Mac OS User Tabbing
For Mac OS users, there is a system setting that may not allow you to tab onto several types of elements in a web page. To change this setting:
Open System Preferences and go to Keyboard:
Select the Shortcuts tab. Make sure the box for "Use keyboard navigation to move focus between controls" is checked.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
Open Safari Preferences:
Select the Advanced tab. Make sure the box for "Press Tab to highlight each item on a webpage" is checked.
Above is a drawing of a pre-kindergarten classroom with "centers". As mentioned in earlier posts, centers are places where children can use their imaginations to learn, grow, and play. A physical space divided into interest areas is an ideal setting for preschool children who want to explore, make things, experiment, and pursue their own interests. Separate interest areas with varied materials offer children a range of clear choices. Sometimes children want to work quietly, either alone or with other children. Areas devoted to books, art activities, or toys and games provide several choices for quiet activities. Areas set aside for dramatic play, block building, woodworking, or large muscle activities provide choices for active engagement. So, what are the messages we are sending to the child's brain when classes are set up this way? Many messages ... such as "This is a good place to be." when children see the furniture is clean and the room includes decorative touches. Another thing children think is, "I belong here." when they see their individualized cubby and their photo or their families photos on the wall. Children also think, "I can trust this place." because they see the room is consistently set up in a familiar way and the routines / daily schedule are predictable. "There are many things I can do here on my own." is often a thought of children in pre-kindergarten rooms because supplies are labeled and kept at the level of the children, materials are organized logically and there may be photos of children doing interesting things on the walls in the room. Why are these things important? The classroom environment is set up by the teacher to provide a nurturing, safe and predictable space for children to use their imaginations and grow. Next month, we will have parent-teacher conferences and you will have an opportunity to see the rooms firsthand. For your planning purposes, the dates of the conferences are November 14 (half day) and 15 (full day). More information about those dates will come from your child's teacher in the weeks ahead. I hope you have a great fall weekend! Next week's menu is attached.