K Blog December 1st, 2016

 December is here!! With it, comes many new opportunities for explorative learning. Why does it get cold in December? What is a solstice? And what are all these holidays about?

Exploring different holiday traditions together is a great way for our classroom community to build understanding and become closer. It is also a great way to explore how each of us is different, and how these differences create the beautiful tapestry of culture and tradition in our school.

If your family has a winter tradition that you'd like to share, please let Ms. Ronquillo or I know, and we will find a way to work it in to the schedule.

Kindergarten Blog, November 10, 2016--- Welcome Sniffy Edition!!

I am pleased to announce that we have a new class pet in kindergarten! On Monday, the K's were introduced to our new, three month old male Guinea Pig. Amid the "Ooo's" and "Aww's" that were emitted a result of the introduction, we also announced that we would be holding an election to decide what his name would be. We decided to do this so that the kindergartners would feel ownership for our new friend, as well as for the obvious educational opportunities.





The vote was a close race between Brownie and Sniffy, but in the end Sniffy won by a single vote.  We are all very excited to welcome him into our classroom community and even more excited for all of the opportunities Sniffy brings to teach empathy and understanding.

Kindergarten Blog, October 27, 2016

We took our spots in the Art Studio, waiting for our turns to go on stage. In place of the nervous feelings I expected from them, I found only excitement and true determination on the faces of our students. They had gone from vocal proclamationsof terror in the morning, to courage and confidence. Even with a few forgotten lines and missed queues they pushed on, and gave the best performance I've seen from them yet.  The pride flowed from them as they stood, beaming at the audience for their curtain call. Some even forgot to take bow, they were so busy smiling.

Kindergarten Blog October 11th, 2016

October has come and with it, many changes in our classroom. Our walls are starting to fill with the work of your kindergartners, and your kindergartners are starting to fill with pride as a result. I truly love the look of humble satisfaction as they discover a piece of their work, displayed for all to see. Wether it is their pumpkins, scarecrows, or fall trees, the result is the same. They begin to feel a sense of ownership and pride for the space in which they learn and grow.

Kindergarten Blog September 28th, 2016

The kindergartner's first month at BPC is almost over  and we have already had many triumphs in the classroom! It is great to see your children making their first learning discoveries, finding their first kindergarten friends, and overcoming any initial social challenges. It can be difficult to navigate the expectations of the many bright, caring adults they see every day, but our kindergartners are making their way gracefully through the weekly routine and learning so much along the way.

We have a lot of opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration at BPC. In science, with Dr. Lauren, the K's have been discussing the five senses, and specifically, discussing how the sense of touch can help one to navigate their surroundings. Then with Miss Fryke, our Gardening Specialist, the K's used their senses to navigate the garden while participating in a scavenger hunt. We filled our noses with smells,  looked for insects, felt interesting plants, listened for garden sounds, and tasted sweet tomatoes.

Kindergarten Blog, September 15th, 2016

The kindergartners had their first trip to the Q-lab on Monday the 12th. We spent time exploring the room and surrounding building to get acquainted with the space, then talked with Dr. Lauren about what it means to be a scientist. This discussion inspired some great questions from the students. With their curiosity bolstered, the kindergartners were ready to start their week at Black Pine Circle.

Curiosity is such an important part of the culture here and thoughtful questions never go unnoticed or unanswered. Many times they are answered with an even deeper, or more thoughtful question. The one I, as a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant, hear the most is "Why?". I'm sure you, as parents, hear it quite often as well. I love this simple question because it is a the most basic representation of a thirst for deeper knowledge. It is the scaffold with which we can build better and better questions.

First Week Of School!

Hello Kindergarten Parents,
   We wanted to give you  a bit of a preview of what is happening in the classroom and let you know how great the year is going so far. The kindergartners have had a busy week of meeting people and exploring our campus, while also learning how to be successful kindergartners at BPC. Personalities are starting to emerge as shyness is shaken off, and the buds of now friendship are slowly opening. Romina and I are steadily and carefully building the foundation that will support the many years of formal education to come.

We hope your kindergartner is enjoying school as much as we are enjoying teaching them, and please let us know how we can support your child and make their year one they will never forget!!!