The First Week of School
Source/Author: Betty Gootson
August 22, 2014
From the first walk to class and morning meetings - to centers, exploratoriums and playground activities - our Alpha and Junior Kindergartners dove into their first few days with joy and spirit as they and their teachers began their year’s journey together.
On the first day of school, there were many smiles and a few tears of trepidation. Our wonderful parent greeters and fourth grade patrols helped everyone feel safe and comfortable. By the time they reached their classrooms, students were ready to embark on new adventures!
At first morning meetings, classes began developing a feeling of community as they learned each other’s names through interactive greetings and activities.
Using interactive modeling, the teachers helped their students understand the daily procedures from pausing and listening when they hear the chime to washing hands, listening to others and using materials and treating pets respectfully.
One adjustment to JK includes learning to listen to directions about and visiting each center independently during center time. Manipulating play dough, drawing pictures and telling stories about their summer activities, and stringing beads to create Charger bracelets were a few of the introductory activities.
In Alpha, the children began creating kissing hand suncatchers for their families, after listening to The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.
On the playground, there was lots of running and climbing in spite of the heat.The swings and sandbox were always places to which the children gravitated. It was really fun when Officers Moody and Day came to play!
On the second day, the children were excited to visit the exploratoriums for the first time. There they found a variety of choices in which to engage including socio-dramatic play, tactile exploration, manipulatives and blocks.
We’re off to a great start and look forward to a year that lives up to our name – The Experiential School of Tampa Bay!
Photos from the week
Photos from the week
Back-to-School Night for Experiential School Parents – Tuesday, August 26, 7:00 pm
This is an event that every Experiential School parent wants to attend as it will provide all of the information you want to know about your child’s Alpha or Junior Kindergarten experience this year. We will begin in the Janet Root Theatre for a brief introduction and information about some of the things happening in the Shorecrest community. You will then proceed to your child’s classroom for a presentation by your child’s teachers about schedules, curriculum and classroom and grade activities.
After School Clubs
A schedule and registration form for after school clubs went home this week. Space is limited so please return your registrations quickly if you want you child to participate. The sessions begin during the week of September 8 and run for six weeks.
![JK on the Run [Photos]](/Images/1px.png?command_1=url&url_1=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shorecrest.org/userfiles/shpsv2mvc/images/news-images/JKontherun.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "JK on the Run [Photos]")
