Maria Natividad

Washington Elementary

Affection
I want all of my students to feel that they are welcome and that they feel important and loved.  In the morning before they come in the classroom I have them shake my hand or give me a hug if they prefer.  The students and I don’t feel rushed in the morning and make time to say hello.  The students say “Buenos dias maestra”.  Also when they go home I have them say “adios maestra”.  I also let them know that we have to work together so I can teach and they can learn.  In addition, I build positive relationships with the parents.  There is parent communication and parents are always welcome to stay and volunteer in the classroom.  Students like having the parents stay and work with them and also help me. 
Acknowledgement
I give the students verbal praise and say “excelente y que buen trabajo” to encourage them and to acknowledge their work.  I personally tell the parents how well the students are doing or how great they did on their tests.  I also have sticker charts for homework, and give stickers when they are following the rules. Dragon dollars are also given out when they are on task. There are monthly awards and assemblies for kinder students.  My students get excited because they want to be chosen the Student of the month so they can wear a crown.  I also choose a student that is doing great academically and a student who has “good behavior”. 
Achievement
In the classroom, I encourage the students to do the best they can!  It is very important that they feel motivated to learn.  I like to see the students competing against each other trying to see who can say the letters and sounds the fastest.  In addition, the students get recognized in the parent newsletters. Finally, they are also given awards for their effort in class, participation, and for personal growth.