Thursday, August 28, 2025

Effective Morning Arrival Routines In Pre-K

      Photo courtesy of Fat Camera From Getty Images Signature via Canva.com
 

Let’s be honest. Teaching little people is TOUGH!

The start of school is often filled with tears and fits of anger. Why?

I’ll give you three reasons:

  • Teachers need to set limits that many children haven’t encountered.
  • It might be the first time a child is in school and separated from parents.
  • Children are walking into a room full of strangers and new experiences. It’s anxiety-inducing.

What is a teacher supposed to do?

First and foremost, make sure to practice self-care. Drink your coffee or tea, listen to your favorite song, meditate, recite positive affirmations, chat with a trusted colleague, promise yourself a reward at the end of the day. Whatever you need to get your motor running, be sure and do it.

I’m speaking from experience. When I taught kindergarten, my stress levels were so high my doctor thought I had a heart attack.

I nearly cried with relief when he hospitalized me for observation on a school night. Who is happy when they have to stay in the hospital? A teacher at a breaking point!

After I left the district, I attended therapy. Seriously, the student on student violence in my kindergarten classroom left me shaken to my core. My therapist told me that teachers from my district were the largest group of clients she counseled. And people wonder why there’s a teacher shortage.

Okay, enough ranting. Once you’ve met your needs, execute a consistent morning arrival routine.


     Photo courtesy of marekuliasz from Getty Images Pro via Canva.com

Here’s My Morning Arrival Routine:

I played classical music during the morning arrival. It’s good for the brain, reduces stress levels and increases productivity.




For this activity children found their names on an index card and ‘signed-in’ by flipping the card to in. I wrote the first letter of their names in red to draw attention to the letters. I used a small pocket chart for this and hung it from the classroom door, so it was the first thing children saw.

If you don’t have a pocket chart, use poster board and Velcro.

Draw a red circle around the word in and a red rectangle around the word out (or whatever shapes you like).

Educational Focus: first name recognition, first letter of first name recognition, following directions, introduction to two shapes and two high-frequency words, part of the daily schedule so children learn to sequence



I used a magnetic board for this activity. Student names were written on magnets for the students to find and place in the correct column. You can use poster board and Velcro for this one too. 

This is a great way to learn where your kiddos are emotionally when they arrive and support them if they need it. It also gives them the vocabulary they need to learn to express themselves in a positive way.

I asked my students why they felt the emotion they chose. This helps promote conversation and taking turns when speaking.

You can also count how many children are feeling the same emotion. Compare/contrast

Educational Focus: First name reinforcement, self-awareness, emotional vocabulary, following directions, columns, pre-reading, part of the daily schedule so children learn to sequence 


      Photo courtesy of Tanyepm from Pixabay via Canva.com 

Additional Arrival Activities:

Each week, one child can be chosen as the Morning Greeter. They can use a clipboard to check off the names of classmates as they arrive. Give high fives, or any other greeting you decide.

Limited Center Time:

Library, Quiet Corner, Easy Clean-Up Toys on the Carpet, Morning Writing/Drawing

For the toys on the carpet, I used 2-3 mats (or towels) and placed the bins on them. (You can also use puzzles.) I instructed the children to pretend the mat was a table.

The toys had to stay on the mat when the children played with them. 2-3 three children to each mat. I also taught the children how to fold the mat when they were finished. Once the children become more independent, they can choose their own bins to use on the mats.

Educational Focus: spatial awareness, boundaries, following directions, cooperation, sharing, turn taking, folding is a life skill

Quick Note About Mats: When I taught Pre-K Head Start in Philadelphia, this practice was encouraged. It’s a Montessori technique that reinforces freedom within limits.

Years later at another Head Start program, my supervisor was against it. I defended my decision, and she allowed it for the first few weeks of school. Justify your strategy with learning objectives if it’s something you feel strongly about.

Morning Writing/Drawing

I didn’t have enough dry erase boards, so I laminated printer paper, bought a pack of black socks to use as erasers and found a bunch of dry erase markers to use for morning writing/drawing.

Note About Dry Erase Markers: Kids love them! But sometimes they push the tips into the markers, lose the caps, and don’t put the caps on correctly so the markers dry out.

Model how to use the markers correctly: take the cap off, stick it on the end of the marker and write with it gently. When you’re done, put the cap back on top. Listen for the clicking sound. Be sure to save any extra marker caps you find. You will need them.



Use a Timer and Give Five Minute Warnings

Introduce your children to a timer. Explain, when the timer goes off, it’s time to stop (freeze) what we’re doing and clean up. Remember to give verbal warnings before the timer goes off, so the children are prepared for the transition. Sing a Clean Up Song to make things more fun.

My morning routine, much like my teaching, developed gradually. The start of the school day was shaped by schedules, administrators, and the needs of the students. 

Regardless of what happened, I always remembered that the morning arrival was the foundation for the day. A solid foundation lays the groundwork for a productive day for students and teachers.

Take the techniques that resonate with you, tweak them and make them your own.

Resources:

Kid Writing A Systematic Approach to Phonics, Journals, and Writing Workshop

learnandplaymontessori.com


Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Bejette's Balloon: The Magic Of Smiles Book Review

 


Author: Claudia Colonna

Illustrator: ED Hose

Publisher: Independently Published

Released: May 1, 2025

Format: Paperback, Kindle

Price: $12.95, $2.99

Genre: Children’s Picture Books

Age Range: Author recommends 5-7 years.

ISBN:979-8281981521

Page Count: 46 pages

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 3 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon.

Kindness is like holding a balloon, it lifts you up!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.


Favorite quote from the book:

“They are all talking about this mysterious girl with a balloon who brought a smile to their day.”






Review:

Book Summary: 

A clear balloon floating by grabs the attention of Bajette, who is looking for her lost cat, Rocco. With the balloon string in hand, she spreads kindness throughout her town, creating positivity and forming friendships. With each new encounter, the balloon changes color, marking the goodwill Bajette shares with her community, while she continues searching for Rocco.





Opinion:

Bajette’s Balloon follows the gracious actions of Bajette as she offers help to others without expecting anything in return. Bajette is a wonderful role model of empathy for children. Her thoughtful acts teach children the value of friendship and the power of kindness.

Although I appreciated the selfless message of the story, I feel Bajette’s actions are overshadowed by Rocco’s harrowing experience of nearly dying in a house fire. I can’t help thinking, shouldn’t the balloon have taken Bajette to Rocco before he went into the burning building if it was meant to help?

I’m also curious about the balloon’s color shift. Were the colors chosen randomly, or did they each signify something? I try not to be overly critical, but as a storyteller, I think it’s important to explore all options, so the main point of the story gets through to young readers.

The lively illustrations by Ed Hose brighten the story and make it fun. 

I give it 3 Lemon Drops!



About The Author:




Bajette’s Balloon was created by Claudia, who was inspired by her parents’ unwavering spirit of generosity. Even in tough times, they found excitement in giving to others, a value Claudia cherishes and carries forward through this story. Claudia is excited to further teach kids about empathy and the importance of kindness and friendships.


About the Illustrator:


As a child, Ed Hose was allowed to draw on the walls. Coloring outside the lines was an understatement and thinking outside the box was so celebrated, she is pretty sure she grew up without a box altogether.


Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Lolly The Left Out Lobster Book Review

 



Author: Allison Hill

Illustrator: Sandie Sonke

Publisher: Eat Laugh Give Productions

Released: May 13, 2024

Format: Hard Cover, Paperback, Kindle

Price: $7.21, $6.29, $0.99

Genre: Children’s Picture Books

Age Range: Author recommends 4-9 years

ISBN:979-8990396227

Page Count: 44 pages

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 4 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

There’s no place like home and new friends who understand you!

A kind story for a world that has lost its way.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.


Favorite quote from the book:

“Just because Lolly seems different and scary, get to know her heart and you won’t be so wary.”





Review:

Book Summary: 

A bad storm caused Lolly to lose her way and end up in the woods. Since she looks different, the woodland creatures won’t help when she asks. Thankfully, a dog pack understands and helps Lolly find her way back to her family.





Opinion:

Lolly the Left Out Lobster teaches us to be inclusive. This story offers relatable examples of the struggles people experience when they’re thrust into an uncomfortable situation. It also shows how fear leads people to behave harshly toward those in need.

The characters experience a range of emotions based on their perception of the world. Lolly feels lonely and sad because she’s lost. Squirrel shows fear because he’s seen no one like Lolly before. Turkey acts mean because she thinks she’s better than everyone else, especially newcomers. Unfortunately, many believe themselves superior and mistreat vulnerable individuals because of it.

When the dog pack arrives, we’re finally introduced to a group of characters who exhibit the positive traits children need for meaningful and long-lasting relationships-empathy and acceptance. These altruistic canines also show readers what genuine friendship and kindness look like.

Sandie Sanke’s charming drawings inject joy into a story with a serious theme.

The educator explanations and focus questions at the end of the book emphasize the interpersonal skills taught in the story. They also provide an opportunity for children to internalize the enduring message of inclusivity and empathy for others.

The rhyming pattern is simple for young learners to digest but inconsistent at times.



I give it 4 Lemon Drops!





Educational Influence:

Classroom Connection:

Lolly the Left Out Lobster works well for a friendship theme or a discussion on emotions and acceptance of others. The book could be expanded by exploring children’s feelings of sadness, loneliness, or exclusion. I think the hurtful words of squirrel and turkey deserve the attention of parents and educators. Children need to understand that their words (positive or negative) and actions matter.

Age Range: 3-7 years


Targeted Vocabulary:

Lonely, left out, chaos, sad, different, sneer, scurry, quirky, sauntered, glee, cove, gigantic, unique


Resources: Click the image to access the Pinterest Board with the resources.









About The Author:





Allison Hill writes from a place of passion for families, philanthropy, and education. Her debut children’s book, Lolly the Left-Out Lobster, weaves an entertaining tale of kindness and belonging that inspires young readers to embrace diversity, compassion, and the power of community.


Through Lolly’s eyes, readers explore the importance of approaching others with an open heart and mind.


As Lolly navigates the challenges of feeling left out and finding friendship in an unlikely band of dogs, the story becomes a reminder to us that compassion, empathy, and kindness can truly make the world a better place for everyone.


In her professional life, Allison leads social impact initiatives for a private equity firm, including diversity, inclusion, and non-profit relationships.


She received her undergrad and MBA from Cornell and has over 25 years of brand marketing experience. During the pandemic lockdown in 2020, she and her daughters started their efforts to help deserving families with basic necessities related to food scarcity and kitchen supplies.


The idea was born from Allison’s belief that every family, despite individual circumstances, deserves time together to celebrate, connect, and enjoy each other’s company around a shared meal or family table. 


Her favorite activities center around her family - cooking, reading, laughing, (& doing nothing!) with her college sweetheart, two daughters, and two dogs.


About the Illustrator:





Sandie is a Southern Californian native. She found her passion for art at an early age and has always found joy in simply sketching in a sketchbook or drawing tablet. 

Sandie enjoys working on children's books most of all. Her hope is to bring a little happiness to those who view her work, in fact, her work is currently on display in a children’s ward for that very reason. 

Sandie Sonke's most popular book is Our Class is a Family (The Classroom Community Collection), and she has covered many other topics of huge importance to her, such as books about family, toddlers, vaccines, and a humorous feminist fable!

You’ll also find in her portfolio homages to real-life women with a cause! and illustrated recipes that she loves.