About
Megan Joy Smith
Elementary Education Degree from Boise State University, Magna Cum Laude
Owner/Teacher of Chatterton Avenue Preschool
Certified in CPR/First Aid
Licensed by City of Boise
A little about Ms. Megan...
I have lived in Boise for 23 years and have taught preschool for 11 years. My husband and I have three great kids (Brayden, Brooklyn, and Landon.) Even when I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. To pursue that dream, I earned my degree in Elementary Education, graduating Magna Cum Laude. I taught as a long-term substitute in the local school district after graduating. My favorite was teaching kindergarten! It was so exciting seeing their academic skills and confidence grow over the months. After starting a family, I continued to teach children in church settings as well as my own children in co-op preschools. Because I enjoy teaching so much, I decided to start my own in-home preschool several years ago. Every day in preschool is so much fun as we sing, laugh, play and learn!
A Typical Day at Preschool
9:15-9:30 As each child arrives we will have gathering activities that include toys, games and puzzles to start getting the children focused on learning. One-on-one name writing practice.
9:30-9:45 Once we are all gathered we will start the day with songs, the Pledge of Allegiance, calendar and communication activities.
9:45-9:50 Morning Message and Phonics practice. Every day we practice our alphabet using "zoo-phonics"- a visual, auditory, and kinesthetic approach to the alphabet that not only teaches letter names, but also letter sounds. We also use the Heggerty program to build phonological awareness.
9:50-10:30 Introduction of unit and topic that we will be studying: learning activities, crafts, focused on letter and number recognition, phonics, math skills, colors, shapes, writing skills, etc.
10:30-10:45 Physical Activity (outside if weather permits)
10:45-10:55 Snack: Each child will take a turn providing snack for the week.
10:55-11:05 Story Time/Library. Once a week, students get to choose a book to take home from my library to read for the week.
10:55-11:30 Learning Centers and/or Projects- Students rotate through a variety of hands-on centers. Centers are based on our theme and change each day or week. Centers allow me to work with children one-on-one or in pairs. They also learn to be self-directed learners. We do activities involving all the letters, crafts, numbers and science. Rotating through the centers allows us to practice many different skills in a fun way.
11:30-11:45 Farewell activities with songs, books, games to close the day.
