A little bit of background...

Here is a bit of my history (education, volunteer, workshops, etc)

Education:
B.A. Honours in English Literature and Political Science (Laurentian University)
B.Ed Primary Junior Division (University of Ottawa)
Preschool/Kindergarten Montessori (NAMC)
Certified Signing Time Instructor (Signing Time Academy)

Workshops:
Introduction to Math Manipulatives Kindergarten to Grade 6
The Otesha Project- CHanging the World Through our Daily Choices
Inclusive Curricular Learning Activities- Community Based Project
UNICEF's Global Education Programme: Children's Rights in the Classroom
The JET Programme: Professional Growth and International Adventure
Social Justice in Classrooms: Creating Imaginative Spaces for Self-Exploration
Working with Students Who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
101 Tips for Occasional Teachers
Toddler Shenanigans
Get Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night

Volunteer:
Barrie Youth Ambassador Program 2001-2010
Laurentian University Speaker Series (Gwynne Dyer) 2004 and 2010
Speaker at Model Parliament 2005
Preview Series (Laurentian University) 2005
Host of Political Science Movie Nights and Debates (Laurentian University)
Contributor to Lambda Newspaper 2006
Founder of Penpal Program (University of Ottawa) 2007
Section Representative on Student Council (University of Ottawa) 2007-2008
Member of Faculty Council (University of Ottawa) 2007-2008

Language

Language in the classroom will be strongly encouraged through circle time activities as well as daily routine. Letters, letter sounds, letter recognition, word families, sight words, vowels, beginning blends, digraphs and many other forms of introducing phonetic concepts will be repeated during circle time throughout the day. These concepts are essential in building the skills to recognize words, phonetically sound out words and the beginning stages towards reading.

 Beginning Blends and Digraphs

 Turn to find new words in the same word family!

 Phonetic words for Vowel Sounds

 These will be posted in the classroom-- what is posted will depend on what we are covering during that time.

 Words around our classroom!

Bulletin boards will reinforce what words and subjects we are covering.

Mathematics

Students will be introduced to counting, number recognition, addition, subtraction, counting in intervals, sorting, patterns, in addition to being able to successfully use manipulatives such as counters.

My collection of dice is my favourite circle time activity. They can be used for counting, adding and subtracting. Students love these and get so excited when they are brought out, especially when they get to pick which dice they want to use.

Another circle time favourite! These felt fish bowls are great for counting, adding and subtracting. Students love to pick which fish they want to add and enjoy the activity while learning essential math skills.

These counting bears can be used for so many different mathematical activities in the classroom. They are the perfect size and children seem to enjoy creating patterns, sorting, counting or even just playing with them.

Other manipulatives such as small toy cars can be used for counting activities, whatever will interest the student.

Counting the days during calendar time can assist students in learning place value. Counting the straws and grouping them in tens and eventually hundreds, this activity becomes an easy concept as it is part of the childs daily routine.

Pocket charts are always fun and allow for a hands on approach as part of a mathematics center. Students can interact with their teacher and peers while reviewing/learning basic math concepts.

Counting and number recognition

Counting: Base Tens

All activities are introduced by the teacher and can be used as a circle time activity or as a mathematics based center in the classroom. Students are assisted by the instructor and encouraged to use these tools in order to develop basic mathematical concepts.