Classroom Awards

Don't  throw away those old youth and high school trophies you have won! They are wonderful awards in your classroom for competitions, tournaments, or positive reinforcements in your classroom.  The kids will do anything to win a trophy or even have it home for the night.

 Some of the ways I use a trophy in my classroom are...
 1. Student of the Day or Week (kind, helpful, good listener)
 This is a Traveling Trophy.
 2. Artist of the Week
 3. In the Winter I have various Tournaments in which trophies are won by the kiddos
 4. End of the year- Minute to Win It games

 Before I give away the trophy I remove the plate on the trophy and replace it with a sticker or a piece of paper for the current award. It doesn't matter what the trophy top is, the kids are just excited to have it.

 It is funny when the following year teacher tells me the trophy has come back to school for sharing or "Student of the Week".

 Don't get rid of those trophies, use them in your classroom, but save a few for your own children, because they will want to bring them to  school for their own sharing time to show their classmates!

A Strategic Game-Yikerz!

Yikerz! is a  fun game I came across at the Minnesota Kindergarten convention. I watched different people playing it with one of the vendors and thought I've got to have this game, so I bought one!  The kiddos in the class loved it.  They would gather around and watch the two players playing it.  There were always squeals when the Yiker pieces collapsed together.  The next year I bought another one.  The kiddos use strategy to play the game.  I use it in centers during the middle to end part of the year. 

It was a 2010 Mensa Favorite Brainy Kid Winner

It says it is a 14+ age, but my kiddos had no problem with it.

The Contents Include
4 game board triangles 
20 Yiker pieces (Magnetic triangles)
storage pouch

The object of the game is players take turns placing their Yikerz on the game board.  During a turn, if two or more Yikerz collapse(attract) together into a group, the player must take the whole group back.  The first player to get rid of all their Yikerz first wins the game!

The 4 triangle game board pieces can be set up in different configurations and levels, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced.

It also has fun alternatives to play the game.

If you like a fun game try Yikerz!

Morning Music Playlists Throughout the Year

Every year I have a music list set up on my ipod with a variety of songs.  Each year I‘ve tweaked the lists some.  I try to match monthly happenings to each playlist.

Minnesota’s Kindergarten Association hosts a great kindergarten convention and has had all of the music artists as guests, so to say the least I have many CD’s.   The playlists really gave me a great way to use many songs.

I love music and it teaches so many skills.  It’s also fun to watch and listen to the kiddos learn the songs.  They have favorites too.

Starting in October I play Let’s Count to 100 by Jack

Hartman every day after lunch/recess.  They kiddos have movement and seem to be ready for the afternoon activities.

Some of the morning songs I use instruments.  The kiddos love to use them.  I actually have a chart with a picture of each instrument and I pair it with student table numbers, so I always know that everyone has had a chance to play the different instruments.

To find my list stop by my Teachers Pay Teachers store and get it for FREE!!!  Be sure to comment on it and let me know how you liked it!