I know it is a little late, but I didn't want to miss out on the February fun!
Listening:
Yes I know it is sounds crazy but when I started teaching my Preps I decided to start every day with Circle Time. The first song we learned to sing was 'Wash your face in orange juice', and since then the kids have been asking for it every day. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY! This week I thought I would give them another Peter Combe song to learn, so we started Juicy, juicy green grass. And we STILL demand 'the silly song EVERY DAY!!!!!! But hey, at least I have happy little 4 year olds who love their morning Circle Time.
Loving:
I have spent exactly 11 days teaching Prep now, and I honestly think I have found my place in this world. I am loving it! Well, I mean, except for the constant smelling of 'number 2's' in my room...
Thinking:
At school we have adopted ASOT (Art and Science of Teaching) and our central thing is learning goals. Our kids are each given their own personal learning goal and we track how they progress. I do love them because we can arrange a goal to suit everyone, and allow all of our kids to celebrate some success. We have also now been given some cool button badges for the kids to wear when they achieve their learning goals.
Wanting:
I don't know why, but both my hubby and I are great at creating mess in the kitchen, and lounge room, and bedroom, and bathroom - ok, pretty much the whole house. In fact, my 13 year old son's room is cleaner than ours! I definitely need a house that can clean itself!
Needing:
This year, the big difference for me has been not having any idea of who I had coming into my classroom, or what their skill levels might be. I have been spending every spare second I may have - while my absolutely amazing TA Jenny keeps our kiddos on task - doing letter recognition, number recognition, counting, name-writing, and every other assessment I can think of to get a clear picture of what I am supposed to target this year.
Pageant Title:
In Prep, from the time my kids walk in the door at 8.40am, to the time the last child leaves after 3pm, I do not stop. No kidding. Sometimes, I don;t even manage to fit in a toilet break before home time. So, this seems like a suitable pageant title - Don't Stop.
Happy Learning!
Is Prep the same as Pre-K? That is what I teach, and just like you I LOVE it!!!
ReplyDeleteMary
Adventures in Kindergarten
Prep is Queensland's version of Kindergarten. Our kids start a little earlier than in America, so we basically teach them Pre-K/Kindergarten curriculum level. It is so much fun, I am just having a ball :)
ReplyDeleteHi Miss Gibson! :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post! How old are the kids in your class? I am from Ontario, Canada and we have a two year full-day kindergarten program. The kids have to be 4 before December 31st of their first year.
I Googled the song you mentioned! I LOVE it! So silly and fun. Thank you for sharing!
I hope you're having a fantastic week,
Emily
Hi Emily, thank you for your kind words :) My kids are 4 turning 5. To start prep they have to have turned 4 by 30 June last year so they really are small. And yep - Peter Combe has done some amazing songs for kids over his time. I am thinking I may have to download his albums and teach my kids them all!!
DeleteI think that is great that they have that four year olds. Is it public? In NY, where I am originally from, we had universal PreK, but here in VA we don't. I think it is so important for that foundation.
ReplyDeleteFound your blog through Currently! Would love for you to head over and check out my blog…
Lindsay
If You Give a Teacher a Treat
Love to see that you are so happy teaching prep! And I like your pageant title: Don't Stop. Now isn't that the truth! HaHa Just keep moving forward each day and each day will go a little smoother and you will actually be able to fit in a potty break. :)
ReplyDeleteKelly
Lattes and Lunchrooms