The kindergarten team will be starting a new unit soon called Practical Life Skills. We are really excited to introduce this unit to the children and think you and your child will really enjoy it! We will have several centers within the classroom that encourage your child to practice life skills.
One center will be to encourage children to dress themselves entirely. This center will allow children to put on clothes (over their own clothes) to practice buttoning, zipping, tying shoes, as well as hanging clothes back on a hanger, folding and sorting laundry.
Another center will be designed to teach children food preparation and serving. This center will allow children to prepare a simple snack for their class, set a table properly, serve their class and pour from a pitcher.
Another center will be set up as an office. Here children will be able to play simple computer games to practice keyboarding skills, there will be an unplugged telephone set up so children can pretend to dial their phone number and have a phone conversation. There will also be a digital and analytical clock so children can practice telling time with a partner.
Another center will be designed to help facilitate basic math with everyday materials. Your child will have an opportunity to work with a partner to use a calculator to practice learning numbers and doing simple math. As well as learn simple addition and subtraction using measuring cups, rulers, and more.
There will also be a job oriented station where children will have an opportunity to dress up as a certain professional, and learn about what it is like to be a fireman, policeman, pilot, truck driver, teacher, etc.
In order to implement this great new unit into the classroom, we are asking for any donations that you would be willing to contribute. Below is a list of materials we will need. If you are unable to donate the materials below, but would still like to contribute, please feel free to donate monetary funds and the teachers will disperse the funds where they are most needed. Donations should be given to your child's teacher. Thank you all for your help and support, we are looking forward to getting started.
LIST OF SUPPLIES NEEDED:
large button down shirts
large pants with zippers and buttons
large tennis shoes with long laces
hangers
socks
zip up sweaters
laundry baskets
paper cups
paper plates
cutting board
plastic spoons, knives, and forks
pouring pitcher
digital and analytical (clock with hands) clocks
telephone
old keyboards
calculator
ruler
measuring cups
any dress up outfits of occupations (please do not send in fictional characters)
Mary Wolters
Hi! My name is Mary Wolters. This is my seventh year teaching at Simonton. I taught second grade for four years and this is my third year teaching Kindergarten. I have 3 children; ages 22, 20 and 17. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Reading Endorsement and an ESL Endorsement. I am looking forward to an awesome year with your children!
Trisha Wright
Welcome to kindergarten students and parents. It is my pleasure to introduce myself to you. My name is Trisha Wright and this is my sixth year teaching kindergarten at Simonton. I am a graduate of Arizona State University with my bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. Kids and teaching are my passion and I look forward to working with each and every one of you. I am excited to start a fun filled school year with your child and would like to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s first year in school.
Kelly Trowbridge
Welcome to Kindergarten! My name is Kelly Trowbridge and I was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Elementary Education in 2006, a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education in 2008, and a Masters degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Endorsement in 2009. This will be my third year of teaching at Simonton. This is my second year of teaching kindergarten but my first year of teaching an am/pm session. Teaching is my passion and I cannot imagine doing anything else. I am very excited and enthusiastic about getting the opportunity in helping your child start or continue his or her educational career.
Joline King
Welcome Kindergarten at Kathryn Sue Simonton Elementary School. We are so excited to be your partner in educating your child. My name is Joline King and this is my twenty-first year teaching, my eighth for the J.O. Combs District. I am a fourth generation Arizonian and have made the East Valley my home with husband, three children and our beloved dog Salvador for the past twenty-three years. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood after completing an Associates Degree from Eastern Arizona College. I also have a Master's Degree in Adult Education and Distance Learning. My children, both at home and at school are my greatest joy! I have three children that are almost grown: Matthew 24, Jennifer 20 and Bryant 18. I look forward to a great year full of fun and lots of learning.