Spirit Rock

Our Kindergarten team signed up to paint our school Spirit Rock for the month of October. 

And, what better to turn the rock into than a PUMPKIN! 

3 classes go out and paint a light orange base coat.  Within the next few days, the other 3 classes add darker orange hand prints for depth. 

My class got to do hand prints!  We put on gloves since we are using --non washable-- outdoor paint!  Our wonderful teaching assistant, Mrs. Misenheimer paints hands and then directs the children over to me at the Rock!

We tried nice straight lines that would look line the lines on a pumpkin-- but went for all over hand prints instead!

Here is my sweet little Kindergarten class in front of the finished product--

Brought To Tears

Yep-- I was brought to tears today in kindergarten. 

We had an unannounced fire drill late this afternoon and my class was on their way back from Related Arts. I panicked a little because I've never not been with my class when this sort of thing happens.

I raced to the door they had exited from to witness one of the sweetest sights I've ever seen. 

Three children from the Transitional Kindergarten class joins mine for circle time, lunch, and related arts.  One of the little boys from TK was struggling with all that was going on.  One of my kindergartners, Jack, took his hand and held it the entire way out.  I was speechless.

I have a special place in my heart for children with special needs.  I was blessed with three very special brothers-- one older and two younger twins.  They were all born physically and mentally handicapped.  They lived tough lives, but they touched so many others.  I know I wouldn't be the same person I am today. 

It wasn't until I called Jack up in front of our class to announce this selfless act that tears came to my eyes.  I was asking Jack why he would do something like this and his reply was so matter of fact, "Because, Mrs. Lochel, he was scared." 

Everything that you ever needed to know you learned in Kindergarten, right? 

When someone is scared,  you just take their hand and everything will be okay.

The Name Game

How do you even begin to describe the importance of one's name?  Whether it was found in book, taken from a memorable member of the family, or even created just for you, your name is a gift that was given; it is yours and only yours to keep for the rest of your life.

As a kindergarten teacher, I am presented with this list each year of 20 or so names, usually around the end of July.  I get to know these names like the back of my hand before I ever even lay eyes on the sweet children that will make those names come to life for me in the next 180 days that spend together.

It was my third or fourth year teaching when I hurried up to school to retrieve the aforementioned list to scan it and begin learning the names. One name jumped out at me immediately-- Harvey.  "Oh, how cute!" I thought.  I was going to spend the year teaching a cute, red headed, freckled faced little boy!  I could see him like a character from a book.  Needless to say, Harvey was not a he, nor did he have red hair or freckles.  In through the door came sweet sweet Harvey Ellen; super stylish in a monogrammed dress and shiny blond hair. 

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I first learned about The Name Game from Mrs. Meachem's website.  She "plays" about 4  or 5 rounds of The Name Game with her students.  In my kindergarten class, we play two!  It is a very exciting moment when I decide on and announce who is going to be--The Name Game Person of the Day! 

I begin by writing the name on a sentence strip.  We all cheer for the child that is chosen!  Then, I show the class the name as a whole and then cut it apart into letters.  I place each letter in the pocket chart one at a time, saying the name of each letter as I do it.  Then I shout, "What does THAT spell?"  And the children shout back the name.  Very exciting stuff here!! 

Next, we play "Mix it. Fix it."  I mix the letters and the child has to fix the letters, say each one in order, and then ask, "What does THAT spell?"  Then, we count the letters in the name and compare it to the ones we've done previously.

Each child then draws a picture of "The Name Game Person of the Day" and writes the name somewhere on the paper.  Mrs. Misenheimer, our Kindergarten Assistant, then binds the pages so that child will have a book to take home and keep.  The children LOVE taking home a collection of drawings of none other than themselves!

The Name Game is an important part of community building as we get to know the friends we'll be spending our kindergarten year with.  Round 1 lasts as long as the amount of children you have in your class.  I go through each name once and then begin Round 2. 

There are two big changes that occur during Round 2.  While playing "Mix it. Fix it." other children get to try and fix the child's name and then during the drawing/writing time, the children must include at least one detail about the child.  We interview them for a few minutes before going to work. 

We are about half way through Round 1 as of now......let the Name Game fun continue!

Correct Terminology

Just how important is it that we use correct terminology with our kindergarten students?

Onomatopoeia--instead of "sound words"

Schema--instead of "background knowledge" or "what you know"

Exclamation Point--instead of "happy" or "excited mark"

Ellipsis--instead of "dot dot dot"

Umlauts--instead of "dots"


As a class, we were working with Chloë's name today (notice the umlauts).  All the children quickly commented on the "dots" above Chloë's e.  I was very quick to describe those dots by their proper name--umlauts. 

But, this got me thinking-- just how important is it that we use correct terminology with our kindergarten students?

Just like the incident today, I make it a point to almost overuse the correct or proper name of new words.  I feel like I am broadening the vocabulary of these young people-- even if they don't come across these concepts for another week, month, or year.  At least they will have heard it.

But then I think, "Am I filling their heads with unimportant jargon?"  Is it just more important that they understand that this symbol (!) is used at the end of an exciting sentence and not necessarily know what it's called? 

I could argue with myself for hours. 

Let me know what you think--

The First 3 Days

It was 4:00 on Friday afternoon as I sat at my desk and reflected on the first 3 days of kindergarten.  The quiet of the classroom that seemed so normal during the summer months now seems almost eerie. After hearing the sounds of voices and laughter from 19 new friends fill the four walls, I just can't wait for Monday to come back around.

I feel so blessed that our district allows us to begin school on a Wednesday.  This may seem strange to most, but getting back into the groove of school is a big transition!  Teachers use the first 3 days to get to know the children and teach procedures for the classroom, hallway and cafeteria. 

We learned so many things about school during our first 3 days together and had some fun along the way!

As we talked about working together and being friends in our classroom, I shared two books: I Call My Hand Gentle and Hands Are Not For Hitting.  After reading, we talked about all the nice ways we could use our hands and what we could "call" them.  Each child gave me a word that I wrote underneath their hand print.  We created a class book with these.

We shared in a reading of the "Weekly Reader" Back to School edition.  The children then drew a picture of what supply they needed to come to school.

On Friday, we  had a "working" snack!  The children had to match their cheez-it to the appropriate letter before they could eat!  I found this idea on Pinterest and the children loved it! 

We learned about all the different cooperative play CENTERS--

The Homeliving/Kitchen Center

I add menus from local restaurants to the bookshelf.  Megan is looking at one of my favorites-- Captain Steve's! 



The Puppet Center

We even got to celebrate our first birthday!  Samuel turned 5 years old!  Helllloooo colored icing!

 Samuel and his Mom!

What a FANTASTIC first 3 days! 

'Twas the First Day of Kindergarten

'Twas the first day of Kindergarten when all through the room
the carpets were vacuumed, the floors swept with a broom.

The name tags were hung by the closet door with care,
in hopes that their owners soon would be there.

The children were walking in a line teacher led,
while visions of crayons danced in their heads.

Mrs. L and Mrs. M patiently stood by the door,
an excitement was growing that they couldn't ignore.

When into the classroom there arose such a clatter,
We all joined in with a contagious laughter.

Away to the carpet we walked just like so,
"Good Morning" we said, "How are you?" and "Hello"

The sun peeking in from each window on the wall,
gave a shimmer and shine to children, one and all.

With what should appear to our eyes that were wondering,
but 19 children growing a love for learning.

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Here is some of what we did on our first day in Kindergarten--

You've just got to love reading about Miss Bindergarten and all her students!  Through the alphabet, each student shares what they did to get ready for kindergarten. 

And then, of course, we had to talk and draw and write about what WE did to get ready for kindergarten!

Then in math, we did a little SORTING to get our mathematical thinking all warmed up!



 Here are two other really GREAT stories we read.  The Recess Queen is a must read before heading out to the playground!

All things considered, we had a fantastic first day of Kindergarten.  We all agreed that kindergarten ROCKS!

Motivation for Kids Clean Up!

Make sure you head over to check out this post on Adventures in Kindergarten! I am writing as a guest to Mary's blog today and I know you'll all help me in wishing her a relaxing vacation!

The start of this school year marks my 8th year teaching, but will only be my second year teaching Kindergarten.  I made a switch last year after 6 years in 1st grade. 

One memory I have from the first couple days of school last year helped me learn a very valuable lesson when it came to clean up time after developmental play centers. 

We all have our way of getting the attention of 24 sweet kindergarten children--whether it be a song, a chant, the lights, a wind chime, etc.  I tend to say in a sing-songy voice, "One, two, three, eyes on me!" and the children respond, "One, two,  eyes on you!"   Works every time! 

The challenge occurred when all 24 of them actually started cleaning up.  It was louder than play time, it took FORever and I was going crazy!!  Something had to change. 

I attempted putting a timer on the board and playing a song as a time limit, but the clean up was never done and there would always be 3 or 4 children that just sat down without helping at all.  There was no motivation.

After discussing my struggles during a team planning session, another teacher shared with me the strategy of "The Special Item."

When all the children have stopped playing and I have their attention, I tell them that I am looking around the room for One Special Item.  I don't tell them what it is or where it is.  I dramatically scan the room at this point and then say, "Okay, go!" Whoever picks up this special item will get a prize when everyone is finished. 

The prize can be anything you have on hand--a sticker, a jelly bean, the first one to go to recess, etc.

****Here is the catch****  There is NO TALKING!!  If you talk and you pick up the item, there will be no prize. There is some serious practice of self-control here!

Teachers, stand back now and watch in awe. It's QUICK and it's QUIET!!  Every single child races to pick up as many items as they can in hopes that it will be the one I've chosen.  Children will clean up what they weren't even playing with!

Honest Confession: I don't even usually pick an item.  Shhhh!  Don't tell the kindergartners!  I do watch everyone and I usually choose a child who is working hard.  This can be a GREAT time to choose a child who needs some positive attention.  When I announce the winner, we all clap and celebrate the great job we've all done cleaning up.

I hope you'll give this a try! It's a positive and beneficial "trick" to have in your back pocket!

Supplies and Schedules

Yep.  It's only the beginning of July and my kindergarten team and I are already talking about "Back to School."

I mean, why not?  Walmart already has all the beautiful new supplies out and up for sale!  There is nothing better than the look and smell of brand new crayons and pencils and notebooks on display and ready to be used.  It's like they call my name and fill my thoughts with the potential of what the new school year will bring.

This year my team will include one brand new teacher and one 'new to K' teacher.  We are all eager to get thinking and talking about the beginning of the year so that was our topic. 

And, what, you may ask, is the best way to get anyone to come to a meeting?  Food, of course!  Mrs. Swigunski was our "Dessert Diva" and the brownie fruit pizza she made was delicious!

Dessert.  Yum.

One topic that we all wanted to talk about was: Supplies!

Here is what we request from the children:

24 pack crayons

6 large Glue Sticks

12-#2 Yellow Pencils

8 Pack Fat Crayola Markers (Classic Colors)

1 Book Bag (Large enough to hold 1” 3-ring binder)

Quart & Sandwich Ziploc Bags (Girls)

Gallon & Snack Ziploc Bags (Boys)

Scissors (Fiskar’s Brand Recommended)

Hand Sanitizer
Tissues

Optional Supplies

1 Adult Size Cardboard Shoe Box

1 pkg White 8 ½” x 11” Copier paper

1 pkg Colored 8 ½” x 11” Copier paper

1 2.5 Gallon Box Ziploc Bags

 

We try not to ask the parents for too much......but there is SO much we still purchase on our own.  I'm sure you teachers out there all do the same.  One of our biggest purchases are binders for each child.  Many of the teachers on my team use these for homework/take home/communication purposes. 

The next big topic we wanted to tackle were our schedules.  I have decided to try and create a "page" for my schedule at the top of the blog.  Hopefully I can get it up soon so be ready to check it out!  I hope it will be helpful for my parents when the year begins. 

Let me know about your SUPPLIES or you SCHEDULE!!!

Classroom Jobs: My Perspective!

Whether it be first, last, or by their friends where they desire to be, let children have a free for all in lining up and be prepared to see some strong personalities come out.  

"He CUT!!!!"  "She CUT!!!!"  "THEY CUT IN FRONT OF ME!!!!"

Those dreaded words you hear from children as they run to position themselves in the most ideal place in line. 

This is where it all started for me.  This is where I gained my entire perspective for classroom jobs.

Most things (cubbies, supply tubs, clipboards, etc) in my classroom are labeled by number.  The biggest benefit is that they can all be reused without having to change them year after year. 

The children in my classroom have numbers too!  And this is the way we line up in line. Always.  No matter where we are going to or coming from.  We line up in order.  I don't even need to describe or explain to you how much this cuts down on the rushing and running and complaining and arguing. 

So how did this lead to my unique perspective on all my classroom jobs? 

It only took one year of changing the jobs weekly for me to know that it WASN'T helpful for me because I could never remember who was supposed to do what.  And, neither could the children. 

When I began the number system, I realized that our line leader (#1) and door holder (#2) and the caboose (last # child in line) would keep these jobs all year long. I very soon decided that other jobs in classroom would be year long ones as well! 

As the need for jobs arise, I ask the entire group of children who would be interested in having this job. No, I don't have a set list of jobs to fill.  I do know that there will be some ahead of time.  But, I pretty much go with the flow.  When I realize that there is something I've been doing that a child is perfectly capable of, a new job is born! 

Some examples from this past year were:
Light Helper (lights on and off when we needed the SmartBoard)
Music Helper (music on and off for reading/writing/center time)
Clipboard Helper (hold up board for children to retrieve)

You could run yourself ragged trying to do all this yourself!  Give the children some responsibility and let them help you! 

Help them, help you!

I have always known that whatever job I created for a child in my classroom, it would be done to help me.  My boss (the principal) creates jobs for teachers to help out him and our school (duty and committees).  So I, the boss of my classroom, will create jobs that ultimately help ME and our classroom. 

Link Up and let's share more ideas about Classroom Jobs! 

Meet The Teacher

The day we first lay eyes on each other - teacher and student - has to be one of the most exciting times that we'll experience all year.  As the waiting and the nerves and the anticipation all come to fruition in an instant, we are, in that same moment of time, soon calmed and filled with shy handshakes, smiles, hugs, and laughter.

This year our Kindergarten team will be doing Meet the Teacher differently than any other grade level at our school.  Meet the Teacher happens in our district on the elementary level the Monday before school begins on Wednesday.

We decided that since many of our parents will be bringing their first child to school, they deserve a little more time and attention than other grade levels that have "been there, and done that" before.  And, we love the idea of making the parents feel more welcome and comfortable in this place where they'll be sharing their children with us for the next 5 years. 

So, instead of having three "drop in" sessions from 4:00-6:00 that have become quite informal, we will be holding 4 or 5 scheduled, sit down, sessions. When our families receive their placement letters, they will also see a time scheduled for Meet the Teacher.  Sessions will be on the same day as the rest of the school but will be at either 10:00, 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, or 3:00.  This way, we can ensure a small group of parents to sit and talk with.  Parents will be encouraged to bring their kindergartner(s) in with them!  Our assistants will take the children on a tour of the school (playground, cafeteria, etc) and work with them in the hallway. 

I will go over my "ABC's of Kindergarten", share my procedures and expectations, and answer any questions.  I will also share all the elements that make up my "Shark Files Notebook" which includes a weekly newsletter, behavior sheet, reading log, homework, notes and money pouch, etc.

This is also a GREAT time to get parents to fill out name tags for their own children for the first 4 or 5 days of school.  This saves me a lot of time AND since they are writing down how their child will go home those particular days, there is less room for questions and confusion.  There are always some that will be bus riders for the year, but that want to be car riders for the first day or two. We also encourage them to bring in any supplies this day so we have another workday to sort them all out before school begins. 

Do you have a "Meet the Teacher" type day before school begins?