F is for Family

Families are so important. We are learning that families come in all sizes, have different traditions, and can include different family members including grandmas and grandpas, cousins, aunts and uncles, or even pets. Also, our letter this week is F. We introduced the letter F by hearing what sound it makes and learning that fish, flower, frog, feather, and family start with F. Today we completed our family portraits by making a frame of flowers around the drawing from yesterday. We also learned the life cycle of a flower by watching a video and then planted our own flowers.

Yesterday we discussed who was in our families and counted the number of members in each family. We had families of 3 and families of 8! Then we went on a walk and collected a rock for each family member. When we got back to the table we colored each rock. I glued on googly eyes and they got to take home their rock "family."

We are all having lots of fun and learning new things. Snack time has become a favorite for all the kids. I have a pretty goofy group that laugh and talk together. They have all become pretty close and when one is missing they ask where that person is. I am very blessed with kids that all get a long and accept everyone in their class.

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Routine!

A couple of weeks under our belt and we have a routine established! As an educator with both experience in the classroom and in research I understand how important routine is for early education. I have spent a great deal of time in my classroom explaining why and how we do certain things. I feel that this is a necessary component of classroom management. For me routines:
     Provide normalcy
     Allow children to know teacher expectations
     Let children feel comfortable and secure in their classroom
     Help children focus on what they are doing so they can make positive behavior choices

Routine also makes my job easier. Already the children know what comes next and look forward to it. They know that after sitting at circle time for 20 minutes they will get to dance and play to music. I think most children thrive on routine. Don't get me wrong, though, we also have many many opportunities of spur-of-the-moment activities. If you know me at all you know that I love adding to my daily lesson plan and flying by the seat of my pants when the kids become interested in a topic or disinterested in another.

I think the kids are really enjoying themselves and I know I am loving every moment of it. These kids already have pieces of my heart and I am loving each and every one of them! I took a couple of pictures from the last couple of weeks to share.

Both 3s and 4s classrooms on the playground playing a game with the rocks.

 At the middle of week two we made listening ears and discussed what it meant.

Right now the kids favorite part of the week is chapel. They want it everyday!

What a day!

Whoohoo! One day under our belt! Today was amazing. The kids are so sweet. I have a really great class. Some of them I just want to pack up and take home with me. I think it's going to be an amazing year. Tomorrow I meet two more children and the 3 year old class. I can't wait! Here's some pictures of my classroom. I thought it turned out really nice.

Parent Orientation is tonight!

I'm looking forward to meeting all the parents and students tonight. It should be a great time. We are still low on enrollment but we will carry on and hopefully God will bring them in. I am super excited to start this new journey and meet everyone. 

This blog will be used to post happenings each week. Welcome new families!!