About Mrs. Penna
Early childhood is my joy! I've taught preschool through third grade, so far. Children are an important part of my life. I am happy to be returning to my sixth year facilitating full-day Kindergarten at Waggoner!
Our Class
We have a wonderful group of 20 students this year with a nice balance of interests and readiness levels. In addition to individual assignments, we work in whole, small, and partner groups to grow socially while we build academic skills.
The "Kinders" are capable learners and enjoy this taste of independence. The children practice self-management, personal organization, and learn to view themselves as contributing learners within our classroom community. We recognize and value individual differences. Together, we learn what it means to be a person of good character through "Character Counts."
Our parents are active partners. Parents assist with learning centers, supply donations, special events, and offer to share time and talents as they apply to topics of learning.
The Penna Post, my weekly newsletter comes home every Monday through email distribution. Parents have a "window" on the week's learning to stay connected!
As the Post is forward moving, parents are able to see a preview of learning to come. Important skill-based ideas to try at home and reminders of dates for classroom and Waggoner events are also posted.
THE ARTS:
Waggoner enjoys an exceptional volunteer art program, Art Masterpiece. The children are exposed twice monthly to notable artists and periods. Following an age-appropriate presentation, the chidren are invited to try spotlighted techniques.
This year, our Kindergarteners experience a second library experience. Our Waggoner Librarian, Ms. Rubocki, facilitates a lesson that supports our literacy goals in Kindergarten.Children work on reading readiness skills such as rhyming early in the year, and move on to advanced skills such as identifying character, setting, problem, etc. within quality literature.
Welcome to the
2009 - 2010
School Year!
Projects/Events to
look forward to this year
- Teddy Bear Picnic
- Brown Bear Color Study
- "Mouse Watch" -Science Inquiry and class pet fundraiser
- Nifty Fifty Day
- Fall Party and Parade
- Turkey Trot and Picnic
- Winter Party
- 100th Day Celebration
- Writers' Celebration
- Friendship Party
- Spring Field Trip
- Patriotic Unit and Program
- Mad Science Workshops
- Kinder Year-End Celebration
Technology:
We are excited to have once again five laptops and document projectors in the classroom for state-of-the-art instruction and technology integration. This year, we have the benefit of a Smart Board to engage and advance learning in new ways! By mid-year, we hope to have the Kinders comfortably logging on and utilizing the computers to naturally extend the learnings.
Class Schedule
The "Kinders" enjoy a schedule devoted primarily to math and integrated learning Centers in the morning. Centers bring into practice the main learning goals in hands-on, small group settings which are often supported by adults. Following daily Centers, the children enjoy snack followed by recess. After this age-appropriate break to "get out the wiggles," the children return to the Sciences. We reserve a lengthy block for phonics and reading instruction until lunch.
Afternoons are age-appropriately varied for movement and variety. Following lunch (and rest in the fall), afternoons are comprised of "Specials"- P.E. or Music and Writers' Workshop with exposure to a variety of genres and models. Children make books with emphasis on the personal narrative. We try on different writer's strategies with mentor texts as models. We conclude with paired academic Partner Stations. On Fridays, earned privileges add variety to the afternoon.
Our Class Links
Sciences
launch page
Reading Activities
Math
Activities
SPECIALS at 12:50-1:20 PM
Monday and Friday- P.E
Tuesday and Thursday- Music
Wed.- Library Check-out
Early Release @12:30
The children also enjoy reserved computer lab, motivational assemblies, and special guest presenters as studies and interests develop.
Homework
Children receive a homework packet each Monday that is due by Friday. The packet reinforces the learning targets of the week.
On the first day of each month, sight word flashcards accompanied by suggestions for games and activities come home for practice.
Beginning in mid-October, a trade book at the child's reading level is also sent home each week.
Individual homework is assigned for additional support or challenge, as needed. Parents may recognize individualized work by the special "Frog Homework" stamp in the upper corner or "C.W" for challenge work.
Classroom Management
The children make choices to support learning. Rewards of the teacher' s time ("Lunch Bunch") and class celebrations (game boards, theme party, kickball game), are group incentives.Individual rewards (trinket, free-time coupon), for great independent academic and behavioral choices can also be earned. Redirections or short time outs help guide a child who is struggling to make the right decision.