Thursday, November 3, 2011

A few Reminders

Just a quick reminder that this month's payment is now due.
tots $35
T, W, TR $85
T, TR $59

Please pay promtly. I am having more and more troubles with collecting payments. Some of you are so wonderful, and others not so much. Please come see me if you are having payment issues.

Book order due Tuesday Nov 8th.

Homework went home in your child's back packs today, so please try and get those things done as time allows you at home.

The kids know that my neck is out of order so to speak, so I have been wearing my brace to stablize my neck. I am hopeful that things get better rather than worse..

Monday, October 31, 2011

NO SCHOOL TUE NOV 1ST

I am hoping this will be the last day of school that I will have to cancell. I had yet another epidural today and they are hopeful that this one will work..

It is Dinosaur Week so can't wait to see all of the kids Wed and Thursday.

Ms. Kocher

Thursday, October 27, 2011

LIFE IS A PAIN IN THE NECK....



I have to appologize yet again for my missing school. I assure you the kids had a fun filled party while I was gone. Thanks to Chrissy Garton for taking the Tots Class, and Kelli Jonhson and Crissy McCombs for taking the older kids.

The past couple of weeks have been a real struggle for me. I woke up with a kinked neck on a Tuesday, went to my routine Chiropractor treatment on a Thursday, ended up in the hospital that weekend. Had an MRI and was told I had buldging disks in my c spine in that 5-7 range, which not only causes a horrible upper back ach, but severe pain in my left arm and hards. I have been living on muscle relaxers and lots of oxy codone. It has been tough for me to function and teaching school has proven to be ok, during the day on ibupropn 800's but by afterschool the pain is so bad it has sent me to the er twice.

Today I had a spinal epidural that injectted numbing medicine into my spine. It worked great for about 10hrs, but here I sit at the computer at 1:00 a.m. in terrible pain again. I just dont know what to do. School must go on. My mind can teach school, my body wants, to, but my hand arm and back just throbb. I can't even explain it to you.. uffff

Anyhow for the next 3 weeks i must take it semi easy and hope the shot gives out atleast a little more relieve than it is giving out right now. If not, next step spin doctor. And yes can you believe this all because I woke up with a kinked neck. SO FRUSTRATING....

Thanks to Krisit Hauegeno for taking me to the hospital more times than I can count, Kurt for keeping the kids extra so I could try and heal, and to the many nice people who have helped me out. Thanks to April and her children for the lovely flowers and balloon, Ellen for making me smile, and to everbody else that has wished me well.

I feel so stupid even whining about this pain when I know there are others dealing with way worse things in the world. I never knew how much pain could affect a person's daily life. Now I know why some people don't work.. big sigh.

Anyhow, School resumes normal next week. I hope and pray I have the strength and energy to keep going...

Ms. Kocher

Monday, October 24, 2011

November News Letter

November Greetings,
Fall is here and the kids and I have been following daily just how fast the leaves not only change color, but fall off the trees as well. We have been learning about the seasons, and how weather changes. The kids all know what once the leaves are gone WINTER is here!

October was a great month filled with the beginning of the alphabet letters A, B, and C. We did units on Apples, Baking, & Caterpillars. Special thanks go out to Ekness Super Value for making our baking field trip so wonderful.

Letter D leads us right into our Dinosaur unit where kids will be scraping and digging bones out of our wonder buckets at school. Be prepared to hear lots about dinosaurs at home.

Basic skills for October included big, small, sequencing, patterning, short, & tall. We also started our beginning writing skills and our All About Me books. We will be working more on our handwriting and concentrating on getting our names written this month. Be prepared for a bit of homework; so be checking those take home folders daily.

This month’s focus units will be on Dinosaurs, Thanksgiving, Helping others and Family.

My apologies for the lost week of preschool in October. Who knew that waking up with a kinked neck could send me to the hospital for 3 days with a bulging disk. UFF.. I will be gone this Thursday October 27th in the afternoon ONLY. I am going to have a spinal epidural placed in my neck as a way to numb the pain. I am going to give it my all to continue teaching. Thanks for the volunteers that have offered to come in some days. It is much appreciated. Any days here on that I am gone will be discounted on the next month’s payment schedule. I will keep you posted.

Please take time to occasionally check out the ELB Blog. Because I have been sending you paper copies each week, I am no longer posting in detail what we are doing, however I do post special reminders etc, so please be checking it. http://earlylearningbegindergarten.blogspot.com/


Book orders are in and I am once again sending new order sheets out. Order if you like, or simply discard.

We lost a couple of students last month due to oil field people moving. If you know of anybody interested in preschool, please let them know we have openings. We do however welcome Jackson to our morning group. His parents are the new managers of the Gardian Inn.

I am almost done with the logistics of the scratch cards fundraiser so hopefully those will be done and ready to start with in the month. Thanks to those whom have participated in the magazine sales via email. Every penny helps. If you haven’t started please visit this following web site to help support our cause: www.efundraisingonline.com/ELB_preschool
We have raised $149.60 thus far.

In November, we always help out the food pantry by donating 1 bag of food per student to help the pantry during the holidays. Please send your bag of food to school on November 17th. We will be visiting the pantry, and learning about how the food pantry works.

This year we are going something wild crazy and downright fun. We are having a Potluck Preschool Thanksgiving Feast for all families. This is how it will work. On Tuesday November 22nd there will be no regular preschool. Preschool this day will run from 11:00-1:00 for all students and parents. Parents and children are asked to bring a “feast pot luck item” to school, which could be your child’s favorite food. We want foods that children just love. Idea items: pizza, mac & cheese, pb jelly sandwiches, chicken nuggets and fries, pizza rolls, sandwiches, salads, mashed potatoes, spaghetti o’s etc. We are going to have a feast and be thankful together as a large preschool family. I will send a reminder letter home later on. Please note we have 26 preschool students and family, so bring enough to share with all. J

I think this is enough to overwhelm you for you now, so call with any questions.

Happy Autumn,



Ms. Kocher

641-9902 text any time
965-2073 home number

ELB HALLOWEEN PARTY INFO

Wed October 26th Afternoon Party
Thursday October 27th Morning Party
I will be gone Thursday afternoon to the back doctor

Those not bringing food this time will bring next time.

Elijah & Austin- 1 bag of chips
Isaac & Brigid- Something fun or backed
Jocia & Charlie- 1 jar of pickles
Josie L & Chayton- ½ gallon of vanilla ice cream
Megan & Emmalee Open Face Sandwiches
Andrew, Jackson, Hunter, & Jonas fun sprinkles or decorations for ice cream.

· Please send a $3 to $5 wrapped Halloween gift to school with your child to exchanges. This can be anything from beanie babies, coloring books, Halloween novelty items etc. We will then have a trail of treats and treasures and end the hunt with orange ice cream and balloons.
Make Sure you wear an old Costume.
One that can get dirty.

Every Year in Begindergarten we follow the great wise tale of “The Great Pumpkin,” As told by Linus in the “It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.”

We decorate bags and watch the video in hopes that the great pumpkin will bring us something fun. We hunt through the church looking for treasures and make a big event out of it.

Please send a flash light to school with your child, and $1.00 for a balloon.

Can’t wait to see you there!!!! J

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Happy Fall

You can roll in the leaves, feel the cool breeze, stuff a scare crow top to bottom, and you can call it FALL if that's what you please, but I say I like AUTUMN.

This is the kids' favorite song at preschool right now. Kids love exploring the seasons and especially found it enjoyable to go on the leave hunt we did last week. So many colors of leaves fall of the trees, and feeling them, crunching them, and just collecting them was a treat.

This year instead of updating the blog every single week, I am once again sending the paper sheet home on Thursday. I find it a bit easier for parents, whom just dont have time to check the computer weekly. This way all of your child's information is just a quick glance into their take home folder. :)

Right now as most of you may or may not know, I have found myself in a funny pickle. I slept wrong one night last week, kinked my neck, and took a routine trip to the chiropractor. After the treatment the pain worsend and I have been in and out of the hospital with a bulging disk. How something so crazy as sleeping wrong on your neck can turn so ugly is just insain to me. It has been very painful, and I am awaiting an mri on Thursday to see exactly what is going on. I will keep all of my preschool families posted. I may have to take this week off just to relax. Just typing now sends pains all the way down my arm. Just frustrating.

Thanks for understanding..

ms. kocher

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Tots in Training Info

Tots in Training Curriculum
Cost $35 per month for 4 days of school Wed morning froms 10:00-12:00
$35 registration fee to enroll
This class is full as of August 14th. If you would like to put your child's name on the waiting list, please give me a call. :) 965-2073

The Tots in Training curriculum incorporates the first steps necessary to prepare children for preschool, kindergarten and beyond! This program begins moving from childcare toward a more structured educational format in preparation for preschool as children expand their ability to sit and listen for longer periods of time.

Two-year-olds will participate in hands-on activities while learning how to solve problems by creating solutions - all by themselves! Working independently, participating in teacher-directed activities and as part of a group builds their confidence and self-esteem while fostering their ability to communicate their own likes and dislikes.

Main Objectives:

Social and Emotional
Self Concept
Demonstrates self-confidence
Shows some self-direction
Self Control
Follows simple classroom rules and routines with guidance
Uses classroom materials carefully
Manages transitions with undue stress
Relationships with Adults
Interacts with familiar adults
Relationships with Peers
Interacts with one or more children
Participates in the group life of the class
Shows empathy and caring for others
Social Problem-Solving
Seeks adult help when needed to resolve conflicts





Motor DevelopmentGross Motor DevelopmentMoves with some balance and controlJumps in place and off of low objectsAbility to stop and turn while runningWalks up and down stairs independently, using alternating feetJumps with both feet togetherAbility to walk on tiptoes for a short distanceAbility to ride a tricycle using the pedalsFine Motor DevelopmentUses strength and control to perform simple tasksUses eye-hand coordination to perform tasksAbility to pull apart large pop-it beads and put them together againUses one hand to turn the pages of a bookBuilds a tower of ten blocksAbility to use hand motions as in the song "Where is Thumbkin?"Self-Help Skills DevelopmentWashes and dries own handsAbility to pull shirt over their heads and put arms through sleevesAbility to pull their pants down and upAbility to feed themselves without help, using a spoon and often a fork


Language and Communication

Listening
Gains meaning by listening
Has ability to hear and discriminate the sounds of language
Shows appreciation for books and has the ability to sit still and listen to stories being read in group settings
Comprehends and responds appropriately to questions regarding stories read aloud

Speaking
Speaks clearly enough to be understood by most listeners

Vocabulary
Uses language with increasing clarity and order
Uses an expanded vocabulary to describe objects, actions, and events
Enjoys repeating songs and rhymes
Beginning to use rules of grammar in speech, using personal pronouns; plurals; and an increasing number of positional words

Conversation

Uses language to express needs and feelings, share experiences, and resolve problems
Initiates, asks questions, and responds to adults and peers in a variety of settings


Cognitive Development and General Knowledge

Exploration and Discovery

Increased ability to verbalize and/or respond to observations
Uses objects as tools for learning
Demonstrates a curiosity through play and by persistently asking "why"

Concept Development and Memory

Beginning to understand abstract concepts such as now and later, over and under
Demonstrates increased recall
Beginning to understand quantity
Sorts objects by color or size
Completes three-or four- piece puzzles
Participates in role-playing
Ability to relate current experiences to past experiences
Problem Solving and Creative Expression
Demonstrates trial-and-error approach in learning
Demonstrates the development of rhythm
Beginning to show an understanding of humor
Joining in or trying to sing songs and finger plays without encouragement
Demonstrates the ability to move in time with music


Creativity in the Classroom

Art:

Art for toddlers (ages 12-36 months) is an often misunderstood concept. Can the scribbles that two-year-old children create really be called art? Absolutely! Allowing a two year old to explore art materials and create something unique is an important part of child development. Scribbling can be hard work too – strengthening the muscles in the hand as the child holds tightly while scribbling. Holding a pencil, crayon etc, helps gain greater muscle control so fine motor skills are targeted.

At this age, art activities for 2 year olds are all about exploring and manipulating the medium whether it is paints, pudding or peanut butter! Sensory perception is the way toddlers and preschoolers learn about their world. It is through sight, sound, hearing and especially taste and touch that they can internalize and eventually understand what the world is made of.

Learning through play
Through quality play activities, children gather valuable information and develop critical skills that will support academic success. So what does child's play really mean?
Pretend play - Children acting out real life or imaginary experiences are trying to make sense or feel in control of their world.
Art - Scrubbing, tearing, cutting, painting, rolling and pounding clay are all art experiences that help children learn how the mind and hands can work together to create. Art assists in gaining control of hand muscles, which is necessary for pre-writing. Art experiences can also prepare children for math and science by using colors, textures, forms and shapes.
Language - Written and spoken words will help children develop a love for reading that will flourish over a lifetime. When children use their own language to express feelings or thoughts, they begin to feel the power of speech. When they sing, listen to poetry, are read to, and are given time to review books, they experience the joy of the written word.
Music and movement - Music and moving the body informally help provide children with a physical outlet. Soothing music can ease fears and anxiety, whereas dance music can help children develop motor skills, be silly and have fun. Singing helps children integrate new words into their vocabulary and experiment with speech patterns.
Manipulatives - The doors to the world of math are opened wide with manipulatives such as stacking blocks, pegboards and stringing beads, because they offer opportunities to classify, sequence, sort and match.
Blocks - Decision making, planning, sharing, cooperating, sense of accomplishment and pre-math skills are just a few of the familiar skills that a child will develop in the block area.
Science - Basic cognitive skills of cause and effect are all gained in this exploratory area.

The Basics:
Beginning writing skills- scribbling
Beginning art- Creativity with an array of art supplies: glue, markers etc.
Beginning counting 1-5 plus
Beginning color and shape practice
Repetition as a way to instill important concepts
Cleaning up after ones self and helping to clean up as a group
Independence in daily activities- Putting jacket on, shoes on etc.
Vocalization- Beginning sounds and clearer speaking
Intro to calendar time and circle time
Info on potty training through books and videos to promote independence- Please note, I will not be potty training your child. I will however be working with them to promote growth that will help you at home make an easier transition to the potty.
Music and movement
Importance of play
Block building and fine motor improvement- puzzles etc.

Nutrition is paramount in the development of young children. With this in mind, I ask you as parents to make sure your children eat a well-balanced nutritious breakfast before coming to school. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and as most parents know greatly affects a child’s mood. A child is more likely to come to school happy and ready to learn if they have a full tummy.
Right now I am asking that your child take his or her turn in bringing the daily snack each month. Snack calendars go out at the beginning of each month. I also ask that your child bring a sippy cup of milk, juice, or water to school each day.
Early Learning Begindergarten wants to emphasize continuous, open communication between teachers and parents. This aspect is critical in maintaining high levels of parental confidence and satisfaction. With this comes my open door policy.
Open Door policy:
This policy encourages parents to get involved in classroom and center activities. I believe this is critical in assisting families to monitor each child's development, as well as maintaining a high level of confidence between parents and teacher. It is also extremely nice to have the extra help, so feel free to volunteer to drop by and help with projects, field trips etc.
Early Learning Begindergarten Commitment:
It is my goal to provide you with the best caring, nurturing, and supportive environment around. I promise to provide a creative, developmentally appropriate curriculum for the preschool age child that encompasses all facets of learning. I will work hard to achieve the curriculum goals, and hope you will help me to help your child succeed in getting an early start.
In conclusion, It may look like child’s play to you, but there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes! Social development advances while critical thinking and rationalization skills become more sophisticated. Stimulating and fun activities are used to develop a life-long love of learning. J

Sincerely,

Anjelika Kocher

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me
965-2073
641-9902 Feel free to text me :)





Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Early Learning Begindergarten Information and handbook 2011-2012

If you are wanting more information on "ELB" Preschool, this posts should fill you in.

If you have any further questions, please contact Anjelika Kocher at 701-965-2073 or 701-641-9902

preschool runs tues and thurs from 9:00-11:30 for younger 3 and 4 year olds, and 12:30-3:00 for older 4 and 5 year olds.

Wednesday session is an advanced session that is for older 4 and 5 year olds, or those who will be attending kindergarten the following year. It will run tentativly from 12:30-3:00. This depends on the number who enroll. Please note, it may be in the morning, but right now it is set for the afternoon.

If there is additional space for younger children in the wed class, they are more than welcome to attend...

Cost for preschool is $65 for 8 days.
If your child is in the Wednesday class, a charge of $6.50 per day is added to the $65 monthly fee. So if there are 8 days of preschool and 4 full Wednesday classes, the monthly fee would be $91

Early Learning
Begindergarten
A preschool to help your child grow, play and learn

What is Begindergarten? Begindergarten is the start of a new beginning for preschool age children. It is a preschool that gets children ready for Kindergarten, by not only teaching them skills they will use forever, but allows them to be kids, and play. It is important to remember that children begin learning from the moment they are born. The environment we create for them provides a foundation for their development throughout life.

Who is your Begindergarten Teacher? My name is Anjelika Kocher, and I am a certified Elementary Teacher/Early Childhood educator. I graduated from VSCU in Valley City, ND in 2001 and since then have enjoyed subbing in the Divide County school system. I did my Elementary student teaching here with Mrs. Stefonowics, and my Early Childhood student teaching with Mrs. Clemens. Mrs. Clemens taught me numerous things that I have implemented into my classroom.

Why did I start this program? Throughout my college years, I made it my goal to come back to small town North Dakota and teach preschool. After getting married, and having children, I decided that being a mom was the most important job in the world. It wasn’t until my oldest son Grant turned 3 that I knew I needed to get a preschool program started here in Crosby. After spending lots of time doing things in Estevan like swimming lessons, dance class, and weekly fun reading days at the Esteven Library that I realized that my three year was behind. Most three year olds there could write their first name, and count to 20. I couldn’t believe it. We are only 30 miles from a place that has 6 preschools. With that, I decided it was time to put my education to work.

Here at Early Learning Begindergarten, I have taken the responsibility of choosing and implementing my preschool curriculum very seriously. With three small children at home, I know that the early years are the most important for a child's brain development. My preschool toddler curriculum is designed to enhance brain development in a multitude of age-appropriate and multi-sensory ways.
Additionally, I want to spend a lot of time just listening to and talking with your preschoolers. This type of positive interaction encourages the development of emotional, language, and social skills and enhances the development of a positive self-esteem. It is my goal to provide lots of opportunities for each child to develop personal interests at his or her own pace.
To ensure that children are kept interested, excited, and engaged in learning, I will be helping children expand their knowledge and skills by incorporating several hands on projects into my curriculum. This not only makes learning fun, but helps make connections between all disciplines of learning.

Early Learning Begindergarten Curriculum offers:
· An opportunity for children to "learn how to learn" by helping them discover answers through hands-on learning activities that stimulate their curiosity and creativity.
· Language development, as well as thinking and motor skills.
· Interaction with other children through cooperative learning activities together with social skill awareness; i.e., good manners and appropriate ways to behave.
· Curriculum activities that foster a positive self-image in each child and facilitate in their intellectual, social, emotional & physical development.
· Teacher flexibility within the curriculum to adapt activities according to the needs of the child.
For younger preschoolers (3 and young 4-year-olds) I want to promote literacy and assist preschoolers in the mastery of the following skills:

· Upper/lower case alphabets
· Beginning writing skills
· Numbers
· Counting 1-30+
· Writing first names
· Introduction to phonics
· Primary colors
· Basic shapes
· Preschool math
· Days of the week
· Months of the year
· The four seasons & weather
· Using scissors and glue
· Memorization of The Pledge of Allegiance

For the Older 4-5 Year olds, I want to not only master the above skills, but focus on more advanced activites that will give them a true head start when entering kindergarten. This skills include:
· Letter recognition- Children will be able to recognize all letters of the alphabet as well as the letter sound associated with that letter.
· Number recognition- Children will be able to write numbers 1-10 as well as recognize those numbers. This past year, we went ever further, and most children could write and identify to 20.
· Site Reading- At the end of the year, children will be focusing on site words and will be able to put letter sounds together to help them start reading.
· Address & Phone Number- Memorization of address and phone number is done early on in the year. We also spend time working on memorizing 911.
* We focus a great deal on writing skills at school. Most children start the year not knowing how to hold a pencil, and end the year writing their name, and identifying the letters of their name. By the second year of preschool, children are not only writing their first names, but their last names as well.


Classroom units revolve around the letter of the week. For example: T is for Teeth. Children will do an entire unit on Teeth while focusing on the letter T and the sound that T makes. We do the following with each unit:
· Introduce letter of week
· Read the book that corresponds with that letter
· Letter activities at the alphabet center
· Letter T handwriting sheet
· Letter bag
Repetition, I believe, is the main way that preschool age children learn. We do many things over and over until that concept is instilled in their minds. I use a lot of Barney videos to help reinforce concepts.
I strive to take learning to all dimensions. I want each child to walk away from an alphabet unit learning a great deal. Field trips really help excite children. We have done things like g to the Post Office during M is for mail week, go to the dentist office during T is for teeth week, and make personal pizzas during P is for pizza week.
As a way to finish off the school year, we take a field trip to Estevan, Sask. We call it our “Spring Fun Day.” Children will get a chance to play at the Estevan Family Center, go to McDonalds for lunch, and spend the afternoon swimming at the Leisure center. The past 2 years we haven't made it to Estevan due to lack of parent volunteers.

Although ABCs and 123s are very important concepts, others are equally important to prepare children for kindergarten and to give them the "I Can Do It" attitude. Throughout the year, the following skills are worked on in an environment that is full of friendly, play-like experiences:
Emotional Maturity - Learning to make choices, involvement in the classroom, self-motivation.
Social Skills - Getting along with others, making friends, taking part in conversation.
Self Help Skills - Being responsible for personal belongings, cleaning up after oneself, dressing oneself.
Learning Skills - Finding solutions to problems, solving age appropriate puzzles, repeating patterns and references.
Creative Thinking Skills - Thinking divergently, sharing new ideas, being inventive in the thinking process.
Physical Skills - Playing action games, doing simple exercises, participating in small and large motor activities.
Creative Music and Movement Experiences - Singing new words to songs, moving in different ways to music, designing and implementing new ideas.
Posture and Self Esteem – Growing confident in what he/she can do.
The Begindergarten Environment:
Three and four year olds are ready to expand their horizons and achievements to seek out information, explore new territory and make sense of all they encounter.
The Ready, Set, Go classroom environment instills the proper development of your child.
Learning center activities are planned in advance based on thematic units. Each learning center allows children to independently explore in both large and small groups. I will be found encouraging children to learn, bolstering children's self image, exploring children's interests, marveling in children's creativity, offering a child-centered classroom and respecting children and their work.

Thematic learning:
By using thematic learning, I can take learning to a whole different level.
Imagine your child coming home with a coloring sheet with all of the planets on them. Much to your surprise, he/she didn’t just color you a work of art, but can tell you all of the planets. Oh, it gets better! Later, you hear you child singing a song. It sounds like “Ring Around the Roses,” but as you listen, you hear the words, “blast off, blast off, we all fly to the moon.” Okay, so know you are impressed, but don’t think any thing more of it until your are driving in the car, and your child says, “Hey mom, what is your favorite constellation?” Your amazed at the fact your child knows that word, and keep driving. At home, you are getting out of the car, when your child says, “Hey mom, look there is the big dipper, and the 2 pointer stars.
Art: Coloring sheet
Music: “Blast off to the moon.”
Math: Counting the stars
Science: Knowledge of the constellations
Thematic learning takes all subject areas, and in cooperates them into everyday themes that children love. It takes subjects like Math that aren’t the funniest, and makes them fun.
Imagine the possibilities. J



It is very important to understand that all preschoolers need play.
A place to learn and play
Children learn best in an environment that allows them to do their work − PLAY. The three-year-old classroom is set up in a manner that gives these independent explorers the freedom to gather facts and information in a setting that is consistent, safe and engaging.
Each learning center has only safe, age appropriate materials that will keep children interested in their learning.
Creative dramatics - Today I may dress up in Mommy's clothes and tell a story with the animal puppets, or pretend to be Daddy and cook in the kitchen with the pretend food and pots and pans.
Creative art - WOW! Look what we can use. Should I paint at the easel, create a project with the glue, glitter, scissors and paper or build a sculpture with clay?
Manipulatives - Let's play with puzzles, Legos®, pegboards, matching cards or maybe the standing blocks today.
Blocks - Zoom, zoom! Here come some cars and trucks blazing down the road that have been built with our shapely blocks. Is this the road to California?
Book nook - I want to curl up with one of my favorite books and a friend, or maybe I will read alone.
Learning through play
Through quality play activities, children gather valuable information and develop critical skills that will support academic success. So what does child's play really mean?
Pretend play - Children acting out real life or imaginary experiences are trying to make sense or feel in control of their world.
Art - Scrubbing, tearing, cutting, painting, rolling and pounding clay are all art experiences that help children learn how the mind and hands can work together to create. Art assists in gaining control of hand muscles, which is necessary for pre-writing. Art experiences can also prepare children for math and science by using colors, textures, forms and shapes.
Language - Written and spoken words will help children develop a love for reading that will flourish over a lifetime. When children use their own language to express feelings or thoughts, they begin to feel the power of speech. When they sing, listen to poetry, are read to, and are given time to review books, they experience the joy of the written word.
Music and movement - Music and moving the body informally help provide children with a physical outlet. Soothing music can ease fears and anxiety, whereas dance music can help children develop motor skills, be silly and have fun. Singing helps children integrate new words into their vocabulary and experiment with speech patterns.
Manipulatives - The doors to the world of math are opened wide with manipulatives such as stacking blocks, pegboards and stringing beads, because they offer opportunities to classify, sequence, sort and match.
Blocks - Decision making, planning, sharing, cooperating, sense of accomplishment and pre-math skills are just a few of the familiar skills that a child will develop in the block area.
Science - Basic cognitive skills of cause and effect are all gained in this exploratory area.

Behavior management
I recognize that children frequently test limits, therefore there is always going to be some conflict within the preschool setting. I am ready for whatever these preschoolers are ready to dish out, therefore I have made it my goal to use lots of praise and positive reinforcement. I want to redirect a child from inappropriate behaviors to actively engage them in other more appropriate behaviors.
Nutrition:
Proper nutrition is paramount in the development of young children. With this in mind, I ask you as parents to make sure your children eat a well balanced nutritious breakfast/lunch before coming to school. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and as most parents know greatly affects a child’s mood. A child is more likely to come to school happy and ready to learn if they have a full tummy.
Right now I am asking that your child take his or her turn in bringing the daily snack each month. Snack calendars go out at the beginning of each month. I also ask that your child bring a sippy cup of milk, juice, or water to school each day.
Early Learning Begindergarten wants to emphasize continuous, open communication between teachers and parents. This aspect is critical in maintaining high levels of parental confidence and satisfaction. With this comes my open door policy.
Open Door policy:
This policy encourages parents to get involved in classroom and center activities. I believe this is critical in assisting families to monitor each child's development, as well as maintaining a high level of confidence between parents and teacher. It is also extremely nice to have the extra help, so feel free to volunteer to drop by and help with projects, field trips etc.
Early Learning Begindergarten Commitment:
It is my goal to provide you with the best caring, nurturing, and supportive environment around. I promise to provide a creative, developmentally appropriate curriculum for the preschool age child that encompasses all facets of learning. I will work hard to achieve the curriculum goals, and hope you will help me to help your child succeed in getting an early start.

Sincerely,

Anjelika Kocher

Handbook 2011-2012 handbook
Daily Procedures and Information

Anjelika Michelle Kocher: Licensed director, facility operator, and preschool teacher.

Back up provider: In the event that I should have to be gone for any reason, you will be notified. Generally, I will just cancel school, but on occasion your child may have a substitute teacher.

I carry preschool liability insurance to ensure the safety of your child while at school.

Staff Ratio:
3-4 year olds. One staff member per 11 students. A ratio of .09

Arrival and departure:
Doors open at 8:50 a.m. for morning session, and 12:20 p.m. for afternoon session. Preschool starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Children are not allowed to enter the church any earlier than 8:50 or 12:20 as there isn’t a supervised adult available.

Please not that I often am at school as early as 8:00 a.m. This is my prep time, so even though the classroom lights may be on, I would appreciate that no child arrive to school any earlier than 8:50

Parents must provide their own transportation to and from school for their children.

If somebody other than you the parent; will be picking up your child, a written notice including the person’s name, and relationship is required. If prior notice is not given, your child will not be released. We cannot release children to anyone other than the parent(s) or guardian listed in our records. * I know this is small town North Dakota, but State licensing requires this.

If your child is ill or gone, please notify the school. You can call me at home 965-2073 or on my cell 641-9902.

Please note: If your child has special needs, please let me know. I am not licensed to provide preschool for certain special needs.

I will do my best to work with any child that has special needs. If however, I feel that the child in question is more than I can handle, I may have to discontinue preschool services for that child.

Concordia Lutheran Church
I am very thankful that the church has allowed us to use their facility at a low rate. The church council has asked that we do the following:
1.) No children can be dropped off for preschool any earlier than times listed on previous page, as there isn’t a supervised adult available.
2.) All children should use the east entrance across from the parsonage.

If you should need to get a hold of me during school hours, or leave me a message during school, please feel free to call my cell phone at 641-9902. I carry it at all times, and it does work at school. If I don’t answer, chances are I am in an activity with the children. You may also call the church office, and Julie can relay a message to me.

Personal Belongings:
Personal items from home are not permitted in school (ie. toys, stuffed animals, jewelry gadget etc.) as they can cause problems within the classroom setting or get lost.

If your child has a security item such as a blanket, or teddy bear, the item may come to school, but must remain in your child’s backpack. Some times just knowing it there can comfort a child.

If your child is still in need of a bottle, or pacifier, please note that these items are NOT allowed in school.

* Early Learning Begindergarten cannot be held responsible for lost of stolen items brought to school.

Personal Issues and Policies

Clothing:
Play clothes appropriate for a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including painting and other art projects, are recommended. Please do not dress your children in their “Sunday” best. We will be doing a lot of hands on activities that may get your child dirty.

Please see that your child has a button or zip down painting shirt for school. This will help avoid getting school clothes dirty.

All clothing must be easy for the child to put on and take off with minimum assistance. Please don’t send your child to school in overalls, or outfits that are impossible for the child to get on and off. Children will be learning how to be independent; therefore we want to make it as easy as we can for them.

Children must wear a pair of “runners” or tennis shoes while in the classroom. No shoes with laces please. With 10 children running around, I find that I spend, what seems like forever, tying shoes. They must velcro or slip on and off. Crocks work very nice. You may leave their shoes at school or bring them to and from home.

Please leave a change of clothes at school. This includes pants, undergarments, and a spare shirt. Accidents happen, so we want to be prepared.

Health and Nutrition:
Children, as we all know, start the day off best with a good healthy breakfast. Please make sure your child has been fed breakfast or lunch before coming to school. Morning snack is at 10:30 and afternoon snack is at 2:00.
Children will alternate the daily snack. A snack calendar will go home with the child each month. Please make sure your child brings a sippy cup of milk, juice or water to school each day.

Snack Time:
Please try sending nutritious healthy snacks to school during snack time. Snack suggestions include the following:


Crackers & Cheese
Yogurt
Pudding
Sandwiches
Fruit cups
Apple Sauce cups
Fresh fruit
Veggies and dip

Apples and PB or camel dip
Cheese sticks
Muffins
Pudding snacks
Yogart Tubes
100 cal. Snack packs
Chex mix
Cheeze wiz buns

This doesn’t mean your child can’t bring fun things like cookies, etc. It just means that we want to limit the number of “empty calorie snacks,” like fruit snacks, that come to school.

Backpacks:
A sturdy backpack, and folder is required to transport papers, etc. to and from home.

Progress Reports:
Simple progress reports will be sent out 2 times during the year. Parents wanting additional progress reports shall contact me.

Open Door Policy:
This policy encourages parents to get involved in classroom and center activities. No notice is required, come by any time.

I believe the open door policy is critical in assisting families to monitor each child's development, as well as maintaining a high level of confidence between parents and teacher. It is also extremely nice to have the extra help, so feel free to volunteer to drop by and help with projects, field trips etc.


Forms:
State licensing requires us to have the following forms on file by the first day your child attends school:

Please note, if you are pre registering in the spring or summer, these forms will not be mailed to you until the fall.

Your child may not start school until I have these forms.
Release form
Parent statement of health
Child information sheet
Immunization form
Payment contract
Application of admission
Please contact Barbara Andrist, and have her send me a copy of your immunization records.
Closings:
We shall follow the Divide County public school systems list of days off. Please note that the payment of $6.50 is based on 8 days a month. Payment adjustments/deductions shall be made during Christmas and Spring breaks.
* Due to increased paper/material costs, the cost of preschool has increased from $60 to $65. My apologies for the increase, but there really is no way around it.


Neglect and Abuse:
North Dakota Law mandates that I report suspected cases of abuse or neglect. (NDCC 50-25.1-11) See attached copy provided by Divide County Social Services.
Behavior management:
I recognize that children frequently test limits, therefore there is always going to be some conflict within the preschool setting. I am ready for whatever these preschoolers are ready to dish out, therefore I have made it my goal to use lots of praise and positive reinforcement. I want to redirect a child from inappropriate behaviors to actively engage them in other more appropriate behaviors.

We shall use the “time out” approach to redirect a child from inappropriate behavior. This simply means that the child will have to go to their desk, and put their head down for 2 minutes. I then talk to the child about their behavior.

Under no circumstance will your child every be hit, spanked, threatened, or ever hurt verbally or physically.

Any child that has behavior problems or troubles playing or working with other children, may be referred to a behavior specialist. If problems get out of hand, I may have to discontinue preschool services for that child. We have had severe problems in the past, and I want to assure that this never happens again.

Discipline Problems:
1.) If discipline problems occur, I shall observe and document the behavior pattern.
2.) If there is a pattern, I shall contact the parents on resolving the problem.


Medical issues:
You will be notified to pick up your child immediately if he or she has a temperature of 100+ degrees or higher, or has symptoms of illness. I understand that parents work or can be busy, so parents must have an emergency person to pick up their child if they cannot.
In the best interest of all children, our policy is that your child may return to school only after her or she has been symptom or fever free for 24 hours, or if on prescription medications. This allows time for complete recovery and less possibility for relapse.
Accidents:
Should an injury occur to your child, reasonable aid will be administered, and parent(s) shall be notified. If necessary, an ambulance will be called and the child shall be taken to the nearest hospital. Please note that Early Learning Begindergarten is not responsible for any expenses.

Divide County Disaster plan:
If in the event, some kind of crazy disaster should happen in which we would have to get the children out of the church and taken to a safe place outside of Divide County, our disaster plan is to go to either the Bowbells School or the Westby School.

Communicable Disease:
Children with chronic communicable disease may be denied admittance or removed from Early Learning Begindergarten if medical judgments substantiate that such children pose a significant health threat to other students and or staff.
A communicable disease shall be defined as a persistent or recurring infection, which may be potentially transmitted to susceptible person who is in contact with the infected individual.
Rule of Thumb for Pink Eye: Please do not send your child to school unless they have been treated by a doctor, and have been using medicated drops in the eye for at least 24hrs.

Rest Room Use:
Please make sure your child has gone to the bathroom prior to coming to school. When one has to go, they all have to, and that can significantly cut into our busy preschool time.

Library:
Children will walk to the library once a month to check out books. This is weather permitting. We will never go to the library if it below zero outside. It is your responsibility to return the books. Please do not send them back to school. They need to go to the library!

Letter Bag:
On your child’s treat day, they will also be responsible for “The Letter of the Day.” A special letter bag will go home. Inside the bag will be a paper copy of the letter of the day. Please have your child decorate the letter and put it back into the bag. Then go around your house, and have your child fill the bag with items that begin with that letter. All items will be returned.

Decorations/Seasonal Activities:
Please note, we do a wide variety of seasonal Halloween, Christmas, Easter etc. activities. This may range from Pumpkins, witches, Santa Clause, to the Easter Bunny. Please see me if this is a problem for you.

Potty Training:
Children must be mostly potty trained to enter the program. Mostly potty-trained means that they can use the bathroom on their own, but on occasion have an accident.
Those children that are still having accidents must wear pull-ups or training pants to school. No diapers. If your child is still having bowl movements inside of their training pants, it is recommended that you wait to start preschool until this isn’t a problem any more.
If a child, whom is still wearing training pants, does have bowl movement while at school, I will have to terminate preschool services until potty training is complete at home. It is just way to hard for me to take 10 children to the rest room to clean up any messes we may have.
Pull ups/training pants are the responsibility of the parents

Adjustment Period:
As with anything new for a child, there is always going to be some adjustments. Some children have no trouble at all, while some suffer. I will do my best to assure that your child have an easy adjustment period. If for some reason after 1 month, your child just isn’t adjusting, I may possibly recommend that he/she discontinue the program and start again next year.
Children turning 3 between May & August are considered my “young threes.” Sometimes a young three year old, which may seem ready to a mom or dad, isn’t quite ready for the responsibilities and tasks needed to be in a preschool environment. Please note, If after a couple of weeks I notice that a “young three” isn’t ready for full time preschool, I may recommend he/she go one day a week until Christmas or even the entire year. Cost of one day “young three” preschool is $40 per month for 4 days of preschool.


Fundraising:
Early Learning Begindergarten is a privately funded preschool that gets no aid from any outside sources. Your $65 payments are the funds that allow the program to succeed. Your payments pay for room rent, and supplies.
In order to pay for supplies etc, you may be asked to partake in several fundraisers to help the preschool. Please take these fundraisers seriously. Without the extra funds, we cannot function as productively as we would like, and therefore may have to increase preschool rates.

Field Trips:
Most school trips that we will take are within walking distance to the church. If we should go on a trip, in which I will have to transport children, they will all be in a safe insured vehicle that is equipped with enough car seats and seatbelts for all children.
If in the event that I should need another driver, the driver of the vehicle must provide a copy of their insurance card to me, and have enough child seats for all children.
You will always be notified of field trips and will be asked to sign a permission slip as well.
There may be additional costs to you if we should go on a field trip. Most costs are very minimal, but you do have the option of sending your child on any field trip.

School Supplies:
I know the list seems a little overwhelming, but I guarantee that your child will use each and everything on this list. Reminder, your child will indeed go through many glue sticks, so please stock up when school supplies are cheap.

Family Contribution Item: Because we do so many projects, and supplies can get very costly for me, I am asking that each parent/child bring one family contribution item. This item will be found on your child’s school supply list.

General policies
Registration:
a.) There will be a $35 non-refundable registration fee each year. If enrolling more than 1 child, registration fee is $50
b.) Parents with children currently enrolled in Early Learning Begindergarten have priority in pre registering for the following year.
c.) Enrolled families wishing to enroll siblings have priority over outside families on the waiting list.
d.) If you find it necessary to withdraw your child from the preschool program, you must give a 2 week notice. If you should withdraw your child in the middle of the month, you will not be refunded any money.
General Financial policies:

Rates and Fees:
2011-2012 school year
$35 non refundable registration fee $50 for 2 children.
$65 monthly fee- This guarantees your spot in the preschool program. There are no deductions for sickness, vacation etc.
Contract:
All parent(s) guardian must sign the Early Learning Begindergarten Contract. You are signing that you understand and agree to all policies in this handbook, as well as, the contract itself.

Payment:
Payment is due by the 1st Thursday of each month. Please be prompt in paying.

· A $6.00 deduction is taken for each day we are not in school for holidays, storm days etc. Because I have to pay rent regardless of whether we are in school or not, there is a $1.50 use of the room fee per day that is figured into your $65 payment. There is no deduction on this fee, so a flat $6.00 is taken off for days we aren’t in school.

Ms. Kocher is allowed 2 paid sick/personal days during the course of the year, where no deduction in payment is made. Any more than 2 and she will deduct the standard $6 per day off your next month's bill.
· Payment schedule is subject to change at any time. I do make mistakes, and if I should happen to miss a day or calculate something wrong, a new payment schedule shall be handed out.

You may pay by check or money order. I prefer to not get cash for receipt purposes. All returned checks will be charged a $20 NSF fee. Termination of preschool services may result if there is more than 1 returned check.

Late Pick up:
Children picked up any later than 11:35 or 3:05 will pay a $5 late fee EACH time. If this becomes a problem, preschool services may result in termination.

This handbook was updated in July of 2011

If you have any questions, please feel free to contract me,


Miss Kocher

Tentative Preschool Payment schedule.
This schedule is subject to change,but gives you an idea of what the yearly preschool costs will be :)

Payment schedule 2011-2012 preschool school year

Rates are as follows:
$65.00 for preschool based on 8 days a month. For those months where there are 9 days of school the rate is 71.50

There will be a $6.00 dollar deduction for the days that there is no school due to holidays etc. Because I still pay rent when we are not in school, there is a use of the room fee that is not deducted off.

There will be no deductions if your child is gone. Your preschool payment ensures your spot in the program.

Those attending Wednesday Morning advanced sessions will be charged $6.50 per Wednesday.

Ms. Kocher is entitled to 2 sick/personal days per year where there will be no deductions in monthly payment. Any more than 2, the standard $6.00 per day rate will be deducted off.

September
Open House night September 13th
5 full days of school plus open house night
$53.00 T-TR preschool
$66.00 T,W,TR preschool

October
7 full days of school
$59.00 T-TR preschool
$85.00 T,W,TR preschool

November
8 full days of school
$65.00 T-TR preschool
$78.00 T,W,TR preschool


December
7 full days of school. We will have our Christmas party on December 22nd
$59.00 T-TR preschool
$78.50 T,W,TR preschool

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Easter Party








Our Easter Chick that hatched...

Thanks to all of the parents whom sent 12 trinkity things for the kids. The kids had a lot of fun sharing them with their friends, and seeing all of their treasures.

Week of May 2nd

This week we will be starting our addresses. For the younger children, all they need to know is their town, state, and country. I teach them for example- Crosby, ND, America.. Older children will learn the address that you provided on the address sheet. Those whom didn't return sheets will learn the town, state and country. Once again, please work on them at home as well.

X is the letter of the day
x book
x at alphabet center
x letter bag
x book that we will color

Stars today are
Bethany
Lyndi

All about me: When I grow up

Thursday-
Hidden sun glass fun activity

Stars today are
Zach and Presley

Y Day
Y book
Y at alphabet center
y letter bag
Y sheets together and on own

I do not have art projects planned yet this far in advance, but I am working on it. :)

Week of April 25th

Tuesday

It is Clifford week here at preschool, and boy have we been thinking "BIG." Our focus on clifford is helping others, and taking care of ourselves. Here are the main objectives:
Sharing
Playing fair
Respect
Working together
Being responsible
Truthful
Kind
Believe in yourself
Be a good friend

Today we went to the library and each child checked our a Clifford book. Please remember to return your book back to the libary, and not to school. The sun was shining and we spent 20 minutes reading our clifford books out on the grass. What a lovely day!

Pledge, calendar, days, etc.

We are working hard on our phone numbers. I work one on one with the students on reciting their phone numbers, and we do it in a group as well while doing our chant: Candy candy icecream cone, tell me the numbers of your telephone...

Thanks to those parents who have helped their child learn their number!!!!

Stars this week are Shyann and Jack

Letter W is the letter of the week.
w book
w at alphabet center
w letter bag
w sheets together and on own

Art- Simple clifford color sheet

Thursday:
Continue phone numbers. This is the last day that we will work on them in class, so please finish up at home if your child is still struggeling.

All about me Easter

1.2.3 count on Emily Clifford sheet

Clifford arrives to visit our class. If you should happen to run into Kristi Haugenoe, please tell her thank you for comming and providing such an awsome time for the kids.

Art- Happy, sad, scared, angry emotion wheels.. Clifford Art

Fun outside-- Side walk chalk

Read Cliffords puppy days

Learn about the history of clifford

Monday, April 18, 2011

Easter Fun

This week we will be learning about Easter and with that we have a lot of fun things planned.

First the children will be growing pet egg chicks. The process is that we soak an egg in water and day after day we check the egg and discuss the progress. By the 4th day we are supposed to have a chick that comes out of our egg. Of course it isn't real, but it helps the children kind of get an idea of how an egg hatches. We will be talking about eggs, and the different animals that hatch eggs. The chidren always find it interesting that things like snakes and turtles lay eggs.

We will be making tissue eggs and finishing up on our Easter parent gifts. Sorry cant write about it or it will take away from the surprise.. lol

We will also be making easter baskets. Please dont forget your trinket gifts this Thursday for the party.

We now are working full fledge on our phone numbers. Please be helping your child at home. Here is a fun play to help them learn.

Candy candy ice cream cone, tell the number of your telephone. We will be doing this in school, so please try it at home.

Letter V
V book
V @ alphabet center
V letter bag
V sheets together
V sheets on own

Stars this week:
Peyton
Jayda

Easter party is this Thurday. :)

Planting things, Vegtables & Stone soup







This past week we were busy learning about how things grow. We learned about seeds, how to plant seeds, and what needs to happen in order for things to grow. The kids had a lot of fun planting their own grass in mini easter eggs. We watered them, and made sure they had lots of sun.

I then brought several different fruits and vegetables to school for the kids to taste and cut up. We discussed the seeds in various fruits and vegatables, and were able to do some smelling and tasty. The kids were very surprised at how yummy things like lemons and peppers could be. It was a lot of fun.

Stone soup day was very exciting, and tasty as well. The kids really enjoyed bringing their item to contribute and they loved both making the soup and eatint it as well.

The letter this week was U which was a hard one. Thanks to the parents who did a great job of searching for U things to share in the letter bag this week. :)

Thursday, April 7, 2011

sick day

Well unfortunitally I had a migrain today so there was no school.... Got some IV drugs at hospital and slept most of today, so I should be good as new tomorrow. Sorry for any inconvience..

Thanks Ms. Kocher

Sunday, April 3, 2011

April 5th & April 7th

pledge, calendar, days, etc. Review 1-10 numbers..

All About Me- Spring

Stars this week are Hunter and Chayton

Spring is our focus and we will be working on planting and how things grow this week.
Growing plants:
Read book "One Bean"
What is a seed? A seed is a special baby plant that is wrapped in a special pkg. This special pkg acts as a home to a baby plant.
How do seeds grow?

Art- we will be making Growing flower booklets

Letter T
T book
T @ alphabet center
T letter bag
T sheets together and t sheet on own

April 7th
1-10 number recognition "test"
Start phone numbers

Art- Each child will get to plant their own plant

Letter T
Review and sheet on own

newsletter April 2011

Happy Spring, or is it Winter? This is the million-dollar question at preschool. We at preschool have decided that spring and winter are fighting and therefore we discuss each day who is winning the fight. The kids are having a lot of fun doing this, and it is the best way to explain why we say it is spring, yet it still looks and feels like winter.

Busy busy month here at preschool, so here we go….

We have finished numbers 1-10 for recognition. While it is important to count count count, we also need to know the basic
1-10 numbers. Know how to both write them and recognize them. This week we start working on our phone numbers, so please help your child learn the number that is best for you all. Could be a cell phone or home phone. Phone number test will be April 19th. We also will do our addresses. Younger preschoolers need only know the city and state they live in, while we will work on home addresses with the older kids.

Easter party will be April 21st. Please send 12 trinkety items with your child to put in their friends’ Easter basket. NO candy please.. Here are some example items: color books, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, kites, pencils, erasers etc.. They have many many cheap Easter items, so the possibilities are endless.

Those bringing food for the Easter party are as follows:
Gavyn & Chayton: chips
Hunter & Earlen: 12 sandwiches
Jonas & Jayda: 1 jar of pickles
Shyann and Jack: Something fun or baked
Peyton & Lyndi: 1 box of Popsicles or ice cream treats

There are 3 book orders coming home. Order from 1, 2 or all 3. Simply discard them if you don’t want anything. Orders are due back to school on April 12th.

We are going to be doing something fun next week in school. We are going be learning about planting vegetables, growing a garden, and how our produce gets to the store. As a part of this unit, we will be learning about sharing. Seems kind of strange, vegetables and sharing, but we are going to incorporate the book “Stone Soup” into our unit.

For this unit, each child will have to bring something to school to help make our soup. The list is as follows:
Ava & Brigid 2 cups of baby carrots
Ayla & Charlie 2 cups of potatoes cut up
Bethany & Gavyn- 2 cans of chicken stock
Chayton & Hunter 2 cans of chicken stock
Earlen & Jonas 1 bag of Egg noodles
Jayda & Peyton 1 stick of butter
Jack & Shyann 1 pkg of crackers
Lyndi & Zach 1 pkg of plastic bowls
Presley & Marcus 1 box of plastic spoons
Sabian- 1 pkg of napkins
Ms. Kocher will bring the stone

It is now time to pre register for next year’s preschool session. Registration is $25 and is due by May 1st. Any registration forms received after the 1st will pay the standard $35 fee. Consideration is given to siblings of our current families, but space is limited so after May 1st it will be available to the public. If you know of somebody whom may be interested in preschool please let them know we are pre registering.

Next year I may be teaming with Scholastic to do a Wednesday morning session of preschool that is unit based. It looks really awesome, and I really want to try it. Older preschoolers that are 4 and 5 are strongly encouraged to attend the third day to help with kindergarten readiness, but it will benefit the young ones as well. I will however be filling it with the older students first.


I was thinking that a possible afternoon of bowling might be fun this year rather than swimming. It all depends however on how many parents have pass ports this year. Last year there weren’t enough parents to help take kids to Estevan for our Spring fun day, so we simply had a pizza party. If you have a passport and would be interested in driving to Estevan with the children for an afternoon of blowing, please talk to me ASAP, so I can arrange something.

I know lots and lots to do and think about this month, and I am sure I have forgotten a half a dozen more things to share with you all.

Please call, text etc. with any questions you may have.

Let’s all hope that Spring wins the fight, or it is going to be a long long wait until Summer.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

March 28th & March 31st

March 28th
Pledge, calendar, days etc.

Number 9
We may now start working on our phone numbers

All about me Spring

Stars:
Gavyn
Bethany

Unit on Spring
Spring can be rainy, sunny, windy, and clean
things melt
Some rain and snow
In like a lion, out like a lamb
Snow melts and things begin to come back to life
Grass starts to to turn green
Buds starts to form on trees
Birds come home

Art-
Lion Lamb art

read book on seasons

Letter S is for Spring
S book
S @ alphabet center
S letter bag
S sheets together
S sheet on own

March 31st
Review numbers 1-9
Number 10
10 sheet
Phone number sheet goes home for parents to start working with their children

Review info on Spring
Talk about how Spring and winter like to "fight." This is a good way for the children to understand that it may still snow or be cold during Spring. The kids find it fun to talk about who is winning the fight each day. :)

Continue on with our talk on rainbows.

Make Fruit loop rainbows for art

S sheet on own.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

St. Patricks Day Party








It was fun to GO GREEN at our St. Patricks Day Party

Thursday march 24th

Pledge, Calendar, Days, Etc.
Number 9

All about me "Rainbows"

Rainbows:
What are rainbows?
Where do they come from?
Have you ever seen one?
Read book about rainbows
Colors of the rainbow
Colors in the crayon box
mixing colors
Rainbow song

Good time to review colors and talk about all of the colors of the rainbow.
Lots of songs and plays about rainbows

Art- cut and paste rainbows

Letter R
R book
R @alphabet center
R sheets together
R sheets on own

Please make sure you work on your quilt piece for next week. We want to hang our paper class quilt in the hall next week.

March 22 Tuesday

Well this wasn't how I invisioned today. First off, we all knew it was supposed to storm, and while the weather outside was as clear as a bell, there was nothing calm about the classroom. The kids were "WILD." Not to mention that the lights were flickering.

We started school with the Calendar, review of 2,4,6,8. We did a review of songs for those numbers and did a sheet.

We had a lot of play time today as it was very hard to get the children's attention. Like I said there as no "Calm before the storm" in our classroom.

We watched an Easter video, and did a sheet about families. My goal was to learn Letter R is for Rainbow and make rainbows, but after they cancelled school in the afternoon there was no point.

Please stay safe.. and I hope to see you guys Thursday!!!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Monday, March 7, 2011

Rhylan Button Money

Parents,
It is now time to start turning in your Rhylan money. We need to get a count of where we are at, and I need to get the money/cost that I paid for the buttons back into my account. The remainder goes straight to the Olson family..

If you are having troubles selling them, please drop them off with me, and I will get them sold. Many people are still asking about them. :0

Thanks
Ms. kocher

Tue March 15th

I thought I would surprise you and be a week a head... Remember to wear Green!!! NO school on the 17th for spring break!

Today we will be having fun green donuts.. Happy St. Patricks day a couple days early!!!

Pledge, calendar, days, etc.

No number this week as we are doing fun St. Patricks day activities. Next week we will be doing 2,4,6,8 and learning how to count by 2's before we go on to 9 and 10. As a review it will be: 2 legs on birds, 4 legs on animals, 6 legs on insects, and 8 legs on spiders.. We have had a song for each number thus far and now we get a new song that combines them all together.

Stars this week:
Brigid
Ava

Q is for Quilt week
Q book
Q at alphabet center
Q sheets together
Q sheets on own

We will start working on a cute class quilt as well. No, it isn't cloth, as I cant sew, but a paper one made by us all will be cute. :) lol

Art- St. Patricks Day chalk art
Leprechaun fun- Catch the lephrechaun

St. Patricks Day
Action Rhyme
"Im a little Leprechaun" song

Tue march 8th & thur March 10th

Pledge, Calendar, Days, weeks. etc.

Numbers 7 and 8 were are our numbers this week.

Stars are Zach and Presely

Today we start our P is for pizza unit. Last week we did the letter P, but we continued on this week to do some exciting units.

Today March 8th we will are having our pizza party. Children will be learning the following about pizza:
* We have been discussing healthy foods and food groups, so today we are able to put it all together
pepperoni- meat group
Cheese- milk group
Sauce- Vegtable group
Crust- Bread group

Read the book "Pizza Book"
Sing the song "I wish I were a "pepperoni pizza"
Down around the corner in the pizza shop felt board activity
* Make home made pizzas

Letter P
Work on p
review from last week
P sheets on own

Art- if we have time a cut and paste pepperoni sheet

Thursday- This is a fun popcorn day
Art- pizza/popcorn sheet
Pop corn book
pop corn song

eat blue pop corn. I bought this in Bismarck, so I hope the kids like it.

Watch Penny and Pals "Pignik" eat popcorn and have fun.

:)

Hello and sorry for not blogging!!!!

Dear parents,
I am so sorry for those loyal people whom follow this blog. I have been so terribly busy that lately I don't know if I am comming for going.

As you are aware, I am behind in blogging, but i will do my best to try and get back to making sure it is updated weekly. First things first. Here is the parent letter for the month of March:

Dear Begindergarten Parents,
Please note on payment schedule that there has been a couple of changes made for the month of March. First off, there is school on March 15th, but there will be no school on March 3rd or 17th. Payment for this month is $54.00 due March 8th.

Next week will be Pizza and popcorn week. We will be having a pizza party on Tuesday March 8th, & popcorn and a movie on Thursday March 10th. As part of the pizza party, we will be making homemade pizzas. Following is a list of ingredients that I would like the kids to bring to school:

1 bag of pepperoni: Jonas and Earlen
1 bag of Mozzarella cheese: Peyton, Shyann, Jayda, & Jackson
1 bag of English Muffins: Zach, Brigid, Lyndi & Presley
1 jar of pizza quick sauce: Charlie & Bethany

On Thursday March 10th the kids will be watching a short movie and eating popcorn. As a special treat, your child may bring a pop to drink instead of their sippy cup. We are learning about pop, candy, etc. in moderation & it is a fun day. J

Attached is March’s book order form. Again, order if you would like, or discard if you don’t want anything. Orders are due back on March 15th. If you ordered from February’s book order, it should be back any day.

Once again, I am sending home a parent student project for March. The whole idea is for parent/student to work together at home to create something for school. Please let your child be creative and us his/her image when doing the project. This month’s project is a Saint Patrick’s Day coin. Please send it back to school by March 8th.

Have your child wear green on Tuesday the 15th. We will be doing some St. Patrick’s Day activities since we have no school on Thursday the 17th.

The “Praying for Rhylan Buttons” seems to be selling fast. If you are having troubles selling them, please bring them back to school as some parents have asked for more.

We currently have 3 preschool spots open in the morning group, as we have lost a few students. If you know of anybody that would like to enroll their child, please share this with them. Or if you know of anybody that would like to enroll their child in school for next year, please let them know that preschool pre registration starts in April.

Let’s all think spring! Happy March

Monday, February 21, 2011

"Praying for our friend Rhylan"

Parents,
The praying for Rhylan Buttons are in and I am handing several out to each child/family for you to sell. Please do your best at selling them, and let me know if you need more or are having troubles selling them.

All proceeds go toward the family...


The valentines box will be mailed out Tuesday. The reason that I hung onto it was there were a couple of people that still wanted to contribute to the box.

There is now a web site that updates Rhylan's progress daily. Please check it out so that you can see how he is doing.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rhylanolson

You may also want to check out Facebook as they now have a "praying for rhylan" fb page.

Ms. Kocher :)

Week of February 21st

Howdy parents,
Is it just me or is this weather driving us crazy??? Last Thursday was a prime example that we just cant trust mother nature. I went to work at 8:00, it was beautiful, and by 10:00 I couldn't see across the street from the preschool.

Thanks to the parents who braved the weather to get their children to school. The afternoon class had only 5 students, so we made an afternoon of it, and did many fun things including finger painting and a fun puppet show. :)

This week we focus on dental health.

Pledge, Calendar, Days, etc.
All about me: Teeth
Handwriting names

Number 5 for afternoon
Review numbers 1-5 for morning group

Teeth unit:
Read tooth book
Tooth puppet and poem
Brush our teeth song
Who is the dentist?
How many teeth do we have?
Who is the tooth fairy?
Focus on eating healthy foods
what makes teeth strong?
Good foods and bad foods
what are cavities?
Sugar bugs and brushing
Brush 2 times a day
Candy and pop are bad for our teeth


Art- tooth puppets

Letter O
Letter O book
O at alphabet center
O letter bag
O sheets together
O sheets on own

stars this week are Peyton and Jackson
Earlen will also participate as the star in the afternoon as he was absent the week he was the star.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Things for parents to know etc.

There will be no school Thursday March 3rd. My two oldest children, Grant and Micaela, will be performing at the Boys State Basketball tournament that day in Minot for Gymnastics. Payment for March will be changed.

Early Learning Begindergarten now has a FaceBook Page, so feel free to add us as a friend. :)

Book orders are due this week, so if you have one of those, please get them to me.

The Valentines Day box for Rhylan will be sent to Rochester this Friday, so please get your $5-$10 gift to me, so that I can get the mailed.

We have lost a few students this month for various reasons. If you should know of anybody wanting to fill a sport now and for next year, please let me know. If they start school now, there will be no registration fee, and they may start any time. Children just need to be atleast 3 years of age. I have 2 spots open in the morning and 1 in the afternoon.

February 17th

Pledge, Calendar Days, etc.
Handwriting names and "All About Me" Valentines Day

Number of the day is 5

Mitten unit- We were supposed to do this last week, but because of missing a day it got held back a week.

Read the book "The Lost Mitten"
Mitten Math activity
Mitten clothes line activity- The students and I make a clothes line out of string and use clothes pins to pin various mittons on the line. We have to identify various Numbers on the clothes line. We do this as a way to work on number recognition in a fun way. We make a game out of it.
Mitten Flannel Board activity

Art- Hand print mittens

Review letter M
M sheets together and on own

Valentines Day Party

Pledge, Calendar, Days Etc

No number today

Color Valentines for our parents, loved ones etc. (Using Markers)

Snacks:
Party foods
Stars of the week:
Jonus- Morning
Jayda-Afternoon

party-
Open Valentines
music and movment-musical chairs
Valentines day games
Valentines day songs
Read Book- Cliffords 1st Valentines Day
Paracute- The kids absolutely love playing with our new parichute. They have a blast, and it reallys wears them out.

Watch- Happy Valentines Day Charlie Brown

Art- Cut and paste Valentines Sheet

Letter N
N @ alphabet center
N Book
N letter bag
N sheets together
N sheet on own

valentines Days movie

Parent Letter about Rhylan

Dear Begindergarten parents,

As most of you are already aware, one of our preschool family members, Rhylan Olson, has been diagnosed with leukemia.

Rhylan, who is in his second year of preschool, started the year in the morning class, and recently transitioned to the afternoon group.

Because all of the children knew Rhylan and were friends with him I am asking each child/parent to buy a fun Valentines Day gift for him. Something in that $5 to $10 range. Could be a teddy bear, coloring books, etc. etc. We will then combine the items in a big box and send them to Rochester.

Rhylan will be in Rochester a minimum of a month, possibly three depending on the how his test results and chemo go.

I ordered 200 Praying for Rhylan Olson buttons. They come in on February 25th and I am asking that each family go around selling them. Cost is $5 and all proceeds to toward the family. J

Our Valentines Day party will still go as planned with food, fun, and exchanging Valentines.

Call with any questions etc.

Ms. Kocher

January 10th

Once again the flu stuck my house again this week! Two children down and 1 to go. Hopefully the next one will get sick on a weekend. This winter has just been horrible for sickness.

Pledge, Calendar, days etc.

All about me: Family/Valentines day. The people we love and care about.

Today we the afternoon group and I talked a little bit about Rhylan. I didn't go into depth, but they know he is sick and in the hospital. It was kind of funny because we talked about this before we did the "All about me" family page and everybody wrote about how they loved Rhylan. It was too cute.

Snacks- Hunter cookies (M)
Chayton candy (A)

Art- Made Valentine Bags

Put new toys out for the kids

Letter M
M Book
M @ alphabet center
M letter bag
M rhyme words
M sheets together
M sheets on own

Number 4 was our number of the day
animals have 4 legs song, animals in the basket
review number 3, 2, 1 with music

Center time children were allowed to play with my basket of animals. They used blocks and fences. They had a lot of fun.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Week of February 8th

Review last week. Because I forgot it was Ground Hogs day last week, Tuesday we focused more on Ground Hogs day rather than hot weather like we had intended. It went smoothly and we were happy to see that the ground hog did NOT see his shadow.

Thursday's art was a lot of fun. The kids loved using paint to make their hot chocolate cups and then glueing the marshmellows on top. So fun. Top if off with real hot chocolate and cookies.. YUM

Tuesday
Pledge, Calendar, Days, etc.
Review of letters we have learned
colors, shapes
Numbers. Today we are on number 4
For number 4 we learn that animals have 4 legs. We will do a sorting activity in which the kids will be counting legs.
* animal song
Kids will do the number 4 sheet down, over, down is how we make a 4

Review 3- hump hump is how we make a three
Review 2- bird leg song..
Review 1- 1 finger points activity

All about me- my family
Handwriting names

M is for Mittens is our weekly theme:
This week we will be ding an array of activities with Mittens.
read the book "The Mitten"
Mitten clothes line activity
Mitten math number recognition 1-5 and 5-12

Art- Paint mitten pictures

Letter M
M book
M @ alphabet center
M Letter Bag
M rhyme words
M sheets together on and own

Stars
m hunter
A chayton and Earlen

Thursday
Pledge, Calendar, Days etc.
Review M activites

Hand names
Number 5 Down, belly, hat
Sheet on own

Read the book "Mittens"

Reminder payment is now overdue
Over due books still at the library

Have a great week.

Ms. Kocher

Mixed up Mittens activity
Mitten Flannel board activity

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Ground Hogs Day

Yesterday the kids and I did an array of things for the preperation of Ground Hogs day. We learned abit of history, did a flannel board activity, did a shadow activity and made ground hog crowns...

Here is a link to share with your children..

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110202/ap_on_re_us/us_groundhog_day

While good old Phil in Pennsylvania didn't see his shadow, it looks to be a sunny day here today.. We all know what that means!!!!

Think warm, and stay safe!!!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

February news letter

Dear Preschool parents,

I would just like to start out by saying thank you for allowing me to be apart of your child’s life. After finishing up on preschool evaluations, it just melts my heart to know that some of the skills they have learned have come from my teachings. We have such a great group of children this year, and the fun has just yet to start.

Reminders:
· There are still people who have over due books. Please get them back to the library ASAP.
· Payment of $54 is due this Thursday. Those payments not received by this Thursday Feb 3rd are subject to a penalty unless prior arrangements have been made.
· Book orders are due February 8th. I am sending 2 of them home this month. Remember there is no obligation to order, but it every dollar you spend benefits our classroom with free books and learning materials. J

Our Valentine’s Party will be held Tuesday February 15th. Please plan on sending valentines with your child to school that day to share with his/her class. Here is the list of children to plan for:

Morning group (10) Afternoon Group (12)
Brigid Ava
Charlie Ayla
Gavyn Bethany
Hunter Chayton
Jonas Earlen
Peyton Jayda
Shyann Jackson
Zach Lyndi
Elley Presley
Emery Sabian
Zyon
Rhylan





Those bringing food for the Valentines party are as follows:
Morning
Brigid- sandwiches
Charlie-pickles
Gavyn-something fun or baked
Hunter- ice cream bars or Popsicles
Afternoon
Ava- sandwiches
Bethany-pickles
Ayla-something fun or baked
Chayton- ice cream bars or Popsicles

Those not bringing food this time will bring for the Easter Party in April

Progress reports come out this week. Please review it and send back to school. If you should have any questions or concerns about your child’s report, feel free to contact me any time.
Anjelika Kocher
965-2073
641-9902 cell
anjelika.kocher@sendit.nodak.edu

Remember also to check out our preschool blog.

http://earlylearningbegindergarten.blogspot.com/

Sincerely,


Ms. Kocher

Week of February 1st

Tuesday
Pledge, Calendar, days, months, etc.

Stars this week Earlen and Gavyn

Today we focus on number 2 and will be doing a number 2 sheet
We will be singing the Bird Leg Song, and will discuss the many things that can be found in group of 2's like eyes, legs, arms etc.....

handwriting names morning and afternoon

We will continue to think warm and what better way to be warm than to drink hot chocolate. We will make hot chocolate and will use paint and marshmellows to make hot chocolate cups for our hall way.

L letter of the week
L book
L alphabet center
L sheets together L sheets on own

Catch up oh rhyming words. we are a bit behind.

We will do doing a same and different activity and will be doing a fun beach sheet that we didn't have time for last week.

This week is a week to get back on track and catch up and get in to more steady routines. We finish our evaluations today and those will be handed out Thursday.

Thursday
We do letter Number 3
Handwriting names
catch up on rhyming
and review all letters learned thus far.

L continued
L letter bag
L letter book
L sheets together and on own

Report cards come home. Please send them back next week. If you have any questions about your child's report, please feel free to contact me. :)

Payment of $54 due today. Anything recieved any later than today will be charged a penalty unless prior arrangments have been made.

Hawaiian Luau Week





I am very sorry that there was no school Tuesday. Bethany came down with the fever and flu that went through the day care and the school, so it really couldn't be helped.

Because we missed Tuesday we are carrying the letter L into next week as well. The new February Calendar will reflect the change.

Our Luau was so very exiciting. The kids made sun puppets, sang songs about summer, and even had a chance to play with our new school parachute that was purchased with our fundraising money. We watched a short video about fun on an island in the summer sun, and made icecream sundaes.. It was a fabulious day. The kids loved wearing their summer clothes and dancing around in their flip flops. Can't forget the lunch on their beach towels or the millions of beans that were spread around the room as a result of my bright idea of a learning center.

All in all, it went AWSOME!!!!!!!

Back to the real world next week. :)