Introduction of the thematic concept, perhaps show new items in centers, discuss what we did yesterday, discuss what we will do today, general sharing by children. Songs that fit the theme. A story that fits the theme. Discussion after the story, look for recall, sequencing, details, setting, plot, characters, problems other possible solutions, characteristics of the illustrations, application to their lives, and etc. At other times children may choose to drawl their plan.
Teachers note on a form what the child's plan is.
Children leave for centers as soon as they have planned. Centers may include construction, writing and art, paint, playdoh, pretend play, library and math and science. Teachers interact with children as they work, asking questions to extend their thinking, and writing observations on children used in Work Sampling assessment. The first half of the year we use center pockets and name cards to manage how many children are in each center. They match the number of dots on the pocket with the name cards in the pocket, and check to see if there is room for them before they enter a center.