Since starting kindergarten, we’ve had to keep track of The Tiny Human’s reading. His goal is 15 minutes of reading or more at least 16 times per month (as set by the school). We’ve been keeping track, but on the calendar grids sent home from school and now a simple lined list. Neither of these provide enough room for me to write the title of a book. Read More
Whether there are 40 students or 5 in a classroom, there are always differences in how kids learn and what they need in order to be successful. The longer you work with children, the more tools you’ll have in your toolbox and you might think you’ve got it all figured out, until the day that you don’t. Students’ needs vary widely and what works for one year’s class might not work for another; what has worked for the 150 students you’ve taught over the last 7 years might not work for the new student who arrived last week. To help you build your toolbox, here are 50 strategies for differentiation, adaptation, and support for early learners. Read More
I often wonder what other people think when they enter my classroom, look through the windows, or listen outside the door. I spend a large percentage of my teaching time on the sidelines, watching and listening. Read More
Dear School Staff,
I am a parent. I am also a teacher. I have a six year old boy in kindergarten this year. I have also worked, in some capacity, in classrooms for more than half of my life. And I am concerned. Read More
This was the second learning theme of our year. I selected it, unlike the themes that will follow. This theme started on the third week of school, so I started planning during week one. At that point, we were all still learning about each other and settling into routines, so I didn’t feel like the kiddos were ready to vote on a theme quite yet. Even though it was my choice, the kids still enjoyed all the fun activities. Read More
I noticed today when I was debriefing with a parent and child that I have a lot of catch phrases. Seriously, there are so many. Being both a parent and a teacher, I end up saying them so many times a day that I hardly even think before the words are out of my mouth. Read More
The first two weeks of the school year, out class’s learning theme was All About Me! It’s a go-to theme for early childhood education because it allows students and teachers opportunities to get to know one another and settle into the routines of school. I like to start with this theme because we all have a story and we’re all experts on this theme from the minute we walk through the door! Read More
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