Meet My Classroom

The science "Wonder Wall" is used to display science information and questions.  The wonder wall is a way for students to pose questions surrounding science phenomena.  It is also a way to develop discussions around science topics.  The Wonder Wall encourages students to drive the science instruction as they create questions and develop solutions to find answers to their questions.   

Thematic units are used as instructional anchors for the span of a couple of weeks to a month.  They are created to align with current events so that students' learning is relevant to what is happening around them.  Thematic units also help to engage students.      

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Reader's workshop is a time for students to gather together to learn skills essential for becoming proficient readers.  Students then spend time finding just-right books in which they can practice these reading skills authentically.  Literacy skills are taught and practiced as they are needed as students grapple with reading their chosen books.      

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My Kindergarten students participate in centers every Tuesday and Thursday.  During these centers, they participate in guided reading groups where they are assisted in reading books at their instructional reading level.  Students also participate in phonics lessons during this small group reading time.  In addition to guided reading groups, students receive a number of literacy interventions based on individual needs. 

Writer's workshop is a space for students to build their writing skills and confidence.  Students authentically choose to work on new pieces of writing or to continue with previous works of writing.  Students gather to work on shared writing experiences, learn new writing strategies, and share their writing.  Students' writing is guided through conferences as they work to develop essential writing skills. 

Planet Bravo is a computer program provided by Westwood Charter School.  During this program, students are exposed to a variety of computer programs to help build technology proficiency.  Students start to develop literacy skills such as information literacy, media literacy, and technology literacy.    

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Council is a time when we come together to reflect on our behaviors, feelings, and time at school.  We have productive conversations about a range of topics that help students to get to know one another, share information, and reflect on their actions. This is a safe space for students to talk with others that helps to encourage positive behavior and social interactions.  

Students participate in many different activities that help to develop 21st-century learning skills.  Students are given the opportunity to work in groups to show leadership, cooperation, and communication skills.  Students are also given chances to develop creativity and problem-solving skills.  

Students participate in movement breaks throughout the day.  As 5-6-year-olds, kindergarten students need many opportunities throughout the day to move their bodies.  Students also need to practice fine motor movements.  Our movement breaks allow our students the chance to move and practice academic skills at the same time.  

I have recently started employing principles from cognitively guided mathematics.  Students use previous knowledge to aid in their understanding of new math principles.  Students use blocks and other counting manipulatives to represent and make sense of math problems.  Instructors use questioning to help build on previously learned math concepts and develop number sense.

Students learn reading and writing skills through projects that are based on real-life situations.  Students read and write to fulfill project guidelines.  Reading and writing skills are taught along the way based on what is needed to complete the project.  The project is relevant to students because the audience is real.  Students feel a real sense of purpose as their work directly relates to a real-life cause and audience.