Jennifer Jenkins

Recently, I have been asked by several parents, “What do I need to do to prep my kid for kindergarten?” Typically, they anticipate my response to be centered around what they need to know academically, but I think there are skills more important than that. It isn’t about knowing all of their letters and sounds to be kindergarten ready. If they do, GREAT. They are ahead of the game. But the more important thing is that they learn social and independent skills that will help them be successful in the classroom. 🔺Help them learn to say their full name when someone asks them (not their nickname). 🔹Help them learn to ask for help. 🔺Help them learn how to speak to other people who are not family members. 🔹 Eat dinner together. At a table. With the tv off. ➡️ They will learn about table manners, how to stay in their seat an entire meal, develop vocabulary through conversation, and benefit from quality time. 🔺Help them learn how to compete a task and work all the way through until they complete it. 🔹Help them learn how to wait patiently. 🤪 Maybe they are waiting in line while friends go to the bathroom, or maybe someone is needing to talk to their teacher. Waiting is a hard thing for littles! 🔺 Read books every night. ➡️ Their world will be enlarged, they will develop new vocabulary, and they will benefit from quality time. 🔹 Help them learn to share. 🔺 Help them sharpen taking care of their basic needs by themselves - using the bathroom, washing their hands, blowing their nose. 🔹Tell them no. 🔺Teach them nursery rhymes. There is so much research behind this and how it supports brain development. 🔹Help them understand it is ok to make mistakes. 🔺Help them practice putting things in and taking things out of their backpack. Their teacher will thank you! 🤪 🔹Help them learn to follow two step directions. For example, “Take off your shoes and hang up your jacket.” 🔺Help them learn to sit and wait without having to be entertained. Can they sit and wait without having to be handed a device? There is so much more than academics that goes into helping a kid be “kindergarten ready”. Social and independent skills are life skills! If you aren’t practicing some of these things regularly, give yourself some grace. And if your child is older than KG age and cannot do some of these things yet, it isn’t too late! I am still working on these in my home too! We are about 5 weeks away from the start of school. The more they are able to do independently, the more successful they will be! Giving kids the opportunity to develop their emotions, compassion, and social skills is one of the greatest gifts we can give kids to prepare them for this thing called “life”. Let’s go!

To my educator peeps... you don’t have to be an administrator, grade level chair, or department head to be a leader in you school. Your title doesn’t matter. You just need to care about making it better. Passion and commitment can transform any culture.

The TAG Critique Protocol can be used in any grade or subject! Students and teachers love its simplicity and how it scaffolds the development of essential critique skills. Try it out in your next project, and let us know how it goes! bit.ly/2Vkypui

School districts need to focus on hiring principals who are leaders, not just managers. Leaders inspire, innovate, and create a vision for the future, not just maintain the status quo. Schools deserve leaders who can tackle challenges with compassion, empower teachers, and influence a culture where staff and students can realize their potential. amazon.com/Finding-Your-L…

@DrC_WKU @ToddWhitaker The best book! Helped me through my first year as principal and one I continue to refer to even now!

Not sure how many times I’ve read this book by @ToddWhitaker, but his practical and real-world approach is always so refreshing. Leaders need this text I’m their summer reading list! #bethefilter #weforgethowblessedweare

@DrBradJohnson @teachergoals World

Need your Input! Which cover do you like best for my upcoming book with @teachergoals? Just type World or Light Bulb in the comments. I will randomly choose someone to win a first copy as well. Thank you and good luck!

When approached with care, 5-minute chats with teachers can expand your understanding of your whole school community. (Via @caselorg)

Reading coaches are essential...

When MTSS, RTI, programs, interventions, spending & all other "extras" requiring more time, work & resources aren't having an effect on learning... It's time to stop everything & get honest about Tier 1 learning. Accept where it is. Design where it needs to be.

We always chase engagement. Here's how to get 86% sustained engagement... Incorporate at least 3 of these qualities into your tasks designed to produce evidence of learning. We've got to design for engagement to happen. Not just try to entertain our way to it.

In the remaining days of school, you may see some out of character behaviors from some students. Remember that not all students look forward to summer break. For some students, school is their safe place… where they receive consistent food, where they feel most successful, where they are surrounded by kindness and love, and where they can just be themselves. All behaviors are communication. Respond first with empathy and compassion. Thank you for everything you do for our kids! Have an amazing and well-deserved summer break! #maslowbeforebloom Join a community of 32K caring adults at the “Maslow Before Bloom” Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/maslowb…

Love this ❤️🤩🙌

Trying to Improve learning primarily thru Tiers 2 & 3 is like taking a family road trip by pushing the car down the road instead of using the engine. It's gonna be a lot of work & sweat & won't get you where you need to go. Crank that Tier 1 engine up & get things moving.

Research says kids already know 40-60% of what we are teaching today. But we say we never have enough time. Part of designing for learning, rather than teaching content, is being intentional about finding out where kids are in learning before we start taking the journey.

Teachers asked me for a picture of Tier 1 learning. This was the result. Something allowing for teacher autonomy & creativity, but also providing years worth of growth impact built into it to make learning happen & close the gaps. Eventually turned it into a book.

Wear your 💙💚 tomorrow to support Asher and the Sullivan family. Please continue to pray for them!!

@DrJimmySullivan Continuing to pray!!

6:30 pm update. Keep the prayers coming!!! Still very dire and prognosis unchanged…BUT Asher took a few breaths on his own this evening while on the ventilator. Only a few, but a win is a win. He is opening both eyelids ever so slightly to pain pressure points in two areas.

@BehCoach_WCPS YES!!!! How many teachers would stay in the field if we took the time to say these things and showed them our appreciation for all they do!!

Put this on your to do list today ❤️ #gratitude #relationships #positiveculture #WCPS

This should be displayed at the front door entrance of every school.🧠🌱