Making Friends and Establishing Routines

What an amazing first week of kindergarten! I have been very impressed with this group of children! They are respectful, helpful, and eager, and are quickly learning our routines. My goals this week have been to teach basic routines, help the children make new friends and have a great school experience. I use song to help with transitions, and chimes or chants to gain everyone's attention. We sing the "Dusty Gnome Song" during clean-up, "The More We Get Together" to bring children to our meeting rug, and "Here We Go Kinders" when it's time to line up for the hallway. These gentle songs make transitions engaging and fun. We have learned where some of our school materials go, and how to navigate the lunch room. The children are beginning to understand the rhythm of our day and are building stamina for being at school. We will continue to work on these goals next week, as well do activities to build fine motor skills and begin basic counting and letter names and sounds. I am planning a walk to Harrison Field next Thursday to show the children this outdoor education space and collect materials from nature for a craft on Friday. I'm looking forward to next week!