Miss Erika's K-1-2

Miss Erika

Erika Almskaar

I was raised in Bellingham Washington and did the rest of my “growing up” in Portland, Oregon. I earned my B.S. in Child and Family Studies from Portland State University and my Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Portland. I have taught kindergarten, first and second grades at a handful of progressive independent schools here in the PNW as well as St. Petersburg, Florida. 

Teaching these three grades together as I believe mixed-age learning is powerful and reflects real life. I value play, curiosity and divergent thinking, encouraging children to share their thoughts, feelings, ideas  and develop authentic and meaningful relationships with the children in my care.

I'm happy to be back home in the Pacific Northwest where I enjoy exploring the mountains and rivers. I also appreciate life's cozy pursuits: reading, writing, and snuggling my silly puppy, Oslo.

ealmskaar@millaschool.org

inquiry:

Who are we?

We are inquiring into what it means to be human. Humanity includes our shared and distinct physical characteristics, heritage, family systems, and culture (traditions, beliefs, values, language, cuisine, social customs, and the arts [folklore, music, dance, painting, etc.]).

We will explore how children develop within their unique ecosystems (family unit, community, country, across time). We will take inventory of who we are (our individual and collective similarities and differences) and who we resolve to be.

rights & responsibilities

We have the right to think, learn and be heard with a sense of peace, joy and belonging.

In order to protect these rights, we have the following responsibilities:

  • Listen and follow directions

  • Keep our voices and bodies safe and in control

  • Talk when it is our turn

  • Stay with the group & request permission before leaving

  • Treat our classroom, classmates & teachers with care

daily rhythm

7:30

breakfast/Mill A Meeting

8:10

morning gathering

8:20

literacy workshop

9:30

recess

9:45

read-aloud

10

math workshop*

11:15

class conversation

11:30

recess

11:45

lunch

12:10

rest**

12:30

sound & symbol

1

fresh air

1:15

writing workshop***

2:10

tidying

2:20

closing circle

*

art on Tuesday

**

walk in the woods on Monday

***

Music on Monday, P.E. on Friday

celebrations & gatherings

August

September

  • K-2 Check-in

October

  • Fall Festival

November

  • Stone Soup

December

  • Craft Day

Thoughts on homework...

Children thrive with structure, clear expectations and responsibility, so a predictable after-school routine is key.

I encourage your family to determine a flow that includes a reasonable chore, free-play, and a regular read-aloud. Cozying up with a book is a sure-fire way to promote literacy and a love of learning.

Research does not support assigning nightly homework in the primary years. That being said, I understand that some families wish to include this in their after-school routine, and for some children, additional practice of concepts taught in class may be necessary.

During our initial conference, we can discuss a homework plan that is both sustainable and relevant to your child's learning. To the right you will find links to documents for home practice.

our class animals:

Ace (the blue tongue skink)

Harold & Squeaky (the Russian tortoises)