Here's most of the "teacher talk" that I gave on June 6 at the Kindergarten Orientation.
Kindergarten Teacher Talk - Mrs. App
About Me
I’m a proud mother of two sons - 3 years old and 7 months old.
I started teaching 11 years ago in Whistler. I loved my K/1 class but not my daily commute, so I moved to Vancouver.
I became a District Resource Teacher. I went to different schools showing teachers and support workers how to adjust their classrooms and lessons to meet special needs.
Then, I came to Bayview and taught k-3 fragile students in my Dad’s old grade 2 class.
Now, I’ve come full circle and am delighted to return to my favourite age group in my favourite school.
Brief Teaching Philosophy
The core of my teaching philosophy is this:
Children need a safe and caring environment where they have an attachment with their teacher and a sense of belonging so they can be comfortable enough to fully participate in learning activities.
Children learn in different ways, so I’ll use a variety of teaching methods and learning activities to meet the various needs of everyone.
Class ActivitiesI believe children thrive on routine, so you’ll see some regular daily activities such as Book Time, Morning Meeting, Math, Language Arts, Centres, Art, and Roses and Thorns.
I integrate subjects. For example, an art project will also teach or practise math, literacy, and/or socials.
Bayview is an Early Literacy school, and I’m an Early Literacy Teacher. I use Read Alouds, Shared Reading, Echo Reading, Shared Pen, Interactive Writing, Poems, Read Around The Room, Personal Writing, and Word Families.
I welcome volunteers into the classroom. I’ll keep the first few weeks as a special time for the students and me to connect as a class, get to know routines, and develop our own rhythm. Then, I’ll post a schedule for people to sign up to help out in the class.
First 2 Weeks
September 4-7:
These days are for family meetings with me. The school will contact you prior to September to let you know your time. Please bring your completed “Getting to Know Your Kindergartener” pages. This meeting is a chance for more questions and updates. It is also the first step of the integrated start to a full day. I believe this is a very important step in helping your child feel more comfortable for the upcoming year in Kindergarten. Your children look to you for guidance on whom they can trust. When they see us talk/connect they know that I’m someone you trust to take care of them when you leave. This makes the first day easier.
Monday, September 10:
This is the official start of Kindergarten. All students come on this day. Each class comes at their regular time and leaves after 1 HOUR only.
Tuesday, September 11:
The students stay until regular dismissal. (Please talk to me if you want your child to have a more gradual integrated start.)
Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten
Please don’t stress about getting your child ready for Kindergarten by using flash cards and practising various academic skills. It’s not necessary. In fact, it may increase anxiety about going to school.
To me, the most important way to prepare them is to help them be more emotionally comfortable for Kindergarten. Help ease any anxiety they may have (or yours!)
Ideas:
Talk about what you remember about today’s visit.
Drive or walk by the school
Visit the playground
Peek in the windows
Read books about going to Kindergarten
Look at the class blog on the computer
Endear your child to me, the teacher.*
*This means talking about “Mrs. App” together; finding similarities; and pointing out
whatever may be of interest to your child. This ongoing exercise helps your child build a
relationship with me (without me even being there). This will make your child more
comfortable to be in the class and lower separation anxiety.
Have a fabulous summer! I look forward to seeing you all in September.
Check back here periodically for updates.
Mrs. App
