Coloring

     One of the things that many parents seem to misunderstand is the importance of coloring. Although we give our class very few "required" coloring pages, some parents tend to see those that we do use as a waste of time or just-for-fun. However, the past 8 months have taught me how important this skill is.
     Coloring develops fine motor skills in a way that is engaging and fun for most students. It helps develop the ability to focus and track with their eyes (valuable for pre-readers) and it helps them recognize patterns. which is an early math skill.
     Here are some examples of the artwork created by my class to welcome me home from my recent trip abroad. The love that these little tykes readily shower on the adults that work with them is endearing and humbling, and the range of abilities in a class of kindergarteners is truly amazing.
     As you can see, some of the objects in these drawings float in space. They are not anchored, which is typical development of a child between the ages of 2 to 4. So are the "alien" people which are drawn with a very large head on a circle body with its arms extended (and sometimes, no body at all!)

     Other drawings show people that are much more proportional and detailed. Many drawings include a skyline or a ground line, and often the child will have a story to accompany the drawing. This is typical of the development or a child between the ages of 5 and 8.
     Using these skills is essential for the healthy physical and mental development of the young child. Parents who see this activity as mere play are missing the point, and devaluing an essential element of their child's learning. (Besides, what could be more entertaining!)

It's Exciting!

       So what is it that really excites you? I'm mean REALLY excites you. The kind of excitement that you just can't get out of your head. That monopolizes your thoughts, that affects your ability to concentrate. That thing that you just can't wait to share with your friends and co-workers, and anyone else who will lend an ear.
To a five year old, that thing... is a loose tooth.

      Now to you and I, a child's missing tooth may just mean a funny, gap toothed smile. To his/her mother, it is a tragedy before picture day. But to a five-year old, it means "I'm growing up!" 
         Even more important than the thrill of the treasure that the tooth fairy brings, is the pride that they feel when they show off the gap in their head that shouts to the world, "I won't be little forever!"

The love of reading

     In my mind there are few gifts you can give a child that are more valuable than instilling in them a love of reading. Reading introduces us to new cultures and new worlds; it expands our minds and our imaginations. Reading supplies us with valuable information, and provides us with an escape from the mundane in our lives. One of the thrills of this year in kindergarten has been watching the joy on the children's faces when I read to them. There isn't a single child in our class who won't sit and listen with rapt attention to a story.

      During the month of March, our school celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss with many different "reading-centered" activities. One of these activities was The Guest Reader. We invited members of our student's families to join us to read to the class. 


     We were thrilled with the response. We had Moms and Dads, aunts and grandmas. We even had a (slightly) older brother come from another class to read. The children were so proud of their relatives, and everyone enjoyed the experience.