Crafting the comfy classroom

In an effort to carve an environment that fosters creativity and learning, I have taken great care to ensure our classroom is safe, orderly and caters to all of my learners needs.  If you come in to our classroom, you will hear quiet, calming music playing.  I strive to use body language as a means to get attention.  I will teach the children basic signals as prescribed by national consultant and author, Vicki Gibson, Ph.D.

Handout from http://www.gha-pd.com

My goal is to be consistent in applying rewards and consequences in following our class expectations:

Gorgeous graphics from Mrs. Nichols at http://www.thekinderpolkadotpatch.com/

 

A whole brain method to reinforce these expectation is through smilies and frownies.

I am able to reward and reinforce positive behavior as the children get better at following classroom procedures.

There maybe times when a child may be stressed and react badly.  Our library also serves as our relaxation station.  Here the child can sit in the comfy chair and reconsider their choices.  In our class I teach the children the difference between small problems they can solve on their own, and big problems that require assistance from an adult.  Utilizing Kelso's Choices, students have the opportunity to choose how they handle small situations on their own.

My hope is that in teaching the children the life-long skill of conflict resolution in our classroom, it will not only support a more calm and peaceful classroom, but produce world class citizens who are mindful, problem solvers.

Get a visitors pass and stop on by!

Warmly,
Mrs. Caronna

Whole brain teaching

You may notice that our classroom does not operate like other classrooms.  I utilize techniques prescribed by the research based Whole Brain Teaching.  Whole Brain Teaching keeps children attentive throughout lessons by engaging all parts of the brain and helps them retain information.

Whole Brain Teaching is very interactive as opposed to the teacher centered, lecture-discussion model.  I deliver information in short chunks and the children then have an opportunity to teach what they have learned to their partner.

I have framed our class expectations based on Whole Brain Teaching and that will be in its own separate post.

If you have any questions about whole brain teaching, please do not hesitate to ask.

Mrs. C.

Happy birthday to ya!

Birthdays are a very big deal to little children.  If you would like to celebrate your child's birthday at school, you may bring in a store bought treat for the class. Please communicate with me at least a day in advance.  Does your child have a birthday in the summer or during a school break? Not a problem!  You can choose a day you would like to choose instead.  If you are having a party at home, I would like to ask that an invitation be sent to all children so that no one feel left out.  We will sing to your child "Happy Birthday" during our Calendar time and enjoy the store bought treat at lunch time in the cafeteria.

Our cafeteria ladies are wonderful in helping coordinate a pizza party or cupcake party for your child.  If you call 386-437-7526 x 1306 and ask for Judy Gallo, you can choose for $30 (up to 22 people): 1 slice of pizza (cheese or pepperoni), carrot bites w/dip, frozen juice bar, milk, a birthday balloon and prizes for everyone.  For an additional $5, everyone gets a cupcake.  A cupcake party is $1.25 per child and includes:  a cupcake, fruit snack milk, and prizes for everyone. 

I've already had dinner this evening, but a cupcake sounds so good right now.

Good night, families.

Mrs. C.

The Kissing Hand

Families,

We will be reading "The Kissing Hand" on the first day of school.  This is a great book about the first day of school.  In the story, the mother raccoon kisses her nervous child on the hand so he can always hold on to her kiss.  To make your child say, "Wow!  My mom did that too!" when we read the story, please do the following the night before or morning of the first day of school:

Kiss your child's hand.

Say:

"Now you will always have part of me with you.

My kiss will not wash off.

Anytime you need a kiss from me,

just hold your hand to your cheek.

I love you!"

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

 

Welcome!

17 more days and counting until your child will complete one of the most important milestones in his/her life, the first day of school!  I understand that you and your child may meet this day with excitement or apprehension (or a little bit of both).  Starting school is something that the children have probably been talking about all summer.  Soon, they will walk into a new room with new children, new grownups and new "stuff".  Perhaps as you begin to look a little teary-eyed at the realization that your little baby has grown up so fast...I want to share with you I understand how you feel. I too, have a little one beginning kindergarten this year.  As our first opportunity to build our relationship, I am providing a few tips for us to get through those first few days!

• Try to act confident.  If you seem unsure about leaving your child the first day, your child may perceive that and start wondering if there is a reason to worry.
• Plan on staying only about five minutes the first day getting your child settled.  A longer amount of time may make separation more difficult.  Plan on attending the Boo-Hoo breakfast for Kindergarten parents the first day.
• Please rest assured, I will contact you at home or work if your child is having an especially hard time.

I believe that a positive parent-teacher partnership is necessary for maximum success.  Throughout the year, I will utilize the blog, school planner and telephone calls to communicate with you.  I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at anytime.  You can call me at school (386) 206-4600 x 4727, send me a note in the planner, or email me at caronnam@flaglerschools.com.

I can't wait to meet you!

Warmly,
Mrs. Caronna
  

Hello!

Hello Friends and Families,

The new school year is quickly approaching.  I want you to know I am so excited to get to know you and share this very important year in our development as life long learners.  There is not much to see on this blog which is dedicated to chronicling our discoveries, but please check in often to see how we grow!

Warmly,
Mrs. Caronna