The new year is starting, and I don’t know about you, but I’m suddenly feeling panicked because I have to teach on Monday! It’s been a wonderful break, lounging in my Buffalo Bills pjs my hubby got for me (pretty significant since he’s a Patriots fan!). My college son has been home, and we pulled out some of the old classic board games: Clue and Scrabble. 92 year old Grandpa came over and beat us all at another family favorite, Chronology. We enjoyed delicious food, good conversation, and the knowledge that we had no schedule to adhere to.
But on Monday, reality sets in! There will be the regular classroom discussions of “what did you do over break?”, and of course we will be talking about the New Year. Our kindergarten curriculum includes instruction about holidays and traditions. Yet I’m left wondering, how do I teach squirrelly five year olds about New Year’s resolutions? Especially when they are not proficient in English?
How do I teach squirrelly five year olds about New Year’s resolutions?
To help prepare my students for large classroom discussions I came up with five resolutions kids can make, all in simple sentences.
1. I will eat healthy foods.
As adults, many of us decide to try a new diet in January. For kids, it’s a great time to try new foods! Children can decide to do a “three bite try” with unfamiliar new flavors. Or they can just vow to eat more veggies!
2. I will exercise.
If you live in a cold climate like I do, you may have been cooped up inside for awhile! The New Year is the perfect time to try some new activities, for kids and adults!
3. I will clean my room.
While the adults make their resolutions to get organized, kids can get in on the action by cleaning their rooms! It is a simple, practical thing that kids can do (and an easy thing to explain to my ELLs (English language learners)).
4. I will read more books.
I’m a bit of a bibliophile, so I don’t need any encouragement to complete this resolution! However, anytime I can get kids to read, I’m all for it! I’ll be suggesting to my students that they might want to make a resolution to read more books.
5. I will learn something new.
There are so many things to learn, especially when you are five! There’s learning how to tie your shoes, ride a bike or ice skate. January is a great time to celebrate accomplishments, and to think ahead to all of the possibilities!
I love having my ESL students practice phrases and vocabulary that they can in turn use with their peers. I will see if these simple sentences will help them to learn and talk about resolutions.
While we’re talking about resolutions, what will YOU do in 2022? Comment below!
And check out the printable with these phrases in our free resource library, and the video on my Youtube channel!
English