Kindergarten Instructional Guide

Oral Language Block High Quality Implementation

Planning Time Checklist

Teachers plan with students.

_ Student’s plan in pairs or in a small group. _ Student’s plan verbally. _ Student’s make a plan in a journal (drawing/writing). _ Student’s plan where materials and area posters are visible. _ Student’s can choose to go to one of the six areas. They are all open. (art, blocks, books, house, math, and writing) Teachers talk with individual students about their plans. _ Teachers inquire more about student plans by asking “what” questions. _ Ask an initial open-ended question. _ Narrate what you see and comment on what the student says. _ Offer alternatives when the student does not respond. _ Teachers encourage students to plan together. _ Teachers value student plans. _ Encourage rather than praise student ideas. _ Teachers note the connection between student plans and actions.

Work Time (Do Time) Checklist:

Teachers participate in student play. _ Look for natural play openings. _ Join student play on the student’s level.

_ Play is parallel with students. _ Play as a partner with students. _ Suggest new ideas within ongoing play situations. _ Offer suggestions within the play theme. _ Respect the student’s reaction to your idea. _ Look for students playing in isolation _ Offer simple acknowledgement. Teachers talk with students. _ Look for natural opportunities for conversation. _ Join students at their level for conversation. _ Respond to student conversational leads. _ Converse as a partner with students. _ Ask questions responsively.