2024 K-AM: Making Memories in Maternelle

Last week, we started talking about GREEN CHOICES and RED CHOICES. This is a system of expectations that I use to help make concrete all of the rules that we have in a school and classroom. The students quickly understand that we make choices all day long and some of those choices are kind, safe, helpful and considerate. Sometimes we also make red choices, which can be unsafe, inconsiderate and even hurtful. We use this language of green and red choices to help us learn how to be a part of a classroom community. I attached the posters below if you'd like to review some examples with your child. Feel free to also make a list of green and red choices that are specific to your own family and home. Don't forget to talk about green and red choices that even adults can make!

Along with learning about school expectations, we started our Star Behaviour program in kindergarten. It is a system that serves as a reminder for students to follow all of the (strange and new) rules that come along with starting school. It is simple and effective. It has built-in consequences and incentives and it's my favourite way to manage twenty energetic 4- and 5-year olds who are getting used to raising their hands, changing into indoor shoes, and asking to use the bathroom. I use a punch card as a way to communicate with parents about how their child's days are going, and as a way to reward students who make an effort to follow classroom expectations. After seven days on the star, your child will get to pick a ticket which will give them a prize like extra recess for the class, eating their snack at the teacher's desk, or wearing a costume to school. Track your child's school behaviour by asking them, "Did you stay on the star today?"