Re: Games for Babies Dear kfstep:
25 one-and-a-half-year-old babies? Is this common? This doesn't even come close to acceptable numbers for day care, let alone a teaching situation.
However, it's what you've got, so I'm going to think about this and ask some skillful teachers I know.
Just to clarify: You are expected to teach three new vocabulary words a day? They're not learning Chinese that fast, are they?
It sounds as though you have tried out some good ideas. One suggestion I have is to structure the half-hour almost identically each day: start with a simple rhythmic song, some kind of 'good morning to you' thing that has hand motions. another effective technique for getting everyone on the same page is the use of clapping games. If you can do something they will recognize and enjoy each time you switch activities, it will help with crowd control. Anything you can think of that allows the children to do something: drop the card in a box, give it to Mr. Puppet, pass it to a neighbor, put it in the green bag, blue bag, red bag, etc. will help with motivation. End the time with a little song that lets them know they're about to change activities. Little kids LOVE this kind of cue.
And again, repetition, rhythm and predictability.
I wish you all the best! and if I get any useful tips, I'll be sure to send them on.
Petra |