Groovy Educator

Yesterday was the first time I have not had a "first day of school" in fourteen years.  I started teaching in 2000 and last year had to go on a leave of absence after the first nine weeks. It was very emotional but at the same time I was very excited that my family member's son had his first day of school.  This little guy was amped up.  He attended VPK (voluntary pre-k) and has been super excited about kindergarten. He came home on red his first day of Kindergarten.  That makes me so angry as a former Kindergarten teacher. Every year I made sure that the first day of school was positive for my students.  Yes even when I had to redirect them.  The first day of school sets the tone for the school year and Kindergarten sets the tone for their school career... At least that's my philosophy. Now when I had a child in my class that acted up... The first thing I always did was kneel down to eye level and ask in a quiet voice "Is everything alright?" ...

I am linking up with Dragonflies in First to share the best advice from mentors/peers.  It is hard to choose because there are so many words of wisdom that have been so helpful.  If I had to choose one it is based on what a current first grade coworker shared with me one day... Assign each child a number and have them write it on all their papers.  This makes filing a dream (especially if you have a helper).  It facilitates writing grades in the grade book, checking out books (inventory) , and it lends itself to this catchy tune I created. Number, name, and date. Number, name, and date. isn't it great to write your number, name, and date. Tune:  Farmer in the Dell (I believe) We sing this song before every activity. Each child having a number can be used for a multitude of things including mailboxes and lining up.  The possibilities are endless!

I have a new product in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store!  It is a station documentation packet.  Basically it is a way to record what stations your students went to during the day.  I have also included s brief explanation of the various stations.  Right now it is on sale for $3.00! Here are a few images to give you an idea of what is included. 

Even though we are busy, busy, busy teaching the curriculum, it is very important to help the children develop listening skills.  Being a good listener is a life skill.  Many children these days have difficulty focusing and attending.  Everyday I do many short activities to augment these skills.  Being able to focus is an essential attribute of a good listener. My theory is that if children can focus intensely on technology (e.g computer game, X-Box, etc.),  they have the capacity to focus on other things (e.g. people). With that said, this is what I do... I never assume a child knows HOW to listen.  During circle time, I explicitly go over what a good listener looks like what a good listener does .  We role play and practice at the beginning of the year. I read Listen Buddy by Helen Lester .  This book really helps in explaining WHY it is important to listen.  We make a chart listing other reasons why it is important to listen....