Ms. Patti Stogsdill
My preschool class is unique because we are charged up and ready to learn new things. We take time to look close at the nature in our green space and garden. We love kale smoothies and we are part of the two-bite club. We take two bites before we decide if we like a food or not. When we have a question and don’t know the answer, we try to figure it out together, and if we still don’t know, we go to google to find the answer so we will learn more. We are ready to learn, explore, and have fun in our class.
I challenge my students academically by helping them figure out answers to questions on their own and encouraging them to be independent thinkers. I also provide lots of opportunities to practice academic skills as well as opportunities to have new experiences in the classroom and in nature that bring them STEM experiences. I have high expectations for every student, and I find ways to help them meet their expectations in the classroom and with parent partnership.
My favorite part of teaching preschool is when I see my students get excited about learning or discovering new things and when I see them take the initiative to investigate or learn on their own. When my students show that they understand what it means to be part of a caring classroom by helping classmates when they are sad or lonely, I feel that I have helped that child become a stronger member of society. When my students come to me to show off their masterpiece or need to be comforted, I feel proud that they trust me enough to want me to be part of their life. When I speak with the family’s as they drop their child off for the day, I am happy that they have confidence in me as a teacher and I work hard to earn their trust.
Social and emotional growth is very important for our preschool students because, they need a strong foundation to build their academic world on. Children need their basic needs met before they can truly learn. Children must learn how to interact with others, follow the directions of the teachers and they must learn what all their emotions are. We must help them understand what sad, mad, happy, disappointed, patient, and all the other emotional words mean and how they can express those emotions in an acceptable way at school. When children understand their own emotions and they can express their needs in a safe and acceptable way, they can then begin to learn what being part of a caring community means at school. Building strong social and emotional skills in preschool will help the students be ready for the interaction and learning they will experience as they enter grade school.
"M" is for "mustache"
Outdoor Classroom
Ms. Lindsey Smith
My class is unique because we are learning sign language. As we learn the letters of the alphabet, we also learn the sign.
How do you challenge your students academically?
I challenge my students academically by encouraging them to apply what they already know to new situations.
What is your favorite part about teaching preschoolers?
My favorite part about teaching preschoolers is experiencing things with them for the first time. I also love their random hugs throughout the day.
Why is social and emotional growth so important for our preschool students?
Social emotional growth is important because it builds a strong foundation for students to become successful socially and academically.
Ms. Kelly Valentine
I challenge my students academically by first assessing each student to gain a clear understanding of where they are. I then differentiate by meeting the students where they are to establish a plan of action to insure their end of year success.
My favorite part about teaching preschoolers is seeing their individual growth. It is so rewarding as a teacher to see my students improve both academically as well as with maturity from year to year. The little ones never cease to amaze me with regards to what they can do!!
Social and emotional growth are as important as any other measure for a preschooler. We as teachers have the opportunity to help shape our young learners as caring confident well rounded children who will one day be adults who contribute in a positive way to our community. I hope their experiences in my class will lead them to respect themselves as well as others.
Letter Tracing
Ms. Lindsey Munnelly
My class is unique because we create a positive learning environment around making good and bad choices.
I challenge my students by differentiating my activities in the classroom.
My favorite part of teaching preschool is seeing their little faces light up when they have mastered a new skill. I also love how eager they are to learn.
Social and emotional growth is important to our preschoolers because it is the foundation of how they will interact and succeed later in their life. Preschoolers are learning how to use their language and emotions to communicate.
