It's a New Year!

So, I will be the first to admit that I win the 'terrible teacher blogger of August 2011' award! I have been so busy each day with this new crew of kiddos that I have barely been able to snap any photos to use on the blog. Hopefully, I will redeem myself ASAP!

Here is how my 2011-2012 class looks at the end of the day, right after recess, when it is 101 degrees out...

hot.sweaty.tired.

Why have you been so busy? I am sure you are all wanting to know...it's just kindergarten, right? Wrong!!! We have been learning about...

Numbers 0, 1, 2 (and 3 as of today)...writing, counting, recognizing, demonstrating

The 7 Habits...will have it's own post soon!

And that's not all folks! We have done extensive work on writing our first and last names; the colors red and yellow; circles and squares; the letters and letter sounds for Aa, Bb, and Cc; and many activities related to the nursery rhymes "Hey Diddle Diddle" and "Hickory Dickory Dock." The Common Core State Standards really have us hopping! They too will have their own post in the very near future.

In the meantime, ask your child what it means to "Be Proactive." You might be surprised at the answer!

*Quote of the week* (maybe the year)...student: My mom has that flower-dy fly swatter; did you get it at Fred's? Me: No I got it at Old Navy. Student: Oh! Like an Old Navy, State Farm is there!

BAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Something to Believe In

At this time of year, teachers are scurrying from meeting to meeting and their minds are racing about everything that has to be done before that fateful day next week. You know the one. The day that we have your kid all to ourselves...all.day.long. Yesterday's in-service meetings had a treasure for us to see that I would like to share with you. As you watch, consider the things and people that you believe in. Are there people that you should add to that list? Things you should remove? Just think about it.

Believe in our children.

Believe in each other.

Believe in yourself.

Believe in the unknown and the unseen.

Believe in what others deem 'impossible.'

Just believe.

We Interrupt This Broadcast...

So except for one day at Disney World, it didn't rain all summer, until I needed my computer to be working and would be driving to work. Driving in wind and rain makes me terribly nervous! I was hoping to show everyone the blog on the SmartBoard at open house last night, but the rain Monday night knocked the power out which caused my computer to die, making it impossible to show you what's here.

In spite of the weather related technology malfunction, open house was probably the best I have been involved with to date. Everyone was so positive and excited about starting a new year! There was zero negativity that I saw, and soooo many of my former students came to visit! I love it when they come back because they just want to!!!

Welcome to Open House!

Welcome to Open House 2011!

I am so excited to get started with the new school year, and I hope that you are too! I would like to welcome you to my class blog, which I hope that you will mark on your favorites list at home (or just visit, and click 'follow') and remember to check back often. On this blog you will find photos and video clips of things that we do in the classroom, links to fun websites for the kiddos, as well as reminders of things to come. I hope that you enjoy all that you will see on here!

In the meantime, while you are here, please remember to:

1. Fill out the transportation form regarding how your child will go home on the first day.
2. Complete the notecard at your child's seat.
3. Unpack school supplies.
4. Look around! Check out the room; explore a bit!
5. Take home the manila folder at your child's seat and fill out the paperwork inside. Return the folder with completed forms on the first day of school. It is essential that you fill out all forms, even though you may have done so when you registered, as information sometimes changes.

Under Construction!

Classroom changes and decorations are complete; now I can work on the blog! Wade through at your own risk, there is no telling what works and what doesn't at this point. Changes, they are a'comin!