Cara Carroll

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 Whole Brain Teaching and watching countless videos, so I decided to implement what I know into my class this year and I AM IN LOVE!!!!  My kids seem so much more engaged!!  Last week was all about practicing routines and procedures and taking LOTS of brain breaks!  And don’t forget the singing…BOY did we sing!!  Our favorite?!?!  The Banana Song!  When we weren’t practicing procedures and routines, we were diving into Abby’s Crazy for Kinders Unit head first.  Jitter Juice was, hands down, a class favorite!!!! jitterjuice2 In small group, we read Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom and then had the kids make their own little Chicka trees.  This was a great little assessment to see how many of my kids knew how to identify, spell, and write their names.  I was also able to see how many of them had good one-to-one correspondence skills and who could/couldn’t write/identify the numeral to match the number of letters in their names.  I got this precious idea from April Larremore at Chalk Talk.  If I was still in first grade, I definitely would’ve done this activity, but instead of counting the number of letters in their names, I would’ve had them write the number of vowels and consonants and then I would’ve extended that into a whole group graph/sort activity. jitterjuice3 jitterjuice4 In addition to practicing routines and procedures, I introduced Math Tubs, too.  Oh how I LOVE math tubs.  I can tell it’s going to take lots of practice to understand the procedures and expectations for math tubs, but I know the payoff will be SO worth it!  We started the year out with a few activities from Deedee Wills’ Math Stations packet. jitterjuice7  jitterjuice8 I also created a little back to school one-to-one correspondence game board that the kids LOVE to play.  It’s been an awesome way to quickly assess which of my babies has a good handle on one-to-one, subitizing, and rote counting. jitterjuice6 Click on the pic below to download.  If you want to read more about these little gameboards, click HERE.  We played these in first grade {with a little more rigor!} all the time, too!!! Slide1 We have this great little thing at my campus called “half groups”.  For two hours everyday, I only have half my class.  Group 1 leaves for an hour {for Science/Social Studies, Computer Lab, or Art} and I get to keep the other half.  When Group 1 comes back, Group 2 leaves :).  It’s pretty much the most amazing thing ever.  SO…when it’s time for literacy stations & guided reading, I only have about 8-9 kids in my room.  I’ve been able to do a quick letter/sound assessment on each of my kids and even have a little trial run guided reading with each of them.  I introduced a couple of my reading strategies that we’ve been using for the last few days.  kclassroom12 Click on the picture below to download your copy. Slide1 I keep my posters displayed on the wall behind my teacher table, and I use my little strategy sticks for quick reference during guided & shared reading.  I went ahead and added several strategies I’ve been using throughout the years…this verbage {for me} just kinda flows and my kids seem to pick up on the strategies quickly.  If you have any questions, just holler! jitterjuice5 Whew!  I’m exhausted just reliving it all!  HA!!!  I’ve got lots more to share, but I’m tired.  Stay tuned for my Name Unit coming up this weekend!!!  Eeeeek!!!  SO excited to share it with y’all!!!!  Have a GREAT rest of the week!!!!!

Simplify Your Teaching

Join our community for tips, tricks, and resources to help you simplify your teaching!

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by Kit

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristine says

    I really love your blog! I just found out I will be student teaching in Kindergarten this year and I am so excited to try some of your activities!! Thank you for sharing, everything you do is so creative!

    I've been reviewing Children's Books for a Graduate class I took on children's literature and would love for you to check it out!
    kristinekellenberger.blogspot.com

    Reply

  3. Abby says

    Yum, Jitter Juice! Can you please teach Becks in K? And then maybe loop to first? Pretty please?!

    Everything looks wonderful! Your kiddos are so blessed 🙂

    Reply

  4. miss m says

    I started parts of whole brain teaching this year and ADORE it! can't wait to learn and implement more of it! and also can't wait for your name unit!

    Reply

  6. LYNDSEY says

    Awesome, blossom! I absolutely *LOVE* those reading strategy posters. I am using Whole Brain Teaching this year too. My kids are LOVING it!

    Looks like you are having a FAB year! So jealous of your half group schedule. What an amazing opportunity to get some one-on-one time with your babies.

    Thanks for sharing, sweet friend!

    Reply

  9. Doodle Bugs says

    At my first school that I taught at.. we did 1/2 groups too! Genious idea!!!

    glad you are enjoying kindergarten! I don't know if I have the patience to go younger than first :o)

    Reply

  10. The Kinder Garden says

    Thanks for sharing those resources!

    I use bits and pieces of whole brain teaching, I use the 5 "rules" for our classroom and my kids love it! Every so often I'll put in the "teach to your neighbor" part too… it's great for engagement!

    1/2 groups sound so nice! Glad you are loving being back in kinder!

    –Caitlin
    The Kinder Garden

    Reply

  12. Heather's Heart says

    Your posters are adorable! We use the Beanie Baby decoding strategies too! If you use the actual Beanie Babies in your room for a visual reminder, let me know. I would love to share some of our Lips the Fish and Stretchy Snake activities. My kiddos ADORE them. Lips the Fish is going to visit us next week and leave us a "surprise package". =)

    Heather
    Heather's Heart

    Reply

  19. Baby Barbie says

    Carry out having a child waana child provider? The particular flexibility regarding flexibility could be the trademark regarding ergo carrier and also this will be obvious from your Ergo child provider critiques available on net. As well as the ergo child companies supply a secure and also comfy around for the child. The particular smooth substance employed tends to make the particular ergo baby carrier comforting smooth in which suits the particular smooth epidermis with the child. Implementingwithin our own determination for the basic safety with the youngsters commissioned to our goods, the particular ERGO child Provider has gone by means of demanding basic safety tests. The particular Low-cost child provider ergonomic layout helps a correct sitting down place for your babys trendy pelvis and also vertebrae progress. The particular Ergo child provider selling have become user friendly not merely regarding mother, but also for fathers furthermore.

    The particular Ergo Child Provider is a superb merchandise regarding carrying out exactly that. This is a robust and also risk-free provider that may ensure it is trouble-free and also pleasurable to bring ergo baby carrier sale an individual baby together with you when you begin the everyday errands. This kind of redesigned Ergo child pack characteristics the favorite Galaxy Grey art print about 100% natural cotton canvas! a great accentuate for the Galaxy Grey ERGObaby Provider, Top Tote, Transforming Sleeping pad, and also Doll Provider! The particular Ergo organic and natural child provider continues to be built to bring having a child securely and also perfectly, providing you equally a pleasant experience regarding relationship and you also the capability to get on with each day jobs while outstanding near having a child. ergo organic and natural youngster provider Chocolates Together with risk-free Carmel Cellular lining will be really any provider that may gratify your entire calls for for just ergo baby concerning virtually any youngster provider no matter whether inside your top, rear or perhaps trendy opportunities. Finest desires to suit your needs.

    Reply

  20. The Wise Owl says

    Love these ideas!! Esp. your reading strategies on popsicle sticks. I'm working as a learning specialist this year with K-5 and I'm thinking that these would be great for the little ones.

    Thanks for sharing!!

    -Kate @ The Wise Owl

    Reply

  21. Jess says

    I started whole brain teaching this year too. My kids seem to catch on and they say the rules a lot more to other students which is helpful. I would love to hear more about your half groups. Who takes you other half? It sounds wonderful to only have 9 at once oh the possibilities of getting assessments and intensive guided reading done! I love your reading strategies. I use very similar ones but a few of the animals are different. I find that my students remember then and love them. I even had a child come into my class from last year asking if she could take home stretchy snake because she uses him all the time. (I have stuffed animals to go with them.) I love that you are already teaching this in Kindergarten! It is so important! Looks like you're off to a great start! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  27. Mrs. Wheat says

    I just started doing Whole Brain Teaching, too! It has blown my mind!! My kiddos are doing so great with the call and response. It's amazing. Keep posting about WBT. I love to hear more about how it's wokring for other people. Someone overheard me in the hallway the other day doing "Class" "Yes" and they came by my room after school to ask where are learned that cool thing. Pretty exciting stuff!
    ps. I love your reading strategy posters. Thanks!
    wholewheatclass.blogspot.com

    Reply

  31. Mandy Coatney says

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I saw your posters and thought…my husbands going to kill me if I buy one more thing from TPT! But I don't have to worry about it, because IT'S FREE!! Thanks so much! I love your blog. Oh and I have also started the Whole Brain teaching and I love it!!

    Reply

  32. A Simple Southern Life says

    I have to tell you, I just LOVE your blog. I'm a first year teacher teaching 1st grade. As overwhelming as it can be at times, visiting your blog always makes me excited to get back to my students ready to try new things. We did a few things with Jitter Juice and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom as well! (:

    Reply

  42. lanvin bag says

    Lanvin Bag On the list of carriers I'm sure around the lowest although likely find the almost all work with available connected with is usually the makeup case. I exploit the item regular, the item vacations having everyone in addition to, quite frankly, When i don’t carry top notch health care of the usb ports. I should carry superior health care of the usb ports, but instead When i imagine When i carry the lovely very little makeup case intended for awarded. You observe, it's just a make any difference of their time until finally When i know I need to swap the item in addition to as soon as of which time happens, I most certainly will without doubt be studied by means of astonish in addition to under-prepared. Rather then hanging around until finally the recent
    Lanvin case articles this particles, I’ve thought i would look at anything completely new in addition to planahead.
    http://www.lanvinbagonline.com

    Reply

  46. amy says

    Thank you so much for sharing. I used the beanie baby strategies last year, but with the move from Title to 2nd, I misplaced my cards. I like the addition of elephant ears and skippy scott. The wording you use seems to flow as well.

    Reply

  47. Tracy P. says

    I love these posters, but have a hard time coming up with sample books to first teach each strategy with. Do you have any particular books in mind that you use for each strategy?

    Reply

  49. Angleangle angleangleaew says

    Abercrombie and Fitch,Abercrombie and Fitch outlet,Abercrombie outlet sale original

    Abercrombie clothing online, Up to 60% Off, Fast shipping, No Tax!

    Louis Vuitton Outlet,Louis Vuitton sito ufficiale Italia,Louis Vuitton outlet online

    vendita borse Louis Vuitton,Louis Vuitton prezzi,con 70% di sconto!

    Burberry Outlet,Burberry Heren, Burberry Hoeden, Burberry Portemonnees, Burberry Riemen, Burberry

    Sjaal, Burberry Tassen, vrij goede kwaliteit, stijl, en goedkoop!tot 60% korting!

    Hollister Madrid,Hollister chaquetas, sudaderas, todo tipo de ropa, directos a Madrid, Espa?a, y

    con envío gratuito.

    Converse,Converse Norge, I Bergen,Oslo,Trondheim,kunne Norge city sees i v?re sko, v?r sko kurs n?r

    markedskurs!

    Reply

  50. Elizabeth Kile says

    I remember reading this post last year, and didn't think the strategy posters would be necessary for my 2nd graders…but was just reminded of it in the teacher wife's post today and think they'll be great for the first graders I have this year! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

  52. Hannah says

    I love these, thanks for sharing! I just wondered where the clipart is from? I want to make strategy bookmarks for my kids to take home in their reading folders and I'd love for the clipart to match. Thanks!

    Reply

  53. laura says

    Cara, I love your animal reading strategy posters and have them posted in my classroom. Is there any way you could create a "Tryin' Lion" card to match the set? I would really like that one to complete the set and have it to encourage my students with to keep trying with challenging words! Thanks so much!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe for updates and freebies to your inbox!