It was great to meet many of you at Curriculum Night last week. If you were not able to attend, the PowerPoint I presented is posted below on this blog page of my website. I also reviewed the other pages of my site. There are many links to our curriculum. I did not send any paper yet. However, I did send a Resource Folder. Please let me know if you did not receive it. I am happy to meet with you another time, correspond through email or phone conference about any questions you may have after reviewing the powerpoint.
Creating a Classroom Community: We are very fortunate to have Ms. Geller working with us! She is finishing up her student teaching and believes strongly, as I do that it is important to give students time at the beginning of the year to practice routines and build expectations. We have been doing this throughout the day. During Morning and Afternoon meeting we practice looking towards the speaker and speaking in a clear voice. During all curriculum areas we practice working with different peers to share our thinking. Although it is sometimes hard to work with someone you do not know, after you do, you end up with a strong set of skills to be successful in multiple settings. Creating and maintaing a safe and structured learning community is our most important goal.
Reading: I believe, the most important thing is that the children are developing reading habits. This includes reading to self, reading to others, responding about reading both orally and in writing and listening to reading. There are many resources for this. A few include local libraries (Arlington and Lexington), school library, online RazKids, starfall, youtube, and magazines. Also, anything around the house; cookbooks, brochures, junk mail, and advertisements. Anything around town; signs, historical plaques and statues, store and restaurant names, and restaurant menus. Two specific questions I often receive...My child only wants to read books with a lot of pictures? That's great! Your child is reading. Maybe the pictures keep your child engaged or help with figuring out a word or deepens their understanding. My child prefers Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Captain Underpants to classic literature, is that okay? Great! Your child is interested in reading. I was not a trained teacher when my children were young and I had the same concern. I asked a certified Reading Specialist (my sister) and she gave the response I give you today. Follow your child's interest when supporting their development of strong reading habits.
Volunteer opportunities: Although I do not have a specific sign up, you are always welcome to visit to do a read aloud or share an experience or expertise. Contact me and we will schedule a time. Mr. Hanna often reports a need for help with lunch and recess. Even if it were only once, it would be a great way to support our school community. You could come and organize a kickball or soccer game or teach the children to jump rope or play a game!
Also, Principal Hanna and the PTO communicate frequently through email. If you are not signed up you can register on the Arlington Public Schools home page by clicking Sign-Up for Parent Notices.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns at anytime.