"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning"
-Fred Rogers
"Knowledge is Power." -Francis Bacon
"Success breeds motivation" -The Reading League
These three quotes beautifully capture my teaching philosophy.
I believe students learn best when they are actively engaged. Our classroom will be filled with the joyful hum of learning as students ask questions, explore new ideas, create, discover, and yes—even get a little messy! My goal is for every child to be excited to come to school each day and happily tired when they head home.
I also believe that a strong foundation of knowledge opens doors to endless opportunities. Every story we read, every math problem we solve, and every discovery we make builds the skills and confidence students will use throughout their lives.
Finally, I want every child to see challenges as opportunities to grow. As students persevere through new experiences and celebrate their successes, they develop the confidence and motivation to become lifelong learners.
Kindergarten is an incredible adventure, and together we will build upon the wonderful foundation you have established at home. I am honored to be part of your child's educational journey. Let the adventure begin!
This website contains important information about our classroom, including our daily schedule, reading calendars, and monthly book reports. Student grades can be accessed through Aspire. Please make sure you have access to these resources and sign up for notifications so you don't miss important updates throughout the year.
About me
My name is Rachel Smith. I have worked in the education field for over 20 years. I have taught preschool, kindergarten (my favorite), 1st grade, and gifted/talented classes. I have also served as a literacy coach and a curriculum director during my career. My happy place is being in the classroom with my wonderful students. I love helping them develop their curiosity and fall in love with learning. I hold a master's of education in educational psychology and a bachelor of science in early childhood education. I am a certified level 2 Utah Early Childhood teacher with a level 2 reading endorsement.
I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and am the youngest of 5 children. I have loved calling Utah home. It is a great place to explore the outdoors and have adventures. My husband and I have two wonderful daughters who we adore to pieces. We love to bike together, explore different parks, visit the library, and play in our yard.