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In August, my school was a bit atrocious. The only learning that was implemented, was worksheets that were handed to the kids WITHOUT explanation The kids MIGHT try to write their name. The rest of it was scribbling.
Since I walked into the mad-house I have done a lot to change the course of the school.
The first thing I did was take over the classroom, I wanted themes to be taught and lessons to be learned. I wanted the kids to walk away learning about the world they live in and going home excited about what they were learning about. My preschool didn't do that before.
I started different kits to teach with different lessons. We did a lot of trial and error. What I have learned about projects is that you need something that is easy to prepare and easy to enjoy. Something that adds onto the conversation you are having with the kids.
BUT thats the main part, that conversation. It doesn't matter what you are talking about or how you are talking about it. You have to show your passion and excitement for learning. You have to get into it and get crazy.
By all means I am a reading and writing learner. I am not visual, I am not hearing and I am definitely not kinestetic. So I learned a lot this year about how to adapt who I am into a person that can teach the others. With the little ones the focus has to be visual and kinesthetic and it HAS TO BE FUN.
My preschool focuses on 3 colors, 3 letters, a shape, number and pattern every month plus 2 themes. we practice cutting, coloring, writing our name and we were content. I am working on adding even more to that currently. Now I am starting learning centers like skip counting, shape recognition, name practice, fine motor movements, gross motor movements, backwards counting, letter sound recognition, CVC words, sight words and more. I want kids to walk away from my school with their head exploding with knowledge.
It may be hard for my teachers to make this happen but it will be happening.
Furthermore, I finally have a school I am excited to show people. I have changed the look and continue to do so often. We have a playground with some toys and centers with more toys, a library full of books (WITH a wonderful reading mat). We have a writing/craft station and a playdoh section. It is nice to see the kids excited to interact and work together. It is nice to watch them grow and challenge each other. I now have motivational posters, cute stories on the walls, cute pictures. We talk about how to behave, how to listen, the different kinds of smarts, how to be nice, and so much more. My school looks like a school and a place that is a positive environment for every child. It makes me proud.
The change I am currently on a high over is my classroom management. I have taken kids that bite, hit and scream on a regular basis and found a way to SHOW them their levels. My behavior chart is color coded and includes plenty of chances that kids at this age need. We have good news letters that go home, and bad news letters that can too. With the visual, my kids are seeing a big change. My "troubled" kids have turned around in only a week. They despise getting a note home for the wrong reasons and now that they know which level that is at and how to get there, they work on staying out of it. It is wonderful watching them monitor themselves and seeing how great of a day they are having. :) Plus it is wonderful for the parents to SEE how their kids are doing. It keeps the kids attention on the chart as well.
Fridays when I entered were movie day, which was a wonderful break on the teachers. But it was still difficult to get the kids to sit and watch a movie. We have revamped that entirely. Now, we have Japanese class, and KinderJam every other Friday. KinderJam (something I am now licensed to provide) is a kinestethic learning class. It is a great way to get involved and get kids up and moving while learning. I see it as a wonderful way to enrich the education and review it. I see this going particularly well with my little ones especially (who can't sit still for a second). Then Japanese class is a great way to help my Japanese students feel like the leader of the class that they normally struggle in PLUS helps my American students take the time and focus on where they are and the customs, holidays, songs and stories of this culture that we are on top of.
I am constantly looking for more and more changes with the students and with the school. My next challenge is my teachers. I want to make them the best at what they do. When I go on vacation I want to not worry and keep them at the top of their game. Some days when I am gone, I am amazed the place hasn't literally burned down in the measly 6 hours I am not there. My goal is to be more confident in my teachers. I want them more positive, more understanding, and more passionate. I will create this in my teachers and it will show before I am done with it.
I also need to work on challenging my teachers. I need to make sure they are doing their job. My focus is on the kids and on the education. And I need to start becoming a better manager of my workers. I need to push them for their best in a positive but effective way.
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