Hello and Welcome.
My name is Barbara Allisen, known most days as Mrs. A. I’m a kindergarten teacher and author with over 30 years experience, primarily in kindergarten and preschool. My classroom experience includes inner city & private schools, big new public schools & very small old ones.
I grew up in a tiny village close to the family farm, later moving to a small town and then city. Crisscrossing the country, I graduated with a B.A., B.Ed., D.P. E. and a special diploma in Early Childhood Services. Two kids of my own, one with special needs, were another education (and the degree S.U.R.V.I.V.E.D).
I’m often asked why I teach kindergarten (other than most students after grade 2 are taller than I am). At what other grade level could I play with puzzles and blocks and make crafts and build Lego and shape playdough and read Big Books? And get drawings for my fridge and hugs now that my kids are grown?
And why do I now have a kindergarten readiness website? Because:
Children are 20% of the population and 100% of the future.
Because: Children who are ready for school do better in all the other grades and have more chance of finishing school. Unfortunately, many children who enter school behind their classmates stay behind.
But mostly because: Being ready for school starts before children ever get there. Plus, it turns out that one of the critical factors that affects children’s success at school is PARENT INVOLVEMENT. So, supporting parents and caregivers is one of the best ways to support kids.
This website has articles, daily tips, questions and answers, and other information for parents of children before they go to school and even while they are there. I may only be in kindergarten but even I can do this math: Helping parents and caregivers = helping kids.
Cards and letters and pictures like these give me the courage to expand out to you. (children’s names changed)
“Dear Mrs. Allisen, Thank you for a wonderful year. Keera really enjoyed herself….She was so sad to realize that kindergarten was ending that she cried.”
This one is from Jacob, “Thank you for being my first teacher.” (sunshine, heart and rainbow pictures included.)
After more than 30 years in the classroom, I carry the memories of more than 1,000 children’s school beginnings in my heart. I only wish I’d known for all of them what I now know and what I am still learning. I invite you to share the journey of getting children ready for school with me.
Erupting Volcano
Creating an erupting volcano is an old favorite and has been a staple at science fairs around the country for many years.
* Supervise all children.
Supplies needed:
baking soda
cardboard
plaster of Paris
4 oz. plastic cup
red food coloring
water
hand dishwashing liquid
vinegar
Making the volcano:
There are many ways to form the volcano. Some children build a cone shape using newspaper balls, and then cover that with dirt or clay. Papier mache is another favorite way to form a cone shape over newspaper balls. Another approach is to create a permanent structure with cardboard and plastic of Paris.
Step 1: On baking sheet (or other easily cleaned surface), shape cardboard into a broad cone shape using the cup to form a “crater” at the top of the volcano.
Step 2: Use plaster of Paris over the cone to form the volcano (keep plaster out of the crater). Allow volcano to dry completely.
Step 3: Paint or decorate volcano as desired.
Making the eruption:
Step 1: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with dishwashing liquid, water, and red coloring in a plastic cup.
Step 2: Put 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small, empty plastic cup. Place this cup inside the volcano crater.
Step 3: Quickly pour vinegar mixture into the baking soda cup in the crater.
Step 4: Stand back and see the lava erupt and flow!
Science Explanation: Enjoy the “lava” as the volcano erupts! The baking soda reacts with the vinegar in the mixture and produces a gas: carbon dioxide (CO2). The gas releases bubbles through the dishwashing liquid and food coloring, creating the bubbly, red lava.