In the first week, our primary focus has been on pairing with your children and helping them to feel comfortable here at school. We have lots of work to get done this year, but in order for students to be motivated to work hard, they have to feel safe and happy here at school. Miss Tammy and I have been working hard to get to know everyone and help them feel that way. One of the first things we have done with your students is to initiate them telling us how they feel that day as they enter the classroom. I have each of their names on a laminated piece of card stock with velcro on the back. The students find their name each day, and then place it under the picture that shows how they feel that day. I am pleased to say that most students have been happy on most days. If not, we have talked to them about why they might be feeling sad or angry.
Each of your children has a center tag that they take with them to their center choice each day. This helps students regulate number of children in each center. It also begins to teach them how their name looks in print, because the tags have both their picture and their name. Students have enjoyed playing in our block center with cars and blocks and trains. They also enjoy the dramatic play center that is set up as a house and puppet show currently. At tables we have enjoyed Mr. Potato Head and play dough. At our science table, we are experimenting with motion.
We started our specials schedule already too. All children came home with a library book this week. Please return books each week so we can check out new ones. We have gross motor with Mrs. Dillon's class each day. We are also having library with her class, and a weekly group music time.
Next week, we will be starting an art project making our own faces, as we learn more about ourselves. We will also begin our Handwriting Without Tears program. For students going to Kindergarten next year, we will be using books to practice writing letters. For younger students we will use alternative materials to begin practicing pre-writing strokes. Your children will be introduced to letters and letter sounds this year, as well as numbers and counting.
I am excited to be partnering with you in your child's education. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Feel free to write on the daily logs any pertinent information, or call or email. I can be reached at [email protected] or 815-577-7314 ext. 5127.