Monday, August 26, 2024 First day!!!!!!

We had a great first day!  We started to get to know each other, learn routines, and listened to some stories.  We learned about our traffic pattern in the classroom and the way we move by rows to line up and pack up.  
We went to an assembly today with Dr. Smith and Mrs. Kemp.  They talked about behavior expectations, especially in the lunchroom and at recess.  The class did pretty well at lunch.  Most of the kids did a good job eating.  They are learning to stay in their seat, sit on their boom-booms, and not get up until it's time to dump trash.  They are learning to raise their hand if they need help with opening their food or drink.  

Most days we will begin our day with a Picture Talk.  I shared this collection of pictures and asked how these pictures all go together.  Usually what they will do is think on their own first silently, then turn and talk to a partner, then share out with the whole group.  We just did the first and third part today because we weren't sitting in a way ready to turn and talk.  Then we took turns talking about which sweet was our favorite.  I gave them a sentence stem, " I like -----------the best" to model who to answer in complete sentences.  Ask me to tell you about which sweet was my favorite.
We took time to play today.  We opened housekeeping, and played with some of the toys off our cubby shelves.  We played after lunch, but were late starting that so it bumped right up to recess.  Just as we started to line up to go outside, it started raining so we had indoor recess.  But the rest of the afternoon I was asked when we were going outside!  Hopefully tomorrow they will get to go outside!
We listened to several stories today, but we listened to a book called You're Finally Here, by Melanie Watt.  This is a story about a bunny how does not like waiting.  His emotions go from annoyed and/or angry to happy and excited.  We noticed what the picture showed so we knew how the character was feeling.  Ask me to tell you about the story. 
We used small crayons that I broke up to draw pictures this afternoon.  The small crayon forces them into pinching the crayon which will help as we work with pencils later to have a proper grip.  We also worked on staying in their seat and working the whole time quietly.  
We packed up very early today to get used to that routine.  They did a great job going into the cubbies the following our traffic pattern and remembering to pack up at the table, then push in their chair before coming to the carpet to wait for their patrol or dismissal.  We will need to work on not taking things out of their backpack while waiting.
It was a busy, fun but long day.  We will continue to work on establishing routines so we can get through more each day.  My primary focus for the week is getting to know the kids and help them feel comfortable, and to establish routines.

Have a nice evening!  
​Miss Wolfe