We began an exciting part of our day, Managed Independent Learning! We have a pocket chart that lists the different independent learning stations. The children all have a stick with their names on it, and they put it in a pocket to show which station they will be at. The centers this week focused on letter formation, names, looking at books, and small motor skills. The tennis balls were a favorite...they "feed" the tennis ball by squeezing its mouth open. This activity works on their hand strength, which is great for their fine motor and writing skills. As the year goes on, these centers will change to research stations, writing stations, reading stations, etc. The students will be in charge of moving to the next station when he/she finishes the activity. Hence, the name....Managed Independent Learning! It was so fun to see them in the first stages of managing their own learning...and doing a great job at it, too!