What an exciting beginning we have had in the Preschool Class! In just a few days, I have seen the children settle into our classroom routines. The children enthusiastically explore the materials in the classroom with great curiosity, and energetically pursue friendships, both old and new. There is a wonderful buzz of focused energy that emanates from our classroom daily. This signifies that the children are truly engaged in their discoveries, and that they are working hard to develop and sustain their new and important relationships.
On Monday we shared our revised Essential Agreements with the entire school during our first All School Gathering. We also examined our Essential Agreements in the classroom. The children were delighted to hear them and they all cheered when they agreed that they would each do their best to live by these important statements. Following our discussion, each child added his/her thumb print to sign our Essential Agreements Document and solidify his/her promise. Mr. A. and I signed our Essential Agreements as well to show our commitment to this important work. This was a wonderful community building experience. We have reflected on our Agreements daily since they were completed and will continue to do so throughout the year.
On Monday we shared our revised Essential Agreements with the entire school during our first All School Gathering. We also examined our Essential Agreements in the classroom. The children were delighted to hear them and they all cheered when they agreed that they would each do their best to live by these important statements. Following our discussion, each child added his/her thumb print to sign our Essential Agreements Document and solidify his/her promise. Mr. A. and I signed our Essential Agreements as well to show our commitment to this important work. This was a wonderful community building experience. We have reflected on our Agreements daily since they were completed and will continue to do so throughout the year.
There is much to report about the busy and fulfilling activities that have been echoing through our classroom. Active learning is taking place in every area of room. The changes may sometimes be quite subtle, but materials are being fully utilized by the children as they continue to explore and refine the many skills they are developing. We know that three and four-year-olds are hungry for knowledge and new experiences. We also know that they need time to reflect and replay what they have learned so that they can make it truly their own and be ready for the next step. I model our classroom activities around these principles so that there are plenty of new experiences, but there is never a rush to get to the next experience. Children are given time to linger and explore both materials and play scenarios until they are each, individually, ready to move on.
While hands-on projects such as painting, building, and working with manipulatives are taking place, children also have many opportunities to grow socially and emotionally. Throughout the year, children encounter millions of tiny moments each day that they must react to. As three and four year olds, the children in the Preschool Class are just beginning to be able to see a moment through someone else’s perspective. This is not an easy task, and it takes consistent reinforcement to assure each child that he/she is being listened to and treated fairly. Every day I witness the joys, struggles, thoughtfulness, and triumphs that exist in the children’s lives. I am here to guide and support each child through this exciting journey.
Next week, the children will be introduced to our classroom Job Chart. Each child will have a specific weekly job that will help make sure the classroom runs smoothly. It is important that children learn how important each individual is to our community. Having the responsibility of a weekly job is one way to accomplish this task.
I will introduce the children to our first IB Central Idea: "There are Many Different Ways to Get from Here to There," the week of September 22. This Central Idea is connected to the IB Transdisciplinary Theme, Where We are in Place and Time. I will provide details about this unit of inquiry and an overview of the year during our Back to School Night, Tuesday, September 23 from 7:00pm-8:30pm. I hope to see you there!
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions.
I am looking forward to another terrific week!
Best,
Courtney
I will introduce the children to our first IB Central Idea: "There are Many Different Ways to Get from Here to There," the week of September 22. This Central Idea is connected to the IB Transdisciplinary Theme, Where We are in Place and Time. I will provide details about this unit of inquiry and an overview of the year during our Back to School Night, Tuesday, September 23 from 7:00pm-8:30pm. I hope to see you there!
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions.
I am looking forward to another terrific week!
Best,
Courtney
Our first Windows To The World Class (WTW):
The children will have an opportunity to borrow a book from the PJS Library every Monday. Please be sure to return you child's book the following Monday. You can place it in his/her hallway cubby on Monday morning and we will pick it up on the way to WTW. Thank you!