Engage your students in a language arts activity by creating a class story. Direct students to take turns dictating parts of a story to you. If possible, base the story off of something the class is learning at the moment. For example, if the class is focusing on weather, have students write a story about what they like to do when it snows. Go around the room, giving each student an opportunity to add a sentence to the story. Once the story is completed, read it out loud to the class. To extend the activity, give students markers, crayons and paper and have them create illustrations.
Take books to share with the class. Kindergartners love to look at illustrations, so use books with large, colorful pictures. Repetitive stories will allow the students to take part in reading the story by saying the repeated lines along with you. As you read, discuss the story, ask questions about the illustrations and let students ask questions as well.
Plan games that will get your students out of their seats; such games are especially useful for restless kindergartners. Duck Duck Goose is a common game that students enjoy. Simon Says keeps students focused on you and builds listening skills; this game is a good way to transition from one activity to the next. Create a guessing game by giving students clues to a secret word. Link the games you play to what students are learning whenever possible: For example, plan a scavenger hunt that has students looking for items that begin with a letter of the alphabet that they are focusing on in class.
Young children love singing and music. Use singing to calm students when they become rowdy or to get their attention before you move to another task. Sing common favorites such as "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." Ask students to teach you some of the songs they have learned in school. Songs with hand and body movements, such as "The Itsty Bitsy Spider" are particularly loved by young children.
When you have free time with your students, get creative by making a collage. Take along items such as buttons, string, pictures of animals clipped from magazines and scrapbook paper. Items that have an interesting smell or texture will keep students interested. Most kindergarten classrooms are supplied with markers, crayons, paper, scissors and glue. Let each student pick objects from your supply, and then use classroom materials to create a collage. Encourage creativity, but maintain control of the class to avoid accidents.