Classroom in the Car: Using Driving Time as Teaching Time
Create Routines:
Whenever we get into the car I say O.K. friends, what is today?" We sing the days of the week song. (Often incorrectly so the four-year can correct us.) We continue by reviewing the months and talking about the current month, the season, the weather and so on. Then we list in order where we're going and why.
Using the Drive:
You can use the riding experience to point out when you are turning left or right, street signs and what they mean, street names or mile measurements.
You can point of the time on the digital clock to younger kids and ask older kids to tell you the time. It is fun to let young children watch and alert you when the time changes. You can challenge older kids to let you know when the clock hits a specific time.
I put post it notes on my dash with lists of things I should review with my kids. For example, for my daughter, 8, "review 7 continents, homophones" and for my son, 4, "talk about birth date, phone number."
Games:
You can play games like "what makes the animal sound," "what starts with letter," or "what rhymes with..." You can also make of game of reviewing times tables, state capitals, spelling words and so on. Remember, taking a turn with YOU having to answer their questions makes it a game. Otherwise, it is just a drill session. Here are some excellent ideas for Spelling & Punctuation Games you can play in the car by A. Hermitt. (These ideas are S-U-P-E-R-B!)
Listening tapes & CDs:
Listening to stories on tape builds vocabulary & concepts and improves reading skills. Your local library has many books on tape or CD. Our family's absolute favorites are the "Hank the Cow Dog" series written and read by John R. Erickson. In the car is also a good time to use book and tape sets so that your kids can listen to the story and "read" along.
Music:
Don't forget the music. Take turns choosing favorite sing-a-long songs. Browse your library's music tape/CD section for old favorites, teaching songs and new selections.
Most importantly, allow time for your kids to talk to you & each other. Happy trails!
Published by Angela W. La Fon - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
As a teacher and a writer Angela enjoys researching, organizing and presenting information in an entertaining way. View profile
-
Buzz Aldrin Elementary School - Reston, Virginia
With a population of about 500 students, Aldrin Elementary School is a fantastic example of progressive education.
-
Southdale Elementary School is a Wonderful School Located in the Cedar V...
Southdale Elementary School in Cedar Falls Iowa has excellent facilities and faculty. The students are bright and a pleasure to teach. The parents are helpful and involved, an...
- Prepare Your Child for the Transition from Elementary School to Middle School In a parents mind it may not seem like a very big deal, but for a child to leave elementary school it really is. There are going to be a lot more challenges that they have to face.
- Free Foreign Language Lesson Plans - Elementary School An analysis of web sites that offer free elementary school foreign language lesson plans. Sites are ranked by quality, quantity, and usefulness of lesson plans and activities.
- Free Language Arts Lesson Plans - Elementary School An analysis of web sites that offer free elementary school language arts lesson plans. Sites are ranked by quality, quantity, and usefulness of lesson plans and activities.
- Guidelines for Teaching in an ESL Classroom
- Booker Sexton Named Hallmark Elementary School's 2006-2007 Student of the Year
- Elementary School Memories
- What's so Great About Washington Elementary School in Bloomington?
- Fresno, California Elementary School May Face Lawsuit for Attacking the Free Speec...
- Inside an Elementary School Cafeteria
- Breaking News Goes Deeper into the Chicago Elementary School Sex Scandal
|
|
- Teaching in the car is a "no pressure" learning time.
- You will be amazed at the concepts & skills that can be reviewed & practiced while running errands.
13 Comments
Post a CommentGreat ideas. This is a time in which you do have a captive audience.
What great ideas! I'm going to have to try some of these.
I let my children listen to story tapes at home, but I never thought of putting them in the car. Great idea Angela!
Excellent ideas - and this way the kids don't fight over which cd to listen too!
I thoroughly enjoyed this article, as we do a variation of your entire list. Good stuff, Angela! Thanks for the happy trails ;-)
These are excellent ideas! The car is one of the best classrooms.
Very creative ideas. Excellent job on this!
Great ideas. We spend a lot of time driving so I'll definitely use these!
We spend so much time in the car and I'll bet plenty of other people do too. Super idea!
excellent ideas, and not only will the kids learn but you can build great relationships with them. my two oldest tend to always tell me the important things in their lives in the car now -- maybe from all the talking when they were younger.