Kindergarten at Dummerston School

In kindergarten, the children will study language arts, math, science, health and social studies. Special classes, including physical education, library, music and art class will be taught in the gym, library and music/art room. (During the coming year, I will provide more specific information regarding academic programs, and units of study.) The lessons I teach will incorporate the use of multi-sensory approaches; designed to address various learning styles. The units of study are integrated throughout the curriculum (i.e., music, art, science, math) to maximize learning opportunities and to address the children’s individual interests. For example, a unit on pumpkins might include measuring and sorting them by sizes and colors and guessing the number of pumpkin seeds in a jar (math activities), creating a pumpkin patch, using paper bags (art project), making individual pumpkin books by illustrating the life cycle of pumpkins (science and language arts), singing and dramatizing the song “The Farmer Plants the Seed” and learning about the nutritional benefits of eating pumpkin (health) and making pumpkin pies (science and fun!).

During the daily school session, the children will also practice fine and gross motor skills, by participating in a variety of related activities, to increase their strength in these areas. Some examples of fine motor activities are writing numbers and letters, drawing, coloring, painting, working with clay, cutting with scissors and pasting. Gross motor activities will include dancing, balancing, running, skipping, galloping, bowling, hopscotch and other movement activities. Gym class and recess also provide excellent opportunities for promoting gross motor development.

Choice time is another important activity for our students. During this period, the children socialize with their classmates, and engage in numerous activities (some favorites are easel painting, housekeeping, building with blocks, and listening to books on tape). Playing, using their imaginations, creating inventions and structures with big blocks, socializing with others, are crucial components of an appropriate and successful kindergarten program. Children learn valuable lessons from these experiences, including social skills, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and the ability to make sound decisions and choices. Choice time also provides the chance to interact with their classmates, establish relationships and make friends; important elements for building self-esteem and attaining social success.

In addition to academic studies, social skills studies are an essential part of the kindergarten program. I use the Responsive Classroom

approach for classroom management. It is a program that fosters a caring classroom community, in which all students are treated with respect and dignity. (Charney & Clayton, 1997, p. 1). Our motto is the “Golden Rule”; treat others the way you want to be treated (Charney, 1992, p. 56). We create a positive learning environment, to promote a sense of belonging for each child. These elements are critical for fostering self-esteem and confidence in children. When students feel safe in their school environment, their ability to learn is enhanced (McGinnis & Goldstein, 1997, p. 10). The Responsive Classroom approach also provides the children with opportunities to help make classroom rules, providing a sense of ownership. When students are involved in establishing rules, they tend to follow them more consistently. We have morning meetings and discuss ways to take care of each other and the classroom (Charney, 1992, p. 51, 227). We conduct classroom meetings at other times when needed, to resolve daily problems that arise (e.g., people playing with blocks need to be more careful and put things away when choice time is over). It’s amazing how skilled the children become at using problem-solving skills to address conflicts more appropriately. They show increased pride in their classroom and become more involved as caretakers. As the year evolves, we become a community of responsible and motivated workers.

In addition to using the Responsive Classroom management approach, I also teach the Skillstreaming program (social skills curriculum), developed by Ellen McGinnis and Arnold P. Goldstein, 1997. This fall we will begin with skills that focus on areas of specific needs, selecting those that also enhance the quality of interrelationships, and facilitate learning. The program is simple and effective. The skills (e.g., how to respond to a classmate when teased) are introduced one at a time, first by describing why, when and how to implement them and then by outlining the behavior steps necessary for proper execution. Secondly, the classroom para educator and I model the skills to the class. Afterwards, the children are asked to role-play scenarios to provide practice and increase their understanding of when and how the skills can be used (McGinnis & Goldstein, 1997, pp. 79-85). The children love role-playing and the knowledge they acquire and apply has a positive impact on our classroom climate. These skills give the children the tools necessary for making and maintaining friendships, and for achieving school and life success.

“NUTS AND BOLTS”

Transportation: Bus transportation for the kindergartners is provided to and from school. During the month of September the hours for the kindergarten session are from 8:25 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. (dismissal time will extend to 2:45 P.M. beginning the first week of October). On the first day of school you are welcome to arrive as early as 8:00 (please feel free to use the kindergarten entrance). If you plan to transport your child for the remainder of the first week of school, you may bring your child directly to the kindergarten classroom at 8:20. Beginning the second week of school please deliver your child to either the playground (weather permitting) or to the gym (during inclement weather) between 8:15 to 8:20. Dismissal will be at 12:00 (at the school’s main entrance) until the first week of October, when it changes to 2:45. If your child is to be picked-up by another person you must provide a note of authorization.

Dismissal: (September through June) to collect your child during dismissal time, please come to the front entrance of the school (by the office). We will meet you there.

Snacks: Your child will be provided healthy snacks every day in the classroom. The cost of the snack program is $20.00 per month ($10.00 for September) and this price includes milk or juice. During September we will serve 1 snack daily; for the reminder of the year we will serve 2. You may pay monthly (at the beginning of the month), yearly or combine several months at a time. Place the money or check in an envelope and write your child’s name, payment dates and the amount enclosed on the envelope. Please make your checks payable to Sue McCanna.

Lunch: The kindergartners will eat lunch in the school cafeteria this year, beginning in October. The children will not eat lunch at school during September. For the remainder of the year your child may bring lunches or purchase hot lunches from our cafeteria for $2.00. Lunch tickets must be purchased in advance. If students bring their own lunch, they may buy milk for $.40 (juice will not be available).

Sharing: Beginning the second week of school, your child may participate in “sharing time”. During “sharing time” students share with their classmates an item brought from home, which is of particular interest to the student. A schedule will be provided. We share educational items (no toys) such as books, collections, photos, etc.

Birthdays: We love to celebrate birthdays during snack time! If you plan to send a special treat (cake, cupcakes, fruit, or other goodies) to school for your child’s birthday, please let us know a day or two in advance. If it is impossible for you to provide food that day, due to scheduling problems, illness, etc., please let us know and we will prepare something. If you plan to have a birthday party for your child, please do not distribute the invitations in school, unless everyone is invited, to avoid hurt feeling. Thank you.

Field Trips: We will schedule several field trips during the school year. Parents may be asked to volunteer to drive or chaperone. Advanced notice will be provided. If you are willing to transport children on field trips, the office requires a copy of your insurance coverage and drivers license. Please feel free to contact the office for further information.

Open House: An Open House will be scheduled in the fall. During Open House, you and your child will be invited to visit the classroom in the evening, to view artwork, projects and other activities of interest. The date and time will be announced in the future.

Class Pictures: Individual photos of your child will be taken in late September or early October. A composite picture of all the kindergarten students will be included in the basic package price (package prices vary). More information will be provided when Picture Day is scheduled. Advanced notice will be given.

Volunteers: Volunteers are welcome in kindergarten. We initiate our volunteer’s program in October. Ask for details. Additional information regarding volunteers is in the Dummerston School Handbook.

Conferences: Summary reports of your child’s progress will be provided in the late fall, winter and spring. I arrange individual parent conferences in late November and March. I would also be happy to meet with you during the year to discuss any concerns you have about your child. Please do not hesitate to schedule a conference when the need arises. Open communication between home and school creates an effective parent/teacher partnership.

REFERENCES:

Charney, R.S. (1992). Teaching Children to Care: Management in the Responsive Classroom. Greenfield: Northeast Foundation for Children.

Charney, R.S., & Clayton, M.K. (1997). The First Six Weeks of School: Building the Foundation for a Successful Year. Off to a Good Start: Launching the School Year. (p. 1). Greenfield: Northeast Foundation for Children.

McGinnis, E., & Goldstein, A.P. (1997). Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child: New Strategies and Perspectives for Teaching Prosocial Skills. Champaign: Research Press.