August 30, 2014

My Busy, Busy Little Day!

Is it just me, or are kindergarteners under a serious time crunch? Making my schedule for this year was more challenging than ever! Yikes!

Thought I'd share my day-to-day routines with you all. Enjoy!






August 29, 2014

Kindergarten Go Math! Interactive Notebook

Click HERE to Download!

I've become completely obsessed with interactive notebooks! It's official!

My district recently adopted a new math program; Go Math! I found that most of the supplemental activities were a pretty monotonous. To shake things up a bit, I'm trying an interactive math notebook this school year.

Like most of you, I find myself struggling to find enough time in my day, especially when  it comes to math centers. I decided to change my math routines up a bit so my students have more time with our math buckets.

I only have 45 minutes for math, so I have to be very strategic about how I manage my time. Here's a little breakdown:

Monday-Thursday
Whole group lesson: 15 minutes
2 center rotations: 15 minutes each

Friday:
Whole group lesson: 20 minutes
Choice math buckets and math games: 20 minutes

I'll be using my interactive notebook during center time. I have 4 center groups, so this will allow for my groups to visit centers twice a week. I plan on assigning the Go Math! Interactive Notebook to my assistant to complete with the children in groups. Students will spend 1 to 2 days on an assignment.








If you'd like to try my notebook FREE, visit the link below. Attached is a foldable addition activity. Enjoy!


Click HERE to download the FREE sample

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August 23, 2014

FREE Classroom Management Websites




Class Dojo


ClassDojo is a classroom tool that helps teachers improve behavior in their classrooms quickly and easily. It also captures and generates data on behavior that teachers can share with parents and administrators.
This is available online and as an app (Android & Apple). Parents can download the Class Dojo app and keep track of their child's behavior throughout the day. You can even instant message with parents!
I love the app because I can simply use my phone from my guided reading table to award dojo points or take them away. I keep the website open on my smartboard so students can see when they are awarded Dojos. No more getting up form guided reading to manage behaviors! Woohoo!


Go Noodle


Free brain breaks that help channel classroom energy for good. 




August 13, 2014

Jitter Glitter: Back to School FREEBIE











     Kindergarten is an incredible adventure filled with exciting activities and experiences. I assume that some of our students (and parents) are a bit nervous about the first day of kindergarten. Honestly, I am too. Every year, I have butterflies when I wake up for the first day of school! 

    I found this poem online a few weeks ago and thought it would be the perfect 'favor' to hand out at my Meet the Teacher event. 

The poem goes as follows:


The night before school is exciting and fun,
with so many things that just have to be done.

Your clothes are all ready, your backpack is, too.
And your classroom is waiting with fun things to do.

There are so many questions that go through your mind,
All types of thoughts, some of every kind.

The day before school, we all get the jitters down deep,
making it really hard for us to fall sleep.

So here is some jitter glitter; It’s really quite cool.
It’s something to help you be rested and ready for school.

Just sprinkle the glitter under your pillow in bed,
the night before school starts, when you lay down your head.

The  glitter will help you sleep through the night,
letting you wake up feeling fresh and bright.

I’ll sprinkle the glitter under my pillow, too.

And remember I can’t wait for school, so I can see you!

I attached my poem to a plastic bag filled with glitter, this way the student can simply put the bag under his pillow and avoid a mess (and angry parents). 





 See how Kinder Drama gets ready for meet the teacher!








 See in TPT










August 10, 2014

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