Calendars

Teaching Tip Tuesday: Calendars, Calendars, Calendars!

It seems like every business has a calendar to give away for the new year.
I love it!  I get enough for each kiddo in my classroom!

The calendar is used to teach math concepts,it can help teach, extend, and reinforce a multitude of skills in other areas of the curriculum: time concepts and sequencing, language arts,social studies, and science, 

What I like best...I don't have to copy it and it has cool pictures and sometimes I make copies of the kiddos to add to the the picture landscape!

Some of the endless activities are...

Mark the first days of each season 

The day’s weather. Draw a sun, dark cloud, cloud and raindrops, snow, etc. on
the day’s date.

Moon phases

Record the day’s temperature early in the morning and afternoon

Birthdays of classmates

Dates of special events and observances on the calendar. 
  I often use stickers to help 

Start out your new year with a new calendar for each kiddo!

Free Play

Here I am again talking about Free Play in the classroom, but I believe it is so important. Free play develops social skills, cooperation, sharing, listening and getting along with others.  It develops imagination, creativity, and learning skills.  I feel strongly it needs to be a part of every day in pre-school through 2nd grade.  How it is run in 1st and 2nd grade will look different, but kids  need the brain breaks and I'm sure you will see more productive kiddos in the classroom.

One of the most fun free play times in my kindergarten is Santa's Workshop- Free Play. It includes art projects, games, ideas for sensory table,and gifts for others.  The kiddos are the elves helping Santa. It's a perfect time to read the book The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett.  In fact this is the perfect month to read all Jan Brett's Books as Author of the month.  




If you want a fun free play for December, look at Santa's Workshop- Free Play.

Teaching Tip Tuesday-Table Captains

Teaching Tip Tuesday

Table Captains

I didn't always do this when I first started teaching , but when I started it,  it was wonderful. I have "Table Captains". They are the kiddos who are in charge of getting markers, crayons, paper, etc for their table (community property). If there are table games, the captains get to start first. Having table captains really made less chaos in the classroom for me and the table partners. The table captains had the job for a month.(Each month I change tables and seats with the kiddos)  The kids loved being the captain. (Believe me they never let me forget to change captains.)

Everyone has a chance to be a table captain. Once everyone in the class has had the opportunity, we would roll dice for the highest or lowest number and that would be the captain of the month. I started to keep track in my record book at this point,  to make sure everything and everyone  was even.

If you haven't already, try out table captains for your tables or student groupings, you will love it!

Patriotic Songs Throughout the Year

It's Veteran's Day today and it is a US federal holiday in which the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. I honor my Dad for this special day.  He served in the US army at Fort Lewis.

 In my classroom I felt it was important for my students to start out our day saying the pledge and singing patriotic songs.  When I was in elementary school we had music in our classroom and we had music books to pick songs to sing. There were always patriotic songs in each grade level to learn, unfortunately this isn't as common anymore. I loved patriotic songs and can still sing them all.

 You Are Our Heroes By Theresa Jennings.

My I-Pod has a playlist for each month and I have a different patriotic song we would sing along with the lyrics and music.  Often times I tell them how the song was originated.  If there were story books to go along with it we'd read them. We watched songs and You Tube and used motions to help remember them too. 

I actually make this into a mini unit during Veteran's Day in November.  We begin a writing project to servicemen overseas and hospitals.

 Here is my song line-up…

September- This Land is Your Land-Studio Musicians-Americas Favorite Patriotic Songs for Kids

October- America the Beautiful-Studio Musicians-Americas Favorite Patriotic Songs for Kids

^{November-It's a Grand Old Flag -Studio Musicians- Americas Favorite Patriotic Songs for Kids}

December- This is my Country-Studio Musicians- Americas Favorite Patriotic Songs for Kids 

January- God Bless the USA- Various Artists-Kids Sing Songs for America  (Lee Greenwood)

February-The Star Spangled Banner-Studio Musicians- Americas Favorite Patriotic Songs for Kids

March-America (MY country Tis of Thee) Studio Musicians- Americas Favorite Patriotic Songs for Kids

April- The Pledge of Allegiance-Studio Musicians- Americas Favorite Patriotic Songs for Kids

May- Theresa Jennings-You Are our Heroes-YouTube) played also in November, up to Veteran's Day

Dad in Alaska testing winter clothing!

photo credit: Ian Sane via photopin cc

Wednesday Whimsy

Food- I just can't go to the movie theater without having popcorn.  It is about the only food I put salt on and I love it with butter and salt.
Read- It is one of my favorite books to read in class during the month of November.  I love the illustrations!
I

Listening:I like The Voice, there are so many great voices.
Activitiy: I like the game Teen Numbers Recognition Game.
It is a great game for recognizing the teen numbers, which is hard for kindergartners.  It is not a worksheet it is a manipulative game in learning those hard teens.

Favorite I am getting this for my Grand Boys!

• This one certainly isn't necessary — I'm not sure any parent needs unnecessary ultrasounds, especially without a certified tech. But this is a perfect example of the incredible technological advances taking place within the parenting realm.
  Buy from Mobisante
• Totally Genius + Innovative Baby Products1 of 29
  
  There are A LOT of wacky products for parents, but these? They might not all be NECESSARY, but they're pretty darn smart...
• RaZbaby Keep-It-Kleen Pacifier2 of 29
  
  A pacifier that automatically shuts itself with a germ-barrier shield every time it's dropped.
  Buy from Diapers.com
• iBaby Monitor3 of 29
  
  A video baby monitor that hooks up to your iPhone and can be accessed virtually ANYWHERE. You can even pan the camera around the room with a swipe of your finger.
  Buy from Target
• Aqueduck Faucet Extender4 of 29
  
  For little arms that can't quite reach.
  Buy from Amazon
• Dreamfarm Tapi Fountain Rubber Tap5 of 29
  
  Or little mouths! Tell me this isn't absolutely genius for the after-brushing rinse?
  Buy from Amazon
• Little Looster Booster6 of 29
  
  Because sometimes kids need to brace themselves — ya know?
  Buy from Amazon
• A Sunction Cup Sippy Strap7 of 29
  
  Use it with the suction cup (on high chair trays, car windows, and tables) or without the suction cup (on strollers, shopping carts, and restaurant high chairs).
  Buy from Etsy.com/ChunksBabyJunk
• Boon Squirt Food Dispensing Spoon8 of 29
  
  SO SMART. Boon single-handedly made baby feedings into a one-handed, mess-free, travel-ready cinch. Leave the baby food jars at home and eliminate the mess.
  Buy from Toys ‘R Us
• Mammary Minders Nursing Reminder9 of 29
  
  OK so this might not be totally necessary — I got by fine by just trying to remember, but then again I did wake up with one breast 2x the size of the other on multiple occasions. These nursery reminders are less intrusive than, say, a paper clip or twist tie, and yet inexpensive enough to justify the purchase.
  Buy from Etsy.com/DazzleByD
• Magnificent Baby Magnetic Clothes10 of 29
  
  Magnetic onesies — to eliminate the mis-snapping of endless teeny-tiny snaps. OH MY GOD SO SMART.
  Buy from Magnificent Baby
• Molar Muncher11 of 29
  
  I recently saw this at Babies ‘R Us and was pretty shocked at how smart it is. It's a BPA-free teether that soothes the entire gum line. I'm not sure how it works, but it's a smart idea — considering my son liked to chew his way through his silicone pacifiers.
  Buy from Molar Muncher
• Puj Tub12 of 29
  
  A clever baby bathtub that fits right in the sink.
  Buy from Puj
• Boon Naked Collapsible Baby Tub13 of 29
  
  A baby bathtub that conveniently collapses for easy storage.
  Buy from giggle
• StrollAway Over the Door Stroller Storage Hanger14 of 29
  
  So smart — especially for those short on space.
  Buy from Diapers.com
• Baby Measuring Fitted Crib Sheet15 of 29
  
  Such a cute idea, right?
  Buy from Supermarket
• aden + anais “Serenity Star”16 of 29
  
  A lot of parents don't want to waste money on feeding diaries, room temperature indicators, and sound machines — AS MUCH AS THEY WANT THEM! — so aden + anais packed all of those features into one machine, but also added must-have features like a night light and clock, which you'd totally buy anyway.
  Buy from aden + anais
• Tag*A*Long17 of 29
  
  A super-smart, mom-invented stroller handle for bigger kids and/or part-time stroller riders — which, in my opinion, is a travel must-have.
  Buy from Tag*A*Long Kids
• Bloom Alma Mini Crib18 of 29
  
  Not only is this space-saving crib super tiny (I mean, how much space does a baby REALLY need?), but it folds down flat for easy storage. I mean, c'mon. Genius.
  Buy from giggle
• Stay With Me Socks19 of 29
  
  The only thing harder than keeping food inside a baby's mouth or toys OUT of a baby's mouth, is keeping baby socks on baby feet. They're either pulled, kicked, or telepathically removed, without fail, which is why baby socks with Velcro straps are CRAZY SMART. My son had these as an infant and they were definitely a must-have.
  Buy from Stay With Me Socks
• Tiny Bites Food Shears20 of 29
  
  I know you're thinking these are ridiculous and totally unnecessary, but I'll tell you — I LOVED these cutlery-grade food scissors. I could quickly cut up infant/toddler food one-handed — especially helpful with annoying-to-cut-up foods like grapes and pasta.
  Buy from Tiny Bites
• The Lotus EVERYWHERE Crib21 of 29
  
  This portable travel crib folds into a portable backpack, yet unfolds in under 20 seconds. Brilliant. (And without all those annoying heavy rods/attachments.)
  Buy from Guava Family
• 4Moms Origami Stroller22 of 29
  
  Is it necessary? Nope. Is it worth the cost? Maybe not. But it certainly is a revolutionary design: This stroller automatically opens and folds with the push of a button, has headlights, tracks mileage and speed, senses the temperature, PLUS CHARGES YOUR CELL PHONE. If that's not smart, I don't know what is.
  Buy from 4Moms
• Go-Go Babyz Car Seat Carrier23 of 29
  
  The Go-Go Babyz is the rolling suitcase of baby gear: smart, simple, and suddenly necessary. Instead of carrying your bulky car seat while wrangling a run-happy toddler through the airport, this attachment makes your life easier.
  Buy from Diapers.com
• Nosefrida Snot Sucker24 of 29
  
  If you think this is gross, then you've clearly never experienced the sanity-saving brilliance that is The Snot Sucker.
  Buy from Amazon
• Kids Shower and Bath Toy
  
  It's hard to find a bath toy that kids love and moms find really useful. This is it.
  Buy from OneStepAhead.com
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Teaching Tip Tuesday-Class Picture

My teaching tip this Tuesday is have a copy of a class picture and names of your students available for subs, parent volunteers, student helpers, and teacher candidates.  Class lists and name tags are nice, but to have a class picture available on a copied sheet so the volunteer or sub can write notes is wonderful.  The kiddos in the class like to be called by their name, not the boy in the football jersey.
Have copied class pictures available, it's nice for everyone working in your classroom.

Whimsy Wednesday

Food- I love soup and I love being able to put every thing in the crock pot and not have to worry about it.  

Read-I love the book The Cookie Store Cat by Cynthia Rylant.  It's an endearing story about a little orphan kitten found by the bakers in The Cookie Store.  I just finished putting together the odds and ends of  ideas I did with this book and made  a mini-unit.  I love the activities!

Song-What talented people.  I like this show!

Activity:  Looking for the soup recipes on Pinterest!  My biggest problem is, I  cook like I am feeding a  small army.  There is a part of me that likes leftovers and I could eat  them a day or two, but I am outnumbered.

Favorite- Excited to have the little boys Christmas present ordered.  I know they will both love it.

Just a Whimsy!

Tuesday Tip Day-Conference time!

Conference time in my school is in November.It is a goal setting conference with student-parent-teacher.  It is approximately 30 minutes so things move quickly.

1.FRIENDS (Socialization)
 I start out by putting magnetized pictures on a tray. The kiddos select 5 kids they like to play with in the classroom.  
A quick discussion of any problems.

2.THE MONTHLY DEVELOPMENTAL TEST

I really like to show this to parents because it is ALWAYS positive.  Each month the kiddos draw...
SHAPES-SELF-TREE    Every other month they add a coloring, cutting, and drawing.  I do it about the same time every month. Parents are always pleased and kiddos are proud to show improvements.

Following directions
Spacial organization
Details

3.CONFERENCE RING(Report Card)

The kiddo has a conference ring coordinates with the data I collected and assessed according to our school and state standards.  the kiddo interprets the ring while I show the assessed section.  Every time an assessed piece is accomplished, the kiddo earns their award for the ring.
(some of the awards are just social or developmental awards I add for a sense of accomplishment for the student that faces challenges.)

4. GOAL SHEET
I fill out  some of this prior to the conference.
Name
Picture
Positive Statement
3 goals to move forward and accomplish by
our next meeting. 
1 extra goal that the parent may want added.
I keep this form all year and use it for adding more goals and achieving goals.

5. Student Award
Several businesses pass out student awards and I will use these or make my own.


6. STUDENT WORK
 ONLY SHOW WHAT IS PERTINENT TO THE GOAL SETTING CONFERENCE .  
 Student work is always displayed in the hall and each month I have a parent night for students and parents to participate with their child in classroom activities.
Math Night, Reading Night, class plays, etc.

I REALLY LIKE THIS FORMAT OF CONFERENCING  BECAUSE THE KINDERGARTNERS IN MY CLASS REALLY PARTICIPATE  AND INTERACT 
DURING THE CONFERENCE WITH THE FRIENDS ACTIVITY, DEVELOPMENTAL TEST, CONFERENCE RINGS.

My Favorites Friday

     Today I am posting  a Friday Favorites. 

Food

A Beautiful Fall week in Minnesota so why not have the Pumpkin Blizzard.  I haven't tried the Apple Pie Blizzard, because I'm afraid I'll like that too!

Read

The Boys in the Boat

It's about a group of 9 boys  from America that showed the world in 1936 Olympics what true grit really is. The University of Washington's eight man rowing team defeated many elite teams and challenged Adolf Hitlers German rowing team.

Song

Great song the kiddos sing the month of October!

Activity

Love watching former students in high school sports and activities!

Favorite

Dejavu

Last year at this time we were about to leave for a trip to Ireland and I have been thinking about  it lately.  The cool weather and the time of year, is making me think of it more.  Wonderful place to visit with so many friendly people.

Teaching tip Tuesday-My Friend Sociogram

School is off to a good start but as a teacher I always want to know how the kiddos feel about each other.  I can usually identify and have a feeling of the class dynamics, but am I right?

For many years I have done a class Sociogram Lesson. 

I start out the lesson by reading books.  Lately my books of  choice are No, David and David Goes to School by David Shannon.  These books are great  because they are high interest and the kiddos recognize all David's troubles.

Once we are done talking and reading the books, we make a chart about David. We don't list the negative behavior, but how to make it positive.
We have post-it notes with positive comments on the chart.

Now we talk about ourselves, are we like David? Or, are we like the kind words on the chart?  I suggest we look at the grid sheet I made up of everyone in the class.  I talk to the kiddos about the friends in the classroom and I want them to circle 5 kids in the class that are NOT like David, but are kind, positive, friendly,etc.  

They take a grid, go to their special spot in the  the room,  write their name at the top and circle with a red crayon 5 friends they like, and is a very good friend  to others in the classroom.   They may not circle their own picture.  I also tell them this is private and who we circle should not be talked about so no feelings are hurt.

How do I use the Data?

It never fails, I am always surprised!
I tally the data 
Put the individual data sheets in the conference folder.   Its a piece we discuss during the conference, are they kiddos mentioned at home,etc.

My part is crucial in helping the kiddos in my class feel good and make sure they feel a part of the group. How can I improve the relationship of the students in the class that did not receive a high score...

Integrating in groups

Praise

Set up situations that are positive

Table partners

This is an activity I do 3 times a year. The information  the sociogram identifies becomes important with some kiddos in getting outside staff to help the student in the classroom and it becomes a very good intervention. We assess kids constantly in our districts, state, and nation, but this is a simple assessment that gives information on relationships, self confidence, and self worth

I hope this Tuesday Teaching Tip is something you would like to try in your classroom.

October Currently

Here is my October Currently, I did this in September and thought it was fun!

Listening- I said my favorite show is the Amazing Race in September and I am now watching it!  I'm not sure if I like Friday night, but I DVR the show so I guess it doesn't matter.

At least it doesn't interfere with Sunday Football!

My current favorites- Adam and Bethany.

Loving-This week we are in the cities babysitting and spending time with our little grand boys.  We went to gymnastics and loved our babysitting!

Thinking- I love Minnesota in Autumn,the air is crisp and cool.It's sweatshirt weather!It's so beautiful with all the colored leaves. This is the view out my TV room window.

Wanting- I have a closet in my hallway at home that is a "catch all", do you have this closet?  My plan wasn't to waste a nice summer day, so I'm waiting for a rainy day, perhaps a snowy day to clean it!

Needing -a new sweater.  Hopefully I will find one this week.

Treat-I was a like my favorite book character, Harriet,  during Halloween.  I would hide my candy so my brother and sister would not take mine!

Harriet's Halloween Candy by Nancy Carlson is my treat for you at my store.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Teacher-Bin

The product is FREE until November 1,2014