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September 2011 - Posts
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This afternoon, during centers, I was sitting at an empty table stuffing folders for the weekend. The room was rather quiet, when all of the sudden, out of nowhere, I heard: I throw my hands up in the air sometimes Saying AYO! Gotta let go! I wanna celebrate Read More...
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I work at a large school. It’s two floors. The first floor houses all of the kindergarten and first grades and the second floor is home to all second and third graders. For the kindergartners, the upstairs is like the forbidden wing of the castle in Beauty Read More...
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Today, as I led the line down to the cafeteria, Will, the line leader, took my hand. He was having a really good day, which was making me quite happy. Him taking my hand was the icing on the cake. As we walked past the teacher’s room, he looked up at Read More...
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As I reflect on this last challenging week, I can’t help but feel hesitantly triumphant. Life is about overcoming challenges and this year, my class is, well, difficult to say the least. As teachers, we are constantly reassessing our craft, changing and Read More...
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What a week. Things went from horrible, to bad, to better. By Friday, I was feeling more in control and like the sun would eventually shine again… perhaps even with an accompanying rainbow. We’ve got a long way to go, but baby steps are better than no Read More...
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Time to get real people. Kindergarten is hard. If I didn’t think I would get laughed off the island, I would like propose that kindergarten teachers should get an extra stipend for hazard pay. I know, I know, we choose to teach kindergarten. And while Read More...
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I love me some puppets. For whatever reason, they transfix the kids and I just love making them come to life. With the rowdy group of boys this year, puppets are helping tame the wild beasts during important listening times. My first friend, Eddie the Read More...
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Oh the randomness. I’m not sure if it’s that they’re not paying attention or just, well, random, but some of the random comments that come out of the mouths of babes leave me perplexed… and laughing. I am lucky enough to have a bathroom in the classroom. Read More...
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Part of our Morning Meeting routine is Sharing. At the beginning of the year, Sharing can be really challenging for kindergartners. Thinking of something to share can be difficult and speaking in front of the group can be scary. To help with both of these Read More...
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Ah, Lorenzo. The more random and sweet they are, the quicker they weasel their way into my heart. Today, as he walked out to his bus, he looked up at me, smiled, gave me a hug, and whispered, “Sweet Dreams, Mrs. ______.” Really? I’m convinced he thinks Read More...
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I am not a parent, but am often asked parenting questions and as an early childhood educator, I do my research, read up on childhood development and parenting best practices so I can inform the parents of my sprouts to the best of my ability. I would Read More...
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Today, as we walked outside for recess, Lorenzo, our line leader, whispered, “Mrs. ______ can I tell you something?” Yes, he still calls me ‘Mrs.’ and it hasn’t gotten to me yet. Now, we’re supposed to be silent in the hallways. It’s not an easy feat Read More...
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Apparently, the idea of a male kindergarten teacher is a little too much for some of my sprouts. A select few, after only a week together, are still calling me, ‘Mrs. ______’ instead of Mr. Does it bother me? Not in the least. You see, in the grand scheme Read More...
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Oh, I love the innocence of kindergartners. On the first day, when you tell them how excited mom and dad will be to see their picture and one of them shouts out, “No, my dad’s in jail!” you just have to smile. Yesterday, after asking a question and calling Read More...
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Day four and things are slowly (like a snail) getting better. A big part of it is a combination of building up the stamina of tiny little people that have none and keeping them distracted enough to forget they miss their moms. It’s a delicate balance Read More...
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Day three and things are getting better… slowly. I seriously forget how challenging the first few days (weeks, months?) can be. So many of my new friends have no pre-school or daycare experience and they truly have landed on a new planet. Everyday brings Read More...
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We all know the better we know our sprouts, the better we can reach and inspire them. Well, wouldn’t you know it, there is research on it! Less testing? More play? Getting to know your students and allowing them to work to their own strengths? Let me Read More...
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As I ponder Day One and think ahead of tomorrow (with rain in the forecast… inside recess!), I can’t help but think of this video. Read More...
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Day One. Captain’s Log entry. Stardate 65167.5 (9.1.2011). The natives are strange. Somehow, this year, there is a disproportionate amount of males. The males of the species known as ‘kindergartners’ are usually less developed than their female counterparts. Read More...
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