It is important to follow structure and routine.  At first, students are learning what to expect inside the classroom and how to navigate.  We are learning about each other and our environment.  Relationships are one of my favorite parts of teaching.  Getting to know my students is critical.  The first few weeks that is my main goal.  Students are being introduced to the Math and Reading curriculum but not a ton is expected.  We are just getting our feet wet.  I am assessing students formally and informally to gain an understanding of their strengths and areas in need of growth.  From there, I will gain a better idea of how to present material and how much at a time is effective.  Students are learning what is expected of them, classroom routines, and social skills.  For example, during morning prayers they are asked to stand, fold their hands, and not speak.  Another example is to wait for directions before leaving their stations.  As students become comfortable they are more susceptible to learning specific content.  

Currently, we are focusing on counting, writing our names, numbers, and letters.  We are learning about sight words, phonemic awareness, memory, and making connections.  Concepts like patterns, shapes, basic addition, and subtraction are part of our Math.  Reading comprehension is developed as I ask students to recall story details.  Basic skills like cutting, tracing, gluing are also being worked on. Arts & crafts are important pieces to include because they can teach multiple skills at once and engages students. We often do sensory projects where students can explore different textures using their senses.  We will be making shaving cream clouds and slime.  Tapping into a variety of resources allows each student to experience a rich learning environment where they can explore their likes, dislikes, and individual types of learning techniques. We all learn differently therefore, I like to implement lessons using multiple teaching techniques to reach a variety of learning styles.  For example, a lesson on the earth's rotation and revolution may include vocabulary visuals and discussion at first.  Next, I  implement body movements for students to mimic rotating and revolving.  A video may be shown to further explain the concepts.  Finally, we would craft a model using styrofoam balls, wooden dowels, and crayons.  Then, we would act out our earth's movements around our sun.  Our listening skills, following directions, and raising our hands are always part of our learning as Kindergarteners.  Social-emotional skills are developing at this level of learning.  Children are learning how to self-soothe, get along with friends, and problem-solve.  We teach the students to use their words, work things out between peers, and come to the teacher if needed.  We use positive reinforcement techniques like directing students to use walking feet instead of running.  Our three rules are; be kind, be helpful, and be safe.  I try to cultivate wonder by using natural phenomena in Science to engage children's curiosities and intrigue them to investigate further.  Children learn through play therefore, hands-on learning environments are commonly incorporated.  It is my goal to nourish student's minds, bodies, and spirits.

There are two systems in place for rewarding positive behavior.  One is our helping-hands tickets.  Kids earn tickets by helping a friend or cleaning up a mess that wasn't theirs.  Students work as a team to build up to a specific number in order to gain a reward such as popsicles.  It is incredible how excited they become for earning tickets. We also have sticker charts based on behavior.  If a student has a good day they gain a sticker.  After ten stickers they will receive a small prize.  If students do not receive a sticker, it is done privately and it is discussed why, how to improve, and the student decides if they deserve a sticker or not. 

We have a jobs chart.  Students are assigned jobs that rotate weekly to be fair so everyone gets turns to help.  Some jobs include gardener, paper passer, line leader, calendar helper, and door holder.  Giving students something to be responsible for helps build their confidence and help them feel an important sense of belonging.  It allows them to begin a sense of teamwork and community.

I will be posting different material that we are learning as we go.  Our students are soaking up all of this and more.  So far I am very impressed with the entire group.  Everyone plays along with one another nicely.  I have seen and heard very good manners.  They say some very smart and interesting things.  Students are picking up on new ideas quickly and they are all trying to listen well and follow directions.  You should all be very proud of your children.  I truly look forward to the year ahead.