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 20th 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
