Window tracing on a sunny day

We have big windows all around our indoor classroom and fortunately, they all sit down low enough for my students to see outside anytime and even to enjoy a little window tracing on a sunny day.

We explore window tracing off and on all throughout the school year. To set up our window tracings, we start by drawing or using our printer to print out different shapes, words, or even our names on printable overhead projector transparency film. We then cut around the shapes and use clear packing tape to attach them in different places to our windows.

Sometimes, we leave the clear printables up for several days or even weeks along with sheets of thin newsprint paper for the children to stop by and trace anytime they are interested in giving it a try.

The opportunity to trace in our windows creates an interest in the tracing process but when we see that interest starting to go away, we simply remove the tracers and use our windows for something else for awhile.

We are intentional in where we place our tracing sheets on the windows, placing some up higher for the taller children and others down low for our shorter students.

The children use a variety of marking tools for tracing – from markers to crayons. They can choose for themselves and if you are wondering whether our students mark on the windows, all I can tell you is that if they do, it is most likely an accident because I can’t recall a time where I had to remind a student or even tell a student to mark on paper and not the window. The children just seem to naturally know what the purpose is and are more interested in taking home the tracings they made on paper then leaving them behind on the window.

As you can see, we have spent time tracing our names, characters from one of our Eric Carle books, and lots of shapes.

Some of our students get quite creative and overlap their tracings as they draw.

And for those who would like to paint or color in their shapes, they are certainly welcome to do so but I find most of our students prefer to just run and put them in their cubbies to take home.

Available on Amazon

Links to Grow On

An Outdoor Window Walk by Teach Preschool

DIY Window Easel by Teach Preschool

 

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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