Spotlight on Preschool
Spring Edition
Preschool Is Blooming
Inclusive practices are blossoming! Teachers continue to work collaboratively. Special education and general education teachers partner to provide a welcoming environment that engages all students. Universal Design for Learning practices are implemented. Teachers recognize the diversity and uniqueness of their students—how they form the blooming fabric of our classroom communities. We are a community that promotes appreciation and acceptance of student differences. "All Means All" remains our motto. This fall, we are excited to announce two co-teach/blended preschool programs—at Pacific Drive and Orangethorpe. Mainstreaming opportunities in our general education preschool classrooms will continue to flourish.
Get to know another amazing set of preschool teachers!
Michelle Scofield - Woodcrest
Ms. Shelly is a beloved special day class preschool teacher from Woodcrest.
1. If you could have any super power, what would it be?
"My superpower would be to read minds!"
2. You just won a plane ticket to go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
"My plane ticket would be to go to Indiana to see my son and daughter in law."
3. What is your favorite Movie or TV show?
"The Proposal"
4. Would you rather go to the beach or go to the mountains?
"I like both the beach and mountains, as long as there is water to kayak in."
5. If you could give one piece of advice to a new teacher, what would it be?
"Be flexible with time."
Maria Alacron- Woodcrest
Ms. Alacron is an outstanding general education preschool teacher.
1. If you could have any super power, what would it be?
"I want to fly but not as a bird. As superwomen."
2. You just won a plane ticket to go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
" I would go visit my daughter in New Orleans."
3. What is your favorite Movie or TV show?
"I don’t watch a lot of TV but the last movie I saw was Encanto. I watch a lot of Disney movies."
4. Would you rather go to the beach or go to the mountains?
"I like trees, I would rather go to the mountains."
5. If you could give one piece of advice to a new teacher, what would it be?
"Take care of yourself and have a work life balance."
Amy Pendelton- Commonwealth
1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
"Organization powers, because my desk is a mess"
2. You just won a plane ticket to go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
"Anywhere in the Mediterranean because the food is delicious"
3. What is your favorite movie or TV show?
" Movie: Almost Famous TV Show: Schitt's Creek"
4. Would you rather go to the beach or go to the mountains?
" I love both, but if I had to choose I’d pick the mountains"
5. If you could give one piece of advice to a new teacher, what would it be?
" Don’t be afraid to ask for help and find time to visit other teachers’ classrooms. I love looking at other classrooms for new ideas"
Jenena Martinez- Commonwealth
Here are her responses to the five fun facts:
1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
" Teleportation. Life is so busy and hectic that I just want to get from one place to another instantly."
2. You just won a plane ticket to go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
" Since childhood I've been wanting to go to Israel."
3. What is your favorite movie or TV show?
" None-I'm not a big TV fan or movie goer"
4. Would you rather go to the beach or go to the mountains?
" Beach"
5. If you could give one piece of advice to a new teacher, what would it be?
" Don't let anything or anyone steal your joy in teaching!"
Allison Stanley - Commonwealth
Ms. Ally, a stellar Early Childhood Special education teacher at Commonwealth, teaches students with autism.
1. If you could have any super power, what would it be?
" Psychometry: The ability to obtain information about a person or object by touch. This would be extremely helpful in being able to help support the kiddos because I could gain insight into why a student may be unhappy, crying, frustrated, or simply not themselves. I do my best to communicate with parents and ask them how their child is upon arrival; however, I do not always find out vital bits of information until later. For example, it may not be until after school when I report on a kiddo’s day that I find out that my little friend did not go to sleep until 3 in the morning or they have been up and about since 3 in the morning, or they did not eat breakfast, they fell asleep in the car and just woke up before walking into the classroom, they have diaper rash, they are constipated, they have an ear infection etc. I do feel I have developed this super power to some extent because as a teacher you learn to read and understand your kiddos on all kinds of levels."
2. You just won a plane ticket to go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
"Italy"
3. What is your favorite movie or TV show?
"Movie: Goodfellas Tv: Schitt’s Creek, The Office"
4. Would you rather go to the beach or go to the mountains?
"That’s a tough one. Since we do not get too much snow in CA, I think I would head to the mountains and get in some snowboarding. I also love winter clothes."
5. If you could give one piece of advice to a new teacher, what would it be?
"Take care of yourself first. You need to be there for yourself as much as you need to be there for your kids. Being the best you can be is going to make all the difference to support your kiddos to develop into the best they can be! All you can do is your best and you will never know what you can do until your try!"
Social Emotional Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom
Beginning early in life, social and emotional learning (SEL) is highly important for helping preschool children to understand and manage their emotions, feel and show empathy for others, establish healthy relationships, set positive goals, and make responsible decisions. SEL provides an extra dimension to education. It is focused on improving cooperation, communication and decision- making skills. Our preschool classroom are full of wonderful SEL resources. Check some of them out below!
Calm Down Kit
Second Step Preschool Kit
Do your students need help saying "Hello?"
Emotion sticks
Look and Draw!
I love this activity!
The kids are always excited to see themselves and show pride in their work.
Need an Idea for a calm space?
View this fun whole body listening video.
**Here is an idea **
Play it. Pause it. Imitate it.
- First have the kids watch it; then pause it when you want to teach a motion. Next have the kids imitate the actions.
They will love it!
Enjoy the show!
Helpful classroom SEL resources
- One of the links is a description of Second Step with neat and informative videos on understanding the scope and sequence of this curriculum.
- The other link has free SEL resources you can download to accompany your SEL lessons or help guide your SEL goal writing.
Check them out.
Take some time to recharge.
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Anne Lamott
During this hectic time, take time to unplug and recharge. You are amazing and passionate—your craft is truly admirable.
Remember, give yourself grace through the challenges. Praise your accomplishments.
I am proud of our inclusion journey and admire your dedication to stay the course.
Thursday, April 21, 2022
5:15-6:00 PM
District Office, ELC