9.2.4
Classroom Aide Chapter 4
CA Training Ch 4 Part 1 Free Choice Time:
During free choice time, children choose an interest area in which they would like to work, with whom they want to work and what materials to use.
- Making choices is such an important skill. It helps children build autonomy and makes them feel like they are a valued member of the classroom community.
To learn more about the appropriate use of free choice time and possible activities, please click the link below:
Free Choice Time SOP
CA Training Ch 4 Part 1 Observation:
Take a moment to answer the following questions in your learning path binder:
What were adults doing free choice time? What were students doing?
Did you observe any disagreements between children? How were these resolved?
How were children redirected to correct choices?
CA Training Ch 4 Part 2 Small Group Time:
Small Group Time enables Teachers to focus on a specific skill or concept.
- Includes between 4-8 children
- Occurs 1-2 times per day
- Lasts 10-15 minutes – length may vary based on the activity and the children’s level of interest
For a brief overview of Small Group Time at Head Start, please click below:
Small Group Time SOP
CA Training Ch 4 Part 3 Circle Time:
Circle time is designed to meet specific instructional goals.
- Involves the whole class/entire group
- Occurs 1-2 times per day – morning and again at the end of the day
- Lasts 10-20 minutes, depending on age of the children and their interest
For a brief overview of Circle (Large Group) Time at Head Start, please click below:
Large Group Time SOP
CA Training Ch 4 Part 4 Outside Time:
Outside time is a vital component to a well-rounded education plan. Its many benefits include:
- Large motor skills development
- Exploration of the outdoors and nature
- It extends the classroom activities and themes into the outside environment
For more information on the benefits of Outside Time at Head Start, please click below:
Outside Time SOP
CA Training Ch 4 Part 5 Classroom Engagement:
This Chapter 3 training will focus on classroom engagement!
- Head Start uses Creative Curriculum for content planning. Using exploration and discovery as a way of learning, The Creative Curriculum for Preschool enables children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills.
Click on the link below to watch a 40-minute video on how Creative Curriculum is used in the classroom:
Creative Curriculum Introduction Video
CA Training Ch 4 Part 5 Observation:
Take a moment to answer the following questions in your learning path binder:
How does the teaching team get the children’s attention?
How do they begin/end transition times?
How is large group time initiated? Are all the children sitting, on task, paying attention? How are ‘inattentive’ children handled?
List some positive language and redirection methods you see.
What are other things you observe related to the classroom engagement?
CA Training Ch 4 Part 6 Facilitating Lessons:
Using exploration and discovery as a way of learning, The Creative Curriculum for Preschool enables children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills.
- Promotes research-based teaching practices in all Head Start Early Learning Outcomes
- Specifies developmentally appropriate learning goals and guidance
- Provides scaffolding strategies within activities to support children
- Offers comprehensive guidance on ongoing child assessment
- Includes specific prompts and open-ended questions to extend children’s learning throughout activities
For an overview of Creative Curriculum, please click below:
Facilitating Lessons SOP
CA Training Ch 4 Part 6 Observation:
Brainstorm a list of questions about Facilitating Lessons. (i.e. “What is my role while a lesson is being taught?” or “Do I help with planning?”) Take some time to get answers to your questions from your Head Teacher or Site Supervisor about this area!
CA Training Ch 4 Part 7 Napping Procedures:
It is critical to carefully plan, implement and follow Nap Time Procedures. Be sure you are familiar with guidelines and proper supervision.
For specific information on Napping Procedures for both Infants and Preschooler click the following link and read carefully:
Napping Procedures SOP
CA Training Ch 4 Part 7 Activity:
Take a moment to complete the Chapter 1-2 Review Activity in your learning path binder.
CA Training Ch 4 Quiz:
Take a moment to click on the following link for a short competency quiz:
Quiz Link