Monday, September 7, 2015

Our "Pony Express" Morning Message





Our third week of school begins tomorrow!  Yikes!  Our "Pony Express" message for the first few weeks of school is about my students' names.  After all, for most of them, that is the first word they learn to read. I begin by choosing a name from my name can.  I write the name on the chart as the students write on their "hand slates".  A "hand slate" is just their index finger on their palm.  Next, I write the beginning letter of his/her name.  If anyone else in the class has the same letter in their name, we write it on the chart.  In this case, no one had the letter "v".  Then, we clap the name and write the number of syllables on the line.  In this example, I wrote the student's name on a pink name strip and cut it apart.  The selected student assembles his/her name and glues it to the chart.  We circle the vowels and count the vowels and consonants.  I ask them their age.  We write their response in a complete sentence and I ask their favorite color.  We also write that in a complete sentence.  Finally, we get to "Happy Talk".  I ask the class to compliment the selected student.  We have talked about the definition of a compliment.  And, I record their responses.  Finally, I call out selected sounds and the student circles that letter. The entire process takes about 15-20 minutes. I am not taking credit for this idea...I've been to sooooo many conferences and read sooooo many blogs in the years that I have taught, I just can't remember where I got this idea!


Saturday, August 22, 2015

More Circus Photos


Each of the yellow tickets had own names on them!
Our talented kinder teachers made these!  In my earlier post, I wrote about the theme for our school is "The Greatest School on Earth" and every grade level is participating in the circus theme.  As the kindergarten kids walk down the hall, they will be greeted by these fantastic displays! 

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Greatest School on Earth



This year, our school has a theme!  We are the "Greatest School on Earth".  The first photo is taken from the main entrance to our school.  At the end of the hall is a backdrop for photo ops.  Does you school have a theme?

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

OHHH...MY!! There's alot of work ahead!


I'm tired just looking at this!  It's 107 degrees today!  Every year, our school floors are stripped and waxed.  So, we stack EVERYTHING on the counters!  Do you have to do this? My goal for the day was to get everything down.  I accomplished my goal, however, the A/C was cut off at 3:30...and it got pretty HOT!  Tomorrow's a new day and I'm getting there early!

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Save 28%

Click here to go to our store. Everything is on sale Aug 3rd and 4th! Be sure to use the promo code at the checkout.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Fall Directed Drawing...Look for a Freebie soon!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Draw-Flip-Read-October-Version-1961224
Click on the image to go to our TPT store.
My favorite season is FALL!!!  I am finished with the October version of Draw, Flip, Read.  It's on sale for the next few days for $4.  In this set, there's directed drawing instructions for Columbus, pumpkins, a bat, an owl, and a witch.  A FlipBook for each drawing is included.  Keep checking back for a haunted house freebie.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Butterfly Release



We successfully hatched about 30 butterflies in the Spring! The entire kindergarten released their butterflies one morning.  In my earlier post, I talked about our school's outdoor learning center.  This butterfly garden is separate from the sensory garden.  It's just as awesome!