Starting Kindergarten with Pete the Cat

This is my 20th year in kindergarten, and I have always used the typical read alouds to start the year like The Kissing Hand, Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, The Pigeon Goes to School, etc.  Last year, we really got into Pete the Cat mid year, so this year I have tried starting with it and I will probably continue until I retire. 

First, the kids love it and love to sing along and talk with the book, "GOODNESS NO!" they all say.  But what has been great is how Pete doesn't get upset over things.  He says things like "It's all good."  Fast forward to our first art project and one of my little girls made a mistake.  She looked at me and, as if on cue, said, "It's alllllllllll goooooood." Kindergartners often get upset over every little thing, so the theme of Pete will hopefully carry us through these first few months!

We read (and watched a video) for Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes.  Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes, and Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons. 

Student Gifts

At my school, the kids come in for a 20 minute one-on-one "meet the teacher."  The sole purpose is to build relationships and reduce student fear/anxiety.  Since my class is the "Rainbow Room" at my school, before I let the kids have this candy, I ask if they think it will help their brains remember we are the rainbow room to help them always find the right classroom.  So far, only one kid thought it wouldn't help at all! 

The gift tags are a freebie on my TpT store.  Click here to download them.   

Kid Interviews

At our school, we have two days where kids come in one-on-one to meet the teacher.  The goal of this is simply relationship building.  I love to ask kids a few simple questions and take their pictures to practice their names ahead of day 1.  It helps SO much!  

The interview sheet is free on my TpT store for kindergarten and first grade.  Click here to download it from TpT. 

Sending a Video to Kids

Buy the book on Amazon here! 

     

I saw this book at the store and thought, "I should read this to my kids BEFORE they even get here."  Remote teaching helped me to get over my insecurities with seeing myself on video, so I just went for it.  I filmed myself reading the story to the kids and gave parents the opportunity to help their children to write me back.  I love the randomness of what they want to tell me.  I was told some students watched it 10+ times and were "mesmerized." That helped me remember how little and sweet my kindergartners are and how important my job is. I used some of the student names while reading the story, which was also super special for the kids.  "I wonder if Nolan likes to paint?" Some ideas fail, but this one was a win. 

Buy the book on Amazon here!