Kindergarten Explorers

at Queen Anne
Elementary

Katie Cryan Leary

About Ms. Cryan Leary

I love teaching! This is my 23rd year working in public

schools. My career has included teaching and principal work
at all grade levels K through 8.

I came to QAE as a founding teacher and a parent when we

opened in 2010.

I am fascinated right now by the concepts of whole-hearted

living, mindfulness & parenting the Positive Discipline way.

When I am not at school, I love to

run, bike, play soccer, read and
play in the mountains with my son,
Jack, my husband, John and
our dog, Gracie.

QAE Pillars

We are self-directed learners

We encourage each other to think

critically and learn more

We are concerned, confident &

compassionate citizens of the world

We learn everywhere, we learn

together

We are creative

What we believe

Learning should be fun and exciting!

Our most important priority is to instill

a love of learning in our students.

Kindergarten is a place for social/emotional

learning AND academic learning. Choice
time is JUST as important as math time!

Our instruction should align with our pillars.

Family involvement is a VERY important part

of student learning!

Our Daily Learning Schedule

7:55
8:05
8:15
8:45
9:15
9:30
9:45
10:30
10:50
11:35
11:40
12:20
12:40
1:25
1:35
1:45
1:55
2:05

Morning Meeting
Interactive Read Aloud
Reading Horizons (Learning Stations on Mondays & Fridays)
Readers Workshop (Learning Stations on Mondays & Fridays)
Recess
Snack & Brainpop jr
Math Workshop
Class Meeting
Recess / Lunch
Calm Time / Core Practice
Writers Workshop / Science
Choice Time (K Friendship Club on Fridays)
PE/Art/Digital Literacy - Library
Recess
Jobs / Pack Up
Interactive Read Aloud (3 gr. reading buddies on Fridays)
Shared Reading
Dismissal
rd

Project Based Learning @

QAE

Effectively

teaches content knowledge and skills

Builds

deeper understanding of concepts through

inquiry and problem solving

Is

engaging and meaningful for kids

Preps

kid for real life!

Creates

students who are critical thinkers and

effective problem solvers

What does PBL look like

in Kindergarten?
Incorporates

common core standards and

21st century skills

Projects

Who am I?
How can I use my creativity to help?
Collaborative We wonder research
Connection

with Dwankhozi Basic School

Positive Discipline &

Social Emotional Learning at QAE
Designed to help children become responsible,
respectful and resourceful members of community.
Helps

children feel a sense of connection (Belonging &

significance)

Is

effective long term (Considers what the child is thinking,

feeling,learning, and deciding about himself and his
world and what to doin the future to survive or to thrive.)

Is

mutually respectful and encouraging(Both kind & firm)

Teaches

important social and life skills (Respect, concern for

others,problem solving, and cooperation as well as the
skillsto contribute tothehome, school or larger community.)

Focuses on beliefs behind behaviors

What does PD & SEL look like

in Kindergarten?
Classroom

Meetings

Classroom

Jobs

Calm

Body Spot

Brain in Hand (self-regulation)

Encouragement
Kelsos
Zones
Mind

vs. Praise

Choices

of Regulation

Up

Everyday

learning and playing together!

What does Literacy look like

in Kindergarten?

TC Readers and Writers Workshop strategies

that nurture a love of reading and build reading
comprehension and fluency
~ Just Right leveled book bags will come home
in December for at home reading practice

Reading Horizons curriculum that develops

phonemic awareness, decoding and handwriting
skills

Interactive Read Alouds that support our

SEL and PBL themes

What does Math look like

in Kindergarten?

Math Workshop incorporating hands-on,

differentiated games and activities
aligned
with Common Core Standards

Math In Focus curriculum and journal

Spatial Temporal (ST) Math

What does Science look like

in Kindergarten?
Inquiry-based Science units:

Animals 2x2

Wood

What does Digital Literacy &

Citizenship look like in
Kindergarten?
We use technology to share our learning.

We create using photos and videos

to explain and assess our learning

We share our learning with others

We use ST Math and Reading Horizons

to support our Math and Literacy learning

(Seesaw)

How can you support your

Kindergartener at home?
Read

to them or have them read from their book

bags (when they get them in December) to you!
~ 20 minutes per night!

ST

Math
~ 30 minutes per week

Follow

our Learning!
~ Look at our website and respond together
once a week!

Have

Fun!
~ Explore the world together with engaged brains,
always on the lookout for learning!

Communication

E-mail (best) ~
ktcryan@seattleschools.org

In person ~ schedule a time with me

Website ~ cryanlearyqae@weebly.com

Twitter ~ @msCLqae