Consider a teacher who wants to introduce a text that includes content that might be sensitive or upsetting for some students. How should the teacher prepare to address potential issues that students might have due to their prior experiences, while also fostering a sense of safety and respect in the classroom? What steps would you recommend for the teacher to take in order to ensure that both students and parents are adequately prepared for the content of the text?

How do you manage behaviors in Kindergarten?

I use a warm fuzzy jar and LOTS of modeling of behaviors that I WANT to see happening. Students earn warm fuzzies as a class for following classroom routines and expectations and when we fill the jar, we choose a no-cost, school appropriate reward such as extra recess, extra play time, dance parties (10 minutes), extra time to read/draw/paint/build/etc. Each time a student models the correct behavior they earn a warm fuzzy. As we move through the school year, it takes more to earn a warm fuzzy and they are given out less and less.

How do you welcome new students to your classroom when they arrive 2-6 months after the school year has started?