An essential element of my rotating toy program was that I had far fewer toys in my classroom at any one time. In the past I always had to deal with kids dumping the bins that had small toys as well as feeling that kids weren't playing with toys I knew they would enjoy because they were stuck always doing the same thing. Both those concerns were so diminished by having "new" things to play with each month.
I first decided which "big" items I would have in my class for the month. Examples of big items would be the kitchen set, store set, puppet theater, dolls and doll furniture, lego table, dress up clothes, big cardboard blocks. Our giant cardboard castle would also qualify I guess. Each month I would set up 2 or 3 of these items on one side of our classroom. I would then add other toys to be played with on the tables and rugs around the room (such as cars, trains, play dough, doll houses, games, puzzles, etc.) I was careful that I always had different types of toys... toys for imaginative play, toys for building, toys that required small motor coordination and others that required gross motor skills. I also made sure that some toys were appropriate for quiet play or could be played alone while other toys encouraged playing together.
Lots of retelling materials were out during our Fairy Tale unit. |
We had LOTS of toy dinosaurs to play with during our dinosaur unit.
|
Finally, during the last month, the children got to vote for the toys they wanted in our room.
I really recommend that you try both rotating toys and having less toys in the room. I certainly plan to do it again this year!
What a great idea, Lyn! Sharing toys with other teachers would give everyone more variety.
ReplyDeleteConnie:)
www.welcometofirstgraderoom5.blogspot.com
Hi Connie, I was surprised by how thrilled the kids were to come in at the beginning of each month to see how the classroom had changed.
ReplyDeleteLyn
That's a cool idea. I can see why your kids were so excited :) It's like Christmas once a month!
ReplyDelete❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs