Kindergarten is a magical year. Students grow to love learning through exploration and discovery. The students will have ample opportunities to experience and appreciate nature throughout the year. Although there are many unknowns, we will build a school family. The students will learn integrity and respect. By the end of the year they will be experts at love and compassion. Kindergarten is also an exciting and meaningful year for students. This year, your child will be given the opportunity to grow academically and socially. We will work together to establish a community where the children feel safe and comfortable. With all of us working together, we know this year will be a success!

Throughout the year, kindergartners learn all the basic and foundational skills of phonics, reading, writing, math, and science. La Tierra meets all state science and social studies standards through expeditions. There are two Celebrations of Learning per year that allow students to showcase their work and teach their families all of the amazing things they have learned.

I am so excited to see all the new faces and create a wonderful school family together!

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS AUGUST 1st, 2024!

Until then, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

My name is Miss Kat, and I am thrilled to be the kindergarten teacher this year. I started working at La Tierra in 2018 as a classroom helper while pursuing a degree in Environmental Education at Prescott College. Currently, I am obtaining my Master of Education degree.

I love to travel, hike, read, and do yoga in my free time. I find inspiration in nature and our relationships with the world around us. As a teacher, I strive to incorporate this into my teachings and foster a sense of awe and admiration for our natural wonders. I am excited about this school year and look forward to meeting all my students and their families.

Here is our daily schedule:

7:45-8:15- Arrival (please drop your child off between this time on the upper playground)

8:15-8:45- Crew

8:45-9:10- Handwriting

9:15-9:40- Snack

9:45-10:30-Math

10:35-11:25- Phonics/Listening & Learning

11:25-12:00- Playtime

12:00-12:05- Clean Up & Wash Hands

12:05-12:40-Luch/Recess

12:45-1:15- Science

1:20-2:05- Small groups (M,W) STEM (Tu,Th)

2:05-2:55- Art (M,W) P.E. (Tu,Th)

2:55-3:00- Jobs & Pick-Up

Heidi Songs- phonics

Handwriting Heroes- practice handwriting

Learning Sight Words- Preschool Prep Company channel on Youtube

Text or call-(603) 425-8020

Email- kat@latierracommunityschool.org

Office/Principle:

Phone- 928-445-5100

Email- office@latierracommunityschool.org

• Time Commitment: Please set aside 10 minutes of reading time a day, five days a week, every week of the month. This will total approximately 50 minutes of reading each week.

• Reading Log: Please record each time your child reads with you in their reading log. They can color the shape for each book that is read to them. This will help me track their progress and encourage them to stay on track. The logs will be due at the end of each month and must be turned in to the teacher. 

Grading:

• 10% of Reading Grade: The time spent reading at home will account for 10% of your child's reading grade. Consistent practice is key, and we want to make sure every child is building strong reading habits.

Monthly Completion:

• New Book: Upon completing their reading log for each month, your child will receive a new book to take home and enjoy! This is a fun way to keep them motivated and excited about reading.

Thank you for your support in making reading a priority at home. Together, we can help your child develop strong reading skills and a lifelong love of books. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need additional resources.

"I Love You Rituals" are special activities we do in our classroom to build strong connections and create a loving, supportive community. These fun, playful interactions help children feel safe, loved, and valued, which is essential for their emotional and social growth.

Why They’re Important:

• Builds Bonds: These rituals strengthen the relationship between teachers and students, as well as between classmates. When children feel connected, they’re more likely to listen, cooperate, and care for one another.

• Boosts Self-Esteem: Through eye contact, touch, and positive affirmations, "I Love You Rituals" help children feel good about themselves. This boosts their confidence and encourages them to take on challenges.

• Teaches Social Skills: The rituals are not only fun but also teach important social skills like cooperation, sharing, and empathy. Children learn how to interact positively with others in a joyful and natural way.

• Creates Joyful Moments: Whether it’s a special handshake, a playful rhyme, or a gentle hug, these rituals make our classroom a happy place to be!

Examples of "I Love You Rituals":

• Singing a special song together

• Sharing a favorite rhyme or chant

• Doing a fun handshake or high-five

• Giving a gentle hug or a pat on the back

Conscious Discipline is more than just a classroom management approach—it's a way of building a positive, caring, and safe learning environment for everyone. Here’s how it works:

1. Building Connections:

• Conscious Discipline helps us create strong, positive relationships in our classroom. We focus on connecting through kindness, understanding, and empathy. When we feel connected, we feel safe and ready to learn!

2. Understanding Emotions:

• We all have big feelings sometimes, and that’s okay! Conscious Discipline teaches us how to recognize and manage our emotions in a healthy way. We use calming techniques like deep breathing, taking a break, or talking about our feelings to help us stay in control.

3. Problem-Solving Skills:

• Instead of just telling children what not to do, Conscious Discipline teaches them how to solve problems on their own. We practice using words to express our needs and work together to find solutions that make everyone feel good.

4. Creating a Safe Space:

• Our classroom is a safe place where everyone is respected. We learn to care for ourselves, each other, and our classroom. This helps us build a community where everyone feels like they belong.

5. Learning from Mistakes:

• Mistakes are part of learning! Conscious Discipline encourages us to see mistakes as opportunities to grow. We learn to reflect on our actions, make better choices, and try again with support from our teachers and classmates.

Why It Matters: Conscious Discipline helps children develop important life skills like empathy, self-control, and problem-solving. It’s about creating a positive environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and ready to learn!

1. We Take Care of Ourselves: We practice being mindful of our feelings and bodies. When we feel upset, we use deep breaths and calming techniques to help us feel better. We have a safe space where anyone can take a moment to relax and regulate their body.

2. We Take Care of Each Other: We are a family in our class. We use kind words, gentle hands, and friendly actions. If someone needs help, we are there to support them. We also practice using our "Big Voice" to speak up respectfully if something isn't right.

3. We Take Care of Our Classroom: Our classroom is special. We work together to keep it clean, organized, and fun. We have jobs like Line Leader, Table Helper, and Clean-Up Crew to ensure everyone contributes.

4. We Solve Problems Together: When we have a problem, we talk about it calmly. We use "I" messages, like "I feel..." and "I need..." to express our feelings. We work together to find a solution that makes everyone feel good.

5. We Celebrate Our Successes: We celebrate when we make good choices! Whether it's a high-five, a cheer, or words of encouragement, we recognize the positive things we do daily.

As a teacher, I believe every child deserves to learn in a safe, caring environment where they feel valued and supported. I am committed to creating a classroom rooted in love, where each student's unique potential is nurtured, and learning is a joyful and inclusive experience for all.