PM Kindergarten Teacher:

Chelsea Thomas

Personal Background:
II was born and raised in Spokane by a loving and supportive family that fostered growth through bountiful love!  My education began at Meadow Ridge Elementary, and flourished at Mead Middle School.  My appetite for the acquisition of knowledge blossomed while attending Mt. Spokane High School, and from there I pursued my Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies in Children’s Studies and Special Education at Western Washington University and Eastern Washington University, respectively.  I have been blessed with an abundance of experiences in early childhood education.  Such experiences include developing and administering the Kindergarten curriculum in a child development center; literacy tutor at Holmes Elementary; academic coach at Sheridan Elementary; student teaching practicums at Meadow Ridge Elementary with their special needs children, as well as 3rd grade at Evergreen Elementary; academic tutor for a brilliant child with special needs; as well as substitute teaching in a K-6th grade setting.  I am honored to have come alongside these children on their quest for knowledge and emotional development.

Philosophy of Teaching:

I am passionate about the well being of children through their cognitive development (psychological, physiological, and academic); physical and emotional safety, maturation in relationships, education and health.   Academically I believe that it is vital to accommodate to each child’s unique learning style.  It is essential to introduce and maintain a nourishing environment that fosters unconditional love, support, comfort, and acceptance.  It is my hope to introduce the children to a love for learning, positive self-image and appropriate social skills through enveloping them in a warm, inviting setting that is conducive to their unique talents.  I strive to meet each child where he/she is at with enjoyable, developmentally appropriate lessons.

 

Goals for the Class:

• To guide children in social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual growth
• To promote a positive sense of self and others To keep the love of learning nurtured in every child
• To encourage creativity and imagination
• To prepare children for lifelong learning

CLASS SCHEDULE**:

12:30-1:00*	AFTERNOON CIRCLE (Afternoon News, Calendar, Base Ten Blocks, Flag Salute, Weather Report, Sight Words Search, Read-Aloud, Introduction to Centers)
1:00-1:45*	Art, Science, Math, Social Studies, Writing, Computer, Anti-bias Learning Centers, Individualized Reading Instruction and Snack
1:45-2:00	Individualized Math Instruction and Silent Reading
2:00-2:15	Project Sharing, Show and Share (VIP Spotlight), Friday Spanish Instruction and Closing Circle
2:15-2:45	Physical Education M, W & F, T Whole Group Activity/TH Music and Movement
2:45-3:00	Read-Aloud & Journal Writing

*Must get Director’s approval to change times
**Eating times (Snack/Lunch) must be 2-3 hours apart