We've come a long way baby....

I just finished reading Ramona The Pest by Beverly Cleary to my class. The students loved the book and learned to visualize a story while enjoying a good book. The story about Ramona's first days in Kindergarten was a look at Kindergarten of the past. The description of Ramona's Kindergarten was much like the Kindergarten I remember.  Kindergarten was half day. Children walked to neighborhood schools on their own. Ramona divided Kindergarten into two parts - the running part; playing, art, singing, recess etc. and seat work.  Seat work consisted of learning the letters and their sounds. There was nap time and a child was picked to be the wake up fairy.

In contrast, today's kindergarteners enter knowing some if not all of the letters. They leave Kindetrgarten reading, writing, adding subtracting.  Today's children are experts at technology and very wise about the world. They are rarely left unsupervised, even to walk to school. Children of today are bombarded by information from the internet, TV, radio and their teachers.  My students come to school ready to take it all on. What wonderful little people they are!

With all of the differences between kindergarteners of yesterday and today, I am amazed at how much the kindergarteners of today are similar to those in the past. They still have an enthusiasm for learning and hope for the future that only a five year old can have.  Five year olds instantly like those they meet and always think the best of others. Pleasing the adults in their lives is still very important. Their energy and smiles make you feel younger just being near them.

So with all the changes in our world today, our young children have really "stepped up" to the challenges. Yet they seemed to have kept the best part of being five years old in todays world. The love for others, trust in others and hope for the future. I truly believe I have the best job in the world because I get to spend my day with them. They have come a long way baby. We should all learn from them.

Let's all work together

When I read the news lately, there seems to be a lot of fear in the air. Budget cuts are looming. Public employees are afraid that their salaries will be cut. Overstressed tax payers are now bashing public employees, unions and especially teachers. You can feel the anxiety in the air. The heart starts pounding, adrenaline is flowing and the fight or flight impulse is upon us.

As a teacher and a parent I ask that we all take a deep breath. Remember what we are all about? The children who are our future. I cannot control the budget cuts coming and I know I have to do my part and do more with less. What I can do is remember why I went into education in the first place. I love children. I love teaching. I knew going in that I would not make a huge salary.

Now more than ever teachers, communities and families need to be partners in education. As a teacher in a public urban school district, I am thankful for the parents who support me every day. Parents volunteer in my classroom listening to children read. Parents at home support me by communicating with me directly when there is a concern. They also talk to their children about their day and read with their children at home.

During this time when everyone is worried about the future and finances, I just want to say thank you to all of the parents out there who support their children's schools and teachers. It is the team work that makes a child's education successful. Team work doesn't cost a dime.

Literacy Leap

how we began

Literacy Leap DVD Vol. 1 Preview

video

Well our video is finally done and you all have a copy. I understand it would have been better to get this at the beginning of the year. The editing process took a very long time. Next year's kindergarten will start the year with the video. Your comments are still important to us. Please take a moment to share your reactions, thoughts and suggestions.

Take home kits

Each week students in our kindergarten can take home activity kits. These kits include games, activity cards and a literature connection. How has your family enjoyed the kits? Was Monday to Friday  long enough to explore the kits? What activities did you like or dislike?