I have had inquiries about volunteering in the classroom (Yayy!)! I am trying to brainstorm how best to make this work. If you are interested, please comment on this post and I am more than willing to take any ideas/suggestions. I am looking for how many people are interested, how often and what you are interested in. When I gather some information, I will send out a schedule to sign up.
Would you want to volunteer:
* Once or twice a week
* Once a month
* Special Events/Activities
* Supporting from home (ie. preparing pre-copied books, prepping crafts [I supply materials], etc.)
Would you be interested in:
* Reading a book
* Helping out with Writing
* Supporting a Project/Activity
* Working with a group of students
* Helping prepare materials/classroom to-do's
Thank you!
Welcome to Our Classroom Webpage!
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Classroom Information
.::Academic Structures::.
First and foremost, I believe that students learn best through play. My kindergarteners get at least 45 minutes/day of free play in the classroom. This does not include recess or U-Arts. In addition, I try my best to make learning fun, engaging and interactive. I also believe that students need to talk and share and communicate their ideas and thinking. Their voices matter!
Literacy
In kindergarten, your students will be participating in a literacy structure called the Daily 5. In this structure students gain access to many important skills such as:
* Independence
* Routines
* Choice over learning
* Stamina
* Engagement in hands on learning
* Reading, writing and working with words
Students will also participate in daily phonics lessons that support students learning around letters, sounds and making words. As the year progresses and foundational skills and routines have been established, students will participate in guided reading groups.
Math
In math, students will participate in hands on learning through the support of the Engage NY/Eureka curriculum. Students will begin with numbers 0-5 to build a foundation of structures and routines that will support their work with larger numbers and more complex concepts.
Writing
Students will take part in writing each and every day through the structure of the writing workshop. Writing is critical in early development. It allows students to express themselves, communicate ideas and thinking, and make connections with their learning throughout the other practices.
Science/Social Studies
Students will also learn about and explore several hands on engaging concepts in science and social studies based on the Vermont Early Learning Standards. These activities will include expansion of vocabulary and understanding, projects, field-trips and a lot of fun! Some topics include:
* Apples and Pumpkins
* Classroom Community
* Friendship and Kindness
* Community Helpers
* Maps
* Animals in Winter
* Seasons/Weather
* Force and Motion
* Earth Day
* Plants
.:: Classroom Management::.
Responsive Classroom
The St. Johnsbury School is working under a consistent structure called Responsive Classroom. Responsive Classroom supports natural/logical consequences (ie. something spills, you clean it up). We work to build trust and relationships with one another. We do not all need to be friends, but we do all need to be friendly and respectful. Responsive Classroom supports a proactive approach of understanding children and their development, making learning fun, taking body/mind breaks, movement, singing, dancing and putting children first. It believes in explicitly teaching skills and expectations so students understand what is expected of them and there are no surprises. This model can be described as a "go slow, to go fast". I have been using this structure for 4 years now and I believe that it supports the needs of students.
"Safe Space"
This year, I will be implementing a "safe space" in the classroom. This safe space will be a designated place in the classroom students can use for several purposes. Students may use it to calm down if they are having a strong emotion, or if they are having a hard time focusing. It is a proactive, sensory based space that supports students needs. It is not a punishment and will be accessible to all students. Stay tuned for more information later on this year!
Hi Christine,
ReplyDeleteI'd love to get in to volunteer once or twice before the baby comes in December - get in some special stuff with Caroline ahead of that big change. I'd be willing to do pretty much anything! Just let me know!
Thanks,
Katie
Hi Katie! Thanks for your time! Is there a time of day or day of the week that works better for you? I am thinking that writing block may be a great time to come in and support students stretching out their words, or during our literacy block and you could play a literacy game with the students.
Delete