First Day Reading

Kindergarten Rocks! Is the book that we used to start our day. Followed by a book about first grade, considering that the class was split with 11 first graders and 10 kinders. We started off with choice time which is such a brilliant idea because rather than forcing children to sit still and be quiet at the start of their day, they can roam the room, talk to their friends, and explore the toys and supplies in order to be ready to sit and be quiet. I believe this is an important literacy activity because the children are encouraged to write, draw, and communicate with one another. They are also encouraged to look at books and every morning we set out books of a certain theme that might strike the interest of some students. So during choice time we got to know each other a little bit while playing in a sand box filled with rice and beans, painting, and reading. We explored the habitat, caught slugs and frogs, went on a tour of the school, read some stories, played some games, wrote on the board, and even visited the principal’s office! Everyone had a lot of fun and I think I had more fun than the kids. Working with Mike and Alexis is such a pleasure and I am learning a lot about letting children explore their own learning and creativity rather than piling rules, regulations, and “the right way” on top of them. Mike is always bringing out the positive actions and words that students do or say instead of bringing attention to the negative.