As the Children’s Teacher, I am often expected to come up with the ideas for our whole group time, and sometimes to prepare and lead the activities as well. I have a hard time thinking of activities that really address the interests and goals of the adults, though, so they probably feel that the family time is a waste of their time. A lot of my activities have just plain flopped. How can I better accommodate the adults’ needs and still make sure that the children are engaged?

Help!

- Not So Good With the “Big” People

Dear Not So Good With the “Big” People,

I think the main reason you are struggling is that you are creating the family activities on your own, rather than developing them as part of your team planning. The Lead Teacher, ESL Computer Teacher, and Children’s Teacher should work together to choose family activities that are linked to the class themes. Each teacher should use his/her expertise to suggest adaptations and variations which will help to engage adults without kids, parents, children of different ages, etc., but the overall planning and selection of activities should be a team effort. It is also okay to repeat activities or types of activities that have been successful, too, and this can help to cut down on planning time. Some sites have had luck with a regular story-time, where the students read aloud to each other from picture books and then discuss the stories. This is a great activity for English learning and the children love it too.

Good luck!

- The Fli