Space & Furnishings
List an example of what would be considered an active center, a quiet center and a buffer center in your classroom.
Active Centers: Dramatic Play, Blocks, & Music
Quiet Centers: Library, Cozy & Writing
Buffer Centers: Art, Fine Motor, Math, Science
How often do children in pull-ups/diapers need to be checked/changed?
At least every 2 hours, but of course sooner if you expect they're soiled.
Model what dictation with children sounds like. When throughout the day can you be dicating things for children?
During art, for children at writing, during block play, in dramatic play, etc.
How can you incorporate math and print talk with children in dramatic play?
Pointing out numbers on the cash register or phone, pointing out the text and numbers in menus, pointing out the display, etc.
How can you model care/respect for the environment in a way that children understand?
Talk about why we turn the lights off to go outside, why we use only 1 paper towel, why we should recycle, etc. As you talk about these things with children, begin to ask them why. "Why do I turn the lights off before we go outside?"
What is a space for privacy? How can you ensure that children are being protected in these areas and that they are being acknowledged?
A space for privacy is a space meant for 1 or 2 children, where they can play protected from intrusion by others. You should make sure to check in, and interact with children in these spaces, even if they are being "good".
Model a conversation that would be heard during meals/snacks?
Talk about how they're serving themselves, talk about their personal lives, point out math talk (more/less, shapes, colors, etc.), food components, etc.
Model how you would help two children resolve a conflict over wanting the same toy.
Encourage communication and actively involve children in solving the problem.
How can you incorporate music during free play?
Singing finger plays while interacting in areas, etc.
What is a wait time and how long are children allowed to wait with nothing to do? What kinds of activities can be used during transitions to avoid wait times?
3 minutes. Songs, movement activities, bubbles, staggering jackets, etc.
What is free art and how can it be individualized to fit the theme?
The child gets to create the work in a way that is meaningful to them. Labels and dictation can be added to emphasize the theme.
When should hands be washed? Demonstrate a handwashing routine both individually and with a child.
Before sanitizing tables, when entering or re-entering the classroom, with children after outside play, before putting on serving gloves, after wiping or helping with noses, after helping in the bathroom or when otherwise soiled.
Demonstrate a quality back-and-forth conversation on a topic of your choice.
Ask questions like, "why" "how" "what if" "how did you know" to keep the conversation going
Referencing quantities, sizes, shapes, similarities/differences, etc.
What is the time requirement for outdoor play? What is the time requirement for centers? How is this time calculated?
30 minutes & 60 minutes. The time starts when the last child is on the playground and ends when the teacher says to clean up. For centers, the time starts when the last child is able to choose a center and also stops when the teacher says it is time to clean up.
What are intentional display in your classroom that give you opportunities to talk about the display?
The pictured handwashing steps, vocabulary cards, multicultural display in dramatic play, my big backyard posters, block dictation, children's artwork, etc.
Which sinks need to be disinfected? When do they need to be disinfected? What are the steps to disinfect?
Any sinks that were used for toileting/diapering handwashing need to be disinfected using the 3 steps (soapy water, water, pure green). This needs to be done before children wash hands for meals/snacks.
Give examples of how you can use books in your classroom to extend children's knowledge when they ask questions.
Pointing out specific bugs/shells in the books that are in the collections, reading a theme-based book to answer questions children have, etc.
Model what teaching children to use more complex art materials could look/sound like? What materials do you have that could assist with this?
Water colors work best for this with teacher assistance.
What does effective supervion look and sound like both indoors and outdoors?
Both indoors and outdoors, staff should be spaced apart and placed to ensure that all children can be seen and heard at all times. Staff should constantly be scanning their surroundings and aware of all children.
What is ample space and how can it be achieved?
Teachers should reference the center signs and frequently refer to how many children are allowed in each area. When doing this, be sure to point out the numeral, and to use your fingers. :) They really want to see that a system is in place.
How can staff be considered good models of health practices?
Only eating/drinking healthy options in front of children, washing hands with the correct procedure, etc.
When can you point out letters and words in print to help children hear sounds, in a way that is engaging to them?
During book time, when looking at display, when doing dictation, etc.
What does math talk sound like in your classroom with both materials and also everyday use?
Counting the number of days on the calendar until Thanksgiving, talking about what the numbers on the clock mean, talking about center signs and how they're used to limit children, etc. Math materials need to be observed being used 3 separate times.
What does free play look like outdoors? How can we encourage children to be more active?
Encourage vigorous play to get their heart rates up and teach them a skill while outdoors.