Division 17: Hard at Work!

A reminder for tomorrow:  we are going to have our first "sharing" time.  On the letter that I sent home last week, I mentioned that I would like each child to bring something to school to show the class.  The item should be something that helps us get to know each other a little bit more...a favourite book, a souvenir from a holiday, a photo of a pet.  Toys are ok to bring but sometimes become a bit of a distraction.  If you could find something other than a toy, it might be best.  

I have started to receive some of the forms already (thank you!).  Please remember that the plastic ziplock bag that the forms came home in are for your child's comfort kit.  There is a page explaining what to put in the comfort kit in the package that came home.  The picture below is an example of a comfort kit.  There are a couple of bars (no nuts please), some bandaids, a package of tissues, a family photo and a little note from your family, and $2 to cover the cost of replenishing emergency supplies that need to be repurchased every year.  If you sent your comfort kit bag back to school without these items, I will be sending it home again tomorrow.  Let me know if you have any questions.  

In the mornings, we start our day by doing a few jobs.  First, we put our home envelopes in our home boxes, then we find our name card and put it in the ladybug and then we move to the carpet to play with the materials that are out for the day.  This collaborative play time allows kids to get reacquainted with the classroom and with their classmates.  It encourages conversation and cooperation.  It also encourages kids to play with things that they might not typically choose to play with at another time.  It allows me time to connect with each child in the morning and see what kind of day they are having so far and provide support where needed.  On this blog, you will see a lot of pictures of kids playing in this manner.  Imagine the conversations.  Imagine the stories and explanations.  This is a time rich in language and relationship building.  Take a look.....