"Redshirting" for Kindergarten?

Our local paper had a front page article on why many families choose to have their children wait to start kindergarten until they are 6. I fully agree with the article, particularly the closing sentiment. "I have had families say later that they wish they would have waited to have their child start school, but I have never had a family say they wish they would have started earlier." The academic demands of kindergarten require as much maturity as a child can have. My advice continues to be, wait.

Asking for help

January is a big testing time in kindergarten. The challenge is finding time to work with every student, one-on-one, to determine their knowledge of every letter and sound, number, color, etc. I finally decided to let parents know about this challenge and invite parents to come in to assist anytime during the two critical weeks. I was so worried parents would see me as an incapable teacher who needed their help. What I found was a host of generous parents who were happy to be welcomed and invited in to the classroom. They were glad to have a chance to give of their time and learn more about their child's day. Many, many parents thanked me for the invitation and gave compliments and kudos to me on managing these little people every day. It was truly and win-win situation. My willingness to ask for assistance allowed parents an opportunity to give and me a chance to practice receiving. I encourage all teachers to open their classroom doors to benefit themselves, their students and the families!

Halloween Visitors

Tonight I had the delight of having many kindergarten families come to my house trick-or-treating. I am still surprised at their wide eyes when they see that I live in a house and I am not at school. They are so little and remind me of when my kids were little; where does the time go? In any case, I'm glad I make the effort to invite students and families to stop by. I am also recognizing the neighbor kids and they are recognizing me. It feels good to belong.

Coloring Rubric

I've taught for years, so you'd think I'd have come up with this idea years ago. My friend/colleague had the idea of posting sample coloring and giving each a rating. 0 = no coloring; 1 = scribbles with one color; 2 = coloring in the lines but all objects and details are in one color; 3 = best work: detailed coloring in many colors all staying within the lines. I think they turned out great. Now to see if it makes a difference! My challenge is to take photos of these rubrics and post them. Being a baby-boomer, I'm feeling challenged with this blog technology!
Signing off for now,
LM