Creating Poetry and A Former Friend

Today the afternoon class enjoyed creating poetry images.  We painted with words!  It was so fun and exciting!
We also had a former Rainbow Valley student as our afternoon Mystery Reader.

Standard 4 (1)

The teacher models profesional and ethical standards.
I work hard to relate to parents, staff, and others in a professional and ethical manner.  Through my website and my class technology projects I model the ethical use of technology to reflect favorably on the school division.

I am also very diligent about respecting confidentiality with my students and parents.  I work hard to resolve classroom and school concerns and problems in a constructive manner which includes calling parents immediately when a concern arises.  I also work very closely with my grade level to collaboratively plan on all lessons, student assignments, and grades.

Standard 3 (5)

The teacher establishes and maintains rapport with students. 
Maintains an atmosphere where students exhibit caring and respect for one another and the teacher.

Seeks out and uses information about the interests and opinions of students.

Demonstrates and promotes respect for individual, cultural, religious, gender, and racial differences of individuals and groups.

I arranged to have three visitors come to our school to discuss diversity and our school system's history. I made many arrangements with the Department of Media, our guest speakers, and the Beacon reporter. I included other kindergarten classes in this program and the even was covered by the Beacon. The program celebrated diversity.

I also blog our activities that we do in class to celebrate diversity. 
Please see the link below for more information. 


Supports students through voluntary presence at extracurricular activities.

I was a voluntary judge at our school's science fair in 2010. 
I attended Literacy night in 2009 and will attend math night in May 2010.
I also keep parents informed of all extracurricular activities through twitter and my blog.  Please see link below for more examples of blogging extracurricular activities. 

Standard 3 (4)

The teacher demonstrates effective organizational skills to achieve classroom, school, community, and division goals.
Develops innovative processes for the completion of assigned tasks.
I keep my classroom extremely well organized for a smooth, productive environment for both my students and my coworkers. I have my classroom set up so all teachers and staff can come and use any of my supplies. In addition, I make all of our materials and supplies accessible in an organized way so class activities can continue even if I am in a meeting or I am absent.

Word Study Sheets

In the container above each drawer has supplies for each monthly journal. 

 Performs record keeping in an accurate, timely, and efficient manner.

Through my kindergarten blog I keep parents and co-workers informed of our daily activities daily.  I usually update my blog five times a week.  I also provide my co-workers with all of my activities and materials online either through sharepoint or on my online portfolio so they can receive what they need instantly.  I also use twitter to get information to parents, blog followers, and colleagues instantly. 

Possess knowledge of and adheres to the school's Plan for Continuous Improvement and integrates the plan into daily practice.  Possesses knowledge of the school division's strategic plan goals.

Through our daily activities I work hard to integrate technology into my lesson plans.  I have used voicethread for writer's workshop and science concepts.  I have also used Bookflix and Reading Rainbow to provide additional opportunities for my students to become engaged with the love of reading.  By working collaboratively with my grade level teachers and my resource teachers, I have worked hard to instill rigor into my classroom assignments and encouraged parents to raise expectations for students in kindergarten.  Below is a link for student work with the use of technology and multimedia, that integrates technology and rigor into our assignments.

Standard 3 (3)

The teacher creates a supportive learning environment for all students that encourages group interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation. 

Provides students with choices for learning opportunities and enables students to contribute to the menu of choices.

In addition, students also make choices with math buckets.  Below is a video of students doing a math bucket activity that they chose.

Each day my students get to choose a daily five choice including writing, reading to self, word work, big books, library books, fridge magnets, and listening to reading.  Below are pictures of students after they have made their choices. 

Intentionally organizes a variety of flexible groups to encourage student interactions. 

In our class we do a variety of group and partner activity in addition flexible guided reading groups.  We also have partner math and word study buddies. 

Each week our class also meets with Mrs. Lister's second grade class to do book buddies to promote student friendships and group work. 

Ensure student accomplishments are broadcast in a variety of mediums and locations. 

Standard 3 (2)

The teacher manages classroom procedures to maximize academic learning time. 

Begin lessons promptly

My students are in the routine to begin writing in their journals promptly when they arrive and when finished, then making a daily five choice independently.  This allows students to finish at their own pace.

Establish effective routines for distributing materials that involve students.

In our classroom all of our literacy centers and word study assignments are organized and stored so students can independently get their own supplies.

Prepare purposeful assignments for teacher assistants to ensure continuous student engagement in learning.

I collaboratively arranged with my grade level for assistants to work together to reinforce various concepts with students struggling.  This small group intervention continued for five months and the group of struggling students made excellent strides with their academics.

Standard 3 (1)

The teacher implements an effective discipline policy and fosters a safe, orderly, positive environment for students.
Involves students in establishing classroom rules and procedures:

At the beginning of the year, I encourage my students to create five rules for our class to work follow.  These rules are also posted on our website. 

Assists students in developing self-discipline and conflict resolution skills.

After Ms. Booth teaches Kelso's choice, our class reinforce these conflict resolution skills all year.  Please look at the link below for more information.