Schedule and Other Notes
Our Daily Schedule:
- Arrival/Playtime
- Morning Meeting (Time to meet and greet, discuss our goals for the day, check in with friends via Twitter, Skype, or email)
- Word Work (phonics skill practice both small group and individual)
- Writing (research and journal a topic of the children's choosing)
- Reading (story discussions and read to self time)
- Recess and Lunch
- Math Lesson (short, whole group introduction to math concept)
- Math Group Time (students work with teacher or on their own)
- Gym, Music, Library
- Playtime
Above the Line Behaviors
We utilize the Above the Line behavior program at Barnum Elementary. Students practice and are encouraged to use above the line, positive behaviors. These behaviors center around four main ideas:
The idea is for adults to realize that students are learning appropriate behaviors just as they are learning to read and write. It takes time, encouragement, and practice. I will also use children's behaviors as feedback to the teacher on how they are working with the environment. Sometimes simple changes in the classroom will allow a child to feel welcome and safe, eliminating unsafe or disrespectful behaviors.
- Be Safe
- Be Respectful
- Be Responsible
- Have Fun!
The idea is for adults to realize that students are learning appropriate behaviors just as they are learning to read and write. It takes time, encouragement, and practice. I will also use children's behaviors as feedback to the teacher on how they are working with the environment. Sometimes simple changes in the classroom will allow a child to feel welcome and safe, eliminating unsafe or disrespectful behaviors.
Welcome Back Parent Letter:
Hello families! My name is Randi and I will be your child's teacher this school year. I am very excited and cannot wait to see all of the kids. I have put together some information for you to help you and your child prepare for the school year.
To keep things simple, I have written a list of things to help you get a feeling about what I am like, the classroom atmosphere I try to create, and my thinking in regards to learning. If you have any questions about these topics, please let me know.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to a great school year!
Sincerely,
Randi Lembke
To keep things simple, I have written a list of things to help you get a feeling about what I am like, the classroom atmosphere I try to create, and my thinking in regards to learning. If you have any questions about these topics, please let me know.
- I will be nervous, just as your child will be nervous! We will work through this together and find humor and fun activities to help us relax.
- I am a mother, and understand how big of a leap kindergarten can be for your child as well as you as a parent. I promise to keep your child safe and will do my best to make kindergarten a wonderful experience.
- I am open to any form of communication, just let me know what works best for you (phone, note, email, Twitter, Facebook, etc).
- I do not send home traditional homework. Your child will work VERY hard each and every day. They will put in their full day of work, just as an adult does, and deserve time to themselves and with their family when they get home. Homework will consist of playing, going outside, reading a book, or just being with their family. In my experience, traditional homework time in kindergarten is just a hoop for the child to jump through and not a worthwhile experience. If your child would like homework, I suggest they keep a journal, read, or play a game.
- I will do my best to get to know your child. It may take me a few weeks, but trust that your child is not just 'another student' to me. I understand that they are your baby and I will not take my role in their life lightly.
- I think the best discipline plan is have a classroom that is open, caring, and understanding. If the teacher knows and understands the child, we can all succeed. Kindergarten is all about building relationships, not discipline plans and behavior charts.
- I LOVE my job. Kindergarten is an amazing environment. Because of this, we will have a great year of curiosity, hard work, building friendships, and exploration.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to a great school year!
Sincerely,
Randi Lembke