Mrs. May's Kindergarten Class

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Welcome to the wonderful world of kindergarten! KinderKids is designed to help students and parents learn more about my classroom and the kindergarten curriculum.  I recognize that learning can take place anywhere and any time, so I want you to have access to resources that will support student learning at school and home.  Parents are a child's first teacher, so you will find a variety of creative ideas that you can do at home.  Feel free to share your ideas with me, so that other parents can benefit.  Happy learning!

All About Me

I have been teaching for four years, and I have a combination of regular and Special Education experience in kindergarten and first grade.  I have a bachelor's degree from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, and a master's degree from Valdosta State University in Accomplished Teaching.  I have recently relocated from Georgia for ministry purposes.  I have been married for almost 6 years to Josh, and we have two beautiful children.  I enjoy participating in church and community service activities.  My hobbies include singing, dancing, photography, and scrapbooking.

I can honestly say that I love my job! Even on stressful days, I look forward to going to work with my students.  It's exciting to see them grow and change.  I find it rewarding when students learn new things.  I have a love of learning and reading, and it is my goal to pass that on to students.  Teaching reading is my favorite subject, because it enables students to be life long learners.  Kindergarten students are often eager to read, and so proud of themselves when they learn enough to read short books independently.  It is my joy to experience their success!

My Perspective of Teaching & Learning

  I believe that all children have not only the right to an education, but are also capable of learning.  Each child is unique and deserves a caring, safe, nurturing environment.  I recognize that physical and emotional needs must be met before a child can successfully learn, based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  As a teacher, it is my job to support children through development not only intellectually, but also emotionally, physically, and socially.  It is my desire to help all students reach their full potential.  In order to meet this goal, I believe that (1) it is my job to guide student learning, (2) students should take ownership in their learning, and (3) students should exhibit positive behavior by showing respect for a diverse world.

            To guide student learning, I must first be knowledgeable about content and have a well developed plan to introduce new concepts to students.  I enjoy helping students in their quest for learning, by providing hands-on activities and meaningful practice that will sharpen their skills.  I feel that students learn best when content is presented in a variety of methods that will keep their attention and motivate their learning.

            Although I recognize that a teacher should guide learning, I feel that students must take ownership in their own learning to reach their full potential.  I like to see students searching for answers to questions as they journey to self-discovery.  As their guide on this journey, I believe that I must set up the learning environment and learning activities to support the student’s discovery. 

            One pivotal element to our society is positive behavior. Students need guidance in this area just as much as the academic areas.  I believe that students should development respect for themselves and others.  By modeling appropriate behavior, listening to student needs, and developing a safe, accepting environment, I believe that students can learn tolerance, respect, and appreciate for their classmates and diverse individuals within our community.

            Teaching is extremely rewarding for me, because I love to see that progress that individual children make each week, month, and year.  I do my best to set high expectations and keep a positive attitude for all students.  It is my hope that I pass on my love of learning to each of my students.  Just as I want my students to strive to achieve high expectations, I also expect much from myself.  I believe that hard work and determination are qualities of an outstanding teacher, and that is what I strive to be.