Kindergarten at George Peabody School: Like a New Penny

Although there are numerous cultures and languages in my classroom, the parents of my students accept and appreciate the differences and strengths of all children. They demonstrate this through their kind acts and encouraging words. I have observed this in the way they have worked together through challenges both in and outside the classroom at Peabody.

I have had numerous years of experience teaching English Language Learners, beginning readers, and nonreaders of all ages. My students are challenged and supported by opportunities utilizing cooperative learning with an excellent ratio of fluent English speaking to English language learners. Parents, colleagues, and community volunteers provide extra support in reading, math and art. Cantonese is offered after school as are many other interesting programs. We have weekly dance classes and bimonthly library visits. Our school is not only a learning community but has many fun events throughout the school year. 

Early literacy is promoted by children's birthday celebrations with books. Parents or family members are asked to read aloud every night to their child. In the first few months of school we have Color Days. Everyone wears that color and we make and eat a special, healthy snack featuring that color. Literacy and mathematical understanding are promoted through playful, group activities that integrate the arts, health, physical education, science, and social studies. We make patterns, record lunar phases, sing songs, recite poems, and talk about the many wonderful things in the world around us. Learning is fun, supported, and celebrated by each other.

Because I am appreciated and supported by Peabody parents and its principal, I look forward to providing the best learning foundation for my students.

I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity to teach at Peabody and hope that I have made as big of a difference in the lives of Peabody's community, as they have made in mine. A new penny with the inscription, "E Pluribus Unum", "Out of many, one" tells it like it feels here at George Peabody.

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