Tell about some exciting things that your class has done this year, or things that you plan to do before the end of the year.

Our class is working hard on our writing journals this year. I am so proud of their writing! Friday is their favorite journal writing day because it is “Free Write” Day. They can write about anything they like. We are looking forward to our trip to the Zoo! We have been reading about different animals and where they live. We talk about what continent different animals are from when we sing our “Continent Song” each morning and play our “Around the World” game. It is an exciting time for learning and growing in kindergarten at Una Elementary!

Tell about any ongoing professional development or continued education you have been working on this year. (Graduate work, Covey, new certification, etc….)

I am excited about all the literacy ideas and activities I have been shown at workshops and visiting other elementary schools. I have many new ideas to put to use in my literacy centers and reading groups.

Where did you attend school, what was your major?

I attended Samford University in Birmingham and majored in Early Childhood Education.

Do you have a higher degree? How many years do you have? ( Masters, +30, Dr…)

I have a Master’s Degree in Preschool Education.

What made you decide to teach Kindergarten?

My favorite teacher was my first grade teacher, Mrs. Floyd. Kindergarten was not part of the public school, so first grade was my first year in school. Mrs. Floyd shared with me her love for reading and learning new things. She made me feel loved and cared about and instilled in me at that young age that what I thought and did counted. I could learn to read and write and make a difference in my world. As a kindergarten teacher, I want to have that same impact on my students. I want them to leave kindergarten with a love for learning and a confident eagerness to achieve great things. Most of all, I want them to feel good about themselves and their accomplishments.

What is you favorite color?

Purple

What is your favorite children’s book?

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

How do you prefer to communicate with you parents?

I prefer face to face communication, but in this busy world we live in, that is not possible on a daily basis. I communicate with parents through a daily folder that goes home with information about their child’s behavior at school and what we are learning and doing at school. The folder is a daily communication tool between teacher and parent where parents receive important notes from school and also send their notes of concern or needed information back to me. Parents are also encouraged to call me with their questions or concerns.

Tell about a special event or day your class participated in. You may want to include some student comments about the day or event.

Pajama Day is our favorite kindergarten fun day at Una School. We all (teacher included) wear our pajamas to school and curl up with a good book to read. We’ve worn our pajamas to experience Polar Express Day with cookies and milk, to hibernate like bears in our caves with our special blankets, and celebrate reading for Read Me Week with our cuddly stuffed animals and favorite books. We love to read at Una School!

Any other interesting facts or information you would like to share.

Kindergarten is an educational partnership of parents and teachers working together for the best interest of the child.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Keyser