This is my 24th year teaching in Ridgefield, all in Kindergarten. I believe that a classroom should be filled with respect, cooperation, security and a sense of pride that each child continually fosters.  A child should enjoy what they are learning; therefore, it is my job to explore activities that will challenge as well as interest the students. The aim of an effective kindergarten program is to provide a learning environment in which children will find varied opportunities in which they can learn social behaviors which benefit both the individual and the group. They should develop critical thinking skills, learn to solve problems, discover new things in their environment, extend present prior knowledge, learn about words and explore usage and meaning for effective communication with others.