Houston Independent School District

1. Early Childhood Survival Guide Getting a good start… School Year 2013-2014 Houston Independent School District Houston Independent School District Early Childhood Department Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment 713. 556. 6823

2. SETTING UP YOUR CLASSROOM • The resource page accessible through www.clutterfreeclassroom.com was created to help veteran teachers take a fresh look at classroom design and to provide new teachers with information to hit the ground running. Each entry will cover tips and ideas as well as lots and lots of photos from real classrooms to inspire you. • The Whole Group Meeting Area • Small Group Areas • Classroom Library • Cozy Reading Nooks • The Teacher’s Desk • Student Seating • Student Supplies • Computers • The Writing Center • Math and Manipulatives • Listening Centers • Science and Social Studies Centers • Arts and Crafts Supplies • Mail and Communication Station • Hosting a Student Teacher or Classroom Aide • Recess Materials • Storing Curriculum • Homey Touches • Word Walls • Focus Walls • Bucket Fillers • Lunch Orders • Job Charts • Behavior Boards and Charts • Birthday Displays • Student Work Displays • Work Boards

3. GET READY CHECKLIST • Student Names – Review your list of students’ names. If you cannot pronounce any of the names, ask someone for help. • Name Tags – Name Tags will help you know who your students are and begin calling them by name. This will also help other adults in the building know where these children belong. It is helpful to have the teacher’s name and room number on each name tag. This will help when your children are in the cafeteria and get mixed in another class. You may also make some dismissal nametags for students who might ride the bus or day care van home. Include – name, bus number or day care name, your name and room number and a small reminder to parents to return daily until the child learns the routine. Make a few extras for new students or if a tag gets lost. • Label Things – Everything needs to be labeled around the classroom with each student’s name and a picture if possible, so there is no confusion on where things belong in the classroom. • Seating – Know in advance where you want the students to sit on the floor, small groups, or tables. Deciding the seating arrangement after the student arrive will be chaotic and unorganized. • Supplies – Many items will be brought to the rooms on the first day and week of school. Having a designated place for them will help the morning to run smoother. Obtain large sacks (25-30) from the grocery store to temporarily store students’ school supplies. Remember to separate and store supplies at the end of the school day once the students have gone home. • Room - Having your name and room number visible for parents and students is important so the they will know they are in the correct place (especially new students to the school). • Going Home – Write down how each child is getting home. Have a place where the parents can fill out a form to let you know how their child is getting home. Sometimes children tell you how they “think” they are getting home and it is not correct. If your school has a “meet and greet” before school starts you might be able to find out some of this information before the first day. You don’t want lost children at the end of the first day! • Anticipate Procedures – The following are things to consider before the first day of school. Plan with your mentor to address the following situations: • Students who are tardy/absent • Students who need to leave the room

4. GET READY CHECKLIST • How students take papers home • Passing out and picking up papers to and from home • Student jobs • Students who cry and don’t want to separate from their parents • How to organize supplies • Where to sit on the floor • Transition times • An effective management plan • Bathroom breaks • 9. Adult Volunteer – It is a good idea to enlist the aid of a friend or relative to assist you in your classroom during the first days of school to help with your new students. • 10. Enrichment Classes – Know where different classes meet – PE, Music, Art, Computer Lab, etc. Many times people will not come to you, you must go meet them. • 11. Fire Drills – Know where your class reports for a fire drill. You will have one the first day/week of school. Be sure to take your attendance book with you. • 12. School Staff – Make it a point to introduce yourself to the school secretary; she is a very important person on campus. Get to know the attendance/SASI Clerk, the plant operator, custodian for your section, the teacher assistants and the cafeteria manager and any other office staff members in your building. • 13. Room Arrangement – Arrange your room. Remember to leave some room for student work and decorations. The environment sets the stage for learning. • 14. School Documents – Review curriculum, the report card, any checklists, scope and sequence, assessments, and/or other essential documents. • 15. School Calendar – Enter important dates from the school calendar in your own calendar to avoid conflicts. • 16. Take Home Student Folders – These folders serve as a communications link between school and home. You might want to use them for sending welcome notes, important school work, student homework, completed student forms, forms to be signed by parents, etc, home with your students. Parents remove contents, sign appropriate forms and return the folder to school with the child the following school day. • 17. Cubbies – Decide where children are to store personal items such as lunch boxes, backpacks, sweaters, etc., and mark with children’s names as well as their pictures.

5. GET READY CHECKLIST • 18. Music – Plan to play calming classical CD’s, tapes at low volume as background music, during activities, etc. • Rewards - Use stickers, hand stamps, and other small treats as rewards to give out several times each day for the first week or two. • Teaching Materials – Books, classroom supplies (markers, paper), and manipulatives need to be organized, labeled, and ready to use. Be prepared to model the appropriate usage of each item and its proper storage place in the classroom. • Lunch – Know your schedule and BE ON TIME! Check for children who have lunch money or if they brought their own lunch. • Lesson Plans – OVER PLAN! It’s much easier not to do an activity than have to plan one on the spot. • Sign-In – Put a table outside your classroom door with extra markers, sacks, and nametags. Have parents of children new to your attendance role complete nametags and label bags for student supplies of their own child. • Books - Gather a few good books to use on the first few days in case things do not go according to plan and you have some extra time. Suggested books are the following: • The Three Little Bears • The Three Little Pigs • Leo the Late Bloomer • Owl Babies • Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom • We’re Going on a Bear Hunt • Extra Materials – Gather a few simple materials that are easy for you and the kids to use in case things do not go according to plan and you have some extra time. • Letter – Create a letter to send home to parents on the first day with basic information about how the class is run and what they might need to know. Your teammates at your school might have a standard one that they use. Some information you might want to include: • Lunch Time • Snack information if students need a snack • Drop-off and dismissal procedures

6. THINGS TO DO • TO DO THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL • Have families complete the class checklist with information about dismissal, lunch and allergies. • Send home a welcome letter to parents explaining basic class information. • Take a digital photo of each student. I would recommend a head shot that is pretty close up and that has a plain background. You can use these again during the year for projects and it will be clearer if you are printing in black and white. • Teach and review the method you have chosen as a signal for students to pay attention and be quiet. • Begin to teach and review basic procedures such as how to use the restroom, put away belongings and sit on the carpet. • Try to greet each student and family as warmly as possible. I like to squat down to a student’s level as I am greeting them if I can. • TO DO AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL • Print many copies of the student photographs. I like to print 5-7 small “contact sheet” size of each student. I print 3 larger size photographs (3 x3) of each student. Color is great but black and white will work fine, too. Use these to label things around the room. You do not have to do it all the first day but the quicker you do it, the quicker the students will be able to manage their own items independently. • Review class list and add or delete any names as needed. • Check to see who is missing school supplies or any other important materials or information.

7. Parent Information

8. WELCOME LETTER August 26, 2013 Dear Parents, I wish to welcome you to [Name of School] Early Childhood Center! This is an exciting time for you and your child, even though he/she may be a little apprehensive about going to “big” school. The first day will mark one of the most important milestones in your child’s life. With that, brings a lot of mixed emotions for parents, such as joy that your child is ready for school, as well as sadness because he/she is no longer a “baby.” You may be experiencing these emotions and many more as your child enters school, so before I go any further let me assure you that it is my privilege to welcome you, your child, and your family into my classroom. Be assured that I will do my best to make this school year an enjoyable time for your child, but also a time filled with real learning. Please do not think your child will be just “playing” all day! The skills we practice daily in prekindergarten are the building blocks for your child’s future success in school and in life! I am committed to making this year one of excitement, growth, and opportunity both academically and socially! I will guide and encourage your child celebrating each step of the way as he or she gains a love of learning, self-confidence, and the academic skills that form a foundation for continued success. I pledge to care for EACH child’s individual and social needs throughout the year and to show them that school is a safe and consistent place to learn and to explore. I love teaching and look forward to caring for, supporting and encouraging your child daily as we embark on the wonderful adventure of learning. I consider myself extremely lucky to have a career that I am so passionate about! It is a welcome challenge, and a joy to teach at this level. Prekindergarten children have a way of lighting up a room with imagination and curiosity, making my day brighter. How fortunate I am to spend my days doing something that I love, and something that I believe in! I have a heart for education and truly enjoy the challenges, and the newness of each day. I am touched so often by a child’s honesty, boldness, humor, creativity, and tenderness! I can’t imagine a better way to spend my career. In fact, I am learning more each year that teaching is not a job, it’s a PRIVILEGE! I look forward to taking many adventures in learning with your child. I value your involvement and believe I can better teach your child when working in a partnership with you and your family. Parent/teacher communication is extremely important to each child’s academic and social success in prekindergarten. Therefore, consistent, positive communication with the families of my students is one of my top priorities. I see parents as partners, and my biggest allies, in education. You know your child better than anyone, and I value all that I can learn from you! I welcome your questions and applaud your involvement, knowing that by showing an interest in your child’s school experience you will leave a very positive, lasting impression on your child. With that, please know that I have an open-door policy in my classroom, and invite you to be an important part of our prekindergarten adventure. If you have any questions or at anytime need to discuss your child with me, please do not hesitate to ask, to call [Telephone #], email (Teacher email address@houstonisd.org), or write me. My daily scheduled conference time is Monday-Friday from 9:35 a.m.-10:35 a.m. On a final note, I want you to know that I am very excited and honored to have this special opportunity of being your child’s prekindergarten teacher. I hope to make your child’s learning experience a fun and exciting one, as well as instilling a love of learning that your child will carry with them through their life. Your child’s teacher, Teacher’s Name

9. WELCOME LETTER (SPANISH) Bienvenidos al Pre Kinder! Queridos padres les doy la más cordial bienvenida a mi clase y quiero hacerle saber que estoy muy contenta de tenerles con nosotros este año 2012-2013. Agradecemos el que haya depositado su confianza en la escuela ____________ como la opción educativa para sus hijos y esperamos seguir teniendo la oportunidad de servirles con esmero y dedicación. Mi Propósito en este año es enseñarles a sus niños en una forma amena y didáctica para que en un futuro puedan afrontar los retos que les presente y que tengan la capacidad para ser esos futuros líderes que el país necesita. Por supuesto, esto representa un enorme reto, pero estoy segura que tenemos la capacidad para afrontarlo exitosamente con la ayuda de ustedes que son una de las partes importantes de ese proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de ahí que su participación es vital para llegar a los resultados esperados. Esa ayuda se debe reflejar en dedicar a los niños tiempo en casa con las tareas y proyectos asignados por los maestros. Ayudarlos e instarlos a no rendirse cuando ellos crean que la tarea está difícil. Queremos que ustedes nos ayuden a eliminar el “no puedo” de sus mentes para sustituirlo por el “¿cómo puedo?”. Más que un simple juego de palabras esto tiene un enorme impacto psicológico positivo. YO les reitero mi compromiso en la enseñanza de sus hijos(a). Estaré disponible para aclarar cualquier duda durante la hora de conferencia de ____ a __ al 731- __________. Sinceramente: Maestra/o email@houstonisd.org

10. FAMILY LETTER Dear Families, We have an exciting journey together over the next school year! Each month I will be sending home a “family fun calendar” with suggestions for activities you can do with your child at home. Children grow up so quickly, and I know you want to enjoy this magical year by spending quality time with them each day. The best way to help your child learn to read is to read, read, read to them. Model reading, take your child to the library, and schedule time every day to read. The reading calendar I’ll send home each month will enable your child to record those special times. You’ve heard it before, and I’ll say it again. YOU are your child’s first and most important teacher! Children today need the same things they have always needed. They need caring adults to talk to them, sing to them, read to them, play with them, and LOVE them. And the good news is that the best things to do with children are FREE! I know how busy you are, so I’ll help you with suggestions for songs, finger plays, nursery rhymes, science experiments, crafts, games, and snacks you can try each month. I want to do all I can to make this the BEST year ever for your child! I look forward to getting to know your family as we build memories together! Sincerely, Teacher’s Name

11. PRE-K HANDBOOK • TARDINESS • School begins promptly at 8:00 in the morning. Not only does late arrival deprive your child of valuable learning experiences, it also disturbs the academic routine for the other children. When tardiness occurs, you are required to escort your child to the classroom for safety. When arriving after 8:15, every child MUST report to the office to receive permission to enter class. • ABSENCES • When your child is absent, the school requires a written statement explaining the child’s absences upon returning to school. • DISMISSAL • School ends promptly at 3:00 p.m. If a child is to leave school prior to dismissal, a dated and signed written statement from the parent or guardian should be sent to the classroom teacher. If a child becomes ill during the school hours, parents will be telephoned by the teacher, school nurse, or office personnel. • HEALTH INFORMATION • The state regulates that each child must have a current immunization record on file. • HEALTH TIPS • Make sure that your child receives at least eight (8) hours of sleep each night. • Your child needs a good breakfast to stay alert throughout the day. • Make sure that your child lets his/her teacher know he/she is not feeling well. • For the protection of all children, a child with a contagious disease or the symptoms of one will not be allowed in the classroom. (Ex. Pink eye, Strep throat, Chicken Pox…) • STUDENT ILLNESS: • Guidelines concerning health: • Keep your child at home if s/he is not feeling well. • Please send a note if something unusual or sad has happened (Ex. A death in the family, the death of a pet…). • Classroom teachers CANNOT administer medication!

12. PRE-K HANDBOOK • PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES • Conferences can be scheduled during my planning time (8:50a.m.-9:35a.m.) PARENTS ARE NOT TO HOLD CONFERENCES WITH ME DURING CLASS TIME, THIS TIME IS NEEDED TO TEACH! • EMERGENCY INFORMATION • It is very important that an enrollment card is on file for each child. ALL TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES where parents, relatives or friends may be reached should be recorded on the enrollment card and kept up to date so that you may be contacted in case of an emergency. Please notify me of any changes of address or phone number. A phone number where parents can be reached during the day is necessary. • LOST AND FOUND •  PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! I strongly recommend that all items such as jackets, caps, and sweaters be identified with NAME LABELS as these articles of clothing are easily lost. • BIRTHDAY PARTIES •  Parents may bring cupcakes and punch for a child’s birthday. Please notify me at least two days in advance. Refreshments are to be served at lunch time and are limited to cupcakes and punch. PARENTS OR A REPRESENTATIVE OF A PARENT MUST ASSIST ME. (Check with school administrator about policy regarding birthday parties.) • OUR CLASSROOM RULES •  Listen carefully • Follow directions • Work quietly • Respect others (Be kind with your words and actions) • Respect school and personal property • Work and play safely

13. PRE-K HANDBOOK • CLOTHING • Children are asked to wear clothing that will allow for their full participation in a day of vigorous activity that includes sitting on the floor for activities and stories, art work, center play, and outdoor play. School uniforms are encouraged (specify school colors.) • I recommend sturdy shoes such as tennis shoes or rubber sole shoes for both classroom and outdoor play. • PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT A CHANGE OF CLOTHING FOR YOUR CHILD IS LEFT AT SCHOOL IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. • HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS THAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME WITH YOUR CHILD TO REINFORCE HIS OR HER LEARNING EXPERIENCE: • Read to your child everyday for approximately 10 minutes. • Discuss the school day. (What did you do at school today?) • Listen to your child sing songs that we have learned. Come to class for a visit. • Ask the color and shapes of things. • Pick out letters and numbers we are studying. • Make sure that your child gets a good nights sleep. • Provide your child with a good breakfast. • Encourage regular school attendance. • Give your child responsibilities at home. (feeding the dog, setting the table, etc.) • Help your child collect items to count, sort, or classify. (cars, dolls, bottle caps) • Help your child with manners. (Please, Thank you) • Provide pencils, colors, markers, paper, and scissors at home. • HOLD YOUR CHILD, KISS YOUR CHILD, AND TELL YOUR CHILD EVERYDAY THAT YOU LOVE HIM OR HER!!!!!

14. 10 COMMITMENTS FOR PARENTS I will always love and respect my child for who he is and not who I want him/her to be. I will give my child space - to grow, to dream, to succeed and even sometimes to fail. I will create a loving home environment and show my child that he/she is loved, whenever and however I can. I will, when discipline is necessary, let my child know that I disapprove of what he does, not who he/she is. I will set limits for my child and help him/her find security in the knowledge of what is expected of him/her. I will make time for my child and cherish our moments together, realizing how important - and fleeting - they are. I will not burden my child with emotions and problems he/she is not equipped to deal with, remembering that I am the parent and he/she is the child. I will encourage my child to experience the world and all its possibilities, guiding him/her in its ways and taking pains to leave her careful but not fearful. I will take care of myself physically and emotionally, so that I can be there for my child when he/she needs me. I will try to be the kind of person I want my child to grow up to be - loving, fair-minded, moral, giving and hopeful.author unknown

15. POEM The First Day I gave you a little wink and smile as you entered my room today. For I know how hard it is to leave and know your child must stay. You've been with him/her for four years now and have been a loving guide, but now, at last, the time has come to leave him/her at my side. Just know that as you drive awayand tears down your cheeks may flow I'll love him/her as I would my own and help him/her learn and grow. For as a parent, I too know how quickly the years do pass and that one day it was my turn to take my child to class. So please put your mind at ease and cry those tears no more for I will love him/her and take him/her in when you leave him/her at my door.

16. SCHOOL SUPPLIES (SPANISH) 1 caja de toallitas húmedas para bebés (wipes) 1 par de tijeras de la marca Fiskar 1 paquete de 25 platos grandes de papel 3– cajas de crayones de 8, de la marca Crayola (solamente) 1 botellas de pegamento de la marca Elmer 1 botella de 8 onzas o más grande de germicida para las manos Germ X (no el tamaño más pequeño) 2 caja de pañuelos desechables (Kleenex) 1 paquete de horquillas de madera para colgar la ropa 3 –carpetas o folders plásticos (1 rojo, 1 azul y 1 amarillo, solamente) con bolsillos. 1 – toalla de mano (no envíe colchas ni cobijas) para la siesta 1-mochila (sin ruedas) suficientemente grande para que quepa el folder 2-paquete 50 hojas de papel construcción manila, tamaño 9”x 12” 2-paquete de hoja blanca para imprimir 1 caja de bolsitas de plástico Ziploc, de un cuarto de galón 1 caja de bolsitas de plástico Ziploc, de un galón 1 – paquete de 50 hojas de papel de construcción de colores, tamaño 9”x12” 1 Paquete de baterías AAA 1 Paquete de baterías AA Por favor no escriba nombres en los útiles escolares.

17. SCHOOL SUPPLIES School Supplies Needed Dear Parent, Your child _________________________ is in need of the following school supplies: _______ pencils _______ scissors (Fiskars blunt-tip preferred for PK) _______ crayons _______ markers _______ glue _______ other ________________________________________ Thank you! Teacher’s Name Date: ________________________

18. WISH LIST

19. EMERGENCY INFORMATION

20. CONTACTO DE EMERGENCIA Gracias: __________________________________________

21. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION Transportation Information • My Child: ____________________________________________________ • will be a car rider. __________________________________________ • (Name of person child will be riding with) • will be a bus rider. __________________________________________ • (Name of bus or day care van) • will walk home. ____________________________________________ • (Name of person child will be walking with) • _______________________________ • Parent Signature/ Phone Number Transportation Information • My Child: ____________________________________________________ • will be a car rider. __________________________________________ • (Name of person child will be riding with) • will be a bus rider. __________________________________________ • (Name of bus or day care van) • will walk home. ____________________________________________ • (Name of person child will be walking with) • _______________________________ • Parent Signature/ Phone Number

22. GETTING HOME (SPANISH)

23. ENCUESTA PARA LOS PADRES Nombre del estudiante: ______________________ • 1. ¿Cada cuánto le pregunta usted a su hijo(a) sobre la escuela? • De vez en cuando • Algunas veces • Frecuentemente • Todo el tiempo • 2. ¿Cuánto esfuerzo le colocara en ayudar a su hijo(a) a que aprenda cosas por si solo(a)? • Un poco • Algo de esfuerzo • Un poco más de esfuerzo • Una cantidad grande de esfuerzo • 3. ¿Cada cuánto le ayudara usted a su hijo(a) a que entienda lo que está aprendiendo en la escuela? • De vez en cuando • Algunas veces • Frecuentemente • Casi todo el tiempo • 4. ¿Cuánto tiempo de TV ve su hijo(a) en las tardes? • Media hora • 1 Hora • 2-3 Horas • 4-6 Horas

24. STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET Child’s allergies/health concerns (if any): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What are your child’s interest? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What are your child’s weaknesses/fears? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What is your child’s favorite thing to do at home? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Tell me about your child’s school experience. Has s/he been in a day care or school before? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does your child have any concerns about this school year? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

25. Binder Information

26. TIGER BINDER • August 26, 2013 • Dear Families, • I want to introduce you to your TIGER binder. This is a very important part of my teaching because it is a means of communicating with you! TIGER is an acronym for Today I’ve Got Everything Ready! Your child is required to take this binder home every afternoon and is also responsible for bringing it back to school in the mornings. I will be checking the contents of the binder each morning. Here is how it is organized: • Important Papers from school: The left side of the binder will have information that comes from school. If items need to be returned (like signed papers) please place them back in the left pocket of the binder. • Daily Conduct: The conduct calendar will be updated daily. • Snack calendar: Please check this calendar each month to see when your child is scheduled to bring snack. • Newsletter: This will be updated monthly • Homework Calendar: This is a calendar that has great ideas that can be used and done at home to help reinforce what we do in class. • The TIGER binder is great way to keep us both organized and encourage communication. It will also encourage responsibility in the students. I have supplied all of the items in the TIGER binder at the beginning of this school year. If any items are lost and damaged during the school year, it will be the responsibility of the family to replace those items. • I am very excited about having your child in class this year and as his/her parent; I view you as my partner in educating him/her. While we will be discussing the components of this binder in class, please also discuss it with your child, reinforcing the importance of staying organized to prevent any problems in the future. Please sign the bottom of this form and return it to school in this binder. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me at 713.123.1234 or email me at teacher@houstonisd.org. • Thank you, • Teacher’s Name • ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- • I have read through the contents of the TIGER binder with my child agree that if any items are damaged or lost I will replace them. • Child name: __________________________________________________________________ • Parent signature: ______________________________________________________________

27. L.A.D.Y.B.U.G.S. L.A.D.Y.B.U.G.S. Learning And Developing You Builds Ultimate Great Success The L.A.D.Y.B.U.G.S. notebook contains the sections listed below. Entries are made daily so please look at all of the sections, especially the School Communication section. Please see that your child returns this notebookdaily. Why is this notebook important to have? This notebook helps students to establish good organizational skills their first year at school. These skills will carry on throughout their time in school. Monthly Calendar/Yearly Calendar The calendar will have important dates and reminders of special events at our school, birthdays of our children, and other important information. Parent/Teacher Communication This is the notebook paper inside the L.A.D.Y.B.U.G. binder. This will be for notes between you and me. Please stress to your child that this is ONLY for your teacher and parents to write in. I will be writing notes to you in this section and looking for communication from you there. Please check daily and I will do the same for communication from you. I would also ask that you leave any notes that we may write in the notebook so that we can look back and remember any communications we may have had. This will help us remember what we’ve discussed and when we discussed it. Important Notes/Absentee Excuses This folder will contain any notes from school, notes from our Principal, school district as well as classroom information, etc. This folder is also for sending excuses to school when your child is ill. If a doctor has seen your child, please send notification of that as well. Zipper Pouch Inside the binder is a pencil case. Use this case to send in badges, lunch money, book orders, etc. Class List Names of students for various activities

28. LADYBUG BINDER CONTRACT • Dear Family, • Congratulations! Your child is learning to be organized and responsible. Please read over the following guidelines carefully with your child. After talking about how to take care of the L.A.D.Y.B.U.G. binder, you and your child should sign the bottom portion of this letter. • L.A.D.Y.B.U.G. Binder Rules • Please take very good care of your L.A.D.Y.B.U.G. Binder. It will be used all year. • Please do not make any marks or drawings in your L.A.D.Y.B.U.G. Binder. • Please do not put school supplies or heavy items in your money pocket. • On Fridays, remove all old information. • Take your L.A.D.Y.B.U.G. Binder home with you every day and bring it to school with you in the morning. • Keep your L.A.D.Y.B.U.G. Binder clean!Please do not eat or drink while using it. • Please sign and return. *(DO NOT DETACH)* this sheet will remain in the L.A.D.Y.B.U.G. binder. • I _________________, (student’s name) have read the L.A.D.Y.B.U.G. Binder rules with my family. I promise to do my best to take good care of my L.A.D.Y.B.U.G. binder and bring it to school every day. I know that it will help me learn to become responsible and organized. • _____________________ _______________________ • Student Signature Parent(s) Signature

29. WEEKLY CONDUCT REPORT Name: _________________________________________ Week: August 26-30, 2013 Green color – I had a great day! Yellow color – I did OK. Red color – I need to work on this area. I can do better tomorrow. Teacher Comments: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please contact me with any questions or concerns. email@houstonisd.org or 713-123-4567

30. NEWSLETTER

31. SNACK LETTER Dear Parent(s): Just a note to let you know that next week is your week for snacks for our class. We have 23 students, so we will need enough for 5 days for each student. You can send the snack daily or you can send it for the whole week. Great snacks for our class can be, popcorn (already popped), cheese its, pudding, gogurts, fruit snacks, or fruit. Because of allergies, please do not send snacks that contain peanut butter. Thanks in Advance, Teacher’s Name Dear Parent(s): Just a note to let you know that next week is your week for snacks for our class. We have 23 students, so we will need enough for 5 days for each student. You can send the snack daily or you can send it for the whole week. Great snacks for our class can be, popcorn (already popped), cheese its, pudding, gogurts, fruit snacks, or fruit. Because of allergies, please do not send snacks that contain peanut butter. Thanks in Advance, Teacher’s Name

32. Classroom Management

33. RULES/AGREEMENTS/COMMITMENTS To manage your classroom, use the first day to inform children what is expected of them. Present students with a creative visual aid that details class rules in a simple, straightforward way. Keep rules posted in a prominent location, easily visible to everyone in the room. Each day, go over the rules as a group.

34. CLASSROOM HELPERS Your classroom should have some version of a “Classroom Helpers” or student jobs. These jobs which may be anything from line leader to librarian, help to instill students with a sense of responsibility and foster community within the classroom. Introduce the jobs slowly at the beginning of the year, and take time to discuss the importance of each job.

35. WORKSTATION MANAGEMENT Work Station Management Boards help students know where they should be during Work Station time. Notice student pictures and photos used on the center labels. Be sure to use the same pictures on both the labels and center signs. Teachers can place students strategically into Work Station partners and determine which Work Station each student needs to be working at to meet their academic needs.

36. DAILY SCHEDULE Daily Schedule allows children to predict the daily sequence of events and use print in a meaningful way. When creating your Daily Schedule you must plan for small group time to occur, circle or whole group time (3 per day), time in work stations/centers and 3 hours of cognitive instruction. It can also be used as job for students; they can change sequence or time as needed when the schedule changes. It is best to use pictures of your classroom and school to input into the schedule, but store bought pictures will also work, as long as there is some type of visual representation. Each Daily Schedule will vary from school to school.

37. LABELING All containers in your classroom should be labeled so that students know where to place objects. A well organized classroom that provides student ownership can teach students to be more independent. There is a direct link between structure, organization, and effective instruction. Notice the picture and the words. An easy and cost effective way to make your labels is to cut pictures out of a school supply catalog, write or print out the words, laminate them and attach them to your baskets or buckets. If you use rubber cement it will stay on all year and you can peel them off without damaging anything.

38. ATTENDANCE CHART Attendance charts are a great way to determine who is absent from school without wasting any instruction time. Students come into the classroom and moving their clip, picture etc. becomes a part of their morning routine. Using pictures with names also helps students to learn their name and recognize the letters in their names and in their friend’s names.

39. TRANSITIONS Transitions help manage changes from one activity to another. Incorporating transitions will become a part of your daily routine. Transitions occur throughout the day and can be executed in many different ways. They help change attention and focus from one activity to another and can be used as a playful teaching strategy. Example of how to get student’s attention for learning: Eyes on Me by Susan Paul (Tune: Mary Had a Little Lamb) Quickly put your eyes on me Eyes on me, Eyes on me Quickly put your eyes on me So we can start, you see On-line Resources for Transitions http://www.ehow.com/info_7816558_ideas-transition-games-preschool.html http://drjeanandfriends.blogspot.com/2011/09/shhhhhh.html http://learningandteachingwithpreschoolers.blogspot.com/2011/12/transitions-in-preschool.html

40. TRANSITIONS • Transitions are times during the day when the children change either their location or activity. Transitions are necessary to move children though segments of the day. The transition act also promotes learning because the increased blood flow from movement brings fresh oxygen to the brain which enhances learning. • The most important thing a teacher can provide in the classroom is CONSISTENCY while developing the overall classroom management system. A well-managed classroom has a set of procedures and routines that structure the classroom. For this reason we suggest that the teachers consider using a song as their first interaction with the kids on their first day of school. • Opening each day with the same song for a period of time (2-3 weeks) is one way to start to develop a class routine. • Rug Song (tune of Frere Jacques) • Come to the rug • And sit down • With your hands • In your lap • Pushing in your chair • Then sitting in a square • With your friends • Transitions… • occur throughout the day • executed in a variety of ways • can also function as playful teaching strategies • help minimize disruptions • require clear and usually repeated directions • include rituals that become part of everyday routines • help students change their attention and focus from one activity to another like going to the rug: Hello song: (tune to Frere Jacques) Hello children, hello children How are you? How are you? We’re so glad to have you, We’re so glad to have you, Here at school, here at school Eyes are watching, Ears are listening Hands are still, Feet are still, Being really quiet. You should really try it. Listen now. Listen now.

41. TRANSITION SONGS Adiós, amigos (tune of Frere Jacques) Adiós, amigos. Adiós, amigos. Ya me voy. Ya me voy. Me dio mucho gusto. Me dio mucho gusto. Estar con ustedes, Estar con ustedes, Adiós, Adiós, Adiós, Adiós. ¿Cómo estás? (tune of London Bridge) Buenas días. ¿Cómo estas? ¿Cómo estas? ¿Cómo estas? Buenas días. ¿Cómo estas? ¿Cómo estas? ¿Cómo estas? Todos listos a empezar. A empezar, a empezar. Todos listos a empezar Un buen día.

42. TRANSITION SONGS Adapted from: The Bilingual Book of Rhymes, Songs, Stories, and Fingerplays

43. Additional Resources

44. STUDENT CHECKLIST

45. HOW WILL I GET HOME?

46. NAME TAG SAMPLE Child’s Name Teacher’s Name Room Number Child’s Name Teacher’s Name Room Number Child’s Name Teacher’s Name Room Number Child’s Name Teacher’s Name Room Number Child’s Name Teacher’s Name Room Number Child’s Name Teacher’s Name Room Number

47. BUSINESS CARD Mrs. Ana Garcia Maestra Bilingüe Email: agarcia@houstonisd.org Horario de conferencia 11:45-12:45 Mrs. Ana Garcia Maestra Bilingüe Email: agarcia@houstonisd.org Horario de conferencia 11:45-12:45 Mrs. Ana Garcia Maestra Bilingüe Email: agarcia@houstonisd.org Horario de conferencia 11:45-12:45 Mrs. Ana Garcia Maestra Bilingüe Email: agarcia@houstonisd.org Horario de conferencia 11:45-12:45 Mrs. Ana Garcia Maestra Bilingüe Email: agarcia@houstonisd.org Horario de conferencia 11:45-12:45 Mrs. Ana Garcia Maestra Bilingüe Email: agarcia@houstonisd.org Horario de conferencia 11:45-12:45 Mrs. Ana Garcia Maestra Bilingüe Email: agarcia@houstonisd.org Horario de conferencia 11:45-12:45 Mrs. Ana Garcia Maestra Bilingüe Email: agarcia@houstonisd.org Horario de conferencia 11:45-12:45

48. RUG RULES

49. 1st Day of School Ideas

50. POSSIBLE IDEAS FOR 1ST WEEK My Self Portrait: August 2013