Our First Full Day!

Today was a great day.  The kids are learning the school routines very quickly and are already working so well with one another.  

In the morning, when they arrive, the kids do their morning jobs and then play with the toys that are put out on the carpet for them.  This is a chance for them to reconnect with their friends, to talk to a teacher (if they want to) and to adjust to the classroom environment.  I am so impressed with this group's ability and willingness to share and work together.  Here are some of the things we worked on this morning...

Sorting is one of our Kindergarten math goals.  This was not prompted in any way.  This student was playing with some new manipulatives and decided to sort them independently.  We were able to draw attention to it and then other students were inspired to sort other objects.  This is the beauty of a play based learning environment.  Learning is all around us!

 Then, we had part one of our special sharing time.  The kids brought in such interesting items…everything from stuffies to an atlas!  All the kids were able to speak in front of the group and the classmates were encouraged to give a compliment or a connection to the shared item.  We practiced receiving compliments by saying "thank you".  (If you don't happen to see a photo of your child's sharing, it's because I am still waiting for forms to be returned).

After a few sharing turns, we went to our first Music class as a group.  Ask your child what kinds of things they did with Mrs. Schwarzbach (not Miss Dunkley as my introduction letter stated…she got married this summer!)

Then it was time for outside recess play.  We started at the pink playground and then moved to the red one.  We were VERY excited to play at the red playground!  

Then, we shared a little more!  One student brought her favorite book in and we read it for story time.  

And finally, this was a photo taken at Centre Time.  This student wanted her Dad to see her whiteboard creation.  

Tomorrow is our first 3:00 dismissal day.  Some of the kids were tired this afternoon.  They may need a little extra down time at home during these first few weeks!  

I am going to post a checklist by the classroom door indicating which forms have been returned to date.  Please check this list to see if there is anything outstanding (I know they are not due until September 23rd, but the sooner they are in, the better, especially the emergency forms).  Thank you!