An inherent part of the in-person learning experience at CPA Lower School this semester has been learning to adapt. And Kate Laws’ kindergarten class is no exception. Ms. Laws shares her insight with families.
“The biggest change has been determining how to help the kindergartners who physically need to be moving around constantly,” explained Ms. Laws.
“For me, solutions come from thinking outside of the box. We have different times of the day when the students are allowed to sit on top of their desk, on a stool, or in a chair. We take a lot of what we call ‘brain breaks’, and we discuss personal space. The students are all at their desks, but they know it’s their space, and they can make choices within that space.”
Getting energy out and moving are critical in making a kindergarten classroom work, even within each student’s designated space. Teachers are getting creative.
“Recess, P.E., and our morning message where we share a Bible message, activity, and a greeting, have been important in this season,” said Laws. “We have incorporated activities to keep the students moving. We have welcome greeting songs with actions that they love. Consistency is my saving grace because the students know what to expect, what’s coming next, and that it involves getting up and moving around.”
“My biggest silver lining is just getting to be here in person with the kindergartners and to provide structure in a fun way,” stated Laws. “I get to be innovative, interactive, and make the most of what we have. Getting to be with these students is an enormous gift. I’m eager to figure out everything else because it’s so worth getting to be with them in the classroom.”
How have the students responded?
“Overall, I’ve been amazed,” Laws offered. “They are so happy to be in class with friends where they get to share, talk, and work together. They are ten steps ahead of where we normally are at this time of year because they are just so excited to be with each other and share what they are doing. While the year may feel different, the core of my day is refreshingly normal. It’s really a gift to be with the class and continue to grow and learn together. It doesn’t feel all that different; we are just in our own space, but thankfully together!”
To Live Transformed 