challenge Tree' Create a simple drawing or collage of a tree. On the leaves, write down the challenges you've observed that prevent children from speaking in a foreign language (e.g., shyness, lack of interest, fear of making mistakes). Solution Brainstorming: Activity: 'Solution Blossoms' For each 'Challenge Leaf,' think of a 'Solution Blossom.' Attach a flower (made from paper, fabric, or drawn) next to each leaf. On each flower, write down a potential solution or strategy to overcome the corresponding challenge (e.g., games, songs, positive reinforcement). Fun Implementation: Activity: 'Try It Out!' Pick one 'Solution Blossom' and implement it in your class. Observe how the children respond and note any changes in their willingness to speak th...