erica_prek

Welcome to Erica's 2018-19 Pre-K Class!

July 2017

Dear Families,

Welcome to Kindergarten! I will be your child’s Kindergarten teacher for the 2017/2018 school year. This coming year marks my 16th year of teaching at the Earth School. I was born and raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan where I attended public schools until I went to the University of Michigan. I have an undergraduate degree in botany and a graduate degree in early childhood and elementary education from New York University. I currently live up in Inwood (“upstate Manhattan”). I am proud to say that my daughter will be a sophomore at the High School of Art and Design in September.

Our Philosophy Early childhood teachers at the Earth school are committed to supporting children in learning and growing through play and discovery. We strive to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment in which children’s interests and strengths are celebrated. Our hope is that during Kindergarten children develop a deep love for learning, awareness of themselves and others and confidence to pursue their interests. In various ways teachers strive to offer children a range of choices that allow them to engage in activities that provide both practice and challenge. Throughout the year, teachers plan and reflect on curriculum that meets the needs of the class, collective interests and the educational needs of each individual student. This means that although some of our curriculum is planned prior, some curriculum also emerges out of student interest and excitement for new topics.

Beginnings In September and October, we start by learning new routines and building a strong classroom community. Early in the year, we will begin focusing on self care and independence. Children will be learning things like: how to dress themselves for outdoor play, how to put on socks and shoes after dance class, how to take care of the classroom and how to carefully pour water from a pitcher when they are thirsty. We also begin the year with an emphasis on social-emotional learning. We will be learning to identify and understand our feelings, and brainstorming ways to manage our big feelings. We will be developing empathy by seeking to understand how others feel. We will be learning to take turns and share materials and ideas, and practicing peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. At the Classroom Kick-Off Evening in the Fall, we will talk in depth about the curriculum and how this is implemented in our classrooms. Family/School Connections At the Earth School, we encourage a strong family/teacher/school partnership and there are many ways for families to be a part of the school community. Some examples include being a class parent, being part of the Parent Association or volunteering for school events. You can also share your talents with the class, run a club or come and read a book to the class. Depending on your schedule, you can help out our class at recess and/or weekly, school wide, town meetings. We welcome your input and new ways to bridge the home and school environment. If there is anything that you would like me to know about your child (i.e. asthma, any medications, allergies, shared custody arrangements, etc.) to ensure a happy and healthy year, feel free to email me. I am looking forward to seeing you all in September!

The First Day of School I will be giving each child a homework folder on their first day of school, Thursday, September 7th. Please check the folder everyday to see if there are any important notices in it. Feel free to use the homework folder to send notes if there is going to be a change in your daily routine (doctor’s appointments, illness, birthday celebrations, etc.).

This first day of school will be a half day for all kindergarten children. Friday, September 8th will be the first full day of school. Here is a link to the N.Y.C. Department of Education official school year calendar if you need it for the upcoming school year.

Below is a list of school supplies needed for our classroom. Thanks for your help.

Sincerely, Erica Zimetbaum erica@theearthschool.org Supplies As the summer comes to a close, we would like to let you know what your child will need in terms of school supplies to begin the year. Please let your child know that most of the supplies will be shared and used by the​ whole class​.

● ***a family photo that we can keep in class*** ● A change of clothing (shirt, underwear, socks, shoes, and pants) in a Ziploc bag marked with your child’s name.* ● a cup (without a top) to keep in the classroom for drinking water- marked with your child’s name ● 2 rolls of paper towels (select a size sheets if possible) ● 1 box of tissues *Please make sure when you put together the bag of clothing​ that your children can put on each item by themselves. ***This photo is very important and helps children with the home/school connection.*** Optional Supplies**

● 1 bottle of non-toxic spray cleaner ● sponges ● colored pencils OR washable magic markers ● thick ​glue sticks ● colored masking tape ● baby wipes (unscented) ● watercolor paper ● Quick dry dish towels for cleaning up spills

**We understand that some families may not be able to supply us with items from the optional portion of the list. We are grateful for anything that you are able to share with our class and we thank you in advance.

Stuff you might have around the house or may find in nature: -​buttons - beads -old keys - scarves for dress-up - pebbles - small rocks - abandoned bird nests

Supply List for Earth Science with Emmy

● Blue paper folder ● Non-toxic spray cleaner