nwr: elementary and kindergarten teachers? help!

Ok, I need a little help, and I've gotten some good direction from here before.

I have been put in charge of planning the curriculum for the youngest age group at the summer program I work at. I'm looking at ages about 5-8. I'm not sure yet of the exact age breakdown.

Problem? My certification is in high school. I've never been good at planning for the younger age groups. I am absolutely drawing a blank on how to even begin to approach this, and I'm supposed to present my ideas to the program directors tomorrow. Right now, I've got nothing.

It's an arts workshop, so activities that are artistic in nature (mostly performing arts, so music, singing, dance, acting, etc) are fantastic. But really, anything that is fun and good for the age group might give me ideas.

Specifically, for the first week, they would like activities based around either the idea of respecting others (group dynamics, working together, etc) or around imagination and developing the imagination.

Also, just any general tips about how to approach kids at that level, what their needs are, how they function, developmental things at that age... whatever you can give me will be helpful! Thanks so much!

also, I should add - if you have any websites you can recommend that are good resources for lesson planning, that would be awesome as well. Thanks!

Re: nwr: elementary and kindergarten teachers? help!

My class loves to put on plays, so we read a lot of stories that have 'parts' and different characters. Then they make sets and costumes and put the plays on in the classroom

Re: nwr: elementary and kindergarten teachers? help!

bump

Re: nwr: elementary and kindergarten teachers? help!

Dear weddingbunny,
Hi! I am a dance teacher so I think I might be able to help you a little. With young children you need to make projects fun, enjoyable, creative, and silly.
You can introduce them to ballet, tap, and jazz. You can do creative movement. You can create little skits that they can perform. You could bring in musical instruments they can use. Do different art projects also. You can also teach them fun songs.
I hope that I helped you out. If you have any other questions please let me know.

dancer