There was a time I really struggled with the energetic preschoolers. I mean, I know little kids have lots of energy, but I didn’t realize how hard it would be to handle that energy in the classroom. I felt like there were constant struggles. Centers time involved grabbing, pushing, sometimes running from activity to activity. Circle time felt impossible as they wiggled and talked really loud when pointing out something in a book I was trying to read. Small group time felt impossible as they would stay on task for what felt like 1 second and then want to leave. Trying to get them back to the classroom from recess felt like torture. They wouldn’t line up when called. They just kept on running around. I was a new teacher that had certain expectations, and they became really difficult while dealing with my energetic preschoolers. I was at a loss. I would love to tell you that I found some magic solution overnight, and the problem was solved. But….nope. It took me many years of observing and noting what was working and what wasn’t. I tweaked my schedule so many times, changed the layout of our classroom, tried different types of activities. I read books, took classes, got to know other teachers online. (Check out our free Facebook support group!) I started learning what worked and didn’t. Here I am, 18 or so years into teaching (I’ve stopped counting), and while I don’t have everything figured out, I think I have a pretty good handle on dealing with energetic preschoolers.
Balancing quiet and active times is important. Even if it’s not time to go outside yet, you can stop what you are doing, turn on some music, and invite your preschoolers to dance. Even a couple of minutes of this will release some energy so that you can return to what you were doing.
Here are some of my favorites: Farm Painting Friendship Art Splatter Paint
Related posts: Brilliant Circle Time Strategies When Kids Can’t Sit Still Creating a Preschool Circle Time Learning Songs for Circle Time If you can’t do that, find the biggest area of your classroom (ours would be our circle time area), find upbeat music, and invite your preschoolers to move their entire bodies. I like to have juggling scarves on hand to toss in the air. They are soft so they cannot hurt anyone when they fall. Because, as we know, children with a lot of energy can also be great throwers. Related posts: Music for Energetic Kids Music and Movement Activities And fast. For this very reason, I make sure to know where our stash of quiet activities are. I can pull them out in a flash, get the children engaged, dim the lights, turn on some soft classical music. Here are some ideas for you to consider: 15 Quiet Time Activities for Preschoolers
The Survival Guide for Preschool Teachers
Whether you are a brand-new teacher or one that has a background in teaching, this free survival guide is meant for YOU. It is loaded with my favorite tips for an easier, more successful school year. LINK: The Survival Guide for Preschool Teachers
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