As you are probably aware by now we wash our hands a lot. We wash upon arriving. We wash before snack. We wash when we return from outdoors. We wash before lunch. And this doesn't even cover the times around toileting and nose issues. You get the point. We wash A LOT.
So a funny thing happened last week. During one of these hand-washing events sweet Derrick looked up at me with big, worried eyes and said, "Mrs. Runder, Have I had lunch yet?" Holding back laughter, I proceeded to assure Derrick that we had not yet had lunch, but fortunately for him that's exactly why we were washing THIS time. With great relief he rubbed his tummy and said, "Good, I'm hungry!"
Sorry I'm not sure about you guys, but I KNOW if I've had lunch or not!
Derrick's innocent question got me to thinking about other things 4-year-old children have trouble remembering...like what they did at school and if they made good choices or poor choices. The question I get the most from you wonderful parents is "Is my child behaving at school?"
I'd like to assure you that IF and WHEN we talk to you about behaviors, that's when we're ready for you to step in and support. At this point in the school year everyone is learning how to operate in their new environment. Is everyone making the right choices all the time? I assure you - No! But Ms. Gonzales and I are guiding and helping them to see the "right choices". We intentionally don't share every mis-step with you because just like lunch, by the time you are able to step-in it is probably long forgotten. So promise me this-until you hear otherwise, just assume it's ALL good.
* I would like to add that Derrick had already eaten breakfast and snack on this day....he'd just forgotten. :)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tall Tales and Fragile Custodians
(I know that I just posted moments ago, but there's a funny that I must share...so tonight's a two-for-one. )
The Rockets are DEFINITELY enjoying learning how to work in centers. And as you can probably imagine during two hours of uninterrupted play, "new student" anxiety lowers and little voices rise. Okay enough....let's face it, the classroom gets LOUD!
In an effort to raise awareness of the increased volume, I've implemented a system of raising a rocket to the ceiling. The rocket hangs from the ceiling on a pulley with a sign at the top stating THROUGH THE ROOF!
Today the Rockets were introduced to this system and I confess to telling them a "tall tale". It began easily enough with my explaining the danger of pulling on the cords of the pulley and how they must not EVER do so or it would fall from the ceiling. Then a funny thing happened....our two wonderful (and bald) custodians, Mr. Fred and Mr. Montgomery entered the classroom. Before I knew it I'd told the Rockets how these two men had once pulled on the rocket, causing the ENTIRE ceiling to fall on their heads and therefore making them BALD!!!! The children's eyes were as big as saucers! And I felt confident that no one would be pulling on the rocket....or so I thought.
A good three hours later innocent Sophie gave cause for concern. Out of the blue she approached me and ever so serious asked the question, "Mrs. Runder, Do you think Mr. Fred and Mr. Montgomery are....fragile?"
Hmmmm.... good question Sophie.
The Rockets are DEFINITELY enjoying learning how to work in centers. And as you can probably imagine during two hours of uninterrupted play, "new student" anxiety lowers and little voices rise. Okay enough....let's face it, the classroom gets LOUD!
In an effort to raise awareness of the increased volume, I've implemented a system of raising a rocket to the ceiling. The rocket hangs from the ceiling on a pulley with a sign at the top stating THROUGH THE ROOF!
Today the Rockets were introduced to this system and I confess to telling them a "tall tale". It began easily enough with my explaining the danger of pulling on the cords of the pulley and how they must not EVER do so or it would fall from the ceiling. Then a funny thing happened....our two wonderful (and bald) custodians, Mr. Fred and Mr. Montgomery entered the classroom. Before I knew it I'd told the Rockets how these two men had once pulled on the rocket, causing the ENTIRE ceiling to fall on their heads and therefore making them BALD!!!! The children's eyes were as big as saucers! And I felt confident that no one would be pulling on the rocket....or so I thought.
A good three hours later innocent Sophie gave cause for concern. Out of the blue she approached me and ever so serious asked the question, "Mrs. Runder, Do you think Mr. Fred and Mr. Montgomery are....fragile?"
Hmmmm.... good question Sophie.
Building a Rocket Family One "Brick" at a Time
A yearly goal of mine is to create a classroom family where my Rockets learn to respect their friends (and teachers) as "family members". It is for this reason that I choose to be known as the ROCKETS versus "Mrs. Runder's class". And I love that after only a week they KNOW they are Rockets and respond as such.
This week we've had the wonderful opportunity of sharing "Family Bricks". Do not, I repeat do NOT feel pressure upon reading this. Breathe....for truth be known I appreciate these home-made masterpieces trickling in versus you slamming us with all 20 the first week of school.
Three children have shared their "bricks" with the class this week. The single regret I feel watching them share is that YOU are not able to see them. What a special time indeed when they get to sit on our ultra sacred purple cow stool, "Bessie" and take the floor to tell about the MOST cherished people (and pets) in their sweet, innocent worlds. Beaming little faces share which can only read......P R I D E.
This week we've had the wonderful opportunity of sharing "Family Bricks". Do not, I repeat do NOT feel pressure upon reading this. Breathe....for truth be known I appreciate these home-made masterpieces trickling in versus you slamming us with all 20 the first week of school.
Three children have shared their "bricks" with the class this week. The single regret I feel watching them share is that YOU are not able to see them. What a special time indeed when they get to sit on our ultra sacred purple cow stool, "Bessie" and take the floor to tell about the MOST cherished people (and pets) in their sweet, innocent worlds. Beaming little faces share which can only read......P R I D E.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Can You Hear Me Now???
I love science and as the daughter of a retired science teacher feel I've come by it naturally. For this reason today was especially exciting to me....the Rockets performed our 1st "Rocket Science" experiment of the year. I never expected to be doing such experiments on the 4th day of school, but it went hand in hand with getting to know our new friends. Actually it was ALL about one of our new little friends.
You see our Rocket friend, Meric (name used with permission from her parents) is hearing impaired. In an effort to explain to the class Meric's unique needs, we simulated hearing loss through the use of ear plugs. While seated together on the carpet, Meric delightedly allowed me to show the class her "good ear" and "bad ear" before passing out plugs to each child.
After discussing all the safety concerns regarding not putting things into our ears and mouths without permission, we performed our experiments of talking, clapping and whispering with and without earplugs. The children really seemed to understand and in the end agreed to being "peer helpers" to their new friend who doesn't always hear what the others do.
Ask your Rocket to share their view of our experiment today. It's not Rocket Science, but it is....
You see our Rocket friend, Meric (name used with permission from her parents) is hearing impaired. In an effort to explain to the class Meric's unique needs, we simulated hearing loss through the use of ear plugs. While seated together on the carpet, Meric delightedly allowed me to show the class her "good ear" and "bad ear" before passing out plugs to each child.
After discussing all the safety concerns regarding not putting things into our ears and mouths without permission, we performed our experiments of talking, clapping and whispering with and without earplugs. The children really seemed to understand and in the end agreed to being "peer helpers" to their new friend who doesn't always hear what the others do.
Ask your Rocket to share their view of our experiment today. It's not Rocket Science, but it is....
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday, only by name...
I'm quite sure that by now you are aware today is Monday. Furthermore it was only the 3rd day of school. But if you'd walked into the Rocket classroom today you'd have never of guessed as much.
Our Rockets operated today as if each and every one had attended some kind of pre-Rocket institute. They knew EXACTLY what to do and how to behave. It was amazing!
To their delight our day began with two full, uninterrupted hours of center-time. Followed of course by snack, music class and recess before getting to eat again. (I'm thinking not a bad life, eh?)
They must've been pretty happy too because at nap-time the room rumbled of 20 little soft snores. And at the end of the day...two proud teachers walking to their cars. A good day in Rocketville indeed.
Our Rockets operated today as if each and every one had attended some kind of pre-Rocket institute. They knew EXACTLY what to do and how to behave. It was amazing!
To their delight our day began with two full, uninterrupted hours of center-time. Followed of course by snack, music class and recess before getting to eat again. (I'm thinking not a bad life, eh?)
They must've been pretty happy too because at nap-time the room rumbled of 20 little soft snores. And at the end of the day...two proud teachers walking to their cars. A good day in Rocketville indeed.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Everything New
Last Thursday and Friday were days filled with learning. While the skills we practiced seem obvious, in reality even basic skills can be overwhelming when 20 four-year-old children begin doing them at once.
Here are some of the skills we practiced:
Learning what to do upon arrival.
Learning how to sit on the carpet.
Learning how to wash hands.
Learning how to walk down the hallway.
Learning how to eat snack and lunch.
Learning how to get out nap time cots.
Learning that boys and girls don't go in the restroom together.
You get the idea.
My poor Rockets came in on that first day thinking they'd get to play like at orientation, only to be told "Not yet, first we must learn how..." Fortunately on Tuesday we did learn a little about playing. Tomorrow that's what it's all about! They're gonna love it!
One thing I love about PreK is that while they think they're "just playing", that's how we sneak in an incredible amount of learning. So when your Rocket exclaims they "played", know that they've been
L E A R N I N G cause I promise I'm sneaking it in!
Here are some of the skills we practiced:
Learning what to do upon arrival.
Learning how to sit on the carpet.
Learning how to wash hands.
Learning how to walk down the hallway.
Learning how to eat snack and lunch.
Learning how to get out nap time cots.
Learning that boys and girls don't go in the restroom together.
You get the idea.
My poor Rockets came in on that first day thinking they'd get to play like at orientation, only to be told "Not yet, first we must learn how..." Fortunately on Tuesday we did learn a little about playing. Tomorrow that's what it's all about! They're gonna love it!
One thing I love about PreK is that while they think they're "just playing", that's how we sneak in an incredible amount of learning. So when your Rocket exclaims they "played", know that they've been
L E A R N I N G cause I promise I'm sneaking it in!
"Honey, what did you do at school today?"
Year after year I get the same story. About the second week of school parents contact me frustrated and concerned. Upon picking their cherubs up from school it's happened......it goes something like this..."Honey, what did you do at school today?" And the answer goes along these lines..."Nothing" or "I don't know" or they show you the worksheet they completed in aftercare.
I assure you that these are NOT the correct answers. We stay very busy in the classroom ALL day long. Learning never ends and I can assure you that it never occurs through use of a worksheet in my classroom. I know that you are interested in hearing the fun and exciting day to day activities which occur in the classroom. Perhaps this will be a way for you to experience our day.
Please understand that this is an experiment. I am NOT blog savvy. However from the first time I was introduced to a blog I thought it could be a fun way to interact with Rocket parents. IF you are blog savvy, then please make yourself known to me a.s.a.p.
GUIDELINES
First off, this blog will be PRIVATE. Only Rocket parents will be invited to view the posts. (I guess I could also invite people like Ms. Judy, since she's the boss, but you get the idea.)
This will NOT be a public blog thrown out there on the Internet for everyone to view.
Secondly, I will never post children's full names.
Finally, please let me know your needs and desires. This is OUR blog. I hope that it will be a positive experience for everyone involved.
I assure you that these are NOT the correct answers. We stay very busy in the classroom ALL day long. Learning never ends and I can assure you that it never occurs through use of a worksheet in my classroom. I know that you are interested in hearing the fun and exciting day to day activities which occur in the classroom. Perhaps this will be a way for you to experience our day.
Please understand that this is an experiment. I am NOT blog savvy. However from the first time I was introduced to a blog I thought it could be a fun way to interact with Rocket parents. IF you are blog savvy, then please make yourself known to me a.s.a.p.
GUIDELINES
First off, this blog will be PRIVATE. Only Rocket parents will be invited to view the posts. (I guess I could also invite people like Ms. Judy, since she's the boss, but you get the idea.)
This will NOT be a public blog thrown out there on the Internet for everyone to view.
Secondly, I will never post children's full names.
Finally, please let me know your needs and desires. This is OUR blog. I hope that it will be a positive experience for everyone involved.
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