RAPID CITY, SD – For Valley View Elementary kindergarten teacher Kennedee Goodro, the most rewarding part of the school year is watching confidence take root.

“This time of year, all of the light bulbs start to click on,” Goodro said. “They begin to realize, I can do this, and learning becomes fun.”

Goodro, a Rapid City native who now teaches in the same district she attended as a student, said creating a safe and joyful classroom environment is central to kindergarten success. Through morning meetings, breathing exercises, and classroom jobs, she works to build responsibility and emotional awareness among her students.

“They’re still learning how to be five and six year olds,” she said. “We talk a lot about big feelings and what strategies we can use to calm our bodies.”

Her classroom incorporates social emotional learning practices such as a “safe place” where students identify their emotions, practice deep breathing, and return to learning when ready. Goodro said the language students develop often carries beyond the classroom.

“I’ve had parents tell me their child is setting boundaries at home and using their big voice,” she said. “They’re learning how to communicate.”

Goodro also brings creativity into academic standards. During the fall, students host their own “Macy’s Day Parade,” designing and showcasing paper balloon creations. In winter, football brackets help teach math concepts such as greater than and less than. During March, books replace basketball teams in a classroom reading bracket.

“It’s tying the standards into something real and exciting for them,” she said.

She also praised the district’s junior kindergarten program, now in its second year at Valley View. Designed for students who need additional readiness support, the program provides smaller class sizes and focused instruction before entering traditional kindergarten.

“I think it’s one of the most beneficial things we’ve started,” Goodro said. “The growth we’re seeing in confidence, behavior, and academics is incredible.”

Communication with families remains a priority through monthly data sheets, conferences, and the ClassDojo platform.

Despite evolving standards and increased expectations in early grades, Goodro remains committed to public education.

“We get to build a community,” she said. “We inspire these kids and help them grow together.”