If I could have two things in my classroom I would ask for books and blocks. (It makes me angry when I hear that administrators have taken blocks out of kindergarten classrooms!) Free block play is important, but you can also use blocks to enhance learning opportunities.
What? square blocks, photos of children, clear packaging tape
How? Take photos of children and tape them to the blocks as shown. Include their name on the block.
Introduce the friendship blocks with a name song like this one to the tune of "Where Is Thumbkin?" Put the blocks in a box and pull out one at a time.
Where is ___
Where is ___
Here I am. (Hold up the child's block.)
Here I am.
We're so glad to see you.
We're so glad to see you.
Back in the box.
Back in the box. (Put the block back in the box.)
Put the box in the block center for free play and exploration. Children will be tickled to see their face and name on a block as they build and play with their friends.
Math:
Use blocks for counting. How many can you stack?
Use blocks for comparisons.
Use blocks for sorting.
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Friday, July 7, 2017
WHO IS MY TEACHER?
Getting to know you, getting to know all about you.
Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me....
Isn't that the song we all sing in our minds the first few days of school? Well, here's an simple, meaningful way to encourage children to ask questions and find out more about you. On a poster glue pictures of you, your family, pets, hobbies, favorite things, etc. Each day let children look at the poster and then ask you a question about something that is interesting to them. Within a few weeks they'll know all about you.
As a follow-up, ask each family to create a poster about their child. Who is _____?
Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me....
Isn't that the song we all sing in our minds the first few days of school? Well, here's an simple, meaningful way to encourage children to ask questions and find out more about you. On a poster glue pictures of you, your family, pets, hobbies, favorite things, etc. Each day let children look at the poster and then ask you a question about something that is interesting to them. Within a few weeks they'll know all about you.
As a follow-up, ask each family to create a poster about their child. Who is _____?
Thursday, July 6, 2017
FINGER FUN
After over four decades as a teacher I've had a "brain flash." If I want to engage children, I need to do something with their hands. You can use clever chants, but get those hands moving along with their eyes and ears and you've got a winner!
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
4-H HELLO
There's something magic about the sense of touch. A handshake goes through the heart and all the way to activate the brain and create a positive relationship. The 4-H Hello is unique because it reflects the individual needs and interests of students.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Monday, July 3, 2017
SIGN IN, PLEASE!
Children will develop responsibility and writing skills when you ask them to sign-in each morning. Remind them that it's important to be at school every day so that they can learn and play with their friends.
What? white board, dry erase markers (You can also use a poster and regular markers.)
How? Explain that you need to know who is at school every day because they are all part of your classroom family. Ask them to write their name on the board as they enter the classroom to make sure that everyone knows they are present.
More? Provide name cards to help children who don't know how to write their names.
*Make blank books for students by folding two sheets of paper in half and stapling near the crease. Children keep these in their cubbies or desks and "sign in" by writing their names in their books.
What? white board, dry erase markers (You can also use a poster and regular markers.)
How? Explain that you need to know who is at school every day because they are all part of your classroom family. Ask them to write their name on the board as they enter the classroom to make sure that everyone knows they are present.
More? Provide name cards to help children who don't know how to write their names.
*Make blank books for students by folding two sheets of paper in half and stapling near the crease. Children keep these in their cubbies or desks and "sign in" by writing their names in their books.
Sunday, July 2, 2017
IMPORTANT PERSON
You know, I've found that if you get down, look children in their eyes, and say their name you have opened the door to their hearts and minds. Children want to be acknowledged and they want acceptance and approval. This is such a simple little gesture, but it can have a huge impact on children's initiation into school.
You can choose a different child each day for this activity, you can do a few children each day, or you can do the whole class. It's up to you!
What? teacher chair (rocking chair is lovely)
How? The teacher sits in a comfortable chair and calls up one child at a time to sit on her lap. As you hold the child gently in your arms rock back and forth as you sing this song:
Important Person (Tune: "Lassie and Laddie")
(Child's name) is important, important, important.
(Child's name) is important, important, important to you and to me.
At work and at play, he/she does his/her best each day.
(Child's name) is important, important, important.
*Look the child in the eyes, smile, and give a little hug as you say, "I'm so glad you are in our classroom family!"
You can choose a different child each day for this activity, you can do a few children each day, or you can do the whole class. It's up to you!
What? teacher chair (rocking chair is lovely)
How? The teacher sits in a comfortable chair and calls up one child at a time to sit on her lap. As you hold the child gently in your arms rock back and forth as you sing this song:
Important Person (Tune: "Lassie and Laddie")
(Child's name) is important, important, important.
(Child's name) is important, important, important to you and to me.
At work and at play, he/she does his/her best each day.
(Child's name) is important, important, important.
*Look the child in the eyes, smile, and give a little hug as you say, "I'm so glad you are in our classroom family!"
Saturday, July 1, 2017
A "HAPPIE" A DAY!
Oh, happy day!
It's July 1st and our "happies" have arrived! Carolyn Kisloski and I have been working months on these packets and we feel like proud parents! We want to share the best of our 60+ years of teaching to make your new school year the HAPPIEST and BEST ever for you and your children!
One year when I was teaching college students I had an "issue" with administration. (Yep! It happens to all of us when we try and stand up for our students and what we think is right.) One of my students sensed my distress and said, "Dr. Jean, don't let them take away your joy!" That comment has stuck with me and that's what I want to pass on to you. I can't do anything about your standards, curriculum, assessments, or the other expectations and demands of your job, but I can give you a little something each day to lighten your load. And, like the song, maybe a "little bit of sugar will help the medicine go down."
Love what you do and believe it matters! Know that this might be the best year of their lives for some of the children in your classroom. Understand brain research, active learning, and how children learn so you can validate what you are doing in your classroom. And, let me help you with a little "happie" each day to fill you with JOY!
Rise and Shine
Rise and shine, (Bend down, then rise and put arms in air.)
And welcome to school today. (Clap to the beat.)
Rise and shine, (Bend down, then rise and put arms in air.)
And welcome to school today. (Clap.)
Rise and shine, (Bend down, then rise and put arms in air.)
And welcome to school today. (Clap.)
We’re so glad you’re here! (Shake hands.)
A little louder… (Sing loud.)
A little softer… (Sing soft.)
Whisper version… (Whisper words.)
It's July 1st and our "happies" have arrived! Carolyn Kisloski and I have been working months on these packets and we feel like proud parents! We want to share the best of our 60+ years of teaching to make your new school year the HAPPIEST and BEST ever for you and your children!
One year when I was teaching college students I had an "issue" with administration. (Yep! It happens to all of us when we try and stand up for our students and what we think is right.) One of my students sensed my distress and said, "Dr. Jean, don't let them take away your joy!" That comment has stuck with me and that's what I want to pass on to you. I can't do anything about your standards, curriculum, assessments, or the other expectations and demands of your job, but I can give you a little something each day to lighten your load. And, like the song, maybe a "little bit of sugar will help the medicine go down."
Love what you do and believe it matters! Know that this might be the best year of their lives for some of the children in your classroom. Understand brain research, active learning, and how children learn so you can validate what you are doing in your classroom. And, let me help you with a little "happie" each day to fill you with JOY!
Happy #1 - Rise and shine with a good morning song!
There's nothing like a song to prompt children for the day and put a smile on their faces. I would choose one good morning song and use it each day for a month or more. Using the same song acts like an "indicator" activity in the brain. It says to the children, "Let's come together and get ready to learn." I'd also choose a song where children stand and move. That will get oxygen going to the brain and release the wiggles. Remember, even if you think you "can't sing," the kids won't know it if you are enthusiastic!
Rise and shine, (Bend down, then rise and put arms in air.)
And welcome to school today. (Clap to the beat.)
Rise and shine, (Bend down, then rise and put arms in air.)
And welcome to school today. (Clap.)
Rise and shine, (Bend down, then rise and put arms in air.)
And welcome to school today. (Clap.)
We’re so glad you’re here! (Shake hands.)
A little louder… (Sing loud.)
A little softer… (Sing soft.)
Whisper version… (Whisper words.)
*Adapt the words "welcome to school today" to "welcome to kindergarten" or welcome to "Jackson School."
Sing along with me on this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyAD2OoFuoY
Want to know more about our monthly "happies"?
Sing along with me on this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyAD2OoFuoY
Want to know more about our monthly "happies"?
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