Dear parents, Please allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Steven Axe and I am a teacher candidate currently completing my bachelor of education degree at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) in Oshawa. From November 25th December 18th, I will be working alongside your son or daughters kindergarten teacher Mrs. Hardy and early childhood educator Mrs. Shaw in providing your child with a quality education as per the Ontario Full-Day Kindergarten program. Though my time here will be brief, I understand that anytime someone new is brought into a kindergarten classroom, the routine can get disrupted slightly. So I wanted to take this opportunity to reassure you that not only do I realize the routine could get disrupted, but more importantly I am going to make every effort to ensure it doesnt. I will do this by paying close attention to the methods used by Mrs. Hardy and Mrs. Shaw, and replicating them myself. As per UOITs guidelines, I should be teaching no less than 30% of the day, but no more than 75% (by the final week of my placement). The specific amount will of course vary depending on class schedule, the teachers discretion, and other factors such as assemblies. My philosophy regarding teaching, and more specifically teaching kindergarten, is that children learn by doing. Identical to the Full-Day Kindergarten program already implemented in the classroom, I feel that encouraging children to explore and learn through their own interests is key at this age. I will make a commitment to contributing to your childs development academically, socially, and physically, as I feel that all are important. Though my placement is a mere couple of weeks, my goal is to play some kind of a contribution to your childs development in each of these areas. Id like to encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns, regarding my lessons or any other matter. I can be reached at steven.axe@uoit.ca or in person at the beginning or end of the day Id be happy to meet you all!

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter,

Sincerely,

Steven Axe