Each morning, we begin our day with Morning Bins - engaging, hands-on activities that help students transition smoothly into the school day. As students arrive, they explore activities that strengthen fine motor development, phonics, alphabet and word work, numeracy, problem-solving, and critical thinking while practicing independence and building confidence. I encourage families to help students arrive as early as possible so they have plenty of time to settle in, prepare for the day, and fully participate in our Morning Bin activity before instruction begins.
Each morning, we come together as a class to build our classroom community and prepare for a successful day of learning. During our Morning Meeting, we greet one another, review our schedule for the day, practice classroom routines and behavior expectations, discuss our S.A.I.L. focus, and participate in a brief Emotional Growth & Learning (EGL) lesson. This special time helps students feel connected, develop important social-emotional skills, and begin each day with confidence and a positive mindset.
In our classroom, we use Amplify CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) to help build a strong foundation for reading and writing. Each day, we explore engaging stories and exciting topics while learning letter names and sounds, phonics, handwriting, high-frequency words, vocabulary, and early writing skills. Through interactive lessons, read-alouds, songs, discussions, and hands-on activities, I help students develop the skills and confidence they need to become successful readers and writers while fostering a lifelong love of books and learning.
Morning recess gives students an opportunity to play, move their bodies, enjoy a healthy snack, and recharge before returning to the classroom ready to learn. Please send only appropriate recess equipment (such as a ball or jump rope) and keep toys at home to help prevent distractions and lost items. Students are welcome to bring a healthy snack to enjoy during recess. Please send snacks separately from lunches so lunches are not accidentally eaten during snack time. Please avoid sending candy or other junk food. Providing a nutritious snack helps support students' basic needs so they can stay focused and do their best learning throughout the day.
In our classroom, we use Reveal Math to help students build a strong foundation in mathematics through hands-on, engaging learning experiences. Each day, students explore numbers, counting, addition and subtraction, shapes, measurement, and problem-solving through interactive lessons, math conversations, games, and activities. I help students develop mathematical thinking, confidence, and a deeper understanding of how math connects to the world around them while encouraging curiosity, perseverance, and a love of learning.
Lunch is an important time for students to refuel, practice independence, and enjoy time with friends. Students may choose to bring a lunch from home or order a school lunch. School lunches must be ordered one month at a time, so please watch for lunch menus, ordering windows, and deadlines to ensure your child’s lunch choice is submitted on time.
In our classroom, I use the Core Knowledge Curriculum to help students build background knowledge and make meaningful connections across subjects. I guide students as they explore engaging topics in social studies, science, literature, music, and art through stories, discussions, hands-on activities, and creative experiences. I also extend our learning from math and CKLA through small-group instruction, interactive activities, and opportunities for students to apply their skills in new and exciting ways. These experiences help students develop curiosity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the world around them while building a strong foundation for future learning.
During Voyager Time, students receive targeted instruction designed to meet their individual learning needs. During this block, students may work with me or another kindergarten teacher in a small group, allowing every child to receive the support, practice, or enrichment that best matches their current skills. I use assessment data to help determine group placement, and because students grow and learn at different rates, groups are flexible and may change throughout the year as new skills are developed and mastered.
In our classroom, I use the Core Knowledge Curriculum to help students build background knowledge and make meaningful connections across subjects. I guide students as they explore engaging topics in social studies, science, literature, music, and art through stories, discussions, hands-on activities, and creative experiences. I also extend our learning from math and CKLA through small-group instruction, interactive activities, and opportunities for students to apply their skills in new and exciting ways. These experiences help students develop curiosity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the world around them while building a strong foundation for future learning.
Afternoon recess gives students another opportunity to play, be active, and enjoy time with their classmates before finishing our school day. If you feel your child would benefit from an extra boost of energy, they are welcome to bring a second healthy snack to enjoy during afternoon recess so they can finish the day feeling their best.
In our classroom, I use the Core Knowledge Curriculum to help students build background knowledge and make meaningful connections across subjects. I guide students as they explore engaging topics in social studies, science, literature, music, and art through stories, discussions, hands-on activities, and creative experiences. I also extend our learning from math and CKLA through small-group instruction, interactive activities, and opportunities for students to apply their skills in new and exciting ways. These experiences help students develop curiosity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the world around them while building a strong foundation for future learning.
At the end of each day, I bring our class together to reflect on our learning and celebrate our growth. During our End-of-Day Meeting, we review the highlights of our day, recognize student successes and positive choices, and revisit important learning from our lessons and activities. I help students reflect on how they demonstrated our S.A.I.L. expectations by showing Self-Control, Accountability, Integrity, and Loyalty & Respect. We discuss what went well, identify areas where we can continue to grow, and set goals for making tomorrow even better. This special time helps students build self-awareness, confidence, and a positive mindset as they continue their learning journey.
At the end of the day, students practice responsibility and independence as they clean up our classroom and prepare to go home. Students with permission to walk home will be dismissed at 2:57 (1:27 on Wednesdays). All other students will participate in a quiet end-of-day activity while they wait for their name to be called and meet their ride. This routine helps students end the day in a calm, organized way while practicing patience, responsibility, and respect for our classroom community.
SPECIALS
Ms. Allred joins us in our classroom for art lessons where students explore creativity through drawing, painting, cutting, gluing, and other hands-on projects. Our art activities help build fine motor skills, encourage creative expression, and introduce students to a variety of artistic techniques and materials while following Utah Fine Arts standards.
Students participate in Physical Education with Ms. Meyer in the gym or outside on the playground, depending on the weather and the planned activities. PE helps students develop coordination, teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy movement habits through fun, active games that follow Utah Physical Education standards. Please have your child wear athletic shoes on PE days so they can participate safely and comfortably in all activities.
Students attend music class with Ms. Perkins in the music room, where they sing, move, play instruments, and develop musical skills through engaging, hands-on activities. Music instruction follows Utah Fine Arts standards and incorporates the Kodály approach, helping students build a strong foundation in rhythm, pitch, listening, and musical literacy in a fun and joyful way.
Students visit our school library with Ms. Beckstrand to discover the joy of reading and learning. They enjoy stories, explore a variety of books, practice library skills, and learn how to care for books while building a lifelong love of reading.
Once each month, Ms. Wilkinson joins us in our classroom for engaging lessons that encourage students to think deeply, solve problems, and explore ideas in new ways. Throughout the year, students develop a variety of thinking skills, including multiple intelligences, convergent thinking, divergent thinking, visual thinking, and evaluative thinking. These interactive lessons help students build creativity, confidence, and flexible thinking skills that support learning across all subject areas.
Quick View