What is it about spiders that kids love SO much?! When I busted out our graph to start our unit of study on arachnids, the kids went CRAZY. In Abby’s words, 12 kinds of crazy. They were SO excited! I’m always floored by how much kids LOVE non-fiction. It seriously surprises me every.single.year. I see this with my own two boys. The gravitate towards non-fiction books ALL.THE.TIME. I love that. We started our week with the question, “Are you afraid of spiders?!” Me…notsomuch…unless they’re BIG and FURRY. Gross. They’re more creepy than scary and I say … [Read more...] about Spider Week!
Math
Apples Aplenty & A Meaningful Christmas
Did y’all hear me say Christmas? I’m sure you’re thinking, “Is she for real? CHRISTMAS? It’s not even OCTOBER yet!!” But bear with me. Y’all might remember reading THIS POST last year. I’m telling y’all all about this now so that y’all can get a move on it and start planning. My precious friend Brittney introduced me to our favorite Christmas tradition back when my boys were really itty and now I want to share it with YOU! A Meaningful Christmas is a simple, child centered devotional for families to use as they countdown to Christmas. Honestly…it’s our FAVORITE tradition. It all starts with a … [Read more...] about Apples Aplenty & A Meaningful Christmas
Math Stations, A Great Idea, & Something New
I think y’all probably know by now that I LOVE math. I love teaching math. Love my math block. Love my math tubs. I just love it all!!! I’m not gonna throw rainbows and sunshine at y’all and tell you that everything has gone perfectly smooth since I implemented them this year. If you’ve taught Kindergarten for 2.5 seconds, you know very well that that’s not the case :) All that to be said, I am so happy with the way things are going now. My kids are really getting into the math groove. When I told my kids it was time for math tubs today, they CHEERED. I kid you not. That’s a first … [Read more...] about Math Stations, A Great Idea, & Something New
I Survived Week 2 How About You?!
Well…I did it. I survived the 2nd week! HA! In all honesty, I have a pretty sweet little class. I feel like they’ve picked up so much in just a short 2 weeks! I’m so excited and anxious to see how much they progress this year. This is one of the reasons I love Kindergarten so much. They all come in with such different abilities and it’s amazing to see their growth…even after just a few short weeks! This past week we hit the ground running and started focusing on name recognition. Not just our own, but the names of our friends, too! I usually wait ‘til the 3rd week to start our name … [Read more...] about I Survived Week 2 How About You?!
Your Mission…Should You Choose to Accept…
When I presented in Chicago, I shared some fun {to me!} math activities that my kids really love{d}. I figured y’all might be able to use a few of them so I wanted to share some of them here, too! The best thing about these activities is that they can be used in all different ways…whole group, independently, dessert tubs, etc. Just a few really simple ideas to keep your kids engaged in hands-on learning! One of my favorite ways to keep my kids engaged is with this little “Beat the Timer” notebook. This would work for anything…not just math. I have a tub in my room that holds my little sand timers and this little … [Read more...] about Your Mission…Should You Choose to Accept…
Earth Day, Telling Time, & a Mother’s Day/Father’s Day Freebie!
It’s Saturday and I couldn’t be happier that I have absolutely NOTHING planned. Those are the best kind of weekends, aren’t they?! I *might* venture off for a pedicure because my feet are a little scary right now. BUT…other than the mid-day pampering, I have a whole bunch of nothing planned and I LOVE IT!!!! This past week was FULL of non-stop learning. We didn’t confine our Earth Day festivities to Monday, but instead we did a little something to celebrate each day this week. I can honestly say that I think my kids are experts on the 3 R’s. One of my FAVORITE Earth Day songs is by my FAVORITE artists, … [Read more...] about Earth Day, Telling Time, & a Mother’s Day/Father’s Day Freebie!
What’s the Buzz?
SO. I know I’m not the only one. Who else has their countdown on? 38 days for us. Not that I’m keeping track. But yes…38 days. I can smell summer in the air. Speaking of summer, I started a new workout program(ish). I’ve been getting up every morning and working out here at the house before school starts for a while now. I was using a few different videos, but after being inspired by my beautiful best friend {you have GOT to read her story HERE! Her progress pictures are INSANE!!!} I decided to try something new! Last week I started Les Mills Pump. I am in LOVE. I … [Read more...] about What’s the Buzz?
Recap.
My life seems to be moving in fast forward right now, so I’m doing good just to “rewind” and recap all the fun we’re having in Kindergarten! Last week was B-U-S-Y. So here goes… We started our week with “Kite Day”! The kids made kites in art class, so the whole campus {all Kindergarten} took a little time out of our day to fly our kites. It was the most perfect, windy day! Couldn’t have asked for better!!! Thank you, God for that BEAUTIFUL day! We mixed a little kite and Easter fun in our literacy and math tubs. The kids did awesome! Top left writing activity via Sarah Cooley … [Read more...] about Recap.
The Plants Dance
I don’t really have a “plants dance” to share with you, but the words rhymed and I’m all about “catchy”, so I went with it. Happy Sunday, friends! Can you even believe Easter is next week?! Where’d the time go?!?! I have NO idea, but I’m not complaining! This just means we’re a little closer to summer! Woot!! Speaking of Easter, I’m home today and my laminator *might* need to be replaced after all the use it’s been getting this weekend! HA! Here’s what I’m prepping…. What do you have in store for the week?!!? This past week, we learned ALL about plants!!!!! And I don’t want to … [Read more...] about The Plants Dance
Party Rockin’ In Kindergarten
Hands down, Kindergarten writing is my favorite. I love the way the kids stretch out their sounds, and the way they organize their thinking and then translate that to writing just kills me. This *might* be my favorite writing to date!! Haha!!! “I’m so sorry Mrs. Carroll. I’m sorry for party rockin’. Do you like George Strait?” #partyrockininkindergarten #neverlaughedsohard #georgestraitismyhero In other news, I don’t get the hashtag, but all the cool kids are doing it so I thought I’d join in :) ***************************************************** For those of y’all asking about my … [Read more...] about Party Rockin’ In Kindergarten
I’m Goin’ To Chicago…Who’s Comin’ With Me?! {& Some Math Tub Fun}
I got a little email from SDE back in December asking if I’d be interested in presenting at The Extraordinary Educators Conference this summer. Ummm. Let’s see. My first thought was, “ohmiword…bless their hearts. They emailed the wrong person.” Second thought…after realizing it was, indeed, addressed to me…was “ohmiword. Why would they POSSIBLY think I have anything to offer?!?!?” I had a range of other thoughts as well, but for brevity’s sake, I won’t share those with you ;) HA! Seriously though. Oh.MY.WORD. For real?!?! To be sitting in the same ballpark as some of these … [Read more...] about I’m Goin’ To Chicago…Who’s Comin’ With Me?! {& Some Math Tub Fun}
Life Sized Subtraction
When I taught first grade, I remember my kids had a little difficulty understanding that the greater number had to come first in a number sentence when subtracting. I know that kids can memorize like nobody’s business, so I think it’s EXTREMELY important to get them to understand WHY so they know how to apply as the skill progressively becomes more challenging {how’s that for a long, grammatically incorrect sentence?!?!} We’ve talked about the symbol we use for subtraction and lots of key words, so it was time for some hands-on fun. To introduce the concept, we started with a fun…SUPER simple…hands-on, whole group activity that my kids … [Read more...] about Life Sized Subtraction
Walruses & Groundhogs…It Was That Kind of Week :)
It was a busy week in Kindergarten, so I won’t stall any longer :) Here’s a look at what we were up to this week! We were knee deep learning about all things Arctic…animals, that is! My kids were SO into it. It was really quite precious, actually. I can honestly say that I’m pretty sure they’re *obsessed* with walruses. They couldn’t get enough!!!! We started out our learning with a little tree map to organize our thinking. After we did a little research and gathered lots of info about these 2 ton mammals, we transferred all of our knowledge into writing. As important as it is to write about … [Read more...] about Walruses & Groundhogs…It Was That Kind of Week :)
Digging Through the Snow
After looking through my Facebook feed, I think it’s safe to say that MANY of you are digging your way through the snow this week! Well aren’t you lucky?! I was chipping away at the frost on my windshield this morning, but then it warmed up to the high 50’s and all was *almost* right in the world :) I’ve been a little MIA this week because we’re testing our Kbabies! Have I told y’all how much I LOVE mid-year testing?!?! Because I honestly really DO!! I LOVE seeing all the progress my kids are making!!! Sure…it’s definitely time consuming…but I LOVE the results! I’m SO unbelievably proud of my … [Read more...] about Digging Through the Snow
Make SNOW Mistake About It…We LOVE Winter!
I can’t really say we love “winter” here in Texas…specifically, south Texas. There’s not much winter here to speak of. We have a few cold snaps here and there, but at this very moment, my 5-year-old is chasing our new dog outside…in his shorts…and nothing else ;) Now that’s MY kind of winter!!!!!! We’re bringing as much winter as we can to the classroom and we started our first week back after break with some snowman related activities. We definitely kept ourselves busy and had SNOW much fun in the process {sorry…I couldn’t help myself ;)} I loved teaching symmetry this time of year. I introduced Mr. … [Read more...] about Make SNOW Mistake About It…We LOVE Winter!
Math Fun, Grinch Prep, Gingerbread, and I Got My Shop On :)
Does it seem like this year is moving in fast forward and you can’t find the pause button?! Ummm…hello, Christmas?!?!?!? ALREADY?!?!?! INSANITY. Just like everyone else, we’ve been pretty busy around here. During Thanksgiving break, my boys were BEGGING to go back to school. They wanted to make pictures for their teachers and couldn’t wait to get back to a routine. Have I mentioned how much we love their teachers?! Because we really, REALLY do!!!! Now, this might be a proud momma moment, but I have to share because I know y’all will appreciate it. Landon…my little Pre-K man…has a … [Read more...] about Math Fun, Grinch Prep, Gingerbread, and I Got My Shop On :)
Say My Name & Some Math Fun
Happy Tuesday! It was a WHRLWIND weekend here for my little family. Remember my precious *little* sister?!?! Well…she tied the knot on Saturday and it was AMAZING!!! But seriously….talk about NO sleep! Isn’t she lovely?! And look at my cute lil’ momma! I love these ladies!! And look at my sweet boys! Cutest little “banner bearers” I ever did see!!! I was the matron of honor and I *sang* my speech. People…I DO NOT sing. Not even a little. In Abby’s words, I’m *12 kinds* of tone def!!! But I had to make it memorable. I love my sister and wanted to shock the … [Read more...] about Say My Name & Some Math Fun
Reading Strategies & First Week Highlights
HELLO my sweet friends! I’ve been without internet access since last week. Sad. But now it’s restored and I’m ready to share a few things with you!! Hard to believe I’ve been back in Kindergarten for 7 days. It’s like I never left! My babies are settled into a bit of a routine and I feel like things are running pretty well…so far :) I forgot how much I LOVE this age!!! EVERYTHING is new to them…books, centers, friends…it’s ALL new and I love seeing them *get it* for the first time! Last week was our first full week and it was jam packed full of SO much! I’ve been researching … [Read more...] about Reading Strategies & First Week Highlights
Mailbox Math
Hi friends! Are y’all enjoying summer as much as I am?!?! I’m *trying* to savor every little second before I have to head back to set up my NEW classroom!! Eeeek! I think I’ve said it before, but I LOVE teaching math. I wasn’t always a fan, but over the last couple of years, it’s become one of my favorite things to teach. I like math even more when I can integrate literacy into it. During my 2nd year of teaching, I had this little mailbox in my classroom. Book characters would write to my kids asking them to help solve a problem. This was my little way to try and incorporate math & … [Read more...] about Mailbox Math
Candy Heart Math {& A Making Words Activity}
I know Valentine’s Day is over, but I like to extend my Valentine-ish activities throughout the month. After all, February is the month of LOVE, right?! Well, that’s what I’m goin’ with anyway. Candy hearts are my favorite February math manipulative and here are a couple of little math printables & activities for you!! The first is a little candy heart graph. I know there are a GAJILLION of these floating around right now. I like to graph the number of letters in the conversation. I pass out a large conversation heart to each kiddo and have them count the number of letters on the heart. Then we create a big ol’ graph on a giant … [Read more...] about Candy Heart Math {& A Making Words Activity}
Place Value, MLK, and Snowmen!
Here's a fun little place value activity I made for my kids to do in their math tubs last week. It’s a snowman place value spinner! Graphics courtesy of Digi Web Studio Last week we were working on place value with teen numbers, so that’s what this particular activity reinforces. The kids spin the spinner on the middle portion of the snowman and collect that amount of ones cubes...or whatever kind of counter you want! Then they spin the spinner on the bottom portion of the snowman and collect the same amount of ones cubes as well. Then they count their cubes and see if they can make a set of ten. I always tell them, “If you can … [Read more...] about Place Value, MLK, and Snowmen!
Snow Day Stats
So…which of you has been the lucky recipient of a snow day, or two, this week?! Don’tcha just love those days?! I thought we’d for sure have one Monday because the entire city shuts.down. at the sight of flurries. It snowed cats & dogs & fluffy white rabbits on Sunday. You KNOW I was up about an hour earlier than normal checking the local news to see if our district was giving us a day to cozy up by the fire. No such luck, but I did get to sleep in. We were on a 2 hour delay. I’ll take it! Since snow is such a novelty in these areas, I knew the kids would have nothing but SNOW on their minds, … [Read more...] about Snow Day Stats
A Few More Math Ideas Before The Holidays
Here are a couple more ideas for you to *squeeze in* {HA!!!} before Thanksgiving break :) How funky is your turkey?! Here’s a little fact family activity your kids will love! Each kiddo gets a half circle {turkey body} and a triangle {turkey head}. The kids take two dice and roll. Let’s say they roll a 4 & 2. They have to add the numbers together to get the sum {third #}. They write these numbers in each corner of the turkey head with the sum sitting in the beak. Then the kiddos take 4 different feathers and write a different number sentence on each to match the fact family in the turkey … [Read more...] about A Few More Math Ideas Before The Holidays
Turkey Math
We are learning about traditions and customs & I swear I’m LOVING all this Thanksgiving talk!! I know you’re probably all planned out for the next couple of weeks, but just incase you aren’t, here are a few math tub activities you might like to incorporate :) This is a little addition & subtraction activity where the kids have to solve the problem on the turkey’s belly and add the number of feathers to show the sum/difference. They kids LOVE the feathers :) This is a little fact family activity that the kids are loving! And this is just a little skip counting reinforcement activity. I found this in … [Read more...] about Turkey Math
