Kindergarten is a very hands on year for learning. There are some things you can get for your learning space at home to help add variety for your virtual learner. These items below will allow you to add some variety and spice to the remote learning setting!
Here are some of the top items that I suggest for a remote learning space!
General Supplies
Golf Pencils - I recommend little pencils for our little learners. Remember trying to write with those big oversized pencils from the book fair? That is what it is like for a 5 year old to try to write with a regular sized pencil. Golf pencils allow for more control and help strengthen fine motor skills!
Whiteboard and Dry Erase Markers - this is a must! No wasted paper, endless practice, lots of fun!
Craft Supplies - kids learn through being creative - allow some time in the day for a creative outlet!
Twistable Crayons - it took me a while to jump on the twistable crayon train but I sure am glad I did! These crayons will last the whole year!
Chromebook with Touchscreen - a chromebook with a touchscreen has been my go to recommendations for families during virtual learning - it seems to work better with most programs compared to a tablet.
Math
Unifix Cubes - these are great for counting and cardinality skills as well as addition and subtraction practice! These are also a helpful tool for a measurement unit.
Pattern Blocks - these are great for sorting, comparing attributes, and shapes. An added bonus - they are a fun academic toy to fill some time with!
Tens Frame and Counters - understanding numbers 0 - 10 is so important with kindergarten curriculum - these tools can be used for basic counting and cardinality skills and then can be used for addition and subtraction later on!
Tens Frame Cards - again, I cannot emphasize how important it is to have a strong foundation in number knowledge. These cards are great for practicing subitizing. You can also play a variety of games with them!
ELA
Magnet Letters - one of my favorite tools in the classroom! Just grab a cookie sheet and you have endless practice - this is great for letter practice, sight words, CVC words, and more!
Primary Journal - writing takes practice, lots of it! This journal is great for beginning writers. The lines are very kinder friendly!
Sight Word Books and Decodable Books - your child does not need to be in front of a screen all day. Stock up on some books that your child can hold and read. These are great for kinders!
Learning Space
Desk & chair - make sure this is kid sized. Students have better focus when their feet touch the ground!
Lap desk - here is an alternative for when your child is tired of being in the same space for so long!
Remember, we are all in this together! What other items have you found that have worked well with remote learning? Comment below!
