If you have been called to teach Sunbeams you have an important responsibility. The Sunbeam teacher helps the children adjust from nursery to Primary. It is important to work with the children to help them learn the proper way to act in Primary. Wards may make the adjustment differently, regarding when the Sunbeams begin coming to opening exercises and Sharing Time, so at the beginning of the year you may have the children for the entire time period. Depending on the size of the class you may need to have an assistant teacher as well.
If you start out the year by having the children stay in class for all of Primary you will want to prepare the children to begin attending Sharing Time. You may choose to have the children move between two different rooms in the middle of the Primary block. This will help the children learn about the transitions that come with Primary. You may want to start your children with sitting through just opening or closing exercises at the beginning.
It is also important to realize that the children are still just beginning to learn to sit still. You should carefully follow the lessons in the manual. The lessons offer ideas for object lessons. You may also want to use flannel board figures to help hold the children’s attention. You can also encourage the children to remember the lesson by having them do the art project suggested in the lesson. It may take extra time to prepare, but it is worth it for the children.
Since the children are so young, it is important to be understanding when they are having a difficult time. Three year olds share their emotions readily. They may become easily frustrated or distracted. The most important thing you can do to help them is to be patient and calm. Listen to what your students are telling you and you will help to build their self-esteem.
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Primary Time: Making the Transition from Nursery to Primary
Primary Time: Teaching Primary