Kinder - First Grade
Developmental Characteristics
Physical
Enjoy long periods of free play
Developing eye-hand coordination
Enjoy small group cooperative play
May require rest after high-energy play
Improved body coordination; yet still can fall easily
Social Emotional
Eager to receive adult praise
Enjoy dramatic play
Eager to engage in new activities/adventures led by involved adult
Eager to identify with older children
Enjoy exploring new materials and equipment
Can be easily frightened by novel or strange events
Prefer play in small groups
Like responsibilities they can handle
Learning to cooperate with others, but may at times display selfish behavior
Cognitive
Understand language better than they speak
Are interested in present; vague concepts of past/future
Eager to learn
Ask many questions
Define things by their use
Developing a sense of humor
Communicate best within a small group of peers
May need guidance of adult when starting a new task
Lessons
Second Step Lesson 2: Focusing Attention
In this lesson, students learn how to focus their attention by using their brain, eyes, and ears—practicing with a pretend "attent-o-scope" to block out distractions and stay engaged in learning.
Second Step Lesson 1: Learning to Listen
Students learn what it means to be a good listener by practicing the Listening Rules and playing a fun game to build focus and self-control.
Tanya Tomato
In this lesson, students practice self-confidence and relationship building by sharing their name and a personal interest using alliteration in a fun, interactive circle activity.
Working Together Part 2
Students learn about teamwork and empathy by listening to Clifford’s Busy Week and participating in discussions and activities that highlight how working together helps solve problems.
Working Together Part 1
Students practice teamwork and build self-confidence by creating individual boxcars that connect to form a collaborative “Teamwork Train” displayed in the classroom.
Muralistas
Students work together to create a mural that illustrates community values, using art and reflection to explore what it looks like to practice—or not practice—those values.