Teach children verbally through literature activities, such as reading books. Initially choose books that only have a few words and gradually work up to longer manuscripts. Rhymes, silly words and puns quickly engage children. Provide students with opportunities to participate in drama activities, presentations and speeches. Give children paper and pencils to begin the scribbling that will eventually lead to writing. Give drawing tools and paper to children to help them develop the fine motor skills that will help them with writing and reading.
Teach math with manipulatives such as counters and tangrams. Give students activities that emphasize patterns. Provide large beads and yarn to string, or pieces of colored and fabric to create quilts. These activities help establish mathematical skills by showing the order and progression that is necessary for basic math functions such as addition and subtraction.
Give students paper, markers, crayons, paints and other writing materials to express themselves through art. Use picture books with vivid hues to interest students in the topic of reading. Provide the students examples of famous artists in various disciplines such as sculpture, painting and textiles to inspire them in their art endeavors. Take children to art museums and galleries if you have the time and money.
Provide students with the opportunity to exercise before class so they can be calm during instruction time. Give children the opportunity to show their strengths through outdoor games. Provide building blocks in the classroom for children to use their energy in a focused manner.
Give students access to musical instruments to develop the rhythm and pattern skills that cross over to math and reading. Encourage children to join choir to develop social and cooperation skills.
Give children opportunities to give presentations, be involved in drama and do community service by being a class helper. Children have the need to be social.
Implement quiet areas with books, puzzles or games for children. Children need time to themselves.
Provide students with books about animals and the environment. Children can thrive in the outdoors. Binoculars, telescopes, observation journals and bug collection materials of jars and tweezers are useful. Ask students to record what they observe for reading skills and to quantify what they see in their environment for mathematics. Set up opportunities for students to raise plants in the classroom or to take care of an aquarium.