9 Proven Strategies For Implementing Intentional Teaching Cards In The Creative Curriculum

As a new Creative Curriculum teacher, navigating the realm of Intentional Teaching Cards can feel overwhelming.

Fear not! In this blog post, I’ll provide you with practical guidance and valuable tips to help you confidently incorporate The Creative Curriculum Intentional Teaching Cards into your small group activities.

Let's embark on this journey together, empowering you to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences for your students.

1. Start Small

Begin your Intentional Teaching adventure by selecting a few cards that align with your current learning goals. By starting small, you can focus on familiarizing yourself with the process and gradually expand your repertoire. Start with what’s in the teaching guide and pick one you feel most comfortable with.

2. Plan Ahead

Integrate the selected Intentional Teaching Cards into your lesson plans or activity schedules. This proactive approach ensures dedicated time for their implementation, preventing them from getting lost in the whirlwind of a busy classroom.

Although the teaching guide suggests several a week, feel free to repeat them.

3. Set Realistic Expectations

Remember, you don't have to implement every Intentional Teaching Card at once.

Take it one step at a time, celebrating your progress and small victories. By setting realistic expectations, you'll reduce overwhelm and embrace a growth mindset.

Realistic goal: Pick 1-2 a week, repeat them during the week, and add more with time.


4. Collaborate with Colleagues

Reach out to your fellow teachers who have experience with the Curriculum. Engage in collaborative discussions to share ideas, strategies, and triumphs.

The support and guidance from your colleagues can make a world of difference.

Need a CC community? Join our Facebook group, Creative Curriculum Preschool Teachers.

5. Adapt to Small Group Dynamics:

Customize the Intentional Teaching Cards to suit the unique dynamics of your small group. Modify activities to cater to your students’ interests, abilities, and attention spans, ensuring maximum engagement and enjoyment.

You may group students randomly at first, but you’ll quickly get to know them to group them effectively.

6. Use Small Group Time Effectively

Designate specific time slots within your small group sessions for Intentional Teaching activities. By creating focused and intentional moments, you'll provide valuable opportunities for deep learning and skill development.

This block can be a separate 20 minutes or 20 minutes added to your free choice block to pull groups during that time.

7. Provide Clear Instructions

Effectively communicate the purpose and expectations of each Intentional Teaching Card to your students. Offer step-by-step instructions and model the activity when necessary.

Clear guidance minimizes confusion and maximizes engagement. Adding visual supports and objects they can manipulate to your activities helps students focus, engage and understand.


8. Observe and Assess

Seize the advantage of the small group setting to closely observe and assess your students' progress and understanding during the Intentional Teaching activities.

These observations will inform your future planning and adaptations.

If you’re using GOLD, the ITCs should be your secret weapon. Check out this blog post to learn more.

9. Reflect and Refine

Regularly reflect on your experiences and gather feedback from the children and your observations.

Identify what works well and areas that may require adjustments or enhancements.

This reflective practice will drive continuous improvement, and you will go through this reflective cycle the entire school year. Refining groups based on student data.

Conclusion

Congratulations on your journey to master The Creative Curriculum Intentional Teaching Cards!

By starting small, planning ahead, collaborating, and adapting to your small group dynamics, you're well on your way to creating engaging and enriching learning experiences for your students.

Remember to use your small group time effectively, provide clear instructions, and always observe, assess, and reflect.

Embrace the support available to you and enjoy the fulfillment of implementing The Creative Curriculum Intentional Teaching Cards. You've got this!