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How to Teach a Preschool Class: Online Classes, Tips & Strategies
Preschoolers are little bundles of energy, and while being a preschool teacher can be exceptionally fun and rewarding, it can also be a challenge. It is important to be creative and innovative in order to come up with new ideas that will capture their imaginations and hold their attention. Preschoolers respond well to interactive and hands-on activities, storytelling, music, colorful pictures and videos, and games. They also respond well to a teacher with a cheerful and warm manner.
However, children of this age also need consistency, not only in their routine but in terms of their teacher's discipline strategies. Set out what is acceptable and unacceptable in the classroom and treat all students in the same manner when they break the rules. Themed reward systems are a great way to teach children the importance of good behavior as well as teamwork - for example, split your class into groups of three or four and cut out paper rocket ships with your pupils as the astronauts inside. Every time a team demonstrates good behavior, move them another inch closer to the moon. Whichever group reaches the moon first gets a small prize at the end of each week.
Preschoolers are beginning to realize their own autonomy, so allowing them to make small choices when teaching them or organizing activities will engage them positively and help the lesson to go more smoothly. For example, have a vote to decide which book you'll read aloud to the class. Don't forget to integrate a lot of movement into your activities, whether it's painting, roleplaying, or even just learning the alphabet. For instance, you can set up a scavenger hunt around the classroom for slips of paper with different letters written on them - this will get them on their feet and improve their letter recognition, too!
Online Preschool Teacher Classes
Although some preschool teacher courses are offered completely online, many degree programs are in hybrid format, which includes both online instruction and in-person student teaching or internship requirements. Online preschool teacher classes may be offered as part of certificate, associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs in early childhood education.
Here are some online courses commonly offered for preschool teachers:
- Child Development Course: This course focuses on the learning and development of children through age five. Students are instructed on observation and assessment methodology, the learning process and safety of preschool-aged children. This course is based on theory and may be available fully online.
- Education Foundations Course: In this series of courses, college-level math, reading and writing are taught. As future educators, students are required to have a good grasp of these fundamental topics. Fully online courses in these subjects may be available.
- Teaching Methods Course: Teaching techniques and curricula for preschool-aged children are the focal point of this course. Students learn effective classroom management, parental interaction, and testing or evaluation procedures. Some aspects of this course may require student presence in the classroom or on-campus.
- Teaching Application Course: In a teaching application course, students typically assist a teacher in a classroom setting, providing valuable hands-on training and experience. Students may also receive career advice and assistance. This type of course is not available online because participants must personally interact with the kids and the supervising preschool teacher.
- Early Childhood Literature Course: This course explores literature for children, from infancy through early elementary school age. Students study the different categories of literature, learning how to select appropriate works and then utilize effective teaching methods to achieve educational goals.
- Child Health and Safety Course: In this course, preschool teachers learn about strategies that they can use to help children develop healthy lifestyles. Topics include diet, exercise and avoiding activities that can lead to injury.
- Special Needs Education Course: This course covers relevant considerations for preschool teachers who work with students who have physical and developmental disabilities. Areas of emphasis include fostering a safe learning environment for all students, as well as the specific regulatory guidelines related to teaching students with special needs.
Preschool Teacher Licensure
Once you've completed the online preschool teacher courses that are most relevant to you, you may consider furthering your education, as well as your career, by acquiring state licensure. Licensing requirements for preschool teachers vary by state, but may include practical training, such as assistant teaching or a classroom internship, along with successful completion of a licensing exam. Completing state requirements for licensing can lead to employment as a preschool teacher, lead teacher or center director.
Aspiring preschool teachers can get much of the training they need through online educational programs. In general, courses cover child development and education.
