Preschool Learning Modules
Teaching Math Through Games
Young children are ready to learn about math in fun and engaging ways. Games provide a great way to explore a range of math skills, from numeracy to geometry. This module explores how you can promote math learning through different game-based and play experiences.
Resource Materials
- Math Through Games PowerPoint - 200mb
- Handout 1: Math PD Resource (PDF)
- Handout 2: Games Instructions (PDF)
- Handout 3: Action Plan (PDF)
- Handout 4: Fidelity Checklist (PDF)
- Download all materials (ZIP file)
Additional PowerPoint video materials for accessibility
- Slide 4: Math Introduction
Play video Transcript (Word) - Slide 6: Math Video Analysis Play video Transcript (Word)
- Slide 10: Let's Observe Math Play video Transcript (Word)
Additional Resources for this module from the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP)
Supporting Social Problem Solving (SPS)
Conflicts between peers are typical in many preschool classrooms. At this age, young children are still figuring out how to share fairly, take turns, take someone else's perspective or see how their actions might affect others. This module focuses on a series of strategies teachers can use to help young children work through social problems with their peers.
Main Resources
- Social Problem Solving PowerPoint - 140mb
- Handout 1: Action Plan (PDF)
- Handout 2: Fidelity Checklist (PDF)
- Download all materials (ZIP file)
Additional PowerPoint video materials for accessibility
- Slide 2: Classroom Scenario Play video Transcript (Word)
- Slide 6: What SPS Looks Like Play video Transcript (Word)
- Slide 8: See SPS in Action Play video Transcript (Word)
- Slide 11: Teaching SPS in Advance Play video Transcript (Word)
Additional Resources for this module from the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP)
Promoting Friendship Skills
Preschool is a time when children are learning how to make and maintain friendships. Some children need extra help from teachers along the way. This module focuses on a specific strategy called peer pairing, which provides young children with opportunities to learn social skills in a supportive and safe way.
Main Resources
- Friendship Skills PowerPoint - 200mb
- Handout 1: Promoting Friendship Skills (PDF)
- Handout 2: Friendship Activity (PDF)
- Handout 3: Action Plan (PDF)
- Handout 4: Fidelity Checklist (PDF)
- Download all materials (ZIP file)
Additional PowerPoint video materials for accessibility
- Slide 3: Friendship in the Classroom Play video Transcript (Word)
- Slide 12: Planning Peer Pairing Play video Transcript (Word)
- Slide 14: Implement Peer Pairing Play video Transcript (Word)
- Slide 16: Support Peer Play Play video Transcript (Word)
Additional Resources for this module from the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) and other sources
- VKRP Friendship Skills Guide
(PDF) - Super Friend Activity (PDF)
- Super Friend Story (PDF)
- You've Got to Have Friend Reading (PDF)
- Recommended Book Reading (PDF)
Encouraging Children's Early Writing
Providing young children with rich writing experiences, where they are able to explore writing freely, can lay a strong foundation for literacy learning. This module presents a framework for individualizing early writing instruction in the preschool classroom, with a focus on supporting writing in center time and free play.
Main Resources
- Early Writing During Centers PowerPoint - 200mb
- Handout 1: Writing PD Resource (PDF)
- Handout 2: Early Writing Action Plan (PDF)
- Handout 3: Early Writing Fidelity Checklist (PDF)
- Download All Main Resources - Zip File
Additional PowerPoint video materials for accessibility
- Slide 4: Whnat is Early Writing? - Play video Transcript (Word)
- Slide 5: Early Writing Facts - Play video Transcript (Word)
- Slide 18: Supporting Writing Level 1 - Play video Transcript (Word)
- Slide 20: Supporting Writing Level 2 - Play video Transcript-This is a Word document.
- Slide 25: Writing Clip 1 - Play video Transcript (Word)
- Slide 27: Writing Clip 2 - Play video Transcript (Word)
- Slide 28: Writing Clip 3 - Play video Transcript (Word)
Additional Resources for this module
Supporting Self-Regulation through Games
Strong self-regulation skills are an essential ingredient to a young child's healthy development and readiness to learn. This module presents a series of games and fun, playful activities that can be used throughout the day to foster children’s self-regulation skills.
Main Resources
- Supporting Self-Regulation Through Games PowerPoint-This is a PPT presentation.
- Handout 1: Self-Regulation PD Resource-This is a Word document.
- Handout 2: Self-Regulation Action Plan-This is a Word document.
- Handout 3: Self-Regulation Fidelity Checklist-This is a Word document.
Additional PowerPoint video materials for accessibility
- Slide 6: Move to the Magic Word Play Video Transcript-This is a Word document.
- Slide 9: Let’s Observe: Following the Baton Play Video Transcript-This is a Word document.
- Slide 14: Increasing complexity – A coach’s ideas Play Video Transcript-This is a Word document.
- Slide 16: Providing Opportunities to be Successful: Animal Sounds Game Play Video Transcript-This is a Word document.
- Slide 19 – Scaffolding to Independent Play – One Example Play Video Transcript-This is a Word document.
Additional Resources for this module
Video Sources
The creation of these professional development resources was supported by funds from the Federal School Expansion Grant, and developed in partnership and collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, Virginia Department of Social Services, and Virginia Cross-Sector Professional Development Team. The learning modules on this page were developed by the University of Virginia Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL).