Miss Post's First Post

Well, the original plan was to post on my very first day of student teaching, but the third day will have to suffice because it's the first opportunity I've had!

My first day at Chandler Woods was wonderful. I am student teaching AM and PM kindergarten with Mrs. Grimm at this small, National Heritage Academies school where parent involvement is high and students come mostly from supportive families. I have 21 very busy students in the morning and 16 more in the afternoon. Our morning class is talkative and energetic; the five extra students make a difference. In the afternoon, we have only six girls. When you're talking about five and six-year-olds, it makes a difference whether they're girls or boys!

On Day 1, I took the kids' pictures so I could learn their names. The girls I had down right away, but I am just getting there with the boys. I have three Madisons (all spelled the same; all go by Madison) and three Johns (all spelled the same; one goes by Johnny). I also presented each child with a bracelet I bought when I was in Mexico last month, which many of the kids promptly returned to me for un-knotting.

I had the chance to read individually with each child in my afternoon class on Day 1. We read their recent phonics book, "Ben is Ten." Here is a conversation I had with Samuel when we were reading together:

Miss Post: Have you read this book before?
Samuel: Yes.
Miss Post: Do you remember what it's called?
Samuel: Ben is Ten.
Miss Post. You're right. Do you know anyone who's ten?
Samuel: Yes.
Miss Post: Oh really? Who do you know that's ten?
Samuel: ...Ben.

This is just one of the many reasons I love kindergarten. I'm so excited to be in this classroom. I am, however, greatly concerned regarding the mountain of Calvin assignments I received last night that need to be completed on top of the actual teaching. Please keep my students, my teacher Mrs. Grimm, and me in your prayers these next few months...and follow along! More good things to come.