Robin Herskowitz writes:

Subject: Mastery Model

Can this model be modified for pre-school learners? If so, how might you modify the example provided in your article for this age group?

Thanks!

Jamie Harris writes:

Subject: Mastery Model For Pre-school

Yes, this model is a great way to teach pre-schoolers. They will have difficulty in writing, however the students can draw pictures and role play the subject at hand. It may be a good idea to break each lesson into 2 or 3 parts.

Bugs are always an interesting topic for pre-schoolers. Hook em' by bringing in a container of preferably live insects, or you could make a small display of artificial insects. You could even go outside and explore an area for bugs. Explain that bugs are important to our world because they help plants grow and are food for other animals.

The Kindling - Ask the student a series of questions about the different types of bugs. How do they move, what do they eat, where do they live, etc.

The Bridge - What experiences have they had with bugs, Have they ever been bitten, what is the largest or smallest insect they have seen? Also explain to the student that in future lessons they will be learning about different animals that eat bugs. You can make these lessons a series by working your way up the food chain.

Create a few different diagrams of various bugs. Bugs that fly, bugs that crawl and bugs that jump would be sufficient. Have the student identify the differences between the groups.

For Review I would have them pretend to be each of these types of insects by jumping or flying around the room or crawling.

Ask the student understanding questions such as, can crawling insects fly? Why not? Are there insects as big as people? etc.

Self Expression - Have the student draw a picture of their house and yard, and include bugs in the picture where you would normally find them.

Interpersonal - Ask them if they will step on a bug the next time they see one, knowing how important they are for the world. What if they found one in their home? Etc.

The key in teaching this age group is to inject fun and fascination into the lesson. With a little bit of creativity on our own part, we can design a lesson plan that will take hold of the student’s curiosity.

I hope I've helped.