S-M-I-L-E

Today, my kindergarten friend, Will, gave me this special note. Our conversation went something like this:
Will: HERE!! MRS. RIDER!!!!!!!!!! I have a special message for you!
Mrs. Rider: Oh, Will… tell me about this special message….
Will: Well, I made your “gi-normous” smile right here. You always are showing off your teeth. Are you just happy alllllll the time or what?
Mrs. Rider: Yes, I do like to smile. I just looooooooove Kindergarten!
Will: Me tooooooooo! And I like yellow, and soccer… Now open up your mouth so I can count all of your teeth!
This special message and our conversation was such a nice surprise… amidst the busy first days of kindergarten when are learning new routines, how to take care supplies, what it takes to be a good friend, etc….things can get hectic.
I am so glad that Will loves kindergarten, writes me special messages, and sees me smiling and loving what I do. I’ve certainly had a lot to smile about:

Simon’s excitement as he shared the end pages of his book from home.

How much Rylie enjoys doing special activity each afternoon.

Hunter’s love for patterning and solving math problems.

Will’s energy and zest for life!

Riley’s sparkly purple outfits and that she was the very first student to give me a hug this year!
Emma’s positive attitude and love of learning.

The way Carson sticks out just 1 finger when I ask for a high five.
Peter and Nick’s friendship and how excited/engaged they were while decorating their name pennants together.
Michael’s smile and love of reading.
Makenna’s curiosity.
The sound of Jamie’s laughter.
Emily’s stories about Canada.
Maxwell’s passion for music.

Joshua and Gus’ Lego creations and the signs they write asking others to be careful around their special buildings and vehicles.

How much Makenzie loves to play teacher during free choice time.

How much Hailey loves Writer’s Workshop.
A group of children who get just as excited as I do about the very littlest things in life. ☺I look forward to learning and growing… and sharing my “gi-normous” smile with these children each and every day!

Take a Peek

Kindergarten Friends,

Here is a little peek at some of our centers. I have really enjoyed setting up our classroom, but something is missing . . . you! The classroom becomes so much more fun once you are here. Please hurry!

Love,
Mrs. Rider

P.S. I can’t wait to read, laugh, sing, write, draw, dance, cook, pattern, count, play, investigate, pretend, research, paint, build, sort, sculpt, publish, celebrate, discover, and learn with all of you.

Free photo slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Ramona! Ramona! Ramona!

My AMAZING first graders and I fell in love with Beverly Cleary's series of Ramona books last year. We read Beezus and Ramona and Ramona the Pest. Many of the students also checked out other Ramona books from the school library. Together we laughed about Ramona's crazy antics and the students would always moan when I had to stop reading.

Well, can you imagine how they reacted when I told them the movie was coming out this summer? WOW! (Honestly, I was concerned that the principal might fly into the room and see what the commotion was about.) I can't see the movie trailer without thinking about all of my students and can't believe I haven't seen it yet! I am DETERMINED to get to the theater this week to see the movie... but am curious to hear what you thought of it first? Share your thoughts!


Ramona And Beezus Trailer

Summer Vacation

My family and I have had a wonderful summer together. We've enjoyed Scott's baseball games, trips to Kings Island, riding on the bike trail, a special trip to Disney World, grilling out, extra time with family and friends, picnics at the park, time at the zoo, celebrating Maddy's 3rd birthday, and so much more! The highlight of our summer, though, has to be our trip to Naples Beach. Check out the scrapbook of our favorite memories below:

Another free scrapbook by Smilebox

I am excited to hear from last year's class as well as my new students... What did you do on your summer break?