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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Hi!!

Dear Families,
You may have already begun shopping for school supplies or might be trying to squeeze in the last bit of fun before summer vacation ends.
I have already begun to craft lessons that will address the standards, but also keep in mind the unique learning styles of every child.
I want you to know, that although there is not much on the blog today, I am already thinking about your young learner.
Please stop by often to see how we grow.
Fondly,
Mrs. Caronna

Monday, July 29, 2013

Home-School Connection

Hello, dear families!

My goal is to share classroom and school-wide expectations with you via this blog.
I wish to cut down on paper/copy usage as much as possible while still keeping you up to date on our  discoveries as well as provide other important information.
At Meet the Teacher, I will ask your permission to subscribe you to the blog so that you will be informed immediately via email.
Or, you can find me on Facebook.
I want to be in communication with you.
Write a note in the planner, email me, call me, whatever your preferred method of contact, know your concerns and questions are important to me.

Warmly,
Mrs. Caronna

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Classroom Expectations

I am certain many have heard the adage, "Rules are made to be broken".
I feel it would be counterproductive for me to have "rules" and post them as such.
Clearly, I must have expectations of my learners as it is necessary to manage the ebb and flow of our time together.
But, more than that, when the children promise to:

  1. Follow directions quickly
  2. Raise your hand to speak or stand
  3. Keep your hands and feet to yourself
  4. Listen when others speak
  5. Be safe, be honest, be kind
...they are sowing the seeds of skills they can utilize across the span of their life.  
Of course, they won't raise their hands at a board meeting, but waiting to be acknowledged and listening when others speak are norms expected in mainstream society.  

As I have expectations of my learners, I think they should expect much of me.  
I want them to expect me to be prepared, to be patient and to be kind among other things.  
I want them to know that I will do all I can to safeguard not only their physical well-being while they are with me, but their social-emotional selves as well.  
Our classroom management program is based on a stroke of genius found on Fairy Dust Teaching created by Sally Haughey.  
This management system provides each learner with a kangaroo and a pouch.  The five principles of behavior act as the foundation for classroom decorum.  If a learner is having difficulty adhering to one or more of the guidelines, it is a perfect opportunity for me to redirect the behavior.  If the learner chooses not to comply, their kangaroo will leave their pouch for the safety of mine.  When the learner is ready to modify their behavior, they will return to their own pouch.  Consequences will be reasonable and logical, and adhere to the district-wide  Positive Behavior Support system currently in place.