In December 2014, Christy and I started our blog and website, theselfregulatedteacher.com.  We had recently come through a long provincial teachers’ strike and creating the website and writing the blog became our therapy as we focused our attention on what was really important to us, and that is the connection between teacher and student. We wanted to write about what was happening in our classrooms, and to celebrate all of the joys and happy moments each school day brings.  We use the lens of self-regulation to guide us in our teaching practise for ourselves and how we view the children we are delighted to be teaching each year.

We continued to write weekly (mostly) about our classrooms and all of the wonderful magic and sparkle that is truly and uniquely Kindergarten for the next eight years.  We’ve written a lot about self-regulation, alphabet printing, art, good books, assemblies, Christmas Concerts, and what we’re doing in math, literacy and social studies; but mostly about the sweet, daily events that shape our lives as Kindergarten teachers and their students.  We took some much needed time away from our blog last year to rest and recharge and now we are back to share with you our journey in self-regulation in Kindergarten.  You can go back and see our newsletter from the past number of years.  If you decide to check out the Kindergarten Handbook and Resources we’ve got quite a few items we need to update and we’ll let you know each time we do.

Last school year we welcomed Ms. Erica Eng to our Kindergarten team and this year, Erica is teaching two days a week with me (Andrea) and Christy is teaching full-time.  With Erica, a recent UBC graduate, we have a fresh infusion of energy, knowledge and perspective for all things Kindergarten.  We’re so fortunate to be able to welcome Erica to Ridgeview, and especially to Division 16.

Before we talk about what happened this week, let’s take a moment to look back at Turkey Week.  Who doesn’t love a beautiful turkey, especially ones as cute as these wee birds made from torn paper.  While we love a good art project, we’re also mindful that these small tasks can help our students build their strength and stamina for printing with correct letter formation and speed.

Printing is hard work – you’ve got to think about your pencil grip, your writing hand, your helping hand (to hold down the paper so it doesn’t slip away) and your printing posture (feet on the floor, bottom on your chair) and then one eye on the teacher as well!  So tearing paper, colouring, cutting and gluing, Lego and building, buttoning buttons and zipping zippers all contribute to fine motor strength.

Speaking of printing, we’ve completed lowercase letters, a and b, and c in the past few weeks.  We’re making a craft for each letter of the alphabet so you can create your own alphabet wall at home!

This week the children drew and crafted together their October Self-Portraits.  We make one self-portrait a month and it’s a wonderful reminder about how the children see themselves and the world around them.  You’ll see a change in their drawing skills which is very satisfying for the Kinders as they love to see their own improvement.  We ask the class to make their artwork “Big, Bright and Beautiful” each time.  Big means fill you space, Bright means five colours or more and Beautiful means do your personal best.

In Social Studies, we’re focusing on our Personal Identity for Term One.  We’ve completed a couple of activities, including “My Heart Fills with Happiness.”  This week we talked about our personal features such as eye and hair colour and how each of us is unique in our own way.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

-we’re still looking to have rainboots for all the children stored in our cloakrooms for those sudden rain showers.  The Kindergarten goes outside two to three times a day so we want everyone to be properly attired for our west coast weather.  Please send the boots and rain gear as soon as you are able.

-the children wear indoor shoes in the classroom which means they must be able to change their shoes independently.  We do not teach students how to tie their shoes, nor are we able to tie their laces as it takes our attention away from the others.  If your child chooses to wear shoes with laces, please ensure you have taught them.

-we’ve been sending home sick children this week.  The children often tell us as soon as we sit down in the morning that they do not feel well but had to come to school.  We are not able to look after sick children so the school office will be calling you to come and pick up your child.

-Library Book Exchange – Tuesday for Division 16 and Wednesday for Division 15.  Please return your book for a new one.

-Provincial Professional Development Day on Friday, October 20 – students are not in session