We went to the Public Library on Wednesday this week. I loved showing the kids how much fun you can have for free! Ms. Lori and Ms. Alice, the librarians, showed us around and talked about all the fabulous happenings at the library for the 
summer. They read us a delightful book, Goldie Socks and the Three Libearians. Then we enjoyed free time to look at the picture books. Continue Reading
Flames that don’t burn?
Recently during Jesus Time we read the story of that first Pentecost. The children could relate more than you might think!
First, we talked about really windy days and how it feels outside. We imagined what it might feel like to be inside a room with such wind. And fire! Wow. The children are fascinated by fire that doesn’t burn. (To be on the safe side, I reminded them that it will burn them today, and to never touch fire!) Continue Reading
Ending Our Year…
This is always a bittersweet time for me. I am looking forward to summer, including being home for Noon Day prayer, taking a class on iPads, going to the Benedictine Spirituality Workshop and Retreat, and being on a more relaxed schedule. (The IPad class sounds great: Each participant will receive a full day training on how to use it in the classroom. Topics will include setup, management, digital books, online resources and student apps. I hope to receive helpful information on how I might be able to use it as a group center activity for literacy centers and math centers.) Continue Reading
I Heard that Story During Jesus Time!
We had our spring program last week … and it was truly fun. Every grade participated, enjoying the special gifts everyone could bring. The littlest ones bring such sweet innocence while the older ones bring a growing professionalism. Continue Reading
Helping Students Pass Tests with Flying Colors
Oh boy, this is the next to last week of school. It’s hard to get anything really “done.” Everybody’s too excited (including the teacher)!!!
I do have to finish up testing, though. I model my assessment after the Illinois Early Learning Standard, but I also test in different ways though out the year. Continue Reading
All You Hungry Caterpillars!
This week we are learning about caterpillars and butterflies. We are using the story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, in shared reading. We are also sequencing the story using the things the caterpillar eats on each day of the week.
Crowning Mary in a Preschool Classroom
Now that May is upon us (where has the year gone??), our thoughts here at Our Lady of Grace have turned to … Our Lady of Grace. It’s time for our May crowning. Continue Reading
Rainy Day Fun
Last week was a wet one. We had been inside for 3 days, and if you teach young kids, you know what that means!! To put it lightly, the students had a lot of energy. 🙂 Continue Reading
How Silliness Saved a Not-so-Good Day!
We are approaching the end of the school year, which is good and not so good. Last Friday was turning into a not-so-good day. The students know each other very well by now, and at times become more like sisters and brothers. Yikes. Continue Reading
Getting Ready for an Accreditation Visit
Last week I spent 2 1/2 days out of my classroom preparing, organizing and uploading information needed for an upcoming AdvancED accreditation visit. There are 7 areas in which we had to evaluate ourselves as a school, as well as gather evidence that supports our accreditation. It really has helped us see what we do well, and identify some things we can improve on. Continue Reading
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