Blog entry #3

1. To make her students feel loved and safe, Mrs. Wilcox makes sure that when students are acting out that they get time to themselves but that they also have a discussion with the teacher about why they are acting this way.  Instead of fully focusing on what was wrong Mrs. Wilcox supports validating the kids and what could be upsetting them that day.  Then we go over what ways could be better in dealing with our feelings and identifying them.  Many times we find out something has happened at home or with a friend that has upset the student and made it hard to focus for them.  By venting to the teacher and identifying the feeling they build a relationship and trust with you, they also increase their emotional intelligence.
2. Mrs. Wilcox recognizes students' individual skills by giving them a chance to share them.  She often hands them the mic for the classroom so they can demonstrate the skill they are working on.  For instance, we sing the ABC song every day in the afternoon.  During this time when Mrs. Wilcox spots a child singing and following along fairly accurately, she lets them use the microphone to help lead the class.  They can also lead the class in dance moves while they do it.  It makes them feel important and I've seen every kid go up at one time or another when they are doing particularly well that day or they are at least putting in some good effort.
3.  A clear routine that is set up amongst all the kindergarten classrooms as well as Mrs Wilcox's room is lining up.  Later in the afternoon the teachers divide their kids up amongst each other based on what skill the child is working on.  Despite being in a mixed up group of all classes the children always know where they line up, what is expected and which assistant they wait for to come pick up their line to take them back to class.  I assume they have this so well down because for the first week they focused on practicing classroom behaviors and where they should go when in groups.  This was rehearsed many times and much praise was given to "friends who followed directions".