Quick, Easy and Fun Center

I found these test tubes at DT and picked up a few hoping to figure out something to to with them. I did!

I created words and added glitter.  These were the only ones that were easy to read.  I will number them and my littles will write the word when they figure it out.  What do you think?

Centers and Fun Science

I can't believe I'm still sane.  This time of the year is always crazy. Here's some of the things that help break the monotony.

We did a fun science experiment.  This is the food coloring, milk and dish soap experiment.  I loved the amazement on their faces when they saw the reactions.  THAT'S WHAT KEEPS ME COMING BACK!!

Louisiana celebrates Mardi Gras and here is one of the beginning sounds centers using symbols from my state.

We are doing more writing.  This project took multiple days.  They did the four corners page for ideas, then used it as a reference to create the story. 

And of course I'm still using the Sit Anywhere Pass for good behavior.  We also have a No Shoes Pass.  

What are we doing this Fall

This is my favorite time of year so far.  My kinders have our routine down and we can do some fun stuff without my constant correction.  The freedom makes our days go so much better.  In Math we have been talking about measurement so i gave them a piece of yarn and let them explore the room and document their findings.  This student labeled their picture without my prompting. WOW !!!

Each month we will create a way to display words we are learning.  They made this tree by tracing and cutting out their hand, then using precut leaves (if they cut them they may be too small to write on )  Next time we're going to try for a turkey with word feathers, and....... hopefully they will write some sentences with the words.  I'll try to share that later.  What are you doing for fun?

Getting into the Routine

Routines are set.  We're moving on at a pretty fast pace, but it's going as smooth as expected. Yes, there are meltdowns, me and them, but I'm blessed to have a good bunch of kinders and a fantastic Para. These are some of the things that we have mastered so far.

This is the first year I have used Interactive Notebooks and I'm loving it.  After 22 years of Kindergarten I still love the excitement of doing something new.  We have been doing ABC Bootcamp (from Kindergarten Smorgasboard) and we have pages for each letter.  This is our first sorting activity we have put in it, they did it all.  Isn't it GREAT!!!  How do you use the Notebooks?

We do Math Tubs following the lesson everyday.  This independent time has proven to be helpful in so many ways.  My favorite is that it gives me time to work 1-1 with each student on a skill while everyone else is engaged; and they get to choose whatever they want to work on.  

thinking ahead

 I was in Dollar Tree and saw all these cute cut outs for school, so I got a pack and brought them home to decide how to use them.   This is what came to me.  My Kinders usually need work on beginning sounds and matching so .........  They simply match the pictures with the same beginning sounds.  And it only cost $1 for one set.  I hope they have more when I go back.  Now if I could just figure out how to rotate the picture when I insert it.  Any suggestions?

-oo- words

We have been working on -oo- words.  It's been a "hoot" because they love being  the one to name the "p" word.  Today as a finale we used Cheerios to make -oo- words.  As I worked with my "red" group I simply let them choose from two words, which one said -oo-.  As I got to one I said, " does moo or cow have -oo- in it?  he answered, "horse".  OK I am so ready for summer.  How about you?

I'm still learning

I'm posting 2 of the activities I've posted on TPT.  The one on top is a noun activity where they have to sort by people, places and things.  I used American and Louisiana symbols.  It addresses vocabulary.  The next shows how I can't figure out how to turn shots from my phone yet.  There's always something to learn.  It's a Mardi Gras real vs. nonsense word sort.  This is GREAT help for Dibels practice.  I use it as an indicator for who needs more help.