Starting a New Adventure

 Beginning a new school year is definitely like starting a new adventure for teachers and students alike. We expect to have new joys and challenges, we know there is a lot of learning and fun ahead. We trust that God will help us along the way.

The first day of kindergarten goes by in a flash and it's a bit like trying to drink from a fire hose. We begin our year with opening chapel, spend time organizing our materials and learning where our things go in the classroom. Students will be sitting in color groups and learn how to make transitions in small groups. We'll have a snack, recess and spend sometime playing a different centers before packing up to go home at 11:15.

Once we begin full days, students will learn how we start our day with a praise song and devotion from a Bible verse. We'll discuss what prayer is and learn how to make prayer requests at school.

During our reading and writing block, we'll introduce several school supplies (pencils, crayons, markers, scissors) and practice how to use and store them appropriately at school. We begin with some simple tracing skills to evaluate fine motor skills. Students will complete some initial assessments on how well they write their name and follow directions. 

In math, students will complete a baseline assessment so we can evaluate the  skills they have and the ones they need to grow in. 

At story time we will cover social skills, stressing good ways to make friends and come together as a community. Students will brainstorm ideas for classroom rules. We will roll play and start a poster listing specific ways to show respect, solve problems and make good choices.

In music we'll move and dance as we learn new songs with Mrs. Arnold.

This week in art will focus on Mo Willems and understanding characters. Students will make a guided line drawing of Gerald.

You won't see very much work come home in folders this week. We keep many of the assessments in class to compare with later work. And our art projects are usually displayed in the hallway or classroom for a few weeks before going home.

The first several weeks of school are spent learning, practicing and reviewing routines and signals so we can move safely in the building. Students learn how to manage their own materials and needs appropriately. We also take many tours in the building and playground to acquaint students with their surroundings. Mrs. Arnold and I want each student to settle in, gain confidence and feel comfortable at school. We want to get to know each student, their needs and earn their trust. Our goal is to make everyone feel safe, loved and valued. This takes time, but we know it's worth the investment. 

We want to build a foundation of trust with you, too. So please communicate with us if you have any questions or concerns. Remember to encourage your child to tell their teachers about their needs right away so we can help them at school. Your child's well-being is very important to us and we're eager to work with you to ensure their success at school.

Mrs. Arnold and I also know the transition to full time kindergarten is a big change in your family. We are praying for you, and we hope you take great delight in seeing your child grow this year.

It's going to be a wonderful year,

Mrs. Luoma