Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Move Your Pin Up!


Our Clothespin Chart
Your child will hear this a LOT this year! Every student has their own clothespin that begins on the Ready to Learn level. Mrs. Taylor and I always try to catch students making great choices, such as being a good listener, doing their best on their classwork, keeping their hands to themself, etc.  When we see these behaviors, we have them move their pin up. When students make it to the top level, they get a jewel on their pin.  Once a pin is full of jewels, it is 'retired,' and the student receives a new pin in a different color!  When students aren't making good choices (talking out of turn, off-task during worktime, being unkind to classmates, etc) they are asked to move their pin down.  If their pin makes it to the bottom level, they will have to practice the right behavior on their own valued time (during recess, free time, or a game).
 You will know where your child ended up by checking their daily folder. Their level will be marked on a chart that should stay in their folder. Praise them anytime they land above the start level. Encourage them to do better should they ever move below the start level.  And when they bring home a retired pin....I suggest ice cream!



Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Welcome to Kindergarten

     Hello! My name is Rachel Lukacsko and I have been teaching kindergarten at Garth Elementary since 2007.  I grew up in Georgetown and received my bachelor's degree from Kentucky State University and my Master's degree from Georgetown College. I love to use music in the classroom.  I originally majored in music education and am currently the music leader at my church.  So be prepared for your children to teach you LOTS of new songs this year!  I also use a lot of technology to teach in the classroom as well.  We have a SmartBoard which we will use for daily calendar time, learning letters, phonics lessons, math lessons...pretty much everything!
Our SmartBoard (and my children:)
 




  I am married with two children of my own. When I'm not teaching, singing, or carting my children all around town to their extra-curricluar activities, there's a good chance you can find me perusing Pinterest for more great classroom ideas.  I enjoy learning about and trying new things to get students involved and excited in the classroom!


I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child this year. We're going to have a GREAT time!