The students have been working hard during the first months of school! They’ve gotten used to the daily routine and expectations in our room and have made lots of friends in our classroom. While we’ve worked on a lot of academics, we’ve also focused hard on the important social and emotional aspects of learning as well. They have learned how to talk to new classmates, how to use their words when they are upset or need something, how to ask to play with a classmate, how to work together, and how to talk and interact with their teachers. Lessons and activities have also focused on independence and taking care of themselves. They learned more about germs and how to properly wash their hands with a fun lesson with glitter “germs”.
We also introduced the “Calming Area” where they can go when they are feeling sad, angry, overwhelmed, or just want to use some of the fidget/calming items. They learned some breathing activities that help them calm down as well and all have enjoyed using the items in the area. It also has helped them learn to take turns as only one child is allowed to use the area at a time.
While working on social and emotional aspects of learning might not seem important at school, it actually is what makes students able to focus on academic learning and be able to successfully attend a full day of school. At this age, developing their coping skills, language skills, and social skills is what is needed more than anything else at first. Once those skills are worked on, it is when they are then able to more successfully learn their letters and sounds, math skills, and have the stamina to work on their fine-motor skills.
While looking at the pictures in the photo album you see pictures from work time, outside time, and small group times. Try to look at the pictures with your child – and ask questions about what they see in the pictures. They should be able to tell you about the activities that are shown in the pictures and help you get a clearer idea of what has been happening at school. I know sometimes children will just say “I played” and looking at the pictures will help you get more details out of them as well! Also, asking specifically about small group lessons, large group lessons, read-alouds, and work time will help as well.
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