Meet the Kindergarten Team
 2.jpg]
Patricia Applefeld
Heather Dieter
Janet Anderson
We welcome volunteers! Check with your teacher to volunteer in the classroom or join us any day for lunch and recess (12:10-1:00).
First Quarter
The teachers assess each student in reading and math skills in order to know which skills to teach each child. The children are instructed using small group, whole group, and individual conferences.
The Kindergarten day begins with drawing and writing in our journals. The students each write daily about their own lives. The teachers move around the classroom to assist students in hearing the letter sounds. Children usually begin writing the first letter, then the last letter of the words. The middle part is the hardest to hear and the kids will begin to slowly add more sounds as they mature in their writing. The students are taught to start with an uppercase letter, use mainly lowercase for the rest of the words, leave spaces between words, and end with a period. As the year goes on, the children write wonderful stories as they gain more skills. This initial period of learning sets the stage for their success later on. We are not worried about spelling at this
point.
Reading instruction is the next part of our day. We always begin our reading time with a book that is shared with the whole class. We use big books and regular size books to show children the concepts of print and demonstrate how we think as we read. We have read with each child to see what skills and strategies they need. Now we design a plan for each child that includes reading, writing, listening, and word work skills. One popular activity is reading with a friend. The kids are learning to listen to their friends and to discuss the book as they read. Teachers meet with individuals and small groups at this time.
If you are a parent of a Kindergarten student at PRES, you have probably heard about our exciting science experiments. We will continue to explore colors, living things, water, weather, and bubbles this year.
Our math time is right before lunch. We work in small groups to learn about math skills. We are the first team to start using the new common Core Standards. This is a national curriculum adopted by Maryland that will be used by all grade levels. This is an excellent area for parents to play with their students and help them learn. Any game using dice or comparing numbers is great! You can also use online games to help your student.
Play is a very important part of Kindergarten. We have outdoor play and indoor play every day. The kids are learning to communicate effectively, to manage their time and relationships, and to explore their world. Students who have time to play are more successful students as they progress through school!
| 
