Welcome to Division 1

September 11, 2016

Dear Families,

Welcome back to school and a special welcome to families new to Division 1.                                                                  

I would like to offer up a bit of information on my program and my philosophy of education.  From the outside looking in, it’s often difficult to understand the underpinnings of what I do and why I do it.

This is my 20^th year as a teacher at Dickens Annex.  Much of what I do is based on the multi-age and child-centered philosophy that the school was purpose-built for and has since adhered to.  Of course, the delivery of the program and its contents have changed as the Ministry of Education requirements have changed, but the foundation of how I deliver the curriculum remains as true as it can be to the original beliefs of the teachers who started the school (and what I now firmly believe in).

I believe that children need to feel safe, happy, respected and confident in order to learn.  Once this is established, then learning takes place.  I believe that children learn at different rates and should be taught at their developmental level.  For example, a grade 1 student born at the beginning of the calendar year is most likely at a different developmental level than a grade 1 student born at the end of the year.  That is only one factor that comes into play.  Life experiences, socio-economic status, family dynamics, gender and such all impact how a child learns.  So, as teachers, we are asked to grade our students and compare them to other children in their grade level when a child in the same grade may be almost a year older/younger than another.  Taking all of this into consideration, I look at where a child starts and how they progress along the way.  This is the true gauge of a child’s progress and learning.

I see every child as a unique individual with strengths and weaknesses.  Everyone cannot, and should not, be the same. Strengths can lie in any one of the five areas of development (Aesthetic and Artistic, Emotional and Social, Intellectual, Physical, Social Responsibility).  I celebrate this diversity and accept it for the greatness it is.

I strongly believe that "Play is the work of children" (J. Piaget) and allow for it daily.  Play not only creates a sense of team, togetherness and accomplishment, but
children learn through play. They develop sensory motor control, eye hand co-ordination and problem solving skills.  In addition, physical, social, intellectual, and emotional development are all enhanced through play.  A researcher by the name of Peter Gray (author of Free to Learn) has an excellent Ted Talk titled The Decline of Play and how this impacts children today.  A quote he made is one I especially like: “Perhaps play would be more respected if we called it something like, “self-motivated practice of life skills”.   

Reading and writing are intertwined and develop so differently from one child to the next.  Literacy activities are integrated across the subjects and themes being explored.  As much as possible, I like to plan academic activities that are authentic and purposeful for the children.  Structured literacy slots also occur in our day.  For example, Reading Workshop allows a time for children to read books at their own level and practice skills taught in mini-lessons. During this time, I listen to students read to me and teach reading skills specific to the child.  In addition, Spelling lessons introduce the students to spelling patterns (phonics) at their level.  The patterns taught here are then reinforced through writing and reading activities.  I also read aloud to students at least two times every day which is the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for successful reading (McCormick, 1977).

At Dickens Annex, not only do the children work cooperatively, but our staff also works hard bouncing ideas off of each other and continually coming up with great things to do with the children. I also love the spontaneity that comes with being a part of the Open Area. We often find ourselves singing Happy Birthday as a neighboring class sings to a child, or joining in during a Days of the Week song that just can’t be ignored!  We do have fun.

I see parents as partners in this journey and we should all be proud of the students, as well as ourselves, for our commitment to the children. 

There are a few things that you may like to know in order to organize yourselves for a new year.

Items to share may be brought in Monday mornings.  I ask that items do not include electronic devices, stuffies or toys and that anything brought into school is put away for the remainder of the day.   If pets would like to be shared, we can make special arrangements.

I begin the year with a new Special Helper each day.  Mostly they are random and follow a list, but when possible, I slot students on their birthday.  After I have run through the entire class list twice, I then move onto Star of the Week.  For an entire week, a student will take the lead of Special Helper and will take home a class-made book full of special comments from classmates.

Our Library days are Tuesday (book exchange) and Thursday.  Gym days are Tuesday and Thursday as well.  Please ensure your child has appropriate foot wear for gym.

Most days I have scheduled a snack time for the early afternoon.  Students may finish-up leftovers from lunch or have a special snack for this time.

I am looking forward to another fun-filled year.  Anyone out there with a special talent or a desire to play, please let me know.  In addition, if you have any questions or concerns, please come to me.  I am very open and honest about my program and I am happy to explain anything

Sincerely,

Jacquie Nielson