Remote Learning Updates!

To all of my room 22 kindergarteners and families, I am so impressed with how well you have all adapted to our changes in learning over the past 6 weeks as we have moved to remote learning! Your dedication, flexibility and creativity to make it work has been inspiring. One of my favorite parts of our new mode of learning is the connections that have remained with you all. I especially enjoy all of the updates and photos you've been sending my way! I wanted to share some of those with you all as another way for us all to feel connected.

Ryan misses all of his room 22 friends so much, that he wrote a poem!
How sweet Ryan. We miss you very much too!

Our friends had a chance to enjoy one last snowy day of the season, and what a beautiful day it was!
Andrew, that snowman is even taller than you are! Wow!

Room 22 friends have spent extra quality time with their siblings and family members during our time at home. I love getting to see all of the fun you're having together and the memories you have made.

Charlotte participated in Sports Day with her sisters, showing off their school spirit!

What a sweet moment, as Meera and her brother stop to notice the beauty in nature.

James and his sister look for signs of spring together on their walk!

Reading outside on a sunny day! What a peaceful, relaxing way to enjoy a good book!

Baking fun in the kitchen!

Lila wanted to make school lunch just like Ms. Marian & Ms. Renee!
Corndog nuggets just like on our school menu!

Lila baking banana bread!

Serena-Rae is creating her very own cookbook and testing out recipes in her kitchen!

Growing Readers!

Working to build CVCe words

Still thoroughly enjoying Dr. Seuss books after we celebrated his birthday in early March!

What a cozy spot to read in your very own pillow fort!

Look at that happy smile while enjoying a virtual read aloud by Mrs. Caruso!

What a focused reader our friend Scott is. Way to go Scott!

Friends Enjoying Remote Math Time

Friends are enjoying Zearn time at home practicing creating number bonds and number sentences.

Making groups of 10.

Forming a number bond to make 5.

Social-Emotional Learning

Thoughtfulness in Friendship

Students have shown inspiring acts of kindness within our Room 22 family. During outdoor play, students sit on our buddy bench on the playground if they feel left out or are in need of a friend to play with. Several of my thoughtful kindergarteners go right over to the bench and make the friend feel included. During indoor play choice, students have demonstrated acts of selflessness by leaving their play choice to join a friend playing alone. It really is true, that "kindness begins with me."

Kindness

This past week the Darcey School community has focused on kindness. At our Darcey town meeting, kindergarteners shared a kindness mantra: Kindness Begins With Me. We also shared a beautiful poem, or kindness pledge. Students were so proud to share this poem with others and represent ways that they have demonstrated kindness to others.

Building Community

Each day we build our classroom community by greeting and welcoming members of our classroom and by developing connections with others throughout play and academic tasks. Students' thoughts and ideas are valued, giving them the feeling of ownership of their environment, and a drive to be invested in their learning. Together we formed our classroom rules, valuing being safe, being kind, being respectful and being responsible. Classroom jobs have also been implemented and everyone has been very eager to take on their new role each week! I am looking forward to continuing to build our classroom community throughout the year and getting to know my room 22 family!

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is integrated throughout each and every one of our school days here at Darcey School. We incorporate "mindful moments" at the close of our morning meetings and at the start of our closing circles, each day in room 22. We get our minds and bodies ready for our day of learning and development with deep, calming breaths and sharing in positive energy with a goal or mindset. These brief but powerful moments help our children to become aware of, and channel their energy and emotions.

Mrs. Caruso's Kindergarten class