12: Less Can Be More

Simple things can mean a lot more than you think.

This year I am trying to keep up with my assessments,

informal and formal ones.

Today I recorded each student using scissors

and sent the video to their parents on ClassDojo.

Hopefully the video will not only share what we are working

on in class, but gives families insight on what they can do to support

their child at home. 

It's a Win-Win!

I much prefer open-ended, child centered art

than a direct approach.

11: New Goals

It's only been 11 days, 

but I'm exhausted.

We have more kids out today

with coughs and sore throats,

and the same runny noses are runny.

It's allergy season.

Allergies and Covid-19 

share some of the same symptoms.

Its' going to be an interesting year for sure!

 But the show goes on.

And we set more goals.

Until tomorrow.

10: There's a Zero in 10

Friday was our 10th day of school.

We have been counting each day 

and today there was a 0 on our number line.

In celebration of every 10th day

we will cook or make something in the shape of a 0.

Guess what we made today?

DONUTS!

#welovecookingwithkids

After a year of being "off" track,

we are getting back on track with our Leader In Me Habits.

To start,

we are focusing on Habit #1: Be Proactive

My response of the week was: "Was that a good choice?" "Make good choices."

We also started goal setting.

I use to start by setting goals for myself at home 

while the students played the role of accountability partners.

Then gradually, it went from me, to the teaching team, 

to class, and then individual goals.

This year,

I wanted to try with everyone having a goal

and learning together.

We will move on to personal goals later.

Our first Teacher Goals were to use the word YOU less,

and to use Friends instead of Boys and Girls. 

We want to be more inclusive.

The Student Goal was to hear the door bell,

understand what it means,

and then respond.

They did a great job!

I'm working on my goal both at home and school!

 

And our class goal every week is...

lets all be safe

and let's all try to stay negative.

So far, so good.

 

9: Everything Has a Purpose

Years ago, my classroom was a demonstration room.

I use to love it when my friend Janette would escort 

visitors in because she knew exactly what I was doing

and could tell visitors the thinking behind my actions.

Today a visiting TA was working with one of my small groups.

He notice one of the students made a mistake in matching the letters in his name.

As he was pointing it out to him and just about ready to assist him in correcting his mistake,

I stopped him.

I told him exactly what my intentions were,

to just watch and see what they do.

A lot of important information can be found

by 

just

doing

nothing.

He understood my purpose.

R wasn't able to visually match his letters independently yet.

After lunch, I modeled what to do.

He still struggled.

So I scaffold even more and had him glue directly on top of each letter.

He was more successful.

I know where to take him next.

S was able to visually match the letters in his name.

He just needs practice with letters that are commonly transposed or reversed.

G matches letters in random order as she finds them laid out. 
(I mixed the order on purpose)
We will work on directionality.

M was able to match his letters from left to right.

His letters were in the proper position and he could read his name.

A simple task,

but so much information.

8: My Teacher Needs Protection

Thank you X!

I actually feel safer now.

#thoughtfuloneofakindteachergifts

 

7: Curves and Lines

It all starts with curves and lines.

Curves and lines make shapes

and shapes make incredible pictures!

 That's me in case you didn't recognize me.

6: Garlic and Accidents

It was a strange Monday.

We had a handful of absences,

A handful of potty accidents,

and a whole lotta of garlic.

When your friend gives you a stalk of garlic...

5: Remember Me

 

Diana spent over 28 years of her life dedicated to the children and families of Belvedere. Her warm and friendly demeanor and comforting smile made her not only a favorite teacher, and colleague, but family to many who knew her. She will forever be remembered for her generosity, honesty, and willingness to share. Whether a book, power cord, joke, or chicharon during staff meetings, Diana was willing to share what she had with others. Her classroom was an open-door for families and staff, and I don’t think I have heard her say no to anyone. All you had to do was ask, and what was hers, was yours.

One of our last memories of Diana was right before Thanksgiving. She invited those of us on campus for breakfast. Hot champurrado and fresh tamales in front of her room she announced.

That was Diana.

Always thoughtful. Always fun loving. Always kind-hearted. Always generous.

She loved her family. She loved her friends. She loved her students.

She was a beloved figure at Belvedere, and will be missed and remembered always.

Today we want to let you know how much your mother, wife, and sister has meant to our school. Her love for her students, teaching, and reading will live on here at Belvedere Elementary through this small and beautiful space created by her friends.

4: Everybody Needs Art

 

I gave them 3 colors to choose from today.

They discovered more.

In my opinion,

all works of art should be matted.

Today was better than yesterday

and yesterday was better-

no, better isn't the word I'm looking for...

more organized?

more familiar?

more routines in place?

more calm?

more predictable?

Tomorrow will be even more...

I'm just tired,

but excited to be their teacher.

3: New Friend

I made a friend.

On Monday,

he sat outside for most of the day crying for his mom.

He wanted grandma to pick him up.

On Tuesday,

he tried tor run after her when she left.

But today,

he was waiting patiently when I went to pick everyone up.

He hasn't eaten any school food yet,

or come to sit on the mat.

But he sits close by us

and he participates in our morning circle,

and he completes his work in small groups,

and he got his hand wet at the water table,

and he can tell me that he wants to go play, 

and he shared his toys at group,

so I know my friend will be okay.

We all will.

 

2: Bittersweet

 

I made a new friend today.

He doesn't say much,

but he does with his actions.

Today he let me know that he wanted to go on the slide.

It was hot.

The slide is plastic.

Which means it was hot.

He took my hand ( I know)

and led me to the top of the slide.

Lets just say...

I was grateful I had on jeans.

Grateful about 5-6 times.

It was a much better day.

It was a tougher evening.

I know two wonderful brothers

who convinced their mom

to nominate me for something special.

Today, I contacted them to let them know

that their nomination lead to a nice recognition.

These wonderful, sweet, smart brothers had lost

so much last year,

but then I found out today,

that they lost even more.

I'm heartbroken.

Kids are resilient,

but even so...

life can be unfair.

1: Exhausted and Grateful

A first day like no other.

Long check in for parents.

Long day for 4-year-old bodies-

and their more than 40 year old teacher.

But you find small things that make you smile after they leave.

Grateful for a special bench to sit on

at the end of a long day.

Tomorrow will be better.

Ready or Not...

What a difference a year makes!

I started my 34th year setting up my "teaching space" in a corner of my classroom.

My teacher Bitmoji was ready to welcome my students virtually.

After a year of teaching from afar,

tomorrow, 

I will welcome a class of 4-year-olds into our physical space,

masked of course,

but in person for the first time in 17 months.

I always like to start the day with the students with a Check-In.

I want to gauge how they are to start the day.

I want them to know I care about how they are feeling.

I want them to know I am interested in their lives.

I want them to feel safe to express their thoughts, feelings, and questions.

I want them to know that there are adults and friends in their classroom that care too.

I want them to know that together, 

we will be there to support, celebrate, listen, and help them if they need it.

So I will begin...

Singing voice: 

Hello - Jane,

How are you?

I feel _____________!

How about you?

I feel overwhelmed with my To-Do List, 

Note: There is ALWAYS a To-Do List, always

but I feel EXCITED.

It's been a long time since I had a classroom of students.

When you love something

and it's been taken away from you for over a year, 

it's tough.

I think that's why I taught summer school.

I mean sure, the financial gains were welcomed,

I own my Subaru, 

have a new 60-inch vanity, 

went to Disneyland, 

and stayed at a really cool railroad car.

But I loved teaching my 6-8 kiddos in person.

It was something I had missed so much.

Even with Zoom,

it's not quite the same.

I feel INSPIRED.

I love all the amazing, colorful, thematic, inviting, beautiful classrooms on Instagram.

But this year I decided that I want students to see themselves on every wall in the classroom.

I want us to build our room environment together.

I know the walls may be a little plain,

but I also know they will soon be filled with the most incredible, amazing, creative pieces.

I feel GRATEFUL.

I am surrounded and supported by an amazing team of educators

who are willing to try new things,

and different words,

to ensure that all feel welcomed and included.

It's going to be a good year.
Bring on 35!