Peek at my Week: October 5th

I'm linking up with Mrs. Wills Kindergarten for a Peek at My Week! Just checking in with a few highlights for our upcoming week!

Click on my plans for more details and hyperlinks.

Our reading program begins with a review of letter and short vowel sounds so we spent much of the month of September working on kindergarten skills.  This works well because it frees up some time to get procedures and routines in place for the rest of the year .

 This week we'll finally begin our formal spelling program and we'll begin with the short a pattern.  To introduce each spelling word I will say the word, then the kids will say it, clap it, figure out the number of syllables and then use it in a sentence.   Then as a class we'll stretch out the words to hear all the sounds and then record each word on a spelling recording sheet. 

I like to have the kids work with the sounds and then use the spelling pattern to spell the  words because they can see how to use letter sounds and patterns to spell these words not only for the test on Friday but in their daily writing as well.  

 For our word work station this week the kids will use magnets and a recording sheet like they've been using the past few weeks.  

The kids will also get to build short a words with these clothespins.  In previous weeks the kids have had to read a word and the build it.  This week I want them to have a bit of a challenge at the word work station.  This activity requires the kids to use their knowledge of letter sounds and the short a pattern to help them spell these words and then record the words on the page.  

Set up for this station is quite easy... all I did was write letters on the end of clothespins.  Then I placed the pins in this organizer I picked up at Lowe's and the kids have access to all the letters they will need to build these words.

  
We'll continue to use this work station rotation board.  It worked  well last week and the kids were bummed when we didn't get to do all three rotations.  They keep telling me how much they LOVE rotations.  My teacher heart is so happy!  I think they're loving the ability to pick what they want to work on at each station.  I also think they love to use what they view as "teacher supplies" at these stations.  Can't wait to see what this week brings.  

In math this week we'll be working with different ways to make numbers.  This hula hoop will be used to help us understand the commutative property.  I began this concept on Friday when I flipped the hoop and the sum didn't change.  The kids were so excited to see this and it really helped them to "get it".  I'm hoping that using it again this week will help them to really understand and apply the commutative property.  

This week we'll also have a fire safety presentation on Friday and to go along with the presentation we'll read a Scholastic News that includes fire safety tips.  After the presentation and reading the Scholastic News we'll complete this worksheet where the kids can write about one fire safety tip they learned throughout the day.  Then they'll color their hat and I'll use the hats to create a fire safety bulletin board in our hallway.  I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Have  a great week!!

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Peek at My Week: Sept. 28

I'm linking up with Mrs. Wills Kindergarten for a Peek at My Week! Just checking in with a few highlights for our upcoming week!

Click on my plans for more details.

This week we're working on the short e and short u sounds.  The short e sound can be tricky and I've already noticed a few of my kiddos having some trouble with this sound.  We'll be sure to get a ton of practice in this week with various word work activities.  

As we wrap up our first go around with short vowels we'll be playing a game of HedBanz this week as well (Thank you Hope King at Elementary Shenanigans) for the idea.  I just printed out some CVC pictures and I picked up some stretchy headbands at Target so we're all set. I think for our first attempt at the game I'll wear the cards using the headband and I'll have my kiddos spell each CVC word so I can guess the picture.  This is a game I'm sure I'll use all year!
    

In math this week we'll be working with the number 10. We'll also be introducing the rekenrek to model different ways to make 10.  I loved using individual rekenreks last year but I'm sure this large scale version will be a huge hit and will really help the kids understand different ways to make 10.  
Sorry about the picture... the pool noodles are at school while the rekenrek was put together at home!

This week we'll also begin our workstation rotations.  We did this a bit last week but I really feel the kids are ready to begin working on their own without me circulating constantly.  I'm going to get the rest of my September assessments done while my kiddos try out 2 or hopefully 3 rotations each morning.   Here's what I use to show my kiddos where they are each day.   I don't know include meet with teacher on the rotation board... I just call over groups as we rotate.  This allows some flexibility as I meet with individual students/groups.

During writing workshop this week we're going to be using two very important tools for instruction.  The first tool we'll be using are rubber bands to help us stretch our words to spell them.  Such a simple tool but I'm sure the kiddos will benefit from using them!

We'll also be using a watermelon and watermelon slices.  Yup, that's right.  Watermelon for writing workshop.  This will help the kids better understand watermelon topic and smaller seed stories that we want to write about.  I can't wait to see their reaction to the watermelon during writing time!

We began learning about apples last week and the kids are excited to continue reading some non-fiction books about apples.  We'll also begin reading some books about fall and fall weather as the season has changed to fall... can't believe it!

 

Have  a great week!!

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Peek at My Week: Short Vowels and Apples

I'm linking up with Mrs. Wills Kindergarten for a Peek at My Week! It's our second full week of school and we have a ton to do!

Click on my plans for more details and hyperlinks.

This week we're working on the short o and short i sounds.  We've been practicing different word work options and we'll continue that this week.  The kids are doing a great job using word work materials and I think we're real close to being able to begin our workstation rotations... I can't wait.  

  During word work my kids will be building words using magnet letters.  The kids have been reading the short vowel words and then building them with magnets.  Last week we worked on these short a words.  I'll have the kids continue to use these and add in the short i and short o words.  

This week I also want to introduce the pictures and have the kids build the words using the short vowel patterns they are learning. 

   

In math this week we'll be learning about addition and we'll focus on different ways to make 6, 7, and 8.  We began this last week and the kids did a great job using manipulatives to model the different ways to build numbers.  

During our Read to Self time the kids increased their stamina on Friday to TEN minutes!  I was so happy and proud of them.  They have really embraced the idea of reading in book nooks to "get better at reading" and they are truly enjoying it.  Can't wait to see what this week brings!

I'm loving these stair treads I picked up at a local hardware store.  They're big enough for the kids to sit on in their book nooks but small enough to store away and have the kids grab them when they're needed!

We began learning about apples last week and the kids are excited to begin reading some non-fiction books about apples.  I put these apple/fall books out at the end of the day on Friday and several kids couldn't wait to read them this week.   

This week we'll be working on finding facts in these non-fiction books.  We'll talk about the purpose of non-fiction books as well as the difference between facts and opinions.  Then I'll have my kids complete this worksheet to highlight one fact they learned about apples this week.  

Have  a great week!!

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Peek at my Week

I'm linking up with Mrs. Wills Kindergarten for a Peek at My Week! 

Click on my plans for more details and hyperlinks.

  

This week we're working on the oi and oy patterns found in the words soil and boy.  Only a few more patterns to cover before the end of year.  I can't believe it!

  During our word work rotations this week my kiddos will be working on clipcards to build our spelling words.  Then they'll need to use each spelling word in a quality sentence. 

I'm so impressed by the quality of their sentences.  I think using our spelling and sight words in sentences each week has really given them meaningful practice and has helped them learn how to write quality sentences.  I challenge them each week to write better and more detailed sentences and they have truly stepped up to the challenge!

We are currently using this recording sheet and the kids love illustrating each of their sentences! 



In math this week we'll be learning about 3D shapes.  I love the geometry unit because there are so many great real world applications.  I hope to have enough time to take a short "field trip" around our school to locate different 3D shapes.  I'm sure the kids will enjoy this!  

4 bags of marshmallows and toothpicks can only mean one thing... we're building 2D and 3D shapes this week.  I can't wait for my kids to try building shapes at the end of the week!  

For our daily problem solving practice we'll be finishing up the printables in the Rainy Day practice set I created.  The kids have done such a great job problem solving this year and I'm blown away by their ability to  solve all different types of word problems!  I have lots of different themed problem solving printables planned for the summer... can't wait to get started creating!



After our field trip on Wednesday we'll be working on this writing prompt.  I can't wait to see what my kiddos name as their favorite part of our field trip. 

We have a short week this week as well as next in honor of Memorial Day.  To celebrate and honor all the Veteran's that have worked for and sacrificed all for our country we're going to be writing about what Memorial Day means to us.  I have a short book the kids and I will read and discuss together and then they'll write about this important day of remembrance using this writing prompt.  

Have  a great week!!

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Visual Plans

Here's what we'll be working on this week! 

Click on my plans for more details and hyperlinks.

This week we're working on the ou and ow patterns again.  I like that our reading program gives these patterns two weeks as the patterns are not easy ones to work with.  I'll have my kiddos building words with scrabble tiles again this week.  We'll also be using our clipcards to build words and write sentences using these words.  

In math this week we'll be adding and subtracting with regrouping.  I introduced the concept at the end of last week and my kiddos were blown away by this "fun math" as they called it.  I love working in the primary grades because the kids are so enthusiastic about anything new in the classroom.  I'm excited to wok on this topic this week!  We'll be using these work mats and some games I created to provide lots of practice with this important skill.  

Have a great week!

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Peek at my Week

I'm linking up with Mrs. Wills Kindergarten for a Peek at My Week! 

Click on my plans for more details and hyperlinks.

This week we're working on the ou and ow patterns found in the words out and cow.  We'll once again be using  clothespins and Cheez-Its to build our spelling words. The kids love using the Cheez-Its to build their spelling words but I'm thinking about purchasing a Scrabble game to have access to the letter tiles as well.  This way I can change up the tiles they use from week to week... anything to keep is fresh!  

These clipcards are working out really well.  After the kids build their words with the clothespins they record a sentence using the spelling word on a recording sheet.  I have two versions of the recording sheet... one where the kids write sentences and another where they write sentences and draw a picture. 

I have to say I was a bit surprised when a few of my kiddos didn't want to use the drawing page... I thought they'd all gravitate towards that page.  I created a slightly different version for our sight word station and the kiddos love it as well.  I think the key to these word work stations is to provide many options for the kiddos.  Having these options available each week keeps the prep and explanation low yet is motivating to the kiddos because they can pick their tasks.  

In math this week we'll be adding tens to two-digit numbers.  I've created a set of math tub games that we'll be using during our small group times to begin practicing this skill.  We'll also be introducing different strategies to give the kiddos different ways to do these problems... I love to see what strategies the kiddos are successful with.  

During math this week we'll be doing some subtracting problem solving from this construction themed pack of printables.  My kiddos have been rocking problem solving the last few weeks!!  So happy!

Have a great week!

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Visual Plans: Earth Day

This week we'll be celebrating Earth Day with some activities throughout the week.  We'll also be reading a Henry and Mudge book as part of our reading series.  Throughout the week we'll be doing several activities centered around this story. 

In science we'll continue our plant unit... I'm hoping the weather is good this week so we can take a "field trip" around our school grounds to find different kinds of plants we'll be reading about!


Click on my plans for more details and hyperlinks.

This week we're working on the oo pattern found in moon.  We'll once again use clothespins and Cheez-Its to build our spelling words.  We're also using oo clipcards during our guided reading rotations to practice our spelling words in small groups. 

In math this week we're working on adding and subtracting tens.  I'm excited about this unit.  There are a few great strategies to help the kiddos add and subtract tens.  We'll be using these center activities during our small group rotations to practice adding and subtracting tens.  Once we have that down we're moving on to some regrouping... but not unit next week!  We want a solid foundation before we tackle that skill!!

Our math tubs this week are games we played during our small group math rotations last week.  My kiddos will be working on ordering numbers as well as comparing numbers.  

For Earth Day we'll be reading this Earth Day themed math book to review place value and learn about ways to protect the Earth.  We'll also be writing about different ways we can protect the Earth.  To help us with our writing we'll  complete this sort to help us come up with ideas for our writing.  

Have a great week!

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