tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73695655676768101372024-03-19T01:48:21.070-07:00Herding Kats in KindergartenKindergarten teacher sharing ideas and printables!Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.comBlogger620125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-40542735860524235082022-08-28T00:29:00.000-07:002022-08-28T00:29:19.901-07:00FREE First Day of Kindergarten Activity<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;">Handprint Craft for the First Day of School</span></h1><p><span> </span>This year I tried something game changing. You see, we always do a Classroom Scavenger Hunt at our Meet the Teacher event. We have families sign up for different 1/2 hour time slots so there's no more than 5 children at a time. The children and their parents complete the scavenger hunt, finding different things in the classroom. This is to familiarize the child with the classroom and teacher and hopefully make them more comfortable when the first day of school rolls around. What I realized though, was that by having the <b>parents</b> guide the students through the activity,<b> I</b> was missing out on precious time where I could be instructing them on basic routines, while assessing their processing speed, their ability to follow directions, their attention span and their basic socialization skills! So this year, I treated the Scavenger Hunt like a mini-lesson in Kindergarten for my students. </p><p><br /><span> </span>I started by introducing myself to them and then introducing them to each other. I built camaraderie by telling them that this was their Scavenger Hunt team and if they worked together they would complete the Scavenger Hunt and earn a prize. I then lined them up and had them walk to the entrance of the classroom where we do our <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Herding-Kats-In-Kindergarten/Category/Morning-Greetings-384835/Order:Best-Sellers#seller_details_tabs" target="_blank">Morning Greeting</a> each day. I talked to them about picking a greeting and had each one choose a greeting and respond to me. After they greeted me they moved to a table in the room with the Scavenger Hunt sheets laid out. I asked them to write their names at the top. This was a quick assessment of pencil grip and name writing. I then walked them through the steps of the Scavenger Hunt, which coincidentally taught them: where the bathroom is, that the toilet automatically flushes, where the sink is, how to get the automatic taps to turn on, how to get the soap and where to put the paper towels when they're finished, where their drawer is with their supplies, how to get their pencil box out of their drawer and close it behind them, how to bring their pencil box to the table, how to put their pencil box away when done and close their drawer again, how to choose a spot at the carpet and turn to face the speaker (further lesson on crisscross, mountain or mermaid sitting will be covered the first week), they know where our reading center is and how to sit and look at books, they know where our math games are and how to get a bin out and then return it when done, they know how to line up at the door in a straight line when its time to leave the classroom, they know how to clean up their center when the chime rings, they know where their cubby is and where to put their backpacks and folder each day. </p><p><span> </span>In just 11 steps, we covered some of the most important routines in the classroom. Of course I'll have to reteach and refine on the first day of school, but they're coming in with a baseline knowledge of how to function in the classroom. More importantly, they feel more comfortable with me and with following my instructions. I'm more aware of who is impulsive, who needs time to warm up, who is a natural leader, who is easily distracted. They're also more comfortable with each other, and have started the beginning of friendships with at least the students who were in their Scavenger Hunt group. On Monday I can group them together in those same groups, to give them a bit more familiarity and comfort. </p><p><span> </span>Since I have all of those building blocks in place now, I feel like Monday won't be <b>AS</b> chaotic and stressful as previous years' first day of school. That means that I can add <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-School-Editable-Handprint-Poem-Craft-8480223#show-price-update" target="_blank">this handprint poem</a> into the plans for Monday, and feel confident that our day will go smoothly:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-School-Editable-Handprint-Poem-Craft-8480223#show-price-update" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="732" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTkCgnbW9-ydMbCGcWnYOwabXcmqdUNh4Aol8IKLae0SC0g0R2AbDZwpxzMsny5IfLqwW-enH8UDB_eEIH0dZkt1Y2QhOLxNoL9mhFRFT_RQrD12qR_CyB7C-Y_OF0n0a_f8UJ4uwfNc9pKj3LxnCVMh9u8x5j0GY_VxLCMYBRd6Dwdl1umGX9WR-/s320/first%20day%20of%20school%20handprint%20craft.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">This poem page is editable so you can add your students' names, your school name, location and date. You can also change the grade level, so you can use this for Pre-K, Kindergarten or any other grade level! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope you can use this freebie, and that you have a great start to your school year! </div></div><p></p>Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-63136706463240805832022-08-10T18:35:00.000-07:002022-08-10T18:35:25.318-07:00Chicka Chicka Boom Boom STEM Activities<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fbfcfe; font-family: geomanistregular; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Storybook STEM Activities Kindergarten</span></h1><div>I love to start off my school year with easy stem activities, to give my students an introduction to engineering concepts like identifying a problem, brainstorming ideas, sketching to communicate, selecting an idea, building a proto-type and testing it. These are all part of the problem-solving process and can be applied throughout life, not just in engineering! </div><div>While I love using <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Activities-Nursery-Rhyme-Bundle-3349659" target="_blank">Nursery Rhyme STEM activities</a>, I also like to design STEM units around story books like "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" to create cross-curricular activities that will engage my students throughout all subject areas! Keep reading for some fun stem activities for kindergarten that revolve around<span style="background-color: #fbfcfe; font-family: geomanistregular; white-space: nowrap;"> </span>"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom"!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom-STEM-Activities-8405874" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="872" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUDUjYOxmWu8l_Y-CP0a27EVMqVjtbKSjJec0vGhRkKiDNoL8b-rt-52Lu-G-pCjmDD1uD8aZhopGH8XVB8KG94pLfL78hEjeMeS5_zX3K1ukFNcrmXgvZSdayf9n-DRSqrUqsKcRJMG5FZziI87GZxO9XnuflAEYmo8N8k-GIkpM5zbaJuvdrHpz/s320/chicka%20chicka%20stem%20cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>For my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom-STEM-Activities-8405874" target="_blank">"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" STEM unit</a>, I start off with reading the book of course! I read it multiples times, until my students can chant it with me. I also set up my Listening Center with different read alouds of the book. My students scan the QR code to go to a SAFE link of a YouTube video! This way they're not exposed to any ads and they can't click any other links and fall into a YouTube rabbit hole! For example, this card has 2 QR codes - one that links to Ray Charles retelling the story, and the other to an animated version. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom-STEM-Activities-8405874" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="606" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsp--9v3kFD5U_nGe-dBKwPj1LeaL3k_CSDq1I6hKJ44pFJ1h9iUkOGpUiWpjseplXZTHNf1R3wHd7dk1LfSqd037qaljG_W-ktoSE9tq8FdX4p-KeJAwLmBtaZ3fAquCjfMP0gbKv__wIvf0dZY5-4D7re0lheYZE6wnLnIyrs8aasoqmcCj380A/s320/Chicka%20Chicka%20Boom%20Boom%20qr%20codes.png" width="320" /></a></div><div>And of course, this is the perfect time for some vocabulary and schema building, so I also have QR codes to videos about the life cycle of a coconut tree, a coconut tree directed drawing they can practice, as well as some fun coconut songs. </div><div><br /></div><div>For our science connection to "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" we use our 5 Senses to explore a coconut! This is a wonderful way to build vocabulary and schema! In my previous school, most students had never even seen a coconut, so this was a wonderful experience to share with them. Currently I teach on a semi-tropical island where coconuts can be found on the beaches, so my students are a little more familiar with them, but getting them to describe the coconut using a specific sense is still a powerful activity! And of course, you can't complete the 5 Senses exploration without a taste test, and taste tests are great for graphing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom-STEM-Activities-8405874" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="613" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikByWN9DdETQ7T8shyGhN96wAHiKdLYz2WN9AOAPg3B2-jTIwWf7sK6uVhZupra816AIwVA2Jg9hrp1-oLFPMRWCAPT67pi2RCcTkSjuva0XxJ3AGHBU_YobTpswprdbry6iwmK6j4E2lhZXQUR8992AQE4UzB_dlJ3LTS3vcP2p5NE8y4vfEjzQyP/s320/Chicka%20Chicka%20Boom%20Boom%20science%20activities.png" width="315" /></a></div>Although these are whole group activities, I have students complete response sheets to help keep them on track during the discussion, and also to give them something to bring home to jumpstart conversations about what we are doing in class!<div><br /></div><div>Since I teach this unit in September, this is usually our first Engineering Challenge, so I make sure this one is easy but engaging, so that everyone is successful AND learns how to go through the design process. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pFnRxX7zc3GFgPCW3OmYlQOF27VaRIxlfCzoRY3C9E3VG3wNdK2vlAEa0N0S6sYcl30mnKycIxFELXYrALj3M9m_6qgM6qsuoEr79q-Rqmafp4dXlGTttJcz-ZDHVBKY1iKJYX95YX42xXmwE4oUKTpZduf7UY9Al2U1Mh0BaTb8YncJw9ZyMd5m/s584/Chicka%20Chicka%20Boom%20Boom%20stem%20activities.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="371" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pFnRxX7zc3GFgPCW3OmYlQOF27VaRIxlfCzoRY3C9E3VG3wNdK2vlAEa0N0S6sYcl30mnKycIxFELXYrALj3M9m_6qgM6qsuoEr79q-Rqmafp4dXlGTttJcz-ZDHVBKY1iKJYX95YX42xXmwE4oUKTpZduf7UY9Al2U1Mh0BaTb8YncJw9ZyMd5m/s320/Chicka%20Chicka%20Boom%20Boom%20stem%20activities.png" width="203" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my own sweet little guy when he was in my kindergarten class! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Best year ever!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the ways I get my students engaged in an engineering project is to clearly state the problem by reading them a challenge message. I have them examine the materials they're allowed to use, and then draw or write about their idea in a booklet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom-STEM-Activities-8405874" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="925" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0CnY5-IuEOGmxLbfVVbIMdP4RnYI8ygSGYabdssPsWYwMQwYy0Qfd9FoMQ1j1OT9lqsgWCHtffH7drIlP2GBCkZUaec0HaM9WgdnwHDiNyHGmVsxzczj1s6DF4lws5lNINRwcI4DExNvZFt_JFJ_7FfZ0kmPhbi9pjyJKOW3joeznk0PdwG7bSCQ/s320/chicka%20chicka%20thumb%201.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once everyone has completed the challenge (and this one is short, because we know attention spans in the beginning of the year aren't the longest!) I gather everyone together to discuss how it went - what went well, what was a difficult, what they would change for next time. We complete the last page in the booklet, drawing or writing about how the challenge went. Then I hand out the Challenge Certificates! Students love being able to take these home to show their parents they were successful in beating the challenge! I also add the materials for this challenge into our STEM Center, so that if they want to revisit it during their free-play time it is available - and they tend to use the materials for weeks afterwards, coming up with ever-more-fantastic ways to build!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, I have to integrate "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" into our Math centers too! At the beginning of the year we're still working on 1-1 correspondence and number recognition, so counting activities are a must!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom-STEM-Activities-8405874" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="724" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dngoY7mUD7IjB5aOX4pYdSnzQFQz7BWw9vVxRwjX1P-Eyq4VWJ20pCnAPfh9J0F_IUdKiV1_Qphal1l6HheYtX_KtVCMUywHpsW2dFCoP6QDxCTfjayLG0VIGdmIQItl5H7ENC3ioyWvyugTGJ-6xNwmk1K4ZuhlJHsz68-l2uIO8pf_Jg4WET6-/s320/Chicka%20Chicka%20Boom%20Boom%20math%20activities.png" width="320" /></a></div>The coconut ten frame mats are a favorite - honestly, any activity where you can add fun manipulatives is automatically ten times more engaging! Students simply choose a card, and then build that number on the tens frame with manipulatives - in this case, those little flat glass gems! To differentiate, there's a mat for 0-10 and one with 2 tens frames, so students can go to 20. This also helps with place value and teen numbers, for those that are ready. </div><div>I absolutely love <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Herding-Kats-In-Kindergarten/Category/Roll-Cover-Addition-Subtraction-Games-7589" target="_blank">Roll & Cover games</a>, so I always have them as a Math Center option. The key here is that once students understand how to play, all you have to do is change out the mats to renew their interests, without having to spend valuable time teaching them a new game format! For this unit I made a mat for 1 dice, so students can practice counting and number recognition from 1-6 (this is also great for subitizing!) then there's a mat for 2 dice so students can count or add to 12! </div><div>Pattern blocks are also an "always available" Math Center staple. Some students can create intricate, symmetrical designs, and some prefer to have some guidance. For those students, a coconut tree mat helps them get some practice with 2d shapes, while the response sheet lets them count and write how many of each shape they used! </div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, we create a class book. This is exciting for my students, because they each get their own personalized page with their name! Check out how cute the cover is: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom-STEM-Activities-8405874" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1062" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSPp0PM05BOMaafMq9T-DzHHUJBiEWmK4EsBNbu6gRNqp0p_NH6Syenbfpde37qkkKgOBvi4Wtg6DAVxQL6NinD86N9H5QT6HETgMmvUxssVIfZKsAp3lwNdoC4EyzzQNGbhG5KP3FGF8Dc3NNjmIQ6_xO-hhHKEXMX0gR62iEm2ZIv4yI6ZivUR6/s320/Chicka%20Chicka%20Boom%20Boom%20Look%20Who%20Is%20In%20Our%20Room.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This page is EDITABLE, so you can change the name and year at the bottom! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, you simply type in all of your students' names and how many letters are in them and you get precious pages like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom-STEM-Activities-8405874" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="717" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7tGs8sJifGSFs-2NjUOn4kuB6QwIIWyIFfMCCwHmgZ1JPTBvsCkokcR2tjbnniPwHVENcyJyawMYWXn_UiaIDhym39990dPjD9fPb2rx2kkiP4UO9c9Y25K60rJDNZGY9pmNzvMH_5dlZNRp-9F2bGVK3PBzIiBOxJnK7e4d0exYNxCyOlCrLk4a/s320/chicka%20chicka%20boom%20boom%20student%20name%20page.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have my students color them and then add stickers or stamps to spell their name!</div><div style="text-align: left;">My students always love reading the class book over and over again in our Reading Center! Some years, when I'm feeling extra, I even add the student's photo to the top of their page before laminating it and binding it in the book! This book stays in Reading Center for the whole year and continues to be a favorite!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then finally, once we've finished with "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" and are ready to move on to our next storybook (this is usually after 1-2 weeks) we create our crowns to wear home:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom-STEM-Activities-8405874" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimofezR4DO2IUCDPX5U023j60jLQt3jL-V70qmn_wXUu00uBLgpnTjoxk9yTc1T2_FYBADaGYRkMdB3YZ4CP6tYqYnp6hz4-0A4BHiqWbuzqWqZrqLuxf6dL3DfJuIPaP0E5_VlJ0yMRQQY5qExfDAfFQQFinU5o9IB2LN0aaZBRygf2aD0D8CcI16/s320/Chicka%20chicka%20boom%20boom%20student%20crown.png" width="235" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" is an amazing book that is perfect for the beginning of kindergarten because it lends itself to so many fun activities across the curriculum while still instilling concepts of print. This <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom-STEM-Activities-8405874" target="_blank">"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" STEM unit</a> is one of my favorite units to teach, and I hope it will be one of yours too!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-10107580735402409812022-07-31T03:03:00.001-07:002022-07-31T03:11:58.767-07:00Random Acts of Kindness Ideas for the Classroom<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;">Random Acts of Kindness Calendar for September 2022</span></h1><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Incorporating kindness activities into your back to school lesson plans is one of the most important things you can do to build classroom community and practice positive classroom management! Rather than spending your days redirecting and reacting to behaviors, you can build</span><span style="font-family: Poppins;"> connections with students by encouraging kindness in the classroom. One of the best ways to do this is to MODEL kindness and help your students find ways to be kind themselves.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-September-2022-8359841" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="870" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqGFa1Qn03qiuT307Ef9sTm7t4XjtnOyY-BKsysZi6a5sNvj58vC91V8_geG-yeJCGQ5ILN4XCDGzi9GsCLKkV3cqNcsi35LUS-XwBsgbrIvPLvzBBwcrK6qGSUyquMzzVLgcu5bqxdYM5YByYJ6x745mu9jmFVok7FUF1ciMnSP3tovqBxWrn0Fx/s320/september%202022%20random%20kindness%20calendar%20cover.png" width="315" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">A fun way to start of the school year is to do a Random Act of Kindness every day. I created this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-September-2022-8359841" target="_blank">FREE calendar for September 2022</a>, with ideas for random acts of kindness acts that you can do with your students in the classroom, as well as simple kindness acts they can do on the weekends too! </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-September-2022-8359841" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1053" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3a89ECvNMSsTBRBNNPlX4ZWSGuUDkbo8EgfP_E6NuvbLeXnL89CnKaPtVTE_moqhkjyvItV_t_1mAr-lKt98Dl7ymz5imXJ9y4TJB92V3T8KxpQLZJkqtS681oibonY8COBevIb1lLqDJicbV9U3kVz7N_-LQrHsZsi_-TiInb0fhavgitwRTazf/s320/random%20acts%20of%20kindness%20calendar%20september%202022.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: left;">You can display the full color version in the classroom:</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-September-2022-8359841" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1055" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihl0fTzfSJt4Qjed8_KwmsMLZCeGJp6ef9qM7jiji7bgbRPd80ez8krsfT71ypbM1vnKmC8bnj6weg9CE_X3_9YI0AZkilT2m_VsUZiWIr5tzFN57RMPgk0ltiNCmGTRxvkTDDB6eddSWEMwmkmMD6_B8NYzQIe3ffS5BPmmP5QI27rRd96MN82mTD/s320/random%20acts%20of%20kindness%20calendar%20september%202022%20black%20and%20white.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: center;">Or send home this b&w version so students' families can follow along at home!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Either way you choose, these simple (and affordable) ideas will soon have your students thinking about ways they can kind every day! </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Here are some links and ideas for the acts marked with a red *:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="font-family: Poppins;">September 12th</b><span style="font-family: Poppins;">: Check out my </span><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/playdough-center/" style="font-family: Poppins;" target="_blank">Pinterest Play Dough Board</a><span style="font-family: Poppins;"> for recipe ideas for the homemade play dough. The apple pie play dough is perfect for September!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>September 20th</b>: If you need a quick way to make bookmarks for your library, check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/free-bookmarks/" target="_blank">Pinterest Free Bookmarks Board</a> for lots of FREE, fun options! Just print your choice, and then have students color and cut out!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>September 29th:</b> Kindness stones are so fun to make - in the classroom, I paint the rocks a solid color with acrylic paint (available in any Hobby store) and then let students write positive words, flowers, hearts and stars on them with paint markers or Sharpies.</div></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oh_1gxHo8kMLDQl6idqtmKvcMt8MidOKdnDezzUN6iKjCGsYD16eQhSkW9mMvFTZpBDy8bUyyLWnRVJz7eyy1LFGT4Zw5tdJk2gJItm5XY0V1k-vzfXjG_cSMJUu7fVjjrU7cygHSjZI/s1600/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oh_1gxHo8kMLDQl6idqtmKvcMt8MidOKdnDezzUN6iKjCGsYD16eQhSkW9mMvFTZpBDy8bUyyLWnRVJz7eyy1LFGT4Zw5tdJk2gJItm5XY0V1k-vzfXjG_cSMJUu7fVjjrU7cygHSjZI/s320/17.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Or join the<a href="http://northeastohiorocks.blogspot.com/2017/12/share-100-smiles.html" target="_blank"> #share100smiles movement</a> by painting happy faces on your rocks!</span></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br />You can also check out these fun resources in my TPT store to help spread the kindness even further!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7369565567676810137/1010758073540240981#" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="435" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY5IdP2VWNuhntQfyNXUQBaz9toOW6HyteRNa_oVHAMQravOhkaIyn2RKBS4mofcKLpYhhjkecE3oLxJZZ9zK4Bwa25BOrLBNFXRuwwVfw-RWijvHcZSNvfanUohGPAIKtprU3uF8Mk1cdyf8lh30yITI1mr_amv-nvMo7grRs6qXjz_6aDOParku/s320/free%20kindness%20songs%20&%20chants.png" width="319" /></a></div></span></div><div><span face=""Proxima Nova", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Kindness-Character-Songs-3359847" target="_blank">FREE Kindness & Character Songs</a> </span><span face=""Proxima Nova", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-weight: bold;">- </span><span face=""Proxima Nova", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Songs & Chants to Teach Kindness & Character Traits</span><span face=""Proxima Nova", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> - 8 easy-to-sing songs for teaching kindness, respect, honesty, manners, and fairness. Use these songs during your morning meeting and throughout your day to help build your classroom community!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7369565567676810137/1010758073540240981#" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="436" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbnpuNThTOt1OfAQgujHsMKrdaEOSeELD_9krmr8nSB-X5B7kRJmAcRyI9KMcL65tsBY4KEVAc9ew5krREGIDRk2HDoAmAovglQ-Sc-FIhGXBOaaYPmo3waH10Rcm4_Dyvdbk6C-4gX8Iwt2Jb3TfPr2eLL4L7-N2dUSlSbGwEsrbhXzxwkzJKYLV/s320/spudtastic%20behavior%20management.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Behavior-Management-Pack-3960588" style="font-family: Poppins;" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Behavior-Management-Pack-3960588" target="_blank">Spud-Tastic Behavior Management System</a> - this system makes positive behavior management EASY and FUN! Students will love building a Potato Head by following the classroom expectations!</div><div style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Tracing-Editable-Activities-8351337" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="873" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv34fVldg__CF7my7o_ctdRZyuqvwNzxxmn-3PctXF1wN5KxHhJr_7KWCvgnlNIitUOFFYuxhDUYP8bikpAonnDO5Y7HIRFb1ZlagLPjl6WS2J1FuayRvhhTuLKUgV5K2p8oHKeICyh960DrdqDTvfPN5jrxPxsecDI4ZbGY6JApvg43Gsivw8DjoR/w320-h307/name%20practice%20hat%20for%20the%20first%20day%20of%20school.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: left;">And nothing makes a kindergarten student happier than their name - seeing it on a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Tracing-Editable-Activities-8351337">First Day of School crown</a> will start their year off right!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Have a Back to School season everyone and remember, kindness is free - sprinkle it everywhere!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60YvO7vVLJunn0s2vz_2G_uHy5gMJU-ooVbRgAD7PiVwWEe75pqJTNC8943O0eD4T3hKs-aA9U7pogXWkKqdQzDSEYdXMrbxpILHukBrtWbSHI84fP9cHMQ8OhxR1AWOxRYO84AZS7SvrLSC8KXv7uOjEda_kGBq2C0u4Hx3JrG-jX0HmUYCQbfJE/s812/kindness%20is%20free.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="812" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60YvO7vVLJunn0s2vz_2G_uHy5gMJU-ooVbRgAD7PiVwWEe75pqJTNC8943O0eD4T3hKs-aA9U7pogXWkKqdQzDSEYdXMrbxpILHukBrtWbSHI84fP9cHMQ8OhxR1AWOxRYO84AZS7SvrLSC8KXv7uOjEda_kGBq2C0u4Hx3JrG-jX0HmUYCQbfJE/w320-h320/kindness%20is%20free.png" width="320" /></a></div>Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-84052951727698083412022-07-29T18:40:00.003-07:002022-07-29T18:40:48.395-07:00Name Practice Activities for Kindergarten <h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What's in a Name? </span></h1><p style="text-align: left;">A lot! In fact, names are one of the first ways that children are exposed to letters and sounds! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Tracing-Editable-Activities-8351337" target="_blank">Name practice activities </a>can be an engaging and easy way to teach children letter recognition while at the same time helping them work on the important skills of recognizing and writing their own name. It’s important to teach children how to write their names correctly as the first step towards developing writing skills. Being able to recognize and write their name helps to build confidence and self-esteem as well as improve their fine motor skills. Whether for preschool or for kindergarten, name activities are an important part of the first weeks of school! </p><p style="text-align: left;">When I teach letters and sounds, I try to make it personal for my students. We start with names because learning the letters of their name and their friends' names is very motivating to students. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Starting on the first day of school, I use a personalized crown for each student:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Tracing-Editable-Activities-8351337" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="873" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1QLGVn-B3QI8Li-_e3MtXNt7DABP2d4AizVsm_1DrDoW-0zuJc-ImU1uF-SpnTkLDnwULe_nLnhxYa2Bqt1SCaCNjEBr5PQEi4k4wWEdXHQnGWGMC7VjSTnU7A2NwfLyebvurMpGRINjl_t7QYphI-0-1ORK9bfu8TeFzBDyezKelwgQ2vxyjMnL/s320/name%20practice%20hat%20for%20the%20first%20day%20of%20school.png" width="320" /></a></div>Coloring their name hat is a fun activity for my students, and gives me a few minutes when everyone is sitting and coloring so that I can speak with any parents in the room, do attendance and lunch count and then take a few moments to touch base with individual students as they finish their name crown. <b>Bonus:</b> since they're wearing their names on their foreheads, I learn their names a lot faster! <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">There's nothing like play dough for engaging students AND strengthening fine motor muscles! </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Tracing-Editable-Activities-8351337" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKUNmIdvebw7Wxdh5ieCWTJFlwjuH8DoTJR0iVKaKXvDK_h1XaSry-UiuUaaDwxZdCQJHOroVsR5Wo-iiDOiy3ioMZq0FzbdeQ8vxHbv5CflVbAPehK9yi6WcSCDzEQAsZQFIcuujFgsfjlCw2jtNLTy3ePRfTNo1WLU8c1TljeReaJY-YAVdDopZ/s320/editable%20name%20practice%20activity%20with%20play%20dough.png" width="244" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Tracing-Editable-Activities-8351337" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="482" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kRo8Ms2ezZ5tB8H1vng5dKcrPRTdzJqMt7tEYOXmwShLx2DQNUS_dyAUw7lj1ldvhQznJihLF34doVLwImFn94H42je6DhI9B1VOeW-zxwnazMTg-fGxBjqIQT9Z8FKPn-j9v99-9CwJB0RRxtqfb-3dHAigwxK_tYoo9r3eZTLELDHOQ1c6yzPD/s320/editable%20play%20dough%20name%20mats.png" width="289" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>But, many students have to be taught how to manipulate play dough - rolling it into balls, stretching it into snakes. These editable name mats give students practice with rolling and stretching the play dough before they use it to spell out their names. Students will stay engaged longer and work their finger muscles more! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Tracing-Editable-Activities-8351337" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="571" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIliPsaXUOpiWCOO4Ir26wdBoFj9A8aqYOyrbHVdvYOCk_i7r25HDTS5_Bu4LoitqhCRNHy9VMxhxsoCpdc0OSg_Vv4nX31b2OLQbyHhgnzJ29F1zFguVGrstTVWIj80oPTsmQzqBmk_uX5iyYStUJ9_1NqSZLkmIdk3iNwOZ6zJFJHAbQlrZBO0iN/s320/editable%20name%20tracing%20activities.png" width="304" /></a></div>Next, students have to practice forming the letters of their name correctly. Using a variety of tools helps to keep students engaged! Whether its dry erase markers, crayons, paint or cutting out and manipulating letters, the more novel ways you can find for students to practice tracing their names the better!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Tracing-Editable-Activities-8351337" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="286" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIaRwDS3BKPgVZ4m1G75E8kw1EaUcPSChEiDUrlJE0RWo_R3c0iRqF69vUI8psfiLsksCmBKLzI95H6TT6Gx-qpZ5sIeksfVxALVbUg_9rzZP8M5O_5LRiBS33PV96IseFrYUP17o866y8b3krAfAuUAFPg602Wam7Wom7glxIZQLl4oYypW2s6b9/w320-h304/editable%20name%20practice%20activities%20for%20kindergarten.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Tracing-Editable-Activities-8351337" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="998" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFTC-esCpnff8O0sqoWAqJglQGgKrGL6lUAv2sGN7da3GXsVQAKoqc5ogHFqSyLbYxNOY6JjjvNDDNPHMDZ_sg127juX72_5j_ereasoNoB4DLbYU8o0whUUpbSv9Bw-wbSGGAMPmi-_EhggdzhTogwz7dpiIq0hPgOLFQlSinONQaz49iZX6wCDY/w320-h262/editable%20dry%20erase%20name%20tracing%20practice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">And what better way to show student progress in both writing and drawing than with Self Portraits? I have students make a monthly self portrait and then bind them together at the end of the year for their parents to see how far they've come over the school year! It's amazing to see the growth in their handwriting and drawing skills!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Tracing-Editable-Activities-8351337" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="238" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwBkWpiuR-KUxW9T-eKzqsg-Mm8ZdxDs5EEFaG4HVqHVAYuQy_ZqSwGvjRvqxPkRsqsfPmrpqQLzWX9wX_Cj1M0bETJXajT6rpyBF0qpi_0wCIzBmGUs7nHmEVA4YoH9byuWMiqX8uILc_iKmHdH4k1uhMFEBkqNAP4-6iiYco083jrImEBBmCTCt/w240-h320/first%20day%20of%20schiool%20self%20portrait.png" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The best thing about all of these name activities is that by entering my list of student names just once, all of these activity pages autofill with the names! It takes me less than 5 minutes to type in my class list and then I can hit print! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Tracing-Editable-Activities-8351337" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="873" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XzBAcvjnMNYyemXx79AAFNChuqNjDe5yAbt8k8dbhtyiZt6_7qEDCFlyDEAEvxeyxiJFn1DmISNUQeGZxhuqhmq0r8lmMrTjc8ye1LsAOKpI5iEwrjyxJujDsl9_Ysr22nny00CAuo5PszuSB-zzsM2l51Gi9jzS8Kxo8CwPVnuXHLLjD-k1tM59/s320/editable%20name%20practice%20activities.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />These name practice activities will help your students learn how to write their names in fun and engaging ways, while building fine motor muscles and self-confidence!<br />Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-91191704635894257562022-06-29T05:06:00.007-07:002022-07-22T05:11:44.706-07:00Using Sound Boxes in Kindergarten <h1 style="text-align: center;">Using Elkonin Boxes for Small Group Reading</h1>Hello everyone! I began dipping my toes into the Science of Reading last summer. I knew there had to be a better way to help my kindergarten students learn to read - and there is! I've been working hard to incorporate more phonemic awareness activities (Heggerty is AMAZING!) and more phonics activities (Decodables for the win!). One thing that really helped my students this year is using Sound Boxes. These are also called Elkonin boxes, but that's a big nonsense word for a kindergartner, so we just call them Sound Boxes. <div><br /></div><div>How do we use sound boxes? When we are just starting out, learning to segment sounds orally, we use our sound boxes with colored chips. I give each student 2 colors - one color for consonant sounds and another color for vowel sounds. We segment the word orally, pushing a chip forward for each sound. For example, "fan" would be /f/ /a/ /n/ and we would push forward 3 chips. then we tap each chip in turn, saying the sound that it represents again: /f/ /a/ /n/. And then, we swoop our finger from left to right and blend the sounds back together to say the whole word: Fan!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC5-Mc712YOSINnIzVebQsr8WaLBYq8NxhZFDF-3KKUy0RLyeJmgZ5mME_rXdp50wUEMxu8Q6W-lRacVp9y9yEgZAHwCyvlTYVJusDfKXUl6AHpuNo2ppZTeE2cewqFpxIgi2OWJbtG7Cks6R5ZaaWCBWHJ_9OiL4DDG7xO4UgRjpF_6jQIuV9SWA/s494/sound%20boxes%20cvc%20words%20tokens.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC5-Mc712YOSINnIzVebQsr8WaLBYq8NxhZFDF-3KKUy0RLyeJmgZ5mME_rXdp50wUEMxu8Q6W-lRacVp9y9yEgZAHwCyvlTYVJusDfKXUl6AHpuNo2ppZTeE2cewqFpxIgi2OWJbtG7Cks6R5ZaaWCBWHJ_9OiL4DDG7xO4UgRjpF_6jQIuV9SWA/s320/sound%20boxes%20cvc%20words%20tokens.png" width="306" /></a></div><br /></div>Once we know how to orally segment words into individual phonemes, and we have a good grasp of letter-sound correspondence, we move from using colored chips to using plastic letters! I like to use Learning Resource's lacing letters because there's 275 in a pack so I have enough for everyone in my small group, plus they're all lower case!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=herdkatsinkin-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000MWRM8Y&asins=B000MWRM8Y&linkId=ae62dcf9ab653c2ccd299a79871b940b&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
</div><div><br /></div><div>We follow the same steps as before - orally segmenting the word and counting the sounds. Then we say each sound separately and identify it "Bug, /b/ /u/ /g/. The first sound, /b/, is spelled with a b. The second sound /u/ is spelled with a u. The last sound, /g/ is spelled with a g." Once we have each letter on the card we say the sounds again and blend them together to make the word: Bug!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa2w_kMKuz7lfXR3nwGPsdfZE_-XcWVoZXGweNmrrAKhUmU9EjAFLomPF67f1chtpYHBI9l9DEBwdLo1G3IeZiXv4RNNdfovdni2GXwxRpr7KLH2ipf-wP8sLrywQkj2jfrgNjm0FnwtlUtGbPRApvaFd22RqZckE7RE3OojU3ZZP2qB6eU9qDWZV/s275/cvc%20thumbnail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="275" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa2w_kMKuz7lfXR3nwGPsdfZE_-XcWVoZXGweNmrrAKhUmU9EjAFLomPF67f1chtpYHBI9l9DEBwdLo1G3IeZiXv4RNNdfovdni2GXwxRpr7KLH2ipf-wP8sLrywQkj2jfrgNjm0FnwtlUtGbPRApvaFd22RqZckE7RE3OojU3ZZP2qB6eU9qDWZV/s1600/cvc%20thumbnail.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This has been amazing for my students - not only for their reading, but for their writing too! Being able to segment and blend phonemes is a foundational skill for both reading and writing - and its amazing when you can hear students doing it independently, whether while writing in their journal or while reading a Mo Willem's "Elephant and Piggie" book from our classroom library!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the best part? When we use REAL PHOTOS, we are building our vocabulary! This is especially powerful for my English Language Learners! I don't know about you, but a lot of times I am puzzled by clipart, but there's no guesswork when using photographs! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_Cl_VgoHw5NMKumOtv_1u706BwTEeXSrN5zwc_JwJwYsXvgO2014ayaWV8yhwfLNBBU7ES-xO1I1E_lsU0isZYfsy41ZUr7RNDzu30WD-Tu4Txtx0svthLZHUVZyeN0qxN7fjXvTn1m8DodpWkfHRUQcSpwLR_J3nxdcfJrlQ5J9Wu1I9QzdWmNG/s516/ccvc%20thumbnail1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="516" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_Cl_VgoHw5NMKumOtv_1u706BwTEeXSrN5zwc_JwJwYsXvgO2014ayaWV8yhwfLNBBU7ES-xO1I1E_lsU0isZYfsy41ZUr7RNDzu30WD-Tu4Txtx0svthLZHUVZyeN0qxN7fjXvTn1m8DodpWkfHRUQcSpwLR_J3nxdcfJrlQ5J9Wu1I9QzdWmNG/s320/ccvc%20thumbnail1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And of course, you don't stop at CVC words! You can use sound boxes for CCVC and CVCC words too!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFlK-aaNqkY9swXcXd8KwOnp4JSztZh6i1bVOHtr7XlJoXLg1VAx2cfivMVXMFBs91b4tmgGl8zOQkCQyxx7wnJmQQ1yfqDoVboCKGJgV1dezcmMRw6m1TQIUPnx8S7RsqBR-4x--D01lTHWx6SiXOX-da2D1JJ4YVdxbmfEVajQ8dA3Iigq6avzx/s528/ccvc%20thumbnail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="528" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFlK-aaNqkY9swXcXd8KwOnp4JSztZh6i1bVOHtr7XlJoXLg1VAx2cfivMVXMFBs91b4tmgGl8zOQkCQyxx7wnJmQQ1yfqDoVboCKGJgV1dezcmMRw6m1TQIUPnx8S7RsqBR-4x--D01lTHWx6SiXOX-da2D1JJ4YVdxbmfEVajQ8dA3Iigq6avzx/s320/ccvc%20thumbnail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But wait, what about CVCE words?? Yep, sound boxes are effective for those words too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhiieKbr5dRz00g-XyK1bIXSGREGP0WbrBNgppEbARY0UxCoXwcKlItNYiAQOYZqOCH6S0dsX1Exa3S9y5mWjMsnWf6cqOmLEbLky5Zwpnini4FsGHPWeG3_c8ZAzeqAa0IhubTog_ztMNpzEXlM7d7jx6lCXNEbq3FWo5Bh5t293Wuh-m6zl9xGL/s823/cvce%20tokens.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="823" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhiieKbr5dRz00g-XyK1bIXSGREGP0WbrBNgppEbARY0UxCoXwcKlItNYiAQOYZqOCH6S0dsX1Exa3S9y5mWjMsnWf6cqOmLEbLky5Zwpnini4FsGHPWeG3_c8ZAzeqAa0IhubTog_ztMNpzEXlM7d7jx6lCXNEbq3FWo5Bh5t293Wuh-m6zl9xGL/s320/cvce%20tokens.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We use the same familiar process - segmenting each sound and then representing them with either chips or letters. Since the "e" is silent, it doesn't get its own box, but instead snuggles in next to the last consonant. This year, after using the sound boxes, it was so much easier for my students to remember to read the long vowel sounds in CVCE words correctly and to use the silent e in their writing.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI8IyOUmEL3tfGEoQU66Fn9Wq27C-Ny7mR5h5BT5mY1iMttObaz_FZ_A6Db-lOFij7x874e7fB9k7Z_TXe86VU4DVc-nbnYNJstuqGhv74OsyRLHfP9sQWKxx_ADwovP0v4N9yx5qvGNe6TPc5o8hQHkqEOl0Hkc2Omd9QFPo_SD40d6Er-3oehJ4/s799/cvce%20letters.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="799" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI8IyOUmEL3tfGEoQU66Fn9Wq27C-Ny7mR5h5BT5mY1iMttObaz_FZ_A6Db-lOFij7x874e7fB9k7Z_TXe86VU4DVc-nbnYNJstuqGhv74OsyRLHfP9sQWKxx_ADwovP0v4N9yx5qvGNe6TPc5o8hQHkqEOl0Hkc2Omd9QFPo_SD40d6Er-3oehJ4/s320/cvce%20letters.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're interested in trying out sound boxes in your classroom, you can <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sound-Boxes-Bundle-8105718">grab the bundle with CVC, CCVE, CVCC & CVCE Words here</a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sound-Boxes-Bundle-8105718">:</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sound-Boxes-Bundle-8105718" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="863" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqocTqWy3eKx8MunoWtEjtVSqgdjdt73hr03vj82QwImhgDQJxUJe0kYEj3eAECasuOql4yJUk-qyOswJw7LjczmRhYeDE9i4mm_34-U5Ek5puc0ovDhAhe6HeI-xMlxdqmk1bOi5L7h9ENl5KwPdn_W2EGwDP4Htzj4TkqSEAGabQP0_EdyVlEL5/s320/sound%20boxes%20bundle%20cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img align="Left" src="http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j429/Kellysavenue/Jennifer%20Knopf%20%20%20GIVEAWAY/DONE/10063252b.png" style="border: 0px; text-align: left;" /></div><div><p><br /></p><br /></div></div>Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-60065296786549748192022-05-08T04:06:00.005-07:002022-07-24T21:52:10.415-07:00Orthographic Mapping<h1 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;">What is Orthographic Mapping and why is it so important?</span></h1><div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"> Hello! You may have noticed that this blog has taken a backseat lately! There's a very good reason for that! You see, last Spring I started working on my Master's of Education in Literacy from <a href="https://www.ace.edu/program/master-of-education-in-literacy">American College of Education</a>. Now, I have to admit that in terms of workload, this has been easier than I anticipated - I'm not drowning in homework, but neither am I living a life of leisure. I'm still teaching kindergarten full time, plus I have 3 boys at home. Teaching, schoolwork, and family were my priority (not in that order!) so I had to let my blog rest for a while. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"> </span><span style="font-family: Poppins;">The reason I decided to go back for my Master's was to help me become better at teaching reading. I've known for a while now that some of the things teachers are doing in the classroom (me included!) were not optimal. Teachers always say "When you know better, you do better." but it takes a concerted effort to try to "know better"!
The reason I decided to go back for my Master's was to help me become better at teaching reading. I've known for a while now that some of the things teachers are doing in the classroom (me included!) were not optimal. Teachers always say "When you know better, you do better." but it takes a concerted effort to try to "know better"! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span> </span>I love teaching Math and Science - those are my jam and I understand how to build a solid foundation for my students in those subjects. I am confident that my students leave my classroom with what they need to know in those areas. My aim in getting a Literacy degree was to "know better" and become just as confident in teaching my students to read and write. And guess what?! I'm a week away from finishing my program and I've learned so much and I'm a much better teacher for my students as a result! I've been able to implement changes in my classroom throughout this school year, and the results have been so encouraging. That's why, when I was assigned to come up with an original, open-ended project, I immediately decided on writing a blog post so I could share some of this journey I've been on. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span> </span>As I thought over all of the things I could write about, it became obvious to me that the most significant change I have made in my classroom has been orthographic mapping: </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-family: Poppins; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1121" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_mqljFlnZG5pZkTHfcJvHfDl5zH5jJnlBKlq_QEal4pH4sMrkaQx1xi8fzpQGt3o6_peR7KVgQk9sO_8GG1s470u-KemFsQmfVJVn6t3pnE4n_6o8_g2xDdesenR16rOdXvhtIjSDd8tYOwWwyrbP3qHShWIJTmTzDn2e4JMi3ajbMIDkSMkZX7E/w640-h445/Orthographic%20mapping.png" width="640" /></span></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-family: Poppins; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1130" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFLFZ7ExAnF1sFIRwl5vh5h4os9y9gnIs6SxjtgTUDOQG6yV9JSSjvj-L2WB6nl_FIGsmQRtll0f0aPp8eUliPQxFNYyevVE7NGDubf-FEm0GBqZyW9WTUXmWBbt2geUXFAXQyooHQBBIFij2qLmKL_mU9eQm8a7OmBz-4zyBDTajEApmGJtcC3NS/w640-h462/Orthographic%20mapping%20demo%20Stroop.png" width="640" /></span></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z_TzlU8aXi50F9Eu93LfoZy-iJMdQT6lxAbkukln9ky2xM19to_yIipF8ICrbiKu9si0cfVvxjv5ADr6z3bJRzfn5QbVRHnU6YOYNFjNtOkK_gBubNlI1zHER1nWd3n7XcXleQ430fOHek4PAQ9H5CN_CbA0nyJHnLjzWN09_ld_cuUMLLp7dgID/s1128/Orthographic%20mapping%20demo%20Ehri.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1128" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z_TzlU8aXi50F9Eu93LfoZy-iJMdQT6lxAbkukln9ky2xM19to_yIipF8ICrbiKu9si0cfVvxjv5ADr6z3bJRzfn5QbVRHnU6YOYNFjNtOkK_gBubNlI1zHER1nWd3n7XcXleQ430fOHek4PAQ9H5CN_CbA0nyJHnLjzWN09_ld_cuUMLLp7dgID/w640-h468/Orthographic%20mapping%20demo%20Ehri.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"> <span> </span><span> <span> </span><span> </span></span>One of the most difficult aspects of learning to read is learning to process graphemes accurately, automatically, and quickly (Ehri, 1987). It's a skill that distinguishes good readers from bad readers, and in my experience, this is a skill that many kindergarten students struggle with. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span> So now that we know WHAT orthographic mapping is, how do we get our students to DO it?</span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-family: Poppins; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1134" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU_L-n3o3CLiDlnSE2i-j1I8pWgZD1Jh3Iq_EFmwk1CItuSH--T4KfzVY7HARTpaxP2a2EvKO6WPagrkFmdTgnTiKsZxoRf0KzO6GWUd4djH0jThucvMP-wHfvDAQU91BzCH0hzKadSC9HF1SEHPkFs-82vufW1qeusgUg_4czht1LTQFuYKF0W8I/w640-h466/kilpatrick%20slide.png" width="640" /></span></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"> </span><span style="font-family: Poppins;">As this chart </span><span style="font-family: Poppins;">displays, orthographic mapping occurs when students have sufficient letter-sound knowledge AND Phonemic Awareness proficiency. My takeaway from this is that I need to teach phonemic awareness skills explicitly and systematically.</span><span style="font-family: Poppins;"> I’ve also spent a lot of time figuring out the best way to do this and decided that, for me, it’s by doing the daily </span><a href="https://heggerty.org/curriculum/kindergarten/" style="font-family: Poppins;">Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Lessons</a><span style="font-family: Poppins;">. I do this as a whole group, and it only takes about 10 minutes a day! Heggerty gives me the biggest return on my instructional time – we hit so many skills during that 10 minutes, from basic rhyming and beginning sound to the more advanced skills of deleting and substituting phonemes! Our PTO was kind enough to buy this for my classroom, but since it’s only $89 and you can use it year after year, I think it’s worth it to buy it yourself if you can’t get your admin or PTO to purchase it for you. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"> Once your students can HEAR the sounds in spoken language and are learning grapheme-phoneme correspondence, it's time to start decoding. Interestingly, according to Dr. Kilpatrick (2015), reading practice can either be the key to becoming a better reader, or it can have very little benefit. Doesn't that just go against everything we've believed for so long?! For children who can orthographically map, reading practice is essential, but if a child cannot orthographically map then all the reading practice in the world will not make a difference. First, they need to <span style="background-color: white;">develop phonemic and letter-sound proficiency so that they can start orthographic mapping (Kilpatrick, 2015).</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span> </span>One of the BEST ways I have found for teaching students to orthographically map are the FREE <a href="https://www.reallygreatreading.com/heart-word-magic">Heart Word videos</a> from Really Great Reading. So far there are only 26 videos, but they are working on more. However, using their format to introduce irregular words has helped my students to not only be able to READ these words, but also spell them correctly in their writing.! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"> </span><span style="font-family: Poppins;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiFTRsjZO3AOLYB1uROLGyWJJXyP5dC2wbc1qjn_l4Ulq7WTDd-47lnDcqVorwOIjgOeDmzdAkOj1u389BJLujYYdpAUb_ioVfZR0hx2s_igVYMMTqEAAs-pnA0IYFfUwV12rWG_uc4ciqV1uCiJrVqXw0Glbb3YW0hu9Y1TxE6r-JeddQkfIBtZ2/s1107/mapping%20irregular%20words.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1107" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiFTRsjZO3AOLYB1uROLGyWJJXyP5dC2wbc1qjn_l4Ulq7WTDd-47lnDcqVorwOIjgOeDmzdAkOj1u389BJLujYYdpAUb_ioVfZR0hx2s_igVYMMTqEAAs-pnA0IYFfUwV12rWG_uc4ciqV1uCiJrVqXw0Glbb3YW0hu9Y1TxE6r-JeddQkfIBtZ2/w640-h440/mapping%20irregular%20words.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span> </span>As Scarborough's Reading Rope conveys, skilled reading is made up of multiple facets that are interdependent. Explicit, systematic instruction in phonics is a MUST, and orthographic mapping will flow out from that. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Poppins; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1548" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppPmqDd-YSI12q8y0_otVX5zrWofYRhyicsh2h09Q3dlE6xxd61EcidaAI8G_milVT4XFbwmr-QBroStHYOu4madVTPnpMozUMgXJihXOgXSk3NLsBz5-LZkIUPgW8A6gGF3T0ZXUAwlasJZKqV_kS-6cSPbCql7nx5eAsxOHYODZkaNIuoNu_5Yu/w640-h360/Scarborough's%20Reading%20Rope.png" width="640" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-family: Poppins;">But what do we do for students who get stuck and cannot develop the skill of orthographic mapping? I'll address that next time, when I share some more of what's been working in my classroom! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>References:</b></div><div>Ehri, L. C. (1987). Learning to Read and Spell Words. Journal of Reading Behavior, 19(1), 5–31. https://doi.org/10.1080/10862968709547585 </div><div>Ehri, L.C. (2005). Learning to Read Words: Theory, Findings, and Issues. Scientific Studies of Reading, 9, 167 - 188. https://doi.org/10.1207/s1532799xssr0902_4 </div><div>Ehri, L.C. (2014). Orthographic mapping in the acquisition of sight word reading, spelling memory, and vocabulary learning. Scientific Studies of Reading, 18, 21 - 5. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888438.2013.819356 </div><div>Kilpatrick, D. A. (2015). Essentials of assessing, preventing, and overcoming reading difficulties.
Scarborough, H. S. (2001). Connecting early language and literacy to later reading (dis)abilities: Evidence, theory, and practice. Guilford Press. In S. B. Neuman & D. K. Dickinson (Eds.), Handbook of early literacy research (Vol. 1, pp. 97-110). </div><div>Stroop, J. R. (1935). Studies of interference in serial verbal reactions. J. Exp. Psychol. 18, 643–662. doi: 10.1037/h0054651
</div></div>Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-1593235780705313132021-11-20T06:33:00.004-08:002022-07-18T08:41:26.255-07:00Random Acts of Kindness for December 2021 for the Classroom!<p>December is rapidly approaching and this is the perfect time of year to build your classroom
community and encourage kindness among your students! Here is my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2021-7456371" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FREE annual Random Acts of Classroom Kindness Calendar for December</a>. I've tried to make it as low-prep and budget friendly as possible, and it can be used no matter what faith your students are!<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2021-7456371" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6135JAF3xMeZ6eHZAVbgJHTBBvpeETeonoXl8fMWsKvsn8AB3vkflyEZVLYNOWCZhGkJ8vH9HcjVJW5F9PHAcnFNpE-wO-vL5OYOOYOicUE_hFlMlig_3jzlex0iOgD0YtlhEDfdu84/w400-h309/Slide1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> </span></span><span>Display it in your classroom in full color!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2021-7456371" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5LXtj3ZnPYRnuMTzQK6FGLLoELhkZeA4-4LCWHmWNrT8ChRbIldce0IqrMt9UK9_AIg57sUkZ5RxrE4VKL0c-EOnSsk7zNYM8V-a7O6CQajf3Kvx0BM7c9GRLfMF2VUCVFLvLmu7ErA/w400-h309/Slide2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or send home this b&w version so students' families can follow along at home!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Either way you choose, these simple (and affordable) ideas will soon
have your students acting less Grinchy and more loving! To grab your
copy, just <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2021-7456371" target="_blank">click here to download it for free in my TPT store!</a><br />
<br />
Here are some links and ideas for the acts marked with a red *:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg6Osp9Spgw-3t9K74PjrC_hMp9UbbWzpOZsFqkTO5W7MoSd4zMwOIBH5JVRRXsWsBQxoPVC8AFordVeMktqdlX3Ccx4F63u3pCb57xIHjf1m6UlRg7BtyeMIrlKUlyqcXta2-t3yo3M/s1600/bird+feeder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="653" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg6Osp9Spgw-3t9K74PjrC_hMp9UbbWzpOZsFqkTO5W7MoSd4zMwOIBH5JVRRXsWsBQxoPVC8AFordVeMktqdlX3Ccx4F63u3pCb57xIHjf1m6UlRg7BtyeMIrlKUlyqcXta2-t3yo3M/s320/bird+feeder.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<b>December 1st: </b>Make simple paper towel roll bird feeders to hang
around your school. If you have students with peanut allergies, use
Crsico shortening instead of peanut butter for the bird feeders! Simply
smear an empty paper towel roll with shortening or pb, then roll it in
bird seed. Attach yarn or ribbon to hang it and voila!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<b>December 3nd</b>: If you need a quick way to make bookmarks for your library, check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/free-bookmarks/" target="_blank">Pinterest Free Bookmarks Board</a> for lots of FREE, fun options! Just print your choice, and then have students color and cut out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Winter-Pencil-Flags-5051195" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="575" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuLzeb3IHTONdeT1HKrqS5vUPZC2pV5sbveRrlDA2C0NJUOsLCDzc20sWThTEV36Bbpy552mh5GnviIZtESmSOMo7mT8jlejjIgPQmBQCB1eI-brlB-J6z7FoO9JeWmoBOM-oxJ6UrTU/s320/winter+pencil+flags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>December 10th:</b> Add a fun winter flag to the sharpened pencils you
leave for another class! Flags can turn your regular pencils into
something magical, and motivate even the most reluctant writer. Grab
this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Winter-Pencil-Flags-5051195" target="_blank">Winter Pencil Flags FREEBIE </a>in my TPT store.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><p><b>December 13th</b>: Check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/playdough-center/" target="_blank">Pinterest Play Dough Board</a> for
recipe ideas for the homemade play dough. My favorite is gingerbread
dough - it makes retelling the story of The Gingerbread Man extra fun!</p><p><b>December 14th: </b>It's easy to make fun toys for homeless animals -
send home a letter asking for supplies a few weeks beforehand, and this
activity will cost next to nothing! Check out some ideas on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/diy-pet-toys/" target="_blank">DIY Pet Toys Pinterest Board</a>
for some simple options for students to make in class! Bring the toys
to an animal shelter when you're done - they're sure to appreciate it!
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>December 16th:</b> Kindness stones are so fun to make - in the
classroom, I paint the rocks a solid color with acrylic paint (available
in any Hobby store) and then let students write positive words,
flowers, hearts and stars on them with paint markers or Sharpies.</div><div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oh_1gxHo8kMLDQl6idqtmKvcMt8MidOKdnDezzUN6iKjCGsYD16eQhSkW9mMvFTZpBDy8bUyyLWnRVJz7eyy1LFGT4Zw5tdJk2gJItm5XY0V1k-vzfXjG_cSMJUu7fVjjrU7cygHSjZI/s1600/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oh_1gxHo8kMLDQl6idqtmKvcMt8MidOKdnDezzUN6iKjCGsYD16eQhSkW9mMvFTZpBDy8bUyyLWnRVJz7eyy1LFGT4Zw5tdJk2gJItm5XY0V1k-vzfXjG_cSMJUu7fVjjrU7cygHSjZI/s320/17.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or join the<a href="http://northeastohiorocks.blogspot.com/2017/12/share-100-smiles.html" target="_blank"> #share100smiles movement</a> by painting happy faces on your rocks!</div>
<br />
You can also check out these fun resources in my TPT store to help make your December more merry!<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gingerbread-Man-Emergent-Readers-1586760" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="872" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv99EDIMlsAKyUgsqnHBEJr8Cyr_VwZWn4VRsUh8LW3d4PFd0k3icuw-QmoDZxepmM7Lrh7keAz9252IX5rPC7dsvJGIcwyvisIguvNAJjqyq0TCg-KsxHeQilybi9PcCBSrW4J3bHyGk/s400/gingerbread+emergent+readers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gingerbread-Man-Emergent-Readers-1586760" target="_blank">Gingerbread Man Emergent Readers</a> - fun sight word readers with embedded math skills!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="783" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKBLXcU3rK1ob7gpreVKZUI9op_5kUfnUATgzrHBAAHxgmYx4V1lrYN_UrG92L2FhYMfPEzeFHgAzjekPaq3lA4pfGCjDrvhHOvSGoHvk8kf1k3tEMig07uZ70QmWRtXsOpykFTvZDko/s400/elf+cover.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" target="_blank">Classroom Elf Letters</a> - integrate your elf into your curriculum with fun letters that incorporate writing, math and science!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyvkR7fsZ9gHxEuJepk5VznDmMcyNdDbRWF6EIzGHU1jQTaYzr9hBm-DfkqONlmt67wGGNhYh05SWoR5O2STg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Have a joyful December everyone and remember, kindness is free - sprinkle it everywhere!<br /></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3YWPhvb2dHfD73UTtCcR4RPOBwjDei1KYhHGTIzZACUpBwLXYqacZr_AC7O5FOdRbV7EwCbUSpTQsoP4UYQKoPvSCVdhDeklsVJqY9d-LhwaXXyYq6z0AKo07vedwII1RcGtz4Z71jI/s160/siggy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="160" height="46" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3YWPhvb2dHfD73UTtCcR4RPOBwjDei1KYhHGTIzZACUpBwLXYqacZr_AC7O5FOdRbV7EwCbUSpTQsoP4UYQKoPvSCVdhDeklsVJqY9d-LhwaXXyYq6z0AKo07vedwII1RcGtz4Z71jI/s0/siggy.png" width="160" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br />Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-19638935496714070532020-11-29T03:00:00.001-08:002022-07-18T08:41:37.334-07:00December 2020 Random Acts of Kindness CalendarDecember is almost here (finally! There were times I thought this year would never end!), and its a perfect opportunity to build your classroom community and encourage kindness among your students! Here is my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2020-6294879" target="_blank">FREE annual Random Acts of Classroom Kindness Calendar for December</a>. I've tried to make it as low-prep and budget friendly as possible, and it can be used no matter what faith your students are!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2020-6294879" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0ESOCTVa_-csmvS5Oeg-Qx55Nph3z2n_P0bU-JEyl5fhtzwXmjCF8x3e1UD8HESouWkB19q-e0ryinQo-W5FUjo6mNi-53f5K8rgbEkLLbWxa29SupZP4ZPm92eSu-DdcEBOj1fyI6g/w400-h309/Slide1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span> </span><span>Display it in your classroom in full color!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2020-6294879" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHxoi44JjrYOP0X434hnMnSEvCRr-PjLiavwBA6dMFm75kskQbByXUPgSl5lLT_lIlFCe_-i0nLv89F2OJS_MuTAIBkBriAq88cuycta3Undc4LFLH0jmFVieP5AM-pW2-zdPDQM8pbY/w400-h309/Slide2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div>
Or send home this b&w version so students' families can follow along at home!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Either way you choose, these simple (and affordable) ideas will soon have your students acting less Grinchy and more loving! To grab your copy, just <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2020-6294879" target="_blank">click here to download it for free in my TPT store!</a><br />
<br />
Here are some links and ideas for the acts marked with a red *:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>December 2nd</b>: If you need a quick way to make bookmarks for your library, check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/free-bookmarks/" target="_blank">Pinterest Free Bookmarks Board</a> for lots of FREE, fun options! Just print your choice, and then have students color and cut out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Winter-Pencil-Flags-5051195" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="575" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuLzeb3IHTONdeT1HKrqS5vUPZC2pV5sbveRrlDA2C0NJUOsLCDzc20sWThTEV36Bbpy552mh5GnviIZtESmSOMo7mT8jlejjIgPQmBQCB1eI-brlB-J6z7FoO9JeWmoBOM-oxJ6UrTU/s320/winter+pencil+flags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>December 4th:</b> Add a fun winter flag to the sharpened pencils you leave for another class! Flags can turn your regular pencils into something magical, and motivate even the most reluctant writer. Grab this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Winter-Pencil-Flags-5051195" target="_blank">Winter Pencil Flags FREEBIE </a>in my TPT store.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>December 11th</b>: Check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/playdough-center/" target="_blank">Pinterest Play Dough Board</a> for recipe ideas for the homemade play dough. My favorite is gingerbread dough - it makes retelling the story of The Gingerbread Man extra fun!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg6Osp9Spgw-3t9K74PjrC_hMp9UbbWzpOZsFqkTO5W7MoSd4zMwOIBH5JVRRXsWsBQxoPVC8AFordVeMktqdlX3Ccx4F63u3pCb57xIHjf1m6UlRg7BtyeMIrlKUlyqcXta2-t3yo3M/s1600/bird+feeder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="653" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg6Osp9Spgw-3t9K74PjrC_hMp9UbbWzpOZsFqkTO5W7MoSd4zMwOIBH5JVRRXsWsBQxoPVC8AFordVeMktqdlX3Ccx4F63u3pCb57xIHjf1m6UlRg7BtyeMIrlKUlyqcXta2-t3yo3M/s320/bird+feeder.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<b>December 14th: </b>Make simple paper towel roll bird feeders to hang around your school. If you have students with peanut allergies, use Crsico shortening instead of peanut butter for the bird feeders! Simply smear an empty paper towel roll with shortening or pb, then roll it in bird seed. Attach yarn or ribbon to hang it and voila!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /><b>December 15th:</b> Kindness stones are so fun to make - in the classroom, I paint the rocks a solid color with acrylic paint (available in any Hobby store) and then let students write positive words, flowers, hearts and stars on them with paint markers or Sharpies.</div><div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oh_1gxHo8kMLDQl6idqtmKvcMt8MidOKdnDezzUN6iKjCGsYD16eQhSkW9mMvFTZpBDy8bUyyLWnRVJz7eyy1LFGT4Zw5tdJk2gJItm5XY0V1k-vzfXjG_cSMJUu7fVjjrU7cygHSjZI/s1600/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oh_1gxHo8kMLDQl6idqtmKvcMt8MidOKdnDezzUN6iKjCGsYD16eQhSkW9mMvFTZpBDy8bUyyLWnRVJz7eyy1LFGT4Zw5tdJk2gJItm5XY0V1k-vzfXjG_cSMJUu7fVjjrU7cygHSjZI/s320/17.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Or join the<a href="http://northeastohiorocks.blogspot.com/2017/12/share-100-smiles.html" target="_blank"> #share100smiles movement</a> by painting happy faces on your rocks!</div>
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You can also check out these fun resources in my TPT store to help make your December more merry!<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gingerbread-Man-Emergent-Readers-1586760" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="872" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv99EDIMlsAKyUgsqnHBEJr8Cyr_VwZWn4VRsUh8LW3d4PFd0k3icuw-QmoDZxepmM7Lrh7keAz9252IX5rPC7dsvJGIcwyvisIguvNAJjqyq0TCg-KsxHeQilybi9PcCBSrW4J3bHyGk/s400/gingerbread+emergent+readers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gingerbread-Man-Emergent-Readers-1586760" target="_blank">Gingerbread Man Emergent Readers</a> - fun sight word readers with embedded math skills!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="783" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKBLXcU3rK1ob7gpreVKZUI9op_5kUfnUATgzrHBAAHxgmYx4V1lrYN_UrG92L2FhYMfPEzeFHgAzjekPaq3lA4pfGCjDrvhHOvSGoHvk8kf1k3tEMig07uZ70QmWRtXsOpykFTvZDko/s400/elf+cover.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" target="_blank">Classroom Elf Letters</a> - integrate your elf into your curriculum with fun letters that incorporate writing, math and science!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxx5lwwJkAHigbvFB7QIU46PuNDwDl48nUtxq7FOh3F3wvsDSYTUjqdYborjksqlvHbUicoCTiX48rdjC8jqw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Have a joyful December everyone ~ we're almost out of 2020!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcJ9M1mplzmL5UNOEP8JQdwm2vyOBC1pi1s0H6_Lo9XKc6EQNlCNK12OV96hCFeHg_94PZKd9zFYv6dS2KPiTULXMK_0Elxn7Yb2l1L7SxhSF3yVb2m6t2D6DOuzuqAPU0xfR57g_ass/s1600/siggy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcJ9M1mplzmL5UNOEP8JQdwm2vyOBC1pi1s0H6_Lo9XKc6EQNlCNK12OV96hCFeHg_94PZKd9zFYv6dS2KPiTULXMK_0Elxn7Yb2l1L7SxhSF3yVb2m6t2D6DOuzuqAPU0xfR57g_ass/s1600/siggy.png" /></a></div>
</div>Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-71112959809072814602020-01-27T03:49:00.004-08:002022-07-26T17:05:42.382-07:00February Random Acts of Kindness Calendar<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;">Teaching Kindness in the Classroom</span></h1><span style="font-family: Poppins;">February is almost here, and with it, an opportunity to build your classroom community and encourage kindness among your students! Here is my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-February-2019-5199512" target="_blank">FREE Random Acts of Classroom Kindness Calendar for February 2020</a>. I've tried to make it as low-prep and budget friendly as possible, so that the acts are easy to implement in your classroom.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-February-2019-5199512" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1056" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6Z1g6FfMfe7psRoBW_D6UbVLvczvNvNlRZWDhaGKSFTNCJ_1MdpAYBLTpwT3235N7ob-okZdTJ0y_oY0Kh_c6K7KBzfqsEQPB6eLC6mlIOP0gWp8jyFpEpyIswm25F9ElR7ffDyuGyk/s320/feb+2020+random.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Display it in your classroom in full color!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-February-2019-5199512" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFNzkbk2qDrqBV5guQKnMf9BVJ2GO0PIYzjS7bb1I89UJ8nR9rWYPkSe76C6m1e6PR28k87HC7uvRABkVfNCeHkmj3uBarwTH7Ba94v2hyphenhyphenmHiwBw2paBljgzRgAurfvUTGbIxvEHP8y0/s320/Random+Acts+Kindness+february+2020+bw.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
Or send home this b&w version so students' families can follow along at home!</span></div>
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Either way you choose, these simple (and affordable) ideas will soon have your students acting more loving! Every time I start random acts of kindness with a class, I notice that it has a ripple effect. My students internalize the message of being kind to one another and soon are holding the door for each other, speaking more kindly to one another, being more inclusive and realizing that their actions affect other people. Its a beautiful thing to see!<br />
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To grab your copy, just click the picture to or <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-February-2019-5199512" target="_blank">click here to download it for free in my TPT store!</a><br />
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I'm including some links and ideas for the acts of kindness marked with a <span style="color: #990000;">red *</span>, just to make this even easier for you to use in your classroom!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><b>February 3rd:</b> Add a fun flag to the sharpened pencils you leave for another class! Flags can turn your regular pencils into something magical, and motivate even the most reluctant writer. Grab this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Valentines-Day-Pencil-Flags-5199479" target="_blank">Valentine's Day Pencil Flags FREEBIE</a> in my TPT store.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Valentines-Day-Pencil-Flags-5199479" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="870" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIANaaq_SGzD21YWyT-LTy46AsImJrZ2JxhrLiV4_Zf-re-WJYg60QwaHWRdbyr4wthCRYDtEvQWhm9u3L-vPViHxZLZoLZzbQ2sCK88iDNi-b8-PwS5z5rRZpeEr-H6iiPSLT-gE-3rg/s320/valentine+flags.png" width="315" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><b>February 13th:</b> Kindness stones are so fun to make - in the classroom, I paint the rocks a solid color with acrylic paint (available in any Hobby store) and then let students write positive words, flowers, hearts and stars on them with paint markers or Sharpies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oh_1gxHo8kMLDQl6idqtmKvcMt8MidOKdnDezzUN6iKjCGsYD16eQhSkW9mMvFTZpBDy8bUyyLWnRVJz7eyy1LFGT4Zw5tdJk2gJItm5XY0V1k-vzfXjG_cSMJUu7fVjjrU7cygHSjZI/s1600/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oh_1gxHo8kMLDQl6idqtmKvcMt8MidOKdnDezzUN6iKjCGsYD16eQhSkW9mMvFTZpBDy8bUyyLWnRVJz7eyy1LFGT4Zw5tdJk2gJItm5XY0V1k-vzfXjG_cSMJUu7fVjjrU7cygHSjZI/s320/17.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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Or join the<a href="http://northeastohiorocks.blogspot.com/2017/12/share-100-smiles.html" target="_blank"> #share100smiles movement</a> by painting happy faces on your rocks!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br />
<b>February 17th</b>: Check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/playdough-center/" target="_blank">Pinterest Play Dough Board</a> for recipe ideas for the homemade play dough. My favorite is gingerbread dough - it makes retelling the story of The Gingerbread Man extra fun!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><b>February 26th</b>: If you need a quick way to make bookmarks for your library, check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/free-bookmarks/" target="_blank">Pinterest Free Bookmarks Board</a> for lots of FREE, fun options! Just print your choice, and then have students color and cut out!<br />
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<b>February 28th: </b>It's easy to make fun toys for homeless animals - send home a letter asking for supplies a few weeks beforehand, and this activity will cost next to nothing! Check out some ideas on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/diy-pet-toys/" target="_blank">DIY Pet Toys Pinterest Board</a> for some simple options for students to make in class! Bring the toys to an animal shelter when you're done - they're sure to appreciate it!<br />
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You can also check out these resources in my TPT store to help fill your February with kindness and learning opportunities:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNreMMfbHFh7yYCNtq33B2SNMU7RKfG3jZZWXquNjtq_oxupQD1AoGOQ0vKIPLxAo-bvGlM6bPyX5DDRcMJGg8mXIPYvaRWU9925X8vevuo0-V-URq9oc0hN1Q7NxHcTH6OERBAuKYUKA/s1600/mlk+cover.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="869" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNreMMfbHFh7yYCNtq33B2SNMU7RKfG3jZZWXquNjtq_oxupQD1AoGOQ0vKIPLxAo-bvGlM6bPyX5DDRcMJGg8mXIPYvaRWU9925X8vevuo0-V-URq9oc0hN1Q7NxHcTH6OERBAuKYUKA/s320/mlk+cover.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face=""proxima nova" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 14px;">My <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Activities-Emergent-Reader-2955976" target="_blank">Martin Luther King, Jr. pack</a> contains writing activities, art projects, a simple emergent reader and templates for a bulletin board display to help you teach about tolerance!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzeJExzT1hjAruK1uE34huoxbOWIlcsbuLg0CFl-FQrYu56I_ojuyaq-sipZTC2r82huoFtvWRbhGIY-j3nFiPlVCFyFuWjptBauhcMeTxon8z546SqZblBnmFZtO5-1wI7KPBlUMT_M/s1600/kindness+freebie.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="872" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzeJExzT1hjAruK1uE34huoxbOWIlcsbuLg0CFl-FQrYu56I_ojuyaq-sipZTC2r82huoFtvWRbhGIY-j3nFiPlVCFyFuWjptBauhcMeTxon8z546SqZblBnmFZtO5-1wI7KPBlUMT_M/s320/kindness+freebie.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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Check out these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Kindness-Character-Songs-3359847?aref=3x2igz8d" target="_blank">FREE Kindness and Character songs</a> - great to add to your morning meeting to promote positive character traits! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Spread kindness this February everyone!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcJ9M1mplzmL5UNOEP8JQdwm2vyOBC1pi1s0H6_Lo9XKc6EQNlCNK12OV96hCFeHg_94PZKd9zFYv6dS2KPiTULXMK_0Elxn7Yb2l1L7SxhSF3yVb2m6t2D6DOuzuqAPU0xfR57g_ass/s1600/siggy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcJ9M1mplzmL5UNOEP8JQdwm2vyOBC1pi1s0H6_Lo9XKc6EQNlCNK12OV96hCFeHg_94PZKd9zFYv6dS2KPiTULXMK_0Elxn7Yb2l1L7SxhSF3yVb2m6t2D6DOuzuqAPU0xfR57g_ass/s1600/siggy.png" /></a></div>
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Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-9418239101814223852019-11-24T03:22:00.002-08:002022-07-26T17:07:22.459-07:00Random Acts of Kindness for Your Classroom in December<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;">Teaching Kindness in the Classroom</span></h1><span style="font-family: Poppins;">December is almost here, and with it, an opportunity to build your classroom community and encourage kindness among your students! Here is my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2019-5051213" target="_blank">FREE annual Random Acts of Classroom Kindness Calendar for December</a>. I've tried to make it as low-prep and budget friendly as possible, and it can be used no matter what faith your students are!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2019-5051213" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcFH69_X8Kk_YIJsUvaa9TnY9Q-s6qlq2LCbFWOWmjV93gp_myg4yexwkwqe74MZ3ciHxBR9lv1sgQ4MAyn9PCJ4hvCFYI7aaXmWevTQAj637tO8Th8bJyjW8lKixGjMfWkmnI7DbeaI/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Display it in your classroom in full color!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2019-5051213" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5T9V93mQ0bIr4u9j5RoJAoSB8VlET8xwdlNkr5m4kMylcQMQnDZNX8VAbdt6CluBRMOB3xT7O98NdPSzhDKs8uUZSh8awSJm9wiiLuTiEzS7f9fYxn9XnPWq8nsxPyO5d43AFx-Z4a0/s400/Slide2.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
Or send home this b&w version so students' families can follow along at home!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
Either way you choose, these simple (and affordable) ideas will soon have your students acting less Grinchy and more loving! To grab your copy, just click the picture to or <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2019-5051213" target="_blank">click here to download it for free in my TPT store</a>!<br />
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Here are some links and ideas for the acts marked with a red *:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Winter-Pencil-Flags-5051195" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="575" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuLzeb3IHTONdeT1HKrqS5vUPZC2pV5sbveRrlDA2C0NJUOsLCDzc20sWThTEV36Bbpy552mh5GnviIZtESmSOMo7mT8jlejjIgPQmBQCB1eI-brlB-J6z7FoO9JeWmoBOM-oxJ6UrTU/s320/winter+pencil+flags.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><b>December 3rd:</b> Add a fun winter flag to the sharpened pencils you leave for another class! Flags can turn your regular pencils into something magical, and motivate even the most reluctant writer. Grab this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Winter-Pencil-Flags-5051195" target="_blank">Winter Pencil Flags FREEBIE </a>in my TPT store here.<br />
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<b>December 5th</b>: If you need a quick way to make bookmarks for your library, check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/free-bookmarks/" target="_blank">Pinterest Free Bookmarks Board</a> for lots of FREE, fun options! Just print your choice, and then have students color and cut out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg6Osp9Spgw-3t9K74PjrC_hMp9UbbWzpOZsFqkTO5W7MoSd4zMwOIBH5JVRRXsWsBQxoPVC8AFordVeMktqdlX3Ccx4F63u3pCb57xIHjf1m6UlRg7BtyeMIrlKUlyqcXta2-t3yo3M/s1600/bird+feeder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="653" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg6Osp9Spgw-3t9K74PjrC_hMp9UbbWzpOZsFqkTO5W7MoSd4zMwOIBH5JVRRXsWsBQxoPVC8AFordVeMktqdlX3Ccx4F63u3pCb57xIHjf1m6UlRg7BtyeMIrlKUlyqcXta2-t3yo3M/s320/bird+feeder.jpg" width="279" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><b>December 13th: </b>Make simple paper towel roll bird feeders to hang around your school. If you have students with peanut allergies, use Crsico shortening instead of peanut butter for the bird feeders! Simply smear an empty paper towel roll with shortening or pb, then roll it in bird seed. Attach yarn or ribbon to hang it and voila!<br />
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<b>December 16th</b>: Check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/playdough-center/" target="_blank">Pinterest Play Dough Board</a> for recipe ideas for the homemade play dough. My favorite is gingerbread dough - it makes retelling the story of The Gingerbread Man extra fun!</span></div>
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<b>December 18th:</b> Kindness stones are so fun to make - in the classroom, I paint the rocks a solid color with acrylic paint (available in any Hobby store) and then let students write positive words, flowers, hearts and stars on them with paint markers or Sharpies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oh_1gxHo8kMLDQl6idqtmKvcMt8MidOKdnDezzUN6iKjCGsYD16eQhSkW9mMvFTZpBDy8bUyyLWnRVJz7eyy1LFGT4Zw5tdJk2gJItm5XY0V1k-vzfXjG_cSMJUu7fVjjrU7cygHSjZI/s1600/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oh_1gxHo8kMLDQl6idqtmKvcMt8MidOKdnDezzUN6iKjCGsYD16eQhSkW9mMvFTZpBDy8bUyyLWnRVJz7eyy1LFGT4Zw5tdJk2gJItm5XY0V1k-vzfXjG_cSMJUu7fVjjrU7cygHSjZI/s320/17.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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Or join the<a href="http://northeastohiorocks.blogspot.com/2017/12/share-100-smiles.html" target="_blank"> #share100smiles movement</a> by painting happy faces on your rocks!</span></div>
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You can also check out these fun resources in my TPT store to help make your December more merry!<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gingerbread-Man-Emergent-Readers-1586760" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="872" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv99EDIMlsAKyUgsqnHBEJr8Cyr_VwZWn4VRsUh8LW3d4PFd0k3icuw-QmoDZxepmM7Lrh7keAz9252IX5rPC7dsvJGIcwyvisIguvNAJjqyq0TCg-KsxHeQilybi9PcCBSrW4J3bHyGk/s400/gingerbread+emergent+readers.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gingerbread-Man-Emergent-Readers-1586760" target="_blank">Gingerbread Man Emergent Readers</a> - fun sight word readers with embedded math skills!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="783" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKBLXcU3rK1ob7gpreVKZUI9op_5kUfnUATgzrHBAAHxgmYx4V1lrYN_UrG92L2FhYMfPEzeFHgAzjekPaq3lA4pfGCjDrvhHOvSGoHvk8kf1k3tEMig07uZ70QmWRtXsOpykFTvZDko/s400/elf+cover.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" target="_blank">Classroom Elf Letters</a> - integrate your elf into your curriculum with fun letters that incorporate writing, math and science!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwgCRP4jtkgoXkG9vWgQtOWBUNGivMtARY-VaYhzOQiZD_WudCfGE4KLYxhIMDntcVUkV2ZYLHSnrTsUsuwsg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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Have a joyful December everyone!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcJ9M1mplzmL5UNOEP8JQdwm2vyOBC1pi1s0H6_Lo9XKc6EQNlCNK12OV96hCFeHg_94PZKd9zFYv6dS2KPiTULXMK_0Elxn7Yb2l1L7SxhSF3yVb2m6t2D6DOuzuqAPU0xfR57g_ass/s1600/siggy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcJ9M1mplzmL5UNOEP8JQdwm2vyOBC1pi1s0H6_Lo9XKc6EQNlCNK12OV96hCFeHg_94PZKd9zFYv6dS2KPiTULXMK_0Elxn7Yb2l1L7SxhSF3yVb2m6t2D6DOuzuqAPU0xfR57g_ass/s1600/siggy.png" /></a></div>
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Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-26442271854104781282018-11-29T17:25:00.002-08:002018-11-29T18:59:10.700-08:00Easy Random Acts of Kindness for Classrooms in December!December is almost here, and with it, an opportunity to build your classroom community and encourage kindness among your students! Regardless of what holiday they celebrate, they can all get together to do kind things for others - and hopefully this free Random Acts of Kindness Calendar will be the impetus they need to start making being kind an every day habit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3esvlq_MZWukaLcVKu7GqGjeWjOU5A5UwpLrw9pi5Fl6LIXVoTIXxkVYvOA0eyNEu1oco2NSFU7Fwz3IveVLI2Yeb_7rsVhpZZOI7tHnC_aRn0dJx-wSX1YJ9BhUdFwvIYIYZKKcEEo/s1600/Slide1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3esvlq_MZWukaLcVKu7GqGjeWjOU5A5UwpLrw9pi5Fl6LIXVoTIXxkVYvOA0eyNEu1oco2NSFU7Fwz3IveVLI2Yeb_7rsVhpZZOI7tHnC_aRn0dJx-wSX1YJ9BhUdFwvIYIYZKKcEEo/s400/Slide1.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Display it in your classroom in full color!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaYhRsff7WSCcTQhou7sckIQycrDsEjHIYLtQvcUbTuXwYRbCzj_ESj04BL9AoCH1-IpduqS6uTAsnsEFy4VqsPt70v59h9pG2Fszn5fMlAJxY12QkHosYIHF-heY1V86PD-WrID-K3s/s1600/Slide2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaYhRsff7WSCcTQhou7sckIQycrDsEjHIYLtQvcUbTuXwYRbCzj_ESj04BL9AoCH1-IpduqS6uTAsnsEFy4VqsPt70v59h9pG2Fszn5fMlAJxY12QkHosYIHF-heY1V86PD-WrID-K3s/s400/Slide2.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Or send home this b&w version so students' families can follow along at home!</div>
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Either way you choose, these simple (and affordable) ideas will soon have your students acting less Grinchy and more loving! To grab your copy, just click the picture to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-December-2018-4229158" target="_blank">download it for free in my TPT store!</a></div>
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Check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/playdough-center/" target="_blank">Pinterest Play Dough Board</a> for recipe ideas for the homemade play dough! And pro-tip - if you have students with peanut allergies, use Crsico shortening instead of peanut butter for the bird feeders! And be sure to check out these fun resources in my TPT store to help make your December more merry!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gingerbread-Man-Emergent-Readers-1586760" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="872" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv99EDIMlsAKyUgsqnHBEJr8Cyr_VwZWn4VRsUh8LW3d4PFd0k3icuw-QmoDZxepmM7Lrh7keAz9252IX5rPC7dsvJGIcwyvisIguvNAJjqyq0TCg-KsxHeQilybi9PcCBSrW4J3bHyGk/s400/gingerbread+emergent+readers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gingerbread-Man-Emergent-Readers-1586760" target="_blank">Gingerbread Man Emergent Readers</a> - fun sight word readers with embedded math skills!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="783" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKBLXcU3rK1ob7gpreVKZUI9op_5kUfnUATgzrHBAAHxgmYx4V1lrYN_UrG92L2FhYMfPEzeFHgAzjekPaq3lA4pfGCjDrvhHOvSGoHvk8kf1k3tEMig07uZ70QmWRtXsOpykFTvZDko/s400/elf+cover.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" target="_blank">Classroom Elf Letters</a> - integrate your elf into your curriculum with fun letters that incorporate writing, math and science!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyRLX7RDQad8Fa7VOTnwAoWQhqolSTs9C3WZV0fjgeet8BB2jnbW7CxptaqFg5fEX_s4P76003CzxkUrnCa6g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Have a joyful December everyone!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcJ9M1mplzmL5UNOEP8JQdwm2vyOBC1pi1s0H6_Lo9XKc6EQNlCNK12OV96hCFeHg_94PZKd9zFYv6dS2KPiTULXMK_0Elxn7Yb2l1L7SxhSF3yVb2m6t2D6DOuzuqAPU0xfR57g_ass/s1600/siggy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcJ9M1mplzmL5UNOEP8JQdwm2vyOBC1pi1s0H6_Lo9XKc6EQNlCNK12OV96hCFeHg_94PZKd9zFYv6dS2KPiTULXMK_0Elxn7Yb2l1L7SxhSF3yVb2m6t2D6DOuzuqAPU0xfR57g_ass/s1600/siggy.png" /></a></div>
Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-84720252062377799892018-08-01T06:01:00.000-07:002018-08-18T17:59:55.277-07:00Positive Behavior Management System for KindergartenOne of the things I love to do is have my class work together to achieve goals. It builds our classroom community when we're rooting for each other and encouraging each other! I try to make sure that all of my behavior management focuses on the positive rather than the negative behaviors, and my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spud-Tastic-Behavior-Management-Pack-3960588?aref=t9sulzg5" target="_blank">Spud-Tastic Behavior Management System</a> is a culmination of a lot of different things I've <b><i>done successfully</i></b> in the classroom, all packaged together into a <b>cohesive system</b>!<br />
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First up, is expectations (or "rules"). These have to be phrased <b>positively</b>, and they have to be <b>simple</b> enough to remember! My Spud-Tastic expectations each have a <b>fun visual</b> and are great to use as a positive reminder.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spud-Tastic-Behavior-Management-Pack-3960588?aref=t9sulzg5" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="707" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6LojpxSbLNtxLtvHfByQUcNH46dsYZ6rLptwlq1AnlKj3fnblNT8E014AEQSOA7rQM5LOl5HE-g-SUaeVbh2Zdho0mz83_gxAqB0MnKCb6FrhLV4UPZA5WzvwOAciFYTsVXNE8TQBf0/s400/spudtastic+chart.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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During the first week of school, when we're talking about procedures and expectations every day, I love for my <b><i>students to be able to share those with their families</i></b>. This easy reader repeats the rules, and is simple enough for a beginning of the year literacy activity! Once complete, students take it home to read with their families, helping to reinforce those expectations!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spud-Tastic-Behavior-Management-Pack-3960588?aref=t9sulzg5" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="670" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBHmo_QUCFtuAuGEDOrJOlkpbgeMNiz4gD5P8VALJewLM3UqGpynItS5Re_La1jxZhpxy7eh9YSbZw8Tv99GY0rg3_gWPAwk7PH6G7o0N2xl34tUTDbm10pH9J3bMnYJlNWaegiCqKTs/s400/spudtastic+reader.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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As an additional reminder <b>AND</b> a fun cut & paste/direction-following assessment (😂), this Spud-Tastic craftivity makes a fun bulletin board display too!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spud-Tastic-Behavior-Management-Pack-3960588?aref=t9sulzg5" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1059" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfOV9dr0v92mHrjoM7CqbwN3dNV24KHV_OBkPCUG0tiim71kHNaY9nvQAP23vbEitHuls4HtE_-fT60JJ7RyO2Ldv17lx8hOei9D8QKubWji7G8SEtWol2Dfg7evDaTp2rVDU8Q7YFD4/s400/spudtastic+bulletin+board.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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We all know that <b>adding music really helps learning stick</b>, so I also have 3 fun piggy-back songs all about Spud-Tastic behavior! I made multiple songs, because if you sing the same song over and over again, kids tend to start tuning it out. With 3 different versions, the songs stay novel, engaging the children for longer. We sing these at the beginning of the day, or during transitions, as a <b>fun movement break</b> that's also a reminder about our expectations! </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spud-Tastic-Behavior-Management-Pack-3960588?aref=t9sulzg5" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSsfOWmH2T6GMPmNahXKK8QhWRrJgcPsUIkvrjNhNowT3EORJzxYu-BuU8kzWkvjNszosIVe4wuzl0d7-z4Ajmkfp3PylCTRyI2dYadwkKLLB4DUq1rmWZOVjGvMzr9l9bSLV5mum47k/s400/Slide5.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
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Once everyone knows the expectations, then the really fun part starts! This is where you get your teammates and administration to help out with getting your students <b>EXCITED</b> about following the expectations! You see, any time someone gives your class a compliment - for cafeteria behavior, hallway procedures, behaving in assembly etc - your class earns a piece of their Spud! Make sure you ask your coworkers to keep an eye out to see if they can compliment your class!<br />
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Now, you can use a Mr. Potato Head toy, or you can use the bulletin board pieces to create a paper Spud. I keep my cards in a can that I've decorated and labeled - Pringles or Crystal Lite cans work well!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spud-Tastic-Behavior-Management-Pack-3960588?aref=t9sulzg5" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="993" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBpZ7huyMwY8bNAcJSPUqGROqznUvdFsMA5-PNM_mzr3F3Fieqf9glFC2heBT4V6TYsjjvqYxZErjYj1sAfqxkfDWgaC9ICD-fYbZuuGA7PH2lOBdMmMeh9LK6juDvD54vchHuW5i_XY/s400/spud+beahvior1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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After the class receives a compliment, I choose a student to randomly pull a card from the can. Then they get to add that piece to the Spud! We always start with just the body, and then add on. Once the Spud has two arms, two ears, eyes, a nose, mouth, feet and a hat, then its reward time!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spud-Tastic-Behavior-Management-Pack-3960588?aref=t9sulzg5" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1008" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghelGLH5hgEOGqv4SGF7K9sI7n4W6eWGpSe1lkQ2oDEJT_QlUv6J9IST4UQk0jU1z3AJqX-tW0e7R394JUVliyLb3lqYpIEKBuCCm5z72h5dHAj6SlqPWkmMrxEzzFTfDmH6BZU918Tms/s400/spudtastic+rewards.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I keep the 16 reward cards in another can - this one I bought at the Dollar Tree and then glued on the Spud-Tastic Reward label! All of the rewards are no- to low-cost (easy on teacher budgets!) and only 3 are food rewards. Choose the ones that work for your classroom, and place them in the can. You can either allow a student to randomly select a reward once the Spud is complete OR you can select the reward in advance so that your students know what they're working towards. My rule was the reward might be earned any day of the week, but the prize would be awarded on Friday, just so that I had time to make sure I had the reward material and/or work the time into my schedule!<br />
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Of course, sometimes the whole class might not be following the expectations, but you have a couple of students doing the right thing. That's where these bracelets come in! If I see a student doing the right thing, I award them a bracelet to wear and take home! They love wearing bracelets home to show off to their families - and as soon as one child gets a bracelet, it often encourages the rest of the class to follow suit! I have bracelets for each individual expectation, as well as a general "Spud-Tastic" version!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spud-Tastic-Behavior-Management-Pack-3960588?aref=t9sulzg5" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="738" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejIK7vvSAeaXCODwiL6EoeYibadeZT60IxwmQHmSfYoe4Hor7GgjYaHWn32w7A3sCS5zgRLR9s6OulOlb3w-EaNvsLfvH3A_kqm_1PMaJgIttR-35XD-Uv5C3jw0TU0yMnAs1QBUj4g4/s400/spudtastic+bracelets.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I print these on <a href="https://amzn.to/2Kghe7o" target="_blank">Astrobright paper</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(affiliate link)</span> and cut them out in advance. Then I just keep them handy for a moment when I "catch" someone doing the right thing! A simple piece of tape later, and the proud student is now an inspiration to the rest of the class!<br />
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I just posted this complete Behavior Management System in my TPT store - and its on sale for 20% during the Site-Wide BTS Sale August 1st and 2nd! If you use the code BTSFRESH, you'll get an additional 5% off when you check out! Check it out here: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spud-Tastic-Behavior-Management-Pack-3960588?aref=t9sulzg5" target="_blank">Spud-Tastic Behavior Management</a><br />
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Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-8854425209808378472018-07-21T05:14:00.000-07:002018-10-25T00:31:25.842-07:00Building Classroom Community With KindnessOne of the most important components of classroom management is being able to build a sense of classroom community. When your students care about themselves, you <b>and</b> each other, it makes a world of difference in terms of <b>attitude, effort and cooperation</b>! Today I'm sharing some of my best tips for building classroom community by incorporation Kindness into your curriculum!<br />
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First up is my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9dcRrSBVvmCkh8EyFLXaL7oGy96OA9De" target="_blank">Kindness Playlist</a> on youtube. Click the link to find 30+ <b>teacher-approved videos</b> that you can play in class to help teach your students Kindness as well as well as manners, resiliency and honesty! These are great transition activities, or to play during morning meeting!<br />
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For example, this episode of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTD4S-pj_nYUx1XyBs6bJNg" target="_blank">"Can You Teach My Alligator Manners?"</a>, focuses on the sign language for please and thank you and gives your students the chance to identify scenarios where the alligator is using good manners. The videos in this series are only about 2 minutes long, so they're perfect for Circle Time to introduce different concepts such a taking turns, sharing and being a good sport!<br />
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Sesame Street has an Everyday Super Heroes Club with videos, printable badges and more!<br />
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<a href="http://everydayheroes.sesamestreet.org/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://everydayheroes.sesamestreet.org/" border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="778" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXlpJjNJFSgJGVmspsAHg24G2Cv9A8zwX0NVOFxKI9-FxYqPkiQNf1LMXVHqNJoV-WCRoT88L_tBNug2RB5VLX75lWPVka9JYv2zBEiEPpH458SNoW2xvR3bbOqnagfdY5ZlI_pN2ji8/s320/kindness+sesame+street.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can find the <a href="http://everydayheroes.sesamestreet.org/" target="_blank">free membership materials here</a>!
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One of the things that has really changed my classroom community is instituting this <b>"Saying "I'm Sorry" is the FIRST step" policy</b>. Basically after saying sorry, the child has to ask the person they hurt how they can help them feel better. Sometimes its as simple as giving a hug, sometimes they request that the child not do whatever it was again, sometimes they ask the child to play a new game with them. It empowers the "victim" to decide how they want the other child to make amends! While I <b>never force a child to say "Sorry"</b>, when they truly are repentant and want a way to make up with the other child, this works wonders!<br />
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Daniel Tiger is a great show for social and emotional skills, and I'll play it during inside recess or if we have lunch in the classroom because so many of the skills are applicable to my kiddos, and give me a quick, singable reminder any time an issue came up - like the one for when a friend doesn't want to play with you, which comes in handy when friends want to branch out and play with other people.<br />
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Next up is incorporating Kindness into your literacy block! Here are some of my favorite picture books that teach kindness and other character traits (affiliate links for your convenience) <b>just click on the picture to see it on Amazon</b>. These are great <b>read aloud books</b> that I love to use to teach about being kind and taking responsibility.<br />
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Another thing that I use in my classroom are these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Kindness-Charcter-Songs-3359847" target="_blank">Kindness & Character Songs & Chants</a> (freebie!) These are also great during your morning meeting or just to start your day with a quick reminder to be kind! Once your students learn them, you'll often hear them singing them during the day - or referring to them during disagreements! Click on the picture to go download them for free!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Kindness-Charcter-Songs-3359847" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="872" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eNVbOsaAq_cmA0Sjsbq3DJMX6KL1G0aoocGLT0v30X8CVd0FVjr1eK0FO7BDAlqbKm0bcVoLZCf39XZu24A9ulfI6CQhKYDt7QIiZpSMnBzmo-fEnSUdoedJ7uXWrRCi5_eFAarTN-I/s320/kindness+freebie.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the things that I started last December was a <b>Daily Act of Kindergarten Kindness</b>. It was wonderful! My students were so happy to do sweet things for other classes, our principal and even each other! It truly made a difference in my classroom, and I was disappointed that I had waited until December to start it! Well after that I decided to start our RAKs in September! We start each school year off with a bang by doing a random act of kindness every day! Each of the acts is simple, most don't cost a thing (the few that do are inexpensive!) and require little prep, so they're easy to incorporate into your Back To School lessons! I'm sharing my September 2018 calendar with you all today, so download the calendar for free here: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-September-2018-3932649?aref=fw5w8uqp" target="_blank">Random Acts of Kindness Calendar for September 2018.</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-September-2018-3932649?aref=fw5w8uqp" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Y8W734fM90aYx-Z3M6dDPZu6GG10Ydz5kfCJbtHRgt5Tc10M2c9bqE0ovHcOE7oNqtH_zgbQtuwRNM3LCHWMgz6HaGF6pSCk07MjhEalyfLjXJqQehQ8FOwKg7uY4RoP1Xw6jGBmeck/s320/RAndom+Acts+Kindness+September+2018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Each morning we talk about our kindness act (RAK) for the day. We discuss what it may look like, how we'll feel and how the recipient might feel. We role play the different interactions, like asking someone new to play at recess, so that my students have the "script" for performing the RAKs - sometimes even the most outgoing and confident students need help opening a conversation! At the end of the day, I take a quick ten minutes to discuss the act of kindness we performed. Students share their individual stories or how they felt about a class act. Then we look at the next day's act so that we can start thinking of ideas for the upcoming RAK! For weekend activities, I try to make the acts of kindness super simple so that the kids can remember and perform them on their own (I also send home the b&w copy of the calendar so parents can help!) On Fridays we review the upcoming weekend's RAKs and discuss how we might accomplish them. For example, on the 14th, I'll make sure to teach my students a couple of jokes so they have some handy for telling to family members the next day! On Monday morning, the students will share if they completed their RAKs and how it made them feel!<span style="text-align: center;"> It truly makes a world of difference when your students are looking for ways to commit random acts of kindness!</span><br />
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And finally, I always taught about Martin Luther King Jr. in January. I think that's<b> too late</b> in the year as well. With the social climate these days, it just makes more sense to talk about these issues at the beginning of the school year as well. My <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Martin-Luther-King-Activities-Emergent-Reader-2955976" target="_blank">Martin Luther King Jr. Pack</a> has activities that are accessible for our young learners. It teaches the important concepts of changing the world through peace and love and that the change has to start with us. <br />
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Here are two of the activities included in the pack, easy for pre-k to 1st graders to understand! </div>
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If we start teaching about tolerance, kindness, fairness, honesty, peace and most of all LOVE at the beginning of the school year, we will reap the benefits all year long! I hope you'll be able to take these ideas back to school with you to build your classroom community! If you have tips of your own to share on building classroom community, please rustle up a comment below and share them!<br />
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Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-44879460974002051062018-02-26T02:27:00.002-08:002022-07-26T17:27:56.525-07:00March Sensory Bin Ideas<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;">Sensory Bin ideas for Dr. Seuss and St. Patrick's Day</span></h1><span style="font-family: Poppins;">March is coming and with it all things Seuss, as well as St. Patrick's Day and for some, Spring Break! This is a great time to get something fun in your sensory bins! I have multiple sensory bins - our large 4 person table, as well as smaller 1 or 2 person Rubbermaid bins. This lets me add sensory fun to a variety of center activities, thus increasing engagement AND helping to develop fine motor skills and provide sensory input!<br />
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Green eggs & ham in green rice & beans anyone? I love this one because the mix can be reused for St. Patrick's Day in just a few weeks! Add some props from your Dramatic Play Center and students can have fun subitizing while matching number cards with ten frames! Adding the different size beans means lots of options for additional counting and sorting once students have finished the activity too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4Dy2atvgeOHVbjx9npmhH7huKpqtvIU6-kSyURnQnaMBf-uOS0788hYQo2oj9fIFXFWgVtV6lb5p4et0qr9keefdWF8BmgpsHp-riTIFK_uiKvrxyJAfXnnXJ5sKzE1BaOUNyN3eGB0/s1600/march+sensory2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="503" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4Dy2atvgeOHVbjx9npmhH7huKpqtvIU6-kSyURnQnaMBf-uOS0788hYQo2oj9fIFXFWgVtV6lb5p4et0qr9keefdWF8BmgpsHp-riTIFK_uiKvrxyJAfXnnXJ5sKzE1BaOUNyN3eGB0/s400/march+sensory2.JPG" width="307" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
I love it when I can differentiate activities in my sensory bin. In this case, the cards can be matched to produce rhyming pairs, or matched to CVC word cards. This way my high flyers can be moving on, while those that need it continue to get support with rhyming. Red rice from Valentine's Day makes a reappearance and is mixed with pompoms - students love using the pompoms to block funnel spouts or fill up a container with the pompoms and then see how much rice can still fit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh8IyrK3zx775dfeGr8EaQqopJRwzlg2brjgE2oSvnHj8IP9Of6gjUxODX-KOMk5JfRA6uJuBzOTD0UWymz-2tJhYdBMKXsImHDmsEfvLmga2d5-BwwEUUEtCbx9nFp4ZglR3Ru5Toyw/s1600/march+sensory3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="490" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh8IyrK3zx775dfeGr8EaQqopJRwzlg2brjgE2oSvnHj8IP9Of6gjUxODX-KOMk5JfRA6uJuBzOTD0UWymz-2tJhYdBMKXsImHDmsEfvLmga2d5-BwwEUUEtCbx9nFp4ZglR3Ru5Toyw/s400/march+sensory3.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
Our new favorite sensory bin filler is dyed Epsom salt. Epsom salt is inexpensive, and looks like shiny crystals when dyed. You dye it the same way as rice - a little rubbing alcohol and some food coloring! These happy little fellows have sums on their chests and match an addition sentence card, so students can have fun with sums to 10!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/March-Sensory-Activities-3673393" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/March-Sensory-Activities-3673393" border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1264" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYrufU7Yzqz2b-i18xWfy7GgnpVlI2-08lC5lE6mO5AuFXK55Br5yPFs16L6mEgG2VbYI0z7fIvNGKbB_yt-xwnjReqp2yBj5XQSF-Pe32me-Fej2FcuiBahsJG0bJLpYvsuU6NhHQ7I/s400/march+sensory+bins.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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Want the activities? <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/March-Sensory-Activities-3673393" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see them in my TPT store!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcBaC-_L833kEud1WGPGGmGItheEpzDQ-mxT3zEumDPAA-66wMeenelA5dZOPDOawzfoMWeDswA12GXwZz0wAdWL5RQ2CFMyGiiKpBs4BE_scY1f5d3BM3p19h7g8KS8SE0jdEpsN84o/s1600/st+patrick%2527s+day+sensory+bin.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1600" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcBaC-_L833kEud1WGPGGmGItheEpzDQ-mxT3zEumDPAA-66wMeenelA5dZOPDOawzfoMWeDswA12GXwZz0wAdWL5RQ2CFMyGiiKpBs4BE_scY1f5d3BM3p19h7g8KS8SE0jdEpsN84o/s400/st+patrick%2527s+day+sensory+bin.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
St. Patrick's Day is a big deal in my classroom - we love having <a href="http://amzn.to/2Couibe" target="_blank">Silly McGilly</a> visit! Here's he's made a rainbow of rice in our sensory table! Yes, it gets messed up immediately, but the kids love it and it's often featured when they write about <a href="http://amzn.to/2Couibe" target="_blank">Silly McGilly's</a> visit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyYezBkHitczmo0icHaRNbvqR2LRUXVUnPcVfR2YMLpvR7-XtQye3EdDdehKCp0ycx0Zg1RAS7SLXiWPIl95oP7S-ITC961ysSaz_v4p5Rg6GIYGHmKIDls8bcU_GLHYdC4Oej9fg134/s1600/st+patricks+day+sensory+bin+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyYezBkHitczmo0icHaRNbvqR2LRUXVUnPcVfR2YMLpvR7-XtQye3EdDdehKCp0ycx0Zg1RAS7SLXiWPIl95oP7S-ITC961ysSaz_v4p5Rg6GIYGHmKIDls8bcU_GLHYdC4Oej9fg134/s400/st+patricks+day+sensory+bin+2.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
For this bin, I spray painted glass gems gold and then write on them with Sharpies. Some have letters and some have numbers.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Sensory-Bin-Mats-1763371" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Sensory-Bin-Mats-1763371" border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="1600" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0M2nLpsM-kHOHUNiScrH_8tcpq4_tsAr8LmrwHmJEuaagaLPmItbEDRYMG1wtHnq2Mddl7cRWeCrsw6QIaGaektT2K5H744NxfI0eMGeZvj8TFcJ5o4H4fyruCn1Tda3_UnkJ5WyZmSc/s400/st+patrick%2527s+day+sensory+bin+4.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
Students find the "gold" and match it to the correct mat - either finding the beginning sound picture that matches the letter, or finding the number on the pot of gold - but they have to go in numerical order, to make it trickier lol! <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Sensory-Bin-Mats-1763371" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Sensory-Bin-Mats-1763371" border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrO6ijyKg4YfbqiIIEUs21FB17AMEon5MHJHcKCXWgBaLmR9fva2DDU3atOHreEn9V1vZgzaWpKqs7VH3gY7L1Z6GmLOkAfUBZ_G2xMmJN2KY2hgxu3DPlqDzMJaVWw0o3Kcjq0UagAI/s400/st+patricks+day+sensory+bin+3.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Sensory-Bin-Mats-1763371" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Sensory-Bin-Mats-1763371" border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="1545" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBrEBRhDR_DNaEgDfly_PHKSSbyX5Uz6F1LPm9qjk7OfVGTku7ny87SG5PPnDBR4qd3QJuXBoDT4NSrdq5fKHYtxf_PyK75mfVaFbPGJQruAv6AC9tNi7pw3OPtNHaGkw45sZgQeTI54/s400/st+patrick%2527s+day+sensory+bin+5.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
One of our favorite morning bins in March is pots of gold with play dough - they have to make "gold pieces" to match the number on the pot! Grab these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Sensory-Bin-Mats-1763371" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bin Mats</a> for FREE in my TPT store by <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Sensory-Bin-Mats-1763371" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Alphabet-Match-Up-1740158" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Alphabet-Match-Up-1740158" border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1600" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_LovGhcIurtTuzapRfh1QWD6qor4y_amygmQT7xuaGBksNAeXxX-MVeVhphSWadLQWBk5JI3lL3iMN8kgWXIxv5fwPGjtwRnn9HA9o8vTwNJSUl-uAXHFkaC1xfpX1jq35mpBJvaI7Y/s400/st+patrick%2527s+Day+sensory+6.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
We also write our letters in green hair gel - just add it to a baggie and make sure its completely closed! In this picture, <a href="http://amzn.to/2Couibe" target="_blank">Silly McGilly</a> made a three-way match with our <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Alphabet-Match-Up-1740158" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day Alphabet Match-Up cards</a> - uppercase, lowercase and beginning sound picture, then he wrote the "S" in the gel!<br />
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Next up, Spring Life Cycles - are you raising any critters in your classroom this year? <a href="http://herdingkats.blogspot.jp/2017/01/spring-life-cycles-crown-freebie.html" target="_blank">Check out this post</a> for info on my favorite life cycle products for the classroom - including FREE Life Cycle crowns! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVkhjWzYIdcGzZL3hUeTG7HgERjlVIW0GrAhIsLPUOAhpb147kNkoUCqZ2QbnCUgE4NpAI9K0HEUFSxyfGBCOWc5CxcgqEeTlWIZxeKeyGYLHaDpURessTPzAKSrXpsz7Bfz-nZrG7mA/s1600/siggy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVkhjWzYIdcGzZL3hUeTG7HgERjlVIW0GrAhIsLPUOAhpb147kNkoUCqZ2QbnCUgE4NpAI9K0HEUFSxyfGBCOWc5CxcgqEeTlWIZxeKeyGYLHaDpURessTPzAKSrXpsz7Bfz-nZrG7mA/s1600/siggy.png" /></span></a></div>
Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-40209607318128690152018-01-29T07:27:00.000-08:002018-02-26T02:28:55.647-08:00Valentines Day Mini Eraser Activities You'll Fall For!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCG7z6OIPXF_59CSkTqQtX5R-v_uy5dx69zoL0j3Wlgx8w5tFKZ8sEx57NRB-jxcZC8nrB7exQmnXtA8o2HoNpySJQqGCHoKGYi41xDTPM2mt5XZwam2nrXBnkT9Sm5hsNrL5b3ZwoP-4/s1600/valentine+mini+erasers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="875" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCG7z6OIPXF_59CSkTqQtX5R-v_uy5dx69zoL0j3Wlgx8w5tFKZ8sEx57NRB-jxcZC8nrB7exQmnXtA8o2HoNpySJQqGCHoKGYi41xDTPM2mt5XZwam2nrXBnkT9Sm5hsNrL5b3ZwoP-4/s400/valentine+mini+erasers.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Have you see the adorable mini erasers at Target right now? I love the unicorns and pizzas! I've been hard at work making some activities to match, which was a struggle since we just moved to Okinawa, Japan!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsdEHuAmzLJImS4ilf5qKTVx5gmnnPFFsilNuzoicYPeP6HqNogTALWEozNLKK-h3QZB25advSxnsPn2ntpStq6fJrjEv7xnASITPZiPb4QjEkmRjR3cGVl1rLybkRstKJCJJmIuAnxA/s1600/okinawa+seawall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsdEHuAmzLJImS4ilf5qKTVx5gmnnPFFsilNuzoicYPeP6HqNogTALWEozNLKK-h3QZB25advSxnsPn2ntpStq6fJrjEv7xnASITPZiPb4QjEkmRjR3cGVl1rLybkRstKJCJJmIuAnxA/s400/okinawa+seawall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the view from the seawall in Okinawa - gorgeous!</div>
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My husband is in the Army, so we will be in Okinawa for the next three years! Don't worry though, I'll still be teaching - no idea where yet, but I know myself well enough to know I'll have to have my own classroom somehow! In the meantime, I'll be using my 4 year old Sullivan as my guinea pig for all my ideas lol!<br />
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Some of you have been asking about more kindness activities, so today I'm sharing my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-3617599" target="_blank">February Random Acts of Kindness Calendar</a>! Lots of ideas for helping to teach kindness in this month of love! Download it for free by clicking the picture!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-3617599" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-3617599" border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1027" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxVW5wg9syYWgz_zc0tnJphPnPNU_XAigx57SPVwm-fd1i94x1GIDI1qXYpnYzxRg1Q-jg0OTduMWRumSH-LHNdR0qzswEPctcTwCCNfddrE-RgAiMSBxys5OwPrYhXbNiw4jMotCRlA/s400/february+random+acts+of+kindness+calendar.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here are the mini eraser activities - they're perfect for February, but really the unicorn and pizza could be used year round! I had so much fun with these - I think the part-part-whole activities and the CVC word builders are my favorites!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-Mini-Eraser-Activities-3620188" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-Mini-Eraser-Activities-3620188" border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="656" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7K7Xt2tAamGYbuwb7gjCiA9YVe9-hbIPgixSz_hLmhQybwIKYhqHdhp8-54sUc9MWjftF1C7p-pjndZPVEnCmQFefSq0KL2BVCfZ0qABbFgKNT8cpAPJ8W9UKPWUVkgrTdrH1ztYSeT8/s400/mini+eraser+collage+valentine.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-Mini-Eraser-Activities-3620188" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-Mini-Eraser-Activities-3620188" border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="656" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PZ7bdZTYA5_L7rMz50yBhAXz1zKOhwkBHLpVsUavw0anhZda_AGs6WCBf3Qc5OfIuYhOIFP_ra60vkRt1CwpFnvmNBTY03kaB9BJSzp595XdSdM8inPi68zSJaABuk_el3Dj5g_iEc8/s400/valentine+mini+eraser+collage.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-Mini-Eraser-Activities-3620188" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-Mini-Eraser-Activities-3620188" border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="985" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCs0KlC6hvvuiNh1YFpkNoxjs9fQBt4R0AcwRFuuj04Xig37iiAhaDS5IQuXHAWgJxx5g4ZBDhfLgSrlDPZGTUtLAXxhnkPlih0sO25uPL-a6O3-aeoWvRGG6oclD-o2m9ktee56MbEI/s320/cover+valentine+mini+erasers.png" width="319" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-Mini-Eraser-Activities-3620188" target="_blank"> Just click here to see the mini eraser activities!</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-rZBqI3Y3eO4sYOfCjA9Z2GRkhi5En3Yt87rxHn3ifLm2-eiysFdltg5i6L6U3zi3BNIvRORITr6gPHjCASzK3eQVqfwLLLPez0z4TsdUUpHN9xfHJ_vUcGEg6ebiPt55JkVwKky1qY/s1600/siggy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-rZBqI3Y3eO4sYOfCjA9Z2GRkhi5En3Yt87rxHn3ifLm2-eiysFdltg5i6L6U3zi3BNIvRORITr6gPHjCASzK3eQVqfwLLLPez0z4TsdUUpHN9xfHJ_vUcGEg6ebiPt55JkVwKky1qY/s1600/siggy.png" /></a></div>
Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-47853890099215756382017-11-28T15:29:00.001-08:002017-11-28T15:30:38.732-08:00FREE Random Acts of Kindness Calendar for December!December is almost here, and with it, an opportunity to build your classroom community and encourage kindness among your students! Regardless of what holiday they celebrate, they can all get together to do kind things for others - and hopefully this free Random Acts of Kindness Calendar will be the impetus they need to start making being kind an every day habit!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-3516974" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-3516974" border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQRTnSQX0KE-PLaNaBBoGlFPfp0FokTI9LssHCwAcoFy8ZyuJ2IkAnRXbJzWrmavSx5W9PSnUYylnro2SgxrvSkz0aeOiiP5pVQMBDxvIaIBYgmCeeFQFvOesG-4_hEQ4UPUpaOIYWAo/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Display it in your classroom in full color!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-3516974" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-3516974" border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5WMn7Pa2T63SvvM50JK_eJl32b5-y4ovIJSLqouIIroKqGWDzdpX-dpCZflJW20HnaADRDQAEv_SKBAilnTksUZsnXRvppB3GuztDy_Fy_Bj1gr_LS23SUH5bBuIpPi3hirWOfInseg/s400/Slide2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Or send home this b&w version so students' families can follow along at home!</div>
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Either way you choose, these simple (and affordable) ideas will soon have your students acting less Grinchy and more loving! To grab your copy, just click the picture to download it for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-3516974" target="_blank">free in my TPT store!</a></div>
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Check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/playdough-center/" target="_blank">Pinterest Play Dough Board</a> for recipe ideas for the homemade play dough!And be sure to check out these fun resources in my TPT store to help make your December more merry!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Mini-Eraser-Activities-3486776?aref=537hsulu" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Mini-Eraser-Activities-3486776?aref=537hsulu" border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="922" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipruPKpElYJIHcug1u4_3Y6Rh_pMJXROtjEmyDiaBs5R_WH1NH-NZQXgG_4tfSSpLhGqf4XEV54sWfMKKjwPM5QL7YmwdXzzWD1Dl_90qaUu05Nvb19ZUxVwI1pZn_e7ZgzSAJ_8Nrtug/s320/winter+mini+eraser+cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Mini-Eraser-Activities-3486776?aref=537hsulu" target="_blank">Winter Mini Eraser Activities</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Elf-Letters-2896450?aref=3vuqz4wj" target="_blank">Classroom Elf Letters</a></div>
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Have a joyful December everyone! </div>
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Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-53934743216913202492017-10-29T15:16:00.001-07:002018-10-25T00:30:49.205-07:00Veterans Day Emergent Reader, Videos and More!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhD4bbiQxVU_2EMIbLz22rFIPhycuasLPEtOQ46dnIOVjgXiE8DkWOxp0ceC6jjE3LPkedBmC1pws92rG3gFRrfE1O-Z6mwfhyphenhyphenFp5U8CcfwxuiJmZ9-cryXovPtZw3GsyTTnElnSMRbs/s1600/veterans+day+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="497" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhD4bbiQxVU_2EMIbLz22rFIPhycuasLPEtOQ46dnIOVjgXiE8DkWOxp0ceC6jjE3LPkedBmC1pws92rG3gFRrfE1O-Z6mwfhyphenhyphenFp5U8CcfwxuiJmZ9-cryXovPtZw3GsyTTnElnSMRbs/s320/veterans+day+pic.png" width="251" /></a></div>
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Veterans Day is a big deal in my home and my community. Not only is my husband currently serving in the Army, I am also an Army Veteran. My father and my uncle were also veterans. We live on a military base, and a lot of my students have family members in the military. <br />
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This is my husband and I, right after we met during advanced training! He's been in the Army for almost 20 years, and we've been married for 19 years!</div>
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So as you can imagine, we celebrate Veterans Day in a big way! Here are some of the books and videos I use in my classroom, and a freebie for you as well! Affiliate links to Amazon are provided for your convenience.Enjoy, and don't forget to thank a Veteran!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Veterans Day videos:</b></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kBAM8iJhFzI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kBAM8iJhFzI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Kibboomer's Veterans Day song - your students could easily learn this to sing at an assembly.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lc8GGzcgV8o/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lc8GGzcgV8o?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Informative kid-friendly video about Veterans Day</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6CcLj4wQXWQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6CcLj4wQXWQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Video highlighting reunions of soldiers and their families. Well put together and a tear jerker! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FOqgnSCD4KE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FOqgnSCD4KE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe> </div>
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Read aloud of "Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood" book! </div>
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3rd Graders singing "I Still Believe" in honor of Veterans Day!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Great read alouds:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>FREEBIE:</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Veterans-Day-Songs-Reader-4153128" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="400" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqixRnsnFLZGea-mSxENsFX-_z6t90xCG_1aJ1H7U4Nx009GEllhnPn4RdwLFfMwD1h2ugN-ztUUaPIqXsmo_UPUx2vb-TG6_RD6BnZVd1FQFO3pvXeWemTpoLLM_XHi2CB9yVVL56_A/s400/veterans+day+collage.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Veterans-Day-Songs-Reader-4153128" target="_blank">Veteran's Day Songs & Reader </a>- just click to grab this freebie!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuz1-9EtZOkfxMhERAvxjykIJtnmZwX1fMCLZYZnbhVVh5EoGcQSgtH-yBz9ycc26Ev2klM8tm9yPNU1A5WoD_kqxeunEQzrfloPA6o-X5S8qgPP0bHs21CskV8Mdb2kk8GSgOX_bcUE/s1600/siggy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuz1-9EtZOkfxMhERAvxjykIJtnmZwX1fMCLZYZnbhVVh5EoGcQSgtH-yBz9ycc26Ev2klM8tm9yPNU1A5WoD_kqxeunEQzrfloPA6o-X5S8qgPP0bHs21CskV8Mdb2kk8GSgOX_bcUE/s1600/siggy.png" /></a></div>
Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-40838475915238474512017-10-08T17:43:00.000-07:002017-10-09T08:56:42.388-07:00Fall Math Activities - with 2 FREEBIES!Are you a Target mini eraser fiend? I stalk that Dollar Spot every chance I can, hoping to snag some mini erases! My students LOVE them, so much so that they'll happily practice math skills all day long, just for the chance to work with the erasers!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Mini-Eraser-Math-Activities-3429878" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Mini-Eraser-Math-Activities-3429878" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="906" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIMB1QDuN9AxeyGSeja938EO2_2CP_ZT2ql7znv5BjJ44VFJQTFjjbg2IWmo5wQtwvpmkqVUUEtvhP6A-S2UaplbzR1L8JkU5MmIeR5M6hr9Cu0gvm9NptFKOSQaODqA8VP-6wRIKvV8/s400/IMG_2623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
When I saw the Halloween erasers this year, I just had to create some activities to go with them!<br />
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Find them here: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Mini-Eraser-Math-Activities-3429878" target="_blank">Fall Mini Eraser Pack</a>! </div>
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Ten frame mats and number cards for the jack o'lantern and black cat erasers!</div>
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One mat for 0-10 and one for 0-20 so you can easily differentiate!</div>
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Spiderweb cards from 0-10 for practicing 1-1 correspondence with the spider erasers!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Mini-Eraser-Math-Activities-3429878" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Mini-Eraser-Math-Activities-3429878" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="979" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS95JIcz-07A5n6Vz-Vz5ewlxXwfSuUkQWInXMNC69E9McTkuWiZ13owiM7q7CfoPJ_5uPHmJ8_-mc98LfpNnRsi5s0qpGpfTToqFxM-6E5lSPnhbQSssEGiDIuFWCSMoS5VsyGMyNTOA/s400/IMG_2630.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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2 patterning mats for practicing AB, AABB, AAB and ABC patterns with the spider erasers!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pumpkin-Math-2847599" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pumpkin-Math-2847599" border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="350" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKBJG0LzD5dW6e5ZUVqp7VCyhYKMMPS9UTTBksVAWqpdFbp_00JPDcXpi7NNYA-05gvVgjSmVsOJJvxJOA0hnsRLZ7Say9X_GMysalPQUaLaNqApPLneGSlJsw1_2ho78Bj1rENF4jyU/s320/original-2847599-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Need a fun pumpkin activity? Check out this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pumpkin-Math-2847599" target="_blank">Pumpkin Math FREEBIE</a>!</div>
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And if you're working on graphing, you'll want to check out my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Graphing-Pack-945511" target="_blank">Fall Graphing Pack</a>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilytA4D4Q4JK5B6BmjUpzxNCJZe4CL1B1S64938KAzxEB614d0fe6dseND9egrcCHNP2Sh3OXoZjrWNvjZZUtPT8SHU58LwW6_Up3WLhFyYUp6qUH5dPfSHx4GzVoR1wlryrB7aVdMCII/s1600/fall+graphing+pack+cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilytA4D4Q4JK5B6BmjUpzxNCJZe4CL1B1S64938KAzxEB614d0fe6dseND9egrcCHNP2Sh3OXoZjrWNvjZZUtPT8SHU58LwW6_Up3WLhFyYUp6qUH5dPfSHx4GzVoR1wlryrB7aVdMCII/s320/fall+graphing+pack+cover.png" width="319" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Graphing-Pack-945511" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Graphing-Pack-945511" border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1201" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRN1eV1SL5pTGYhyphenhyphen9gAu60KvYhKeDFyvy8zhNtewER8_NxcJJYjwHoDtYL3nSyT_VZDEl_5ogC-gMXDv98DMMTgMaMEwYLSkkKmfyxu_nBGpdg5cqYf18eB9rc9UpMEyfpAAZ3uxX0ENc/s400/IMG_2633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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2 Count & Graph activities.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Graphing-Pack-945511" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Graphing-Pack-945511" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1229" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheO2NKWwv9_UQBHxhQtMnIQbgJkJ9NtoOgAvLGaQK0wVOY5ijWtB2x8EST_1OK4txHVkN76bjUjO-Q9b-8cr-TqWoOn37pmv796x_RtkKP0J9gyz_3KO-Gt2HkwI6ye-W7jPiVdDSl1x0/s400/IMG_2636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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4 Graphs with charts - slip them in a page protector or laminate for reuse!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Graphing-Pack-945511" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Graphing-Pack-945511" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="840" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfvo17OS0lDIZqf4UfjU2xehFc9KLcfjOmFCpqh7acbA6SWNiz0sW4pJZ7ecQ8nY-0isLKvysutnt4_UNW1nTfEsfny_QpxRsuK58rm2y7vDPjxGS1Oj05Luxaiho50Avid0luUacY6A/s400/IMG_2642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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2 Roll & Graph activities - students LOVE getting to roll the dice and graph!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Graphing-Pack-945511" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Graphing-Pack-945511" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="873" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhl4pGeIfRiclByLzy8rYilyR7RuQ9W_7M-x8xpv0zW9KlOH7bM0WoySU7KJqZ7oXcTYfjp1LmuEdRqQ7vkM0sycjo6x9C9JSmzNVvliBgBd5SVLj8LPhjb7ZhKYB6u6Sf-QfasCmFMw/s400/IMG_2652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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4 Spin & Graph activities. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Graphing-Pack-945511" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Graphing-Pack-945511" border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="852" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7DuHoQTIkxYpY9vIzQbg7BmYwl_Ic9I6e1ZT5uoo_W-kVchoJb8tt7C4bpYyzdDT0KraKjme0T7hejJKELZsR0Cn4pAjed2cYtw2KDBx05XNw1k514iJyLVF61HihZ-KHTqEf2hG2gs/s400/IMG_2659.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tip: just use a pencil and paperclip to create a spinner!</div>
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2 Pictographs! Students color and cut out the pictures to glue on their graphs!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Dinner-Graphing-924859" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Dinner-Graphing-924859" border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="350" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwuyxnBM57jXIqtomcEzucRWQku3RT7S38AFkurJvf0rT_75-Wz3rl_RVdnqD77K79Yl4pCk6Ij_vR27irydOryIRnHCG2sZYnspJyTweT2NvfgUskOZp0GqK0IRmRIAwbRwYYV_yfV0/s320/original-924859-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Want to grab a FREEBIE? Check out my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Dinner-Graphing-924859" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Dinner graph</a>!</div>
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And finally, the winners of my Facebook contest for a Utopia 360 4D VR/AR Bundle were announced, but if you didn't win don't worry, you can still get these STEM toys at <a href="http://myretrak.com/vr/augmented_vr.aspx" target="_blank">MyRetrak</a> and use the promo code "Herding Kats" for a 20% off discount on your entire order!</div>
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<a href="http://myretrak.com/vr/augmented_vr.aspx" target="_blank"><img alt="http://myretrak.com/vr/augmented_vr.aspx" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="613" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2m8EUjuoxvUjeTXMP7MPQKF2lk86_DyFS7bBE3MMTiE0y44Rk8Pqf_6Uv4so6sGCeYvEksgA4l9E-JIjX5rMHG-a63wm51FaslsldYn-VR_cUoSA4ooC1a0KCHodg9IogAdMcADQW7j0/s320/sullivan+4d+animal+zoo.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
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Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-70928601967676915792017-10-01T12:57:00.000-07:002017-10-01T12:57:48.237-07:00New! Supersonic Letter Song That You Need To Know!I'm so excited to bring you a new <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" target="_blank">Superhero Alphabet Activity Pack</a>! I've teamed up with <a href="https://melodyhousemusic.com/product-category/stephen-fite-music/?v=7516fd43adaa" target="_blank">Stephen Fite of Melody House Music</a> to create resources that go along with his songs - in this case, his Supersonic Letter Sounds song that your students will be begging you to play over and over!<br />
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The pack comes with an MP3 of the Supersonic Letter Sounds song, so you can play it for your students at your Listening Center or on your computer. There's also a WMV file to project on your Smartboard or Promethean board!. The WMV file includes the song with
easily-identifiable pictures and the corresponding letter (upper &
lower case) next to it. Check out this sample:<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/l-GAYqEIhtE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l-GAYqEIhtE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Also included: </b></span><br />
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<strong> </strong><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Beginning Sounds Clip Cards</strong></span> </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieedK8UXLhUmeIN6xjolfjEzwyTtywAUUhlvjF9HVmkEWlj173aWCebBzxcyOEvj3PwhIc3cfjrRjMg8tXYro5zeJ6l7V_hJtPDscWV5RXtrTShf_FuVHogyMs7obePSpjpDf996e_gM/s400/IMG_2316.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My students LOVE these and they're a great SELF-CHECKING, fine motor work out! Three matching cut and paste worksheets included. 52 Cards
total – 2 different pictures for each letter.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-XOtV1-nzxfSWY_JXLgETIWJshHUTGsTneJQeJpJ6_av0ZseErRbi1IYBhbl7uvDCzRxxOjiKHlLKgLlUXh7fX4wzdPnnUYapEBWLFwxwRD-EaVFZdbqbc2YzlGdcQOgV7GqFZ7vpDA/s400/IMG_2342.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Alphabet Match-Up Cards</strong> </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvbdqgl6PhJhBtg_KWUP7njXPXyBj1zNZJYOzCOiIoolpzZfd2HsgRlhc5UOrQ1VaGGR6huPObdJzcC5E-8-PRcfu0fLHvpXvO1jdYN5NtjfiZuMY28w0VOyPYgB9VzO150FAf1ouqhQ/s400/IMG_2310.jpg" width="400" /></a><strong> </strong></div>
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26 Upper & 26 Lower Case cards combined with 26 Picture Cards. Easily differentiated, so your students match upper case to lower case or letter to beginning sound picture. As a challenge, your students can arrange them in alphabetical order!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>“I have __, who has __?”</strong> <strong>Cards</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1431" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLJ5THOp2GzF5J8qqAygaYhvuFqYzwKguxSWl2aLNNc7xTLrW9crpImh6klzKY45iObvLK2I6FDo2237wm4RaRtruhyphenhyphenYDmA9RniTTltKNCHIRuyW-uiFQUbGOgO4e8FY1LOE64LCWfiQ/s400/IMG_2325.jpg" width="357" /></a><strong> </strong></div>
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27 cards for a whole group activity featuring letter sound and visual recognition.Easily differentiated so you can play all year - start off with letter recognition i.e. “I have C. Who has F?” and progress to letter sounds i.e. "I have /c/. Who has /f/?"!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Write the Room</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1600" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlVIX0-y6GHZmJjjnnNUd7EJp6a7NthMhxiqM1ps0FfGH5c31RLrBK1t5ZR2s3Ea2WpgzMpCnyJ85QTYrIcjqAV7qp9uYJXU_AbRURyNRFzcLi-YvEG1_TNluub-afKwdsVkreuemIPA/s400/IMG_2331.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This set includes 26 cards and 2 different recording sheets so you can differentiating according to student ability and the time you want the activity to take. If your students are starting out learning their letters or your center time is short, only place a few cards around the room. Advanced students or a longer center time? Place all 26 cards out and give students the corresponding sheet! They'll love have to find all of the cards and figure out the beginning sound!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Alphabet-Activities-for-Letters-and-Sounds-3417938" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1597" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAYXB8M8XkDQQG26mlZJX6KooY68Bk5b_LXDQdYAridp_RPhjIRclEEXjtjRLMzTm5NJP9PFpf1WOLHAFS-8DD27d0YXQl4IzO-abIgg3Emag0zfYs2oOUiC6nJXU9HSesZUZy9dBnvQ/s400/IMG_2341.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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This pack is now live on both in my TPT store and on Stephen's site, so be sure to check it out! There will be more collaborations coming in the future - Stephen Fite has some AWESOME songs that my students always love. We all know that music and learning go hand in hand, and I'm so excited to be able to create activities that go along with Stephen's songs!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHn4htCG6P7x7n2aAScn4qBIa5reA8SUeOQSojyUZ4VwcQxLXjLw1zMPGcmR_z_8xuRADWxzsRQXysIaf_fNcfjOBovtkcG6xqBqz0iQC5NKOo_mzIK8qww854elvVzTYw1WSZeODRtw/s1600/siggy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHn4htCG6P7x7n2aAScn4qBIa5reA8SUeOQSojyUZ4VwcQxLXjLw1zMPGcmR_z_8xuRADWxzsRQXysIaf_fNcfjOBovtkcG6xqBqz0iQC5NKOo_mzIK8qww854elvVzTYw1WSZeODRtw/s1600/siggy.png" /></a></div>
Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-88579635453934787262017-09-24T17:29:00.001-07:002022-07-20T22:15:05.278-07:00Exciting New STEM Technology For Your Classroom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQo5kzSvRjzA57-R1bOkRPrisxjGZmYXDMTWfXKRmYkqxvT_iOcNV-lzgFlghvu8gpu2Nyn0GG9FM9a06l78n-I-wCU66619H04iFFLnuByNuI53hFDOdGsb4sBYgng1osLCYorvokC4/s1600/sullivan+4d+animal+zoo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="613" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQo5kzSvRjzA57-R1bOkRPrisxjGZmYXDMTWfXKRmYkqxvT_iOcNV-lzgFlghvu8gpu2Nyn0GG9FM9a06l78n-I-wCU66619H04iFFLnuByNuI53hFDOdGsb4sBYgng1osLCYorvokC4/s400/sullivan+4d+animal+zoo.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
Recently I was contacted by ReTrak, a tech accessories company, about their Utopia 360 Augmented and Virtual Reality Bundles. Since I'm always looking for new STEM resources for my classroom, I agreed to give an honest review of their product here on my blog in exchange for a free sample.<br />
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First up was the 4D+ Dinosaur Experience. My 4 year old, Sullivan, LOVES dinosaurs, so we just had to take a look at this pack! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFPf6Unw5sS6gyvTR37DHXrapD9K00Xk8O55acSA6AgCdLGgR9rZ3Kqf5XgenoVwx_VTF1KZSizrUIZhN0Zzr0Bjt0XtPBprr_EdvtyYCpDOFZqkpdQ9Td4vomuu5GCliOVuCKW1MLqY/s1600/Sullivan+4d+dinosaur+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="907" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFPf6Unw5sS6gyvTR37DHXrapD9K00Xk8O55acSA6AgCdLGgR9rZ3Kqf5XgenoVwx_VTF1KZSizrUIZhN0Zzr0Bjt0XtPBprr_EdvtyYCpDOFZqkpdQ9Td4vomuu5GCliOVuCKW1MLqY/s400/Sullivan+4d+dinosaur+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It comes with a VR headset and a deck of augmented reality flashcards. </div>
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The app is free to download, you just input the code that comes with the cards to use it! The neat thing is that once you download the app and enter your code, the device does NOT need to be hooked up to wi-fi to work! This means that if you get some old iphones or android phones donated to your classroom, you can use them without having to log them into your school's wi-fi (I know that can be an issue at some schools!). I just downloaded the app at home on my old iphone and then used it offline at school! NOTE: you may have to remove protective cases. I have a large Otterbox case on my own iPhone and it was too big to fit into the headset, which is why I dug out my old iPhone.</div>
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You can also use the app and cards without the headset, if you have an Ipad or tablet. The advantage of going that route would be that students could share the device, thus allowing more than one child to have a turn at a time. I still love the headset for the immersion quality (Sully was hilarious to watch as he tried to reach out and "pet" the dinosaurs!) but in a classroom setting, the iPads might be a better option, simply because setting up and putting on the headset is really something an adult has to help with, whereas students should be able to manage the iPad app independently.<br />
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Here's Sullivan interacting with the iPad app. It really is as simple as opening the app and placing a card in front of the camera! <br />
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Next up we tried out the <a href="http://amzn.to/2jY8KKv" target="_blank">4D+ Animal Alphabet Zoo:</a><br />
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Again, the pack comes with the headset and cards, but the neat thing is that you can purchase the cards separately as well, so if you buy one set, you can use the headset with different packs of cards! As you can see, Sullivan gave it a thumbs up!</div>
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What I LOVED about these cards is that not only do they show an animal for each letter, there are also interactive food cards. If you place the correct food card next to the animal, it will move to the food card and 'eat". Here's a video of the Queen Bee and flower cards.</div>
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So not only can you use these cards in your alphabet lessons - each card has a large uppercase letter on the back, as well as the animal picture, letter and animal name on the front - but you can also use them as a science lesson as you discuss the eating habits of different animals! As you can see in this next video, Sullivan knew that horses eat hay, but he didn't know that hay is dried grass!<br />
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These packs (along with another one for Space!) are available at Amazon (affiliate links provided above) and also at Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Brookstone and Staples. I have to say that the quality of the app is top notch - using the cards with the iPad was simple and fun for Sullivan. The headset was a bit trickier to use, and we had to adjust it to make sure it wasn't blurry. Its not a high-end VR headset, but it doesn't have a high-end price tag either! Sullivan liked it well enough, but complained that his eyes were tired after about 15 minutes of sustained use. I tried it myself (and of course my older kids had to try it out too!) and we all agreed that for limited use it was fine, but sustained use of the headset (15+ minutes) did start to cause eye strain. Luckily, using the iPad solves that issue and honestly, with pre-k and K students, I think their attention would wane faster than their eyes would strain, so it wouldn't be an issue.<br />
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Overall, I think these packs are a fun STEM addition to any classroom! Not only would they expose your students to new technology, the Animal Alphabet set can also reinforce letters/sounds while the Dinosaur set also shows the dinosaur bones, which could be a great lead in to a unit on Paleontology! <br />
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Retrak was kind enough to offer to sponsor a giveaway for THREE bundles! Just click to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HerdingKats/photos/a.478393248859523.118375.440363715995810/1645038372194999/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">enter the giveaway on my Facebook page here</a>.<br />
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<br />Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-87458032256917325882017-08-27T13:32:00.002-07:002017-08-27T13:34:10.475-07:00Character Education: Teaching Kindness (FREEBIES)I wasn't surprised when one of my highest attended sessions at I Teach K this summer was my Kindness Counts! presentation. Let's face it, teaching kindness and other character traits is essential if you want to build a positive classroom community and cut down on the constant interruptions due to discipline issues. Today I'm going to share a few tips and ideas from that session, to help you get your school year off to a positive start!<br />
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First up is my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9dcRrSBVvmCkh8EyFLXaL7oGy96OA9De" target="_blank">Kindness Playlist</a> on youtube. Click the link to find 30+ teacher-approved videos that you can play in class to help teach your students Kindness as well as well as manners, resiliency and honesty!<br />
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For example, this episode of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTD4S-pj_nYUx1XyBs6bJNg" target="_blank">"Can You Teach My Alligator Manners?"</a>, focuses on the sign language for please and thank you and gives your students the chance to identify scenarios where the alligator is using good manners. The videos in this series are only about 2 minutes long, so they're perfect for Circle Time to introduce different concepts such a taking turns, sharing and being a good sport!<br />
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Sesame Street has an Everyday Super Heroes Club with videos, printable badges and more!<br />
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<a href="http://everydayheroes.sesamestreet.org/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://everydayheroes.sesamestreet.org/" border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="778" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXlpJjNJFSgJGVmspsAHg24G2Cv9A8zwX0NVOFxKI9-FxYqPkiQNf1LMXVHqNJoV-WCRoT88L_tBNug2RB5VLX75lWPVka9JYv2zBEiEPpH458SNoW2xvR3bbOqnagfdY5ZlI_pN2ji8/s320/kindness+sesame+street.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can find the <a href="http://everydayheroes.sesamestreet.org/" target="_blank">free membership materials here</a>!
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One of the things that has really changed my classroom community is instituting this "Saying "I'm Sorry" is the FIRST step" policy. Basically after saying sorry, the child has to ask the person they hurt how they can help them feel better. Sometimes its as simple as giving a hug, sometimes they request that the child not do whatever it was again, sometimes they ask the child to play a new game with them. It empowers the "victim" to decide how they want the other child to make amends! Daniel Tiger is a great show for social and emotional skills, and I'd often play it during inside recess or if we had lunch in the classroom because so many of the skills were applicable to my kiddos, and gave me a quick, singable reminder any time an issue came up - like the one for when a friend doesn't want to play with you which came in handy when friends wanted to branch out and play with other people.</div>
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Here are some of my favorite picture books that teach kindness and other character traits (affiliate links for your convenience) just click on the picture to see it on Amazon. These are great read aloud books that I love to use to teach about being kind and taking responsibility.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1404803637/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=de30ec89329326c6b8dd840129fecc38" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1404803637&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1404803637" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1934490806/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=e55ef01918c665736d07e0eb45a09115" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1934490806&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1934490806" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076145313X/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=8552587b9a418e092af9cfae6dd2b183" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=076145313X&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=076145313X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062298895/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=7cb2f3fdd07b720dd3c3106d880c062b" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062298895&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0062298895" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689873441/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=c3246adbe7e59463351534f2f365677c" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0689873441&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0689873441" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979928982/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=c1e4195aefae98d6ca3ce219660cf4dc" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0979928982&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0979928982" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-Marys-Extraordinary-Emily-Pearson-ebook/dp/B001R4CKIS/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1503855463&sr=8-2&keywords=kindness+is+cooler&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=1c11242738faad2a57cdbc88346f4992" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B001R4CKIS&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B001R4CKIS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kindness-Ninja-Recruiting-Brian-Williams-ebook/dp/B01N2U4TRD/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1503855463&sr=8-5&keywords=kindness+is+cooler&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=cedba31852c94a9a6afd2b48ab7ce1cf" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01N2U4TRD&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B01N2U4TRD" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
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Another thing that I use in my classroom are these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Kindness-Charcter-Songs-3359847" target="_blank">Kindness & Character Songs & Chants</a> (freebie!) </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Kindness-Charcter-Songs-3359847" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Kindness-Charcter-Songs-3359847" border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="780" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajWJsZs8z41urc3Nf7_IVFMAh84v1Na2V053XfhJyFv6SeSI2A8rIn8iwpd6iF0D_TFSD-YBJtKqTSL69C7l-7HW498E1_iiK3EEWKE75-3bLQE3HqzR3l3fIaLwJhSiLYgH4pA8jkjg/s200/kindness+pledge.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Kindness-Charcter-Songs-3359847" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Kindness-Charcter-Songs-3359847" border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="777" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNcGTL2vl2zxmOpXt_AGfD0SuVKVo7-Pn-LzMTftySYFwxhQe_9EzJjsEOGcLWc1m_G237MWYMhhtI5BEOsM5o3_37JuH9aJ9UnKOkd7uwYxg-vyl-tvOM7XufipGwOXgQpjXERdte_c/s200/justice.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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One of the things that I started last December was a Daily Act of Kindergarten Kindness. It was wonderful! My students were so happy to do sweet things for other classes, our principal and even each other! It truly made a difference in my classroom, and I was disappointed that I had waited until December to start it! Well this year I decided to start our RAKs in September! We're going to start the school year off with a bang by doing a random act of kindness every day! Each of the acts is simple, most don't cost a thing (the few that do are inexpensive!) and require little prep, so they're easy to incorporate into your BTS lessons! I'm sharing the calendar with you all today: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-3359920" target="_blank">Random Acts of Kindness Calendar for September 2017</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-3359920" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Calendar-3359920" border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="833" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u9lui4XOSJ1Znht2U0WsNsCdqXjkBkYHj2XeeyhKeqb8l0INdyU-9oD5M8RyP7afUTAiA4ZsXGDV1vjYIi4mngNNSBlYDASCu2srN33_vfVbr3m40QXKZA9OKKJRqK6QHSRXa76cndM/s400/september+kindness+calendar.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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And finally, I always teach about Martin Luther King Jr. in January. I think that's too late in the year as well. With the social climate these days, it just makes more sense to talk about these issues NOW. My <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Martin-Luther-King-Activities-Emergent-Reader-2955976" target="_blank">Martin Luther King Jr. Pack</a> has activities that are accessible for our young learners. It teaches the important concepts of changing the world through peace and love and that the change has to start with us. <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Martin-Luther-King-Activities-Emergent-Reader-2955976" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Martin-Luther-King-Activities-Emergent-Reader-2955976" border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="567" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY63tJjc3F2q7Zdm84vgusOeDGhIRzzHv744cuA8IvBQb9bVFdWCzT3Sz3hvH7ZNlIRh2zfbIqdN1Wmlol8pFEIanx2oRD7yfL8J_iyEqBizyJNKmQlTOGte4KatirBE6LmPpfuWlnSIk/s320/peace+dove.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>
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Here are two of the activities included in the pack, easy for pre-k to 1st graders to understand! </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Martin-Luther-King-Activities-Emergent-Reader-2955976" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Martin-Luther-King-Activities-Emergent-Reader-2955976" border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="956" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGbkLlcJylXhviFfnQeJJJ7SZ3cTU2hj36CHcC63sXMKZtXVe7gglS_hDl9CFqwzCmoMiTkKh-UJNAVM91fVL3b4OhnpbLPui48sStsT1xTIzXNYWeY1IZ6-nljwmTnwAsdr4A5FpQaM/s320/own+2+hands.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
If we start teaching about tolerance, kindness, fairness, honesty, peace and most of all LOVE at the beginning of the school year, we will reap the benefits all year long! I hope you'll be able to take these ideas back to school with you to build your classroom community! If you have tips of your own to share on building classroom community, please rustle up a comment below and share them!<br />
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Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-72517957349740935522017-08-20T17:48:00.001-07:002022-07-24T22:01:22.523-07:00Incorporating STEM in Kindergarten<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;">STEM Ideas for Kindergarten using Nursery Rhymes</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think my most popular session at SDE's I Teach K was my "S.T.E.A.M.ing Through Nursery Rhymes"! It's such a hot topic right now, but there isn't a whole lot out there for making it truly accessible in kindergarten. Today I'm going to share a little bit of that session with you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNjqDEwWKlQdR7is9PNjo0riRWivXcfAt5_F-pwZn7qdVWl-0Ka6bsOvsjyAfal-OfiKGGbJ2SM1cXoma-cwD_w0Vkxw5uv1AaoFW_NfNXyG5T6E9yUxGK6UyYnYil83EPQhTU6HOOUc/s1600/stem+in+kindergarten.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="1056" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNjqDEwWKlQdR7is9PNjo0riRWivXcfAt5_F-pwZn7qdVWl-0Ka6bsOvsjyAfal-OfiKGGbJ2SM1cXoma-cwD_w0Vkxw5uv1AaoFW_NfNXyG5T6E9yUxGK6UyYnYil83EPQhTU6HOOUc/s400/stem+in+kindergarten.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Poppins;">One of my favorite ways to incorporate technology into teaching nursery rhymes is by using a Green Screen app! I use <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/green-screen-by-do-ink/id730091131?mt=8" target="_blank">Green Screen by Do Ink</a> on my iPhone, it's $2.99 in the App store. Here's a quick clip of my son, Sullivan, reciting Baa Baa Black Sheep.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw3KZUczs7aq84PPRh9Xq4J4zC8fXoylZIQDa3RtFiwm1U8Ne3qHe0UjBMxLlqhEwkYKKvm_N7-HOinLD5sXw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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I simply hung a piece of green felt on my wall and googled a picture of a sheep in a field. Sully was totally not into being filmed (I bribed him with Dum Dums, if you look he has two fistfuls!), he hates the flash on my camera so even when I promise him it won't flash he tends to look away anyways. However, once he saw the finished product with the sheep behind him he was enthralled! He wanted to do it again and again and kept asking to do different rhymes to see what would pop up behind him! It works the same with students! They LOVE seeing themselves on screen, and putting together some video clips of students reciting nursery rhymes is a great way to start an Open House or Parent Teacher Conferences!<br />
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Engineering challenges can be hard in Kindergarten! Their little fingers may have difficulties manipulating the materials, so often we call in our 5th grade friends for help. However, I like to start the year with a challenge they can complete on their own so they have some experience before calling in older helpers. I find this gives them more confidence in their ideas, so its not so much the 5th graders leading the challenge as being directed by the Kinders. One of the easiest engineering challenges for Kinders is this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Miss-Muffet-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-2703104?aref=ic4hucry" target="_blank">Building a Tuffet challenge</a> for the Little Miss Muffet rhyme.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Miss-Muffet-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-2703104?aref=moq04rds" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Miss-Muffet-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-2703104?aref=moq04rds" border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="572" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmg-wR1UyZEneud-zGHCREYNcKrXFHMbH0Q2voLOiu4CMrAbgECPvuZAhjQy-pHZahYtOYbD_stUOXGnxfNBknWQU9ImtGyRViC6Sa8BbStOM2ebeN8Z4g5DKQ7S-Cf_NOSzynT7FDuk/s320/little+miss+muffet.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
This challenge requires just some paper towel rolls, tape, glue and construction paper, along with a doll or two to play Miss Muffet!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Miss-Muffet-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-2703104?aref=moq04rds" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Miss-Muffet-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-2703104?aref=moq04rds" border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="606" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvUMMKPanA8RmkfpaoBQ1sUGH1anrTgc19BkOlSPvNQB8i7naE9WHjDGAMyDXX6bnPBbEsG8Y35ZAQwhV8MoLT-2oWrjZn-0lc4Hu3enbxxWGUn1Edidm8LSzEcBZGdo9NrTqVanT6no/s320/little+miss+muffet+engineering+challenge.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
I have my kinders work in groups, but you could easily have them complete this challenge on their own as well. You can see that there were several different ideas for creating the "tuffet"!</span></div>
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Incorporating art into nursery rhymes is easy, but I always try to move away from simple crafts to actual process art. For our <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tiny-Tim-Turtle-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-3210042" target="_blank">Tiny Tim nursery rhyme</a> we used different sizes of bubble wrap to paint our turtles and the kids loved it!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tiny-Tim-Turtle-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-3210042" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tiny-Tim-Turtle-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-3210042" border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="756" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXv_EtolO-fi9y0Bf6-0C5B048QOlhI09VfZeegM_Wn-Ri3DUbq2Z5laP8WpQvPDs1r8pgoyweYYacn3AFuIr-7ODRiO0EaIYzKy8M1DZDDQCq5rrRKVmZNbXP81BsiPj47sX-oLC3UXw/s320/tiny+tim+art.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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Tying in math concepts is easy with some of the nursery rhymes. For example, for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hickory-Dickory-Dock-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-3246160?aref=si42mxec" target="_blank">Hickory Dickory Dock</a> we combine retelling with learning to tell time! I made this clock out of a cereal box and the mice from felt. As we retell the nursery rhyme, we use a different clock face and change the time in the rhyme!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hickory-Dickory-Dock-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-3246160?aref=si42mxec" target="_blank"><img div="" style="text-align: center;" />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hickory-Dickory-Dock-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-3246160" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hickory-Dickory-Dock-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-3246160" border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="535" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZ7zpN2vkPriT7phIZcNYEnNIEqzxNOky2bW4vOJthvsECxQhxtNGaBqTftnufkr_Pz1BPQG_gCueFR-jK4RtHv9iYCZPhpNqGLHb-RipplOMrFK4onG0S611Cg8fA8JAuyI49RqxvPI/s320/hickory+dock+clock.png" width="265" /></span></a></div>
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And of course we can't forget the Science aspect of S.T.E.A.M.! I incorporate a demonstration or experiment with each of my nursery rhyme units:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISbYrofS-KjH9qNaqaVbaGS4YDf0EWHh9rXHfN_qQbKGViFCaV_ZnCNDx_ADcd0r38t88BZ7RAPtQVzl68RcG2gz8z0tUpHXCWubLDyOjKbIvb2BZBfthtS2U5LWNT2Q3F57pcNvrTmA/s1600/jack+be+nimble+fire+experiment.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="575" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISbYrofS-KjH9qNaqaVbaGS4YDf0EWHh9rXHfN_qQbKGViFCaV_ZnCNDx_ADcd0r38t88BZ7RAPtQVzl68RcG2gz8z0tUpHXCWubLDyOjKbIvb2BZBfthtS2U5LWNT2Q3F57pcNvrTmA/s320/jack+be+nimble+fire+experiment.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
Like this demonstration on what fire needs with the rhyme <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Jack-Be-Nimble-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-2650760?aref=zfz4zvsi" target="_blank">Jack Be Nimble</a> - perfect for Fire Safety in October!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Humpty-Dumpty-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-2845344" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Humpty-Dumpty-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-2845344" border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="679" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAro_LAK_v4P9tiVWtXG39Mmw7HF3B8NMh-LDJCJot3aVofNmTi4AxLjn66Lk_2hZVT27kpYl2CBzXSdyOvSznVQ5HQGWil3q-9Jnkx72niRknAkaLY4ciKHNilWQxr6B3_8qcnw5tyas/s320/gravity+humpty+dumpty+experiment.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
Or an experiment on gravity for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Humpty-Dumpty-STEM-Nursery-Rhyme-Unit-2845344" target="_blank">Humpty Dumpty</a> using sand, flour and marbles! </span></div>
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Another way that I incorporate STEM ideas in my classroom is through our center materials. I have so many different types of building materials from blocks to magnetic tiles to 3d shapes to natural wood pieces to plastic cups! You'd be amazed at what the kids can build with these materials! However, while I was at I Teach K this summer I saw a great, new product at a booth and had to have it! </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blocks-Rock-STEM-Building-Educational/dp/B005D1HQ9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503255172&sr=8-1&keywords=blocksrock" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Blocks-Rock-STEM-Building-Educational/dp/B005D1HQ9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503255172&sr=8-1&keywords=blocksrock" border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="300" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06aTEQHhdUntS6QdXDbqVGnHtXJZBDGZASRkF2D1nOH3oymLieFiIFDJCPGXPQu9NO1QFftxbEmUUu4rM7IVuHxlS_01Nrh3uU5ms2w-hhFpIDoUWtc7IF_w1HWPbVjIaB6CdzjOzdp4/s400/blocksrock.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
Meet <a href="http://www.blocksrock.com/" target="_blank">BlocksRock</a>. This product was created by a group of 6th graders! It comes in a handy, zippered carrying case for easy clean up and storage. It includes 2 levels of cards along with a bell. There's a free app that extends the fun even more!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZAY0VAoehCPTpDZmK3n7wwHwUKgOByXu72PrQcMXZUxhemQTESc5sd-WjoGlA-wptD1FXUDPAhYIwmhWElzLj9v1Hz9oTMpdskLJJc22e1UC5iLZG4uaLlAIwFBNru_JCmnirTb_MXk/s1600/blocksrock+at+iteachk.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="640" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZAY0VAoehCPTpDZmK3n7wwHwUKgOByXu72PrQcMXZUxhemQTESc5sd-WjoGlA-wptD1FXUDPAhYIwmhWElzLj9v1Hz9oTMpdskLJJc22e1UC5iLZG4uaLlAIwFBNru_JCmnirTb_MXk/s320/blocksrock+at+iteachk.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
This is me with at the BlocksRock booth at I teach K with their incredibly friendly staff!</span></div>
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Angie from BlocksRock was gracious enough to allow me to try a set out for myself. I brought it home and started playing it with Sullivan. Since he's only 4 and his spatial awareness is still developing, I allowed him to build at his own pace rather than racing against me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgZmwxt5mytW2ibjYRYgaVIPxTxQUrodpMyRM05s-NZbDgiWcv4DlgP2tnAunQ7xEDu3C5SQ26CcNHHv6Sq7ypFoGY5RoKmiNjxH1fDUkXZmqfYaKX-B8Dw6JtJJiCtddzOx5WU8LJMU/s1600/blocksrock+sully.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="796" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgZmwxt5mytW2ibjYRYgaVIPxTxQUrodpMyRM05s-NZbDgiWcv4DlgP2tnAunQ7xEDu3C5SQ26CcNHHv6Sq7ypFoGY5RoKmiNjxH1fDUkXZmqfYaKX-B8Dw6JtJJiCtddzOx5WU8LJMU/s320/blocksrock+sully.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
He loved being able to ring the bell when he was finished! Initially he played for 20 minutes straight, which was awesome for a 4 year old's attention span! We've played with the set several times in the past month and I can already see a big difference in his ability level. We started with the Level 1 cards and he is now able to easily complete the Level 2 cards and even some of the Level 3s! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ72gB0aFJ7XFluH-eKH0rwktN1weIDDs8DhPTi0-Op7t9jOX68Q9JDQnsDfYsRNoFYfUOVUcw4GjFNVvvc1ROxrMX4uxMn_nBPhKBqS25Iuq-ZI9oJY6BMvQ0OEGZs0CryJE_lAhJPcU/s1600/blocksrock+app.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ72gB0aFJ7XFluH-eKH0rwktN1weIDDs8DhPTi0-Op7t9jOX68Q9JDQnsDfYsRNoFYfUOVUcw4GjFNVvvc1ROxrMX4uxMn_nBPhKBqS25Iuq-ZI9oJY6BMvQ0OEGZs0CryJE_lAhJPcU/s320/blocksrock+app.JPG" width="281" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
Here's a picture of what I built with the app!<br />
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I took my set to my first day of in-service training and soon had all of the teachers playing it too! Our 3rd grade teacher is using some leftover grant money to purchase some sets! You can buy them either through the BlockRock website or on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blocks-Rock-STEM-Building-Educational/dp/B005D1HQ9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503255172&sr=8-1&keywords=blocksrock" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (affiliate link) There's a discount for buying 2 sets, and if you buy 5 you get a set free! These are perfect for after school Science Clubs, STEM Nights or even in your classroom Block Center! I honestly can say that this product can go from Pre-K all the way to at least 5th grade in a classroom setting. Not only has Sullivan played it, but my 10, 13, and 18 year old kiddos also tried it out and enjoyed it! I even got my 18 year old to put down her phone for a full twenty minutes to play it with me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzC_Y3zBfL6EfkVqis_t7gnqkBtr5Q40HTOwURRYwLhzOcNMh9zbJUIV0guuakE-amd3gABZbYDTmOXvuNW5g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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Want to win your own <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blocks-Rock-STEM-Building-Educational/dp/B005D1HQ9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503255172&sr=8-1&keywords=blocksrock" target="_blank">BlocksRock set</a> AND your choice of one of my Nursery Rhyme STEM packs? Enter this Rafflecopter drawing for your chance to win! </span></div>
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Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-10520598816897885352017-08-13T14:42:00.004-07:002022-07-24T21:41:42.079-07:00Three ESSENTIALS For Math Center (FREEBIE)<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;">Setting up Math Centers in Kindergarten</span></h1>
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At my Fun-tastic Games & Activities for Building Early Math Skills session at SDE's I Teach K in Vegas I presented about some of my favorite Math Centers. <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/teaching-supplies-and-stationery/curriculum-projects-and-activities/math-a1-551481.fltr?categoryFromSearch=true&rd=math" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading Co</a>. was generous enough to sponsor some giveaways during the session for items that I use in my centers, so I wanted to give a shout out to them, they always have great, inexpensive materials for my centers! Today I'm sharing a little bit from that session, to give you some math center ideas for kindergarten that will help save you time and make your Math Centers more engaging this school year! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw25w6CT_5A7wA-0ePSQ3wjjJxJIllIIaAyg3yPQCUIM0yiV_9-lZnDf1wTr0hYDcLh3iki4BcZUmCzXD8oxg-1WCuddqLLm5Of1JxaKApuVcSRcg4qpy87a2sxFnGRG_Bcwijznsdj0/s1600/math+centers.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="771" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw25w6CT_5A7wA-0ePSQ3wjjJxJIllIIaAyg3yPQCUIM0yiV_9-lZnDf1wTr0hYDcLh3iki4BcZUmCzXD8oxg-1WCuddqLLm5Of1JxaKApuVcSRcg4qpy87a2sxFnGRG_Bcwijznsdj0/s400/math+centers.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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One of my biggest Aha! moments was when I realized that it was <b>way</b>
easier to change the CONTENT of a Math Center rather than having to
teach a whole new set of rules/procedures each time because I changed
the activity. Today I'm sharing the 3 essentials for my math centers - I
change up the themes frequently, and differentiate the skill level or
content, but once I teach my students how to use these essentials, I'm
set for the year! I can change the look of the games and my students'
engagement is renewed, yet I'm not wasting time teaching how to use new
materials!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: x-large;"><b>#1 Dice</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="990" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEZ8wPV-DN_O9xMBEj0e2rGLC6bNActiVsAXW-4ryKSb8dUb_Qzi1ifYZiIuYKTuiUKpOiWKzKY5ApBMHdW2t41ziYmFWtFM5A8EnUFzwde8r17Pk5vsmAeDnqWJH5zkLj05_Y4r2IS8/s400/IMG_0610.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
I love dice because they're so versatile, and you can get so many different kinds - dice with numbers, dice with dots, dice with shapes, dice with 6 sides all the way to 20! Once I teach my students the rules of using our dice (shake once, roll gently, keep dice on the table) we are good to go with whichever dice fit our game! One of the first games I introduce is <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258">Roll & Cover</a>. I love this because depending on the mat and dice you use, students can be practicing one to one correspondence, number recognition, shapes recognition, addition or subtraction! When we introduce addition, students play with 2 dice, adding them together and finding the sum.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="993" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29V-k2jRcO8Qhd4lMa8usa9jy3kiLxnT4s-8JOxr6T96foEbkOSf_6eQmB1dWf7EeXe6r-K8OyVr27VJazTz_yY8ykNwYgZnbXrdE0lCt8P_NV_LtNEOVBdnYUEsF3CWvHoBpr_OtRS8/s400/IMG_0608.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Later in the year, my students play with 3 dice, adding them all together for sums up to 18!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1043" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-_M2u1fznu6RJH3hQFCKkO_ZEEFA_PvyPb_PFbfosUHPcK_vbt1WujtaluzPXFedeDmuEpVKZJU5zpj-oeio426gG6nFVXmFNJ1_UM7E65Bk-rao51yDp_EV2s3IL7W4LNcytAbtOZ4/s400/IMG_0611.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
When we introduce subtraction, the game play changes slightly so that they roll the dice and subtract the smaller number from the larger number and find the difference.<br />
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We also use our dice to play<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258"> Ten Frame Fill-Up</a>! In this game, each child rolls a dice an places that many tokens onto their ten frame, filling them from top to bottom, left to right. The first one to fill up all 3 ten frames and reach 30 wins! <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1016" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl77vYuPnVR021RASxLNzX8ud5iQ-Qm4GHzSveR0N2Ea3ysHZLXAqTZ8zl_KzoFsFIBK3Xh66-vbfPGYOSR0C8FhbMNtGElS9BwIWcPphyphenhyphenyXghv5EaZuU_0NGnHfyczSvs-YPU7KeEPuk/s400/IMG_0606.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
For all of these games, we just use dice and tokens from <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/teaching-supplies-and-stationery/curriculum-projects-and-activities/math-a1-551481.fltr?categoryFromSearch=true&rd=math" rel="nofollow">Oriental Trading Company</a>. They have these round, colorful stacking blocks that are perfect to use as tokens - they come in a ton of colors and with 400 to a pack, there's enough to even split a pack with a teacher friend!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="798" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZXHXUxlRS_tvmgCMp2saaE88qBCxFZr86YezB9CPQFpY9G55naXHVwy1kgItY19QjUfU6xzClwzyfzqJTfeSSwXGpkgThEP1PuxHL1MOejjUcX9oGzOMi6CFARJITVXA-6TRCanPsZo/s400/roll+cover+shapes.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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We also use Geometric Dice from Oriental Trading to play <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258">Roll & Cover with shapes</a>, and even <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258">Roll & Graph</a>!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="997" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2myMB925gVlrQ-aH92Nr_UXWHfCG_HQLXpR4TnFnK919wiKYWOq5OQp1o1y17nGWVCZjON5fsQIIPn1K6g5IcERyhb2w2QFBBwwnEEcLOXgdhv688tkz9fd9wO4INBnjBAiyloorg3s/s400/roll+cover+shapes2.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: x-large;">#2 Dominoes </span></b></div>
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I also love using dominoes in the classroom - they're great for one to one correspondence, subitizing and more! They're inexpensive so I've even had some luck with asking parents to donate a set or two to the classroom (in case you need ideas for a Wishlist!). My students love my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258">Domino Math pack </a>too!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="925" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDe8snY55m4sntEBl0RGK0xbcH2SdjWpQwRSUMI3y2g7ujz8gK0mTHqZlQaOxIE9cbCxifGSwpgSqfkI4Ls036mBb7T028N0F-Gi1MsjCTfE8VwpNfjkv1s-zG4VFMeraasADhPLZRc4g/s400/IMG_0471.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Creating number bonds is easy with dominoes!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1054" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQS_V5QxfPTHC543Alurvyvy5bc2JVoS3RrcuohdSsb6oCpZcCwLVadumEEeJmn-VNB8JfqEndrLAcatVlWJqn3d8Lfk3e1OqDVOHRyS7pKfXHhEjOVCO-9YJ-cUsjqaXEZeoEUQE3aqc/s400/domino+3.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
We also use dominoes when comparing numbers!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1055" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLeY1uX8G76pscdftHk4U1Z7cIJVY-Y-PgTLzrO6PIrqOjwnUtt1PPXUKSsrXGqzrepYTIFPmS5i2-SYt_Ip_mkOocYF1SoSLWLrkwsRHjU7NJAYpAFDz_SPZhEtWjhNn-AsghwYg0Xs/s400/domino+1.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">
I use them to help students learn vertical addition as well! <br />
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<span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: x-large;"><b>#3 Playing Cards</b></span></div>
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Playing cards are a must-have for Math Centers because there are so many no-prep games you can play with them! Go Fish is an easy game for number recognition for example. (I get my playing cards donated by the local casino, so that's why there are holes punched in the cards.) You can have your students sort them, place them in numerical order, even create 2 or 3 digit numbers!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1068" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgde4kdM_HbjeRNS4sCOt6SDc-EN3t998_f4eTwHksTXRX2eGCpd-V4cj9PtJqLi-SP9aJWmgQN2Vzc0OxqW0vk-BbZ8arF3R5gNFGWUcXUzcHmy1vsCi1oQBfK6ncpEiMybkNyePEbFVs/s400/IMG_0613.JPG" width="400" /></a> </span></div>
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I love using playing cards for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258">fact families</a>. Just draw two cards and the students write the addition and subtraction equations to match! Using the cards means that if students get confused they can count the shapes on the card, so it supports my lower students. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258" border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1248" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoOuA_QHQwyJVOFluUdGq2bKDUITdwa04rbB1qHBQ-5IpDt3FRR_vxgZ974ZszGfU22ChydHt7eNpbILxUq6tSJ74x7tZLfC5L9HzaaOZsqdmBNbKHCfNvvDxzqoeW7uPVT_7G9V2bxg/s400/IMG_0616.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Comparing numbers is easy with cards as well - just remove the face cards!</span></div>
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With these 3 inexpensive items, you'll easily cover all your Math Skills throughout the year! Your students will also love getting to "play" with dice, dominoes and playing cards, so they'll remain motivated and engaged during centers - it's a win-win! All of the above games can be played easily with a whiteboard and dry erase marker, but if you'd like to grab my Math Bundles to make it easy on yourself, you can see them here: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Centers-for-Dice-and-Playing-Cards-3332258">Math Centers for Dice and Playing Cards</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Domino-Math-3241628">Domino Math!</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Raccoon-Themed-Roll-Cover-Number-Recogntion-Sampler-Pack-1909046" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Raccoon-Themed-Roll-Cover-Number-Recogntion-Sampler-Pack-1909046" border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="350" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHyVhNq3tDbHkUhEw25wPNi7XPIF2Hn6NnBacrCxFZtxkwNPv4kIa9NuwhB3mTOQrxFGhVEHAxlX1lthzB4aOHGtm-pTsmee2uP8H4OVgpzYWZW5vJDQCOKlifFebGdvKJnWnaOvJMyY/s400/original-1909046-1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Visit my store and grab this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Raccoon-Themed-Roll-Cover-Number-Recogntion-Sampler-Pack-1909046" target="_blank">Roll & Cover Sampler pack</a> for FREE - perfect to go with The Kissing Hand!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /><br /></span>Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-59238551000547105742017-07-30T15:25:00.004-07:002022-07-24T22:07:49.264-07:00Activities for the First Day of Kindergarten<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;">Fun and simple ideas for the first day of kindergarten</span></h1><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;">The first day of school can be stressful - for both teachers and students! Here are my tried and true <b>first day of kindergarten activities to make your day go smoothly</b>!</span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56jb2JBJ6Fi0LGXKh4P4mBtLhyphenhyphenHrmWA2GbANsJ80GklMko69ZGF_1plSTkbZNTJcI5JX9n-oXW0pCLXKNB1KExXgkYMM6mzSAjsN3eKOSafq93N26RtR90beCAKsJxNbSgQ4h13DICr0/s1600/procedures.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1056" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56jb2JBJ6Fi0LGXKh4P4mBtLhyphenhyphenHrmWA2GbANsJ80GklMko69ZGF_1plSTkbZNTJcI5JX9n-oXW0pCLXKNB1KExXgkYMM6mzSAjsN3eKOSafq93N26RtR90beCAKsJxNbSgQ4h13DICr0/s400/procedures.png" width="400" /> </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The first thing I focus on with my kindergarten students is teaching <b>Routines & Procedures</b>! I cannot stress enough how important it is to take the first 2 weeks of school and devote it solely to teaching Routines & Procedures. This will be the foundation of your whole year. Teach your students what is expected of them and how to function in your classroom and you will reap the benefits <b>ALL YEAR LONG</b>!</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">But, <span><b>which procedures should you teach first?</b> </span>Have you heard the saying "Maslow before Bloom"? The first day of kindergarten is when you have to make sure you take care of your students' needs and anxieties so that you can eventually start teaching them. In my experience, almost every student will come in on the first day of kindergarten <b>WORRIED ABOUT THE SAME 3 THINGS</b>! It will <b>save you so much heartache and hassle</b> if you address those 3 issues <b>FIRST</b>! And the <b>BONUS</b> is that you can turn taking care of these<b> NEEDS </b>into engaging activities for the first day of kindergarten that will make your students happy and comfortable in your classroom!</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><b>#1 How do I get home?
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;">When their parents walk out the door on that first day, our students immediately begin stressing about the end of the day! How will their parents find them? At what point will they be able to get out of this place? What happens if their parent forgets or gets lost? What about taking the bus - how will they know which bus or daycare van to board? It is super important to <b>ease that anxiety</b>, and if you start your first mini lesson with "Here's what we're going to do at the end of the day to make sure you get home." <b>I</b> <b>GUARANTEE</b> you will have every one of your students listening raptly!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Now, this doesn't mean that you need a big long lesson about ways to get home. I sing a song about the different ways we go home, and use some felt board pieces as I sing. Then we do a simple pictorial graph where each child colors an icon about the way they get home and adds it to the class graph. Later on in the week we'll continue the lesson with an emergent reader and then we'll create our first Class Book! <b>Tip</b>: make sure parents fill out the going home info at your Back To School Night, so if a child is unsure, you can refer to your list! Here's an example of our <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-Do-We-Go-Home-Emergent-Reader-Song-Graph-More-3297452">"How Do We Go Home?" graph</a> - I always have my students color their picture and write their names on the back before adding it to the graph.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-Do-We-Go-Home-Emergent-Reader-Song-Graph-More-3297452"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-Do-We-Go-Home-Emergent-Reader-Song-Graph-More-3297452" border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqOPG0UWJEY9rlbiEJqIGtVZsLbtS-5I4_fvA5OQAlvGDvcfbuB9h_9d4IWJgbDa9kgxU9ka53-NfvsuUwWtqVU7OiAsY3-ZQSTPMvbLDF1Ld8Vpbz0eoSXcbP6PPj03pLMpL_klnR64/s400/IMG_1464.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">At the end of this first mini lesson, you have your first class graph to display, which you can refer to throughout the week - counting how many students walk home versus ride the bus etc. So you're incorporating your first Math Standards at the same time as alleviating their Number 1 Fear! Later on in the week we'll continue the lesson by having each child color their own emergent reader to take home and read, and then we'll create a class book where every child gets their own page!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"> <span><b> <span>Grab all of these activities in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-Do-We-Go-Home-Emergent-Reader-Song-Graph-More-3297452">How Do We Get Home? pack!</a></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;">The next thing you'll need to teach, because at this point in the morning it's going to be a <b>NECESSITY</b>, is <b>Bathroom Procedures</b>! At the beginning of the year, kindergarten students have bladders that are about the same size as a Chihuahua's. As the year goes by, you'll be able to train them to "hold it" for longer periods and to almost go "on schedule" but at the beginning of the year, that potty sees a LOT of use! And of course, to 5 year olds, knowing where the bathroom is and preventing embarrassing accidents, is high on their list of anxieties. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;">At this point I quickly go over how we ask to go to the bathroom, what terminology we use (because no one wants to hear "I gotta poop!"), where it is and what we do inside the bathroom - and what we don't do! If you have a single classroom bathroom, your procedures will vary from those who have to walk the entire class down the hall to the bathroom. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hand-Washing-Procedures-Reader-Poster-and-Sequencing-Pocket-Chart-3292633?aref=jxilj01d"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hand-Washing-Procedures-Reader-Poster-and-Sequencing-Pocket-Chart-3292633?aref=jxilj01d" border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqRJEPZVk2-SPK3ot1DrxifJ4bKTaciLnJO6yPHlcshILfDyAN7eQb_DhZsIolruL4GvQfJDI72rhZN_O7kb5k1IUdKzi21AQLnJ93vkz-eqztwX-HLMs53cb6ARqpBpYvVYMhStgwZE/s400/IMG_1469.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;">In my class, we talk about closing the door, wiping, flushing, and hand washing. I actually demonstrate our handwashing because it makes me cringe to see children get a handful of soap and then stick their hands under the tap and rinse it all away before they even had a chance to lather up! I created a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hand-Washing-Procedures-Reader-Poster-and-Sequencing-Pocket-Chart-3292633">Handwashing Procedures Pack</a> which includes pocket chart sequencing pieces, a poster to hang by the sink, a printable b&w reader and a cut and paste sequencing sheet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span> </span><b><span># 3 Am I going to get fed?</span></b></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">After you've taken care of their most pressing biological need, its time to focus on their stomachs! Every child wants to know when they will be fed! It's especially important in Title I schools, where some children may not get regular meals at home, to reassure children that you WILL feed them every day. Once you've covered that basic fact, you'll have to go over Cafeteria Procedures because it's a totally different experience than they're used to from eating at home. 99% of your students have never held a tray in their lives. Don't let the first time be when it's full of food and a milk carton AND they're attempting to walk AND find their seat in the cafeteria! That's just going to lead to disaster (and extra clean up for your custodians!). I have an <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Editable-Cafeteria-Procedures-3297532">EDITABLE Cafeteria Procedures <b>FREEBIE</b></a> for you too!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></div>
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</span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I play the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Editable-Cafeteria-Procedures-3297532">Cafeteria Procedures powerpoint </a>on my Smartboard and we discuss each slide. If you don't have a Smartboard, print each slide and show them to your students as you discuss the different points. Also, talk with your cafeteria staff beforehand and get a few trays to practice with. Ask if they'll let you do a "dry run" of the salad bar/cafeteria so your students can see it all beforehand. Ask your Special Ed, Speech and Counseling coworkers who aren't yet pulling their students to come down and help out with the first couple of lunch periods. <b>Game Changer Tip</b>: when your students get their lunch trays, lay their milk down <b>on its side</b> rather than standing it upright! We tried it last year and we had fewer dropped trays without that unwieldy milk carton causing issues!</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Once you've gotten through these first 3 activities for the first day of kindergarten, it's probably time to teach your students how to line up and walk in the hallway. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Don't forget to grab your <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Transition-Songs-for-Lining-Up-1940028?aref=b6zh5ls1">FREE Line Up Chants</a> - they make lining up a treat! I put mine on a ring and hang them by the door so we can choose a new one periodically - keeping it novel means that your students are more likely to pay attention!</span><br />
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Using these activities for your first day of kindergarten is sure to make your day go smoothly! And chances are, if you can start your school year with a good first day, the rest of your year will follow suit! Being sensitive to student needs is the best way to build good relationships with your students and create a warm and welcoming classroom community!</span></div>
</div>Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369565567676810137.post-77892460365764354602017-01-24T18:24:00.003-08:002022-07-20T22:16:15.043-07:00Spring Life Cycles (Crown FREEBIE!)As the end of winter approaches (at least here in Oklahoma!) it's time to start thinking ahead to Spring Life Cycles! It's wise to think ahead, because sometimes it can take a few weeks to order and receive specimens to observe in the classroom. Affiliate links are included for your convenience.<br />
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Here are some of my favorite animal life cycles to observe in the classroom, and some resources to make them even better!<br />
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Frogs:<br />
Warning...be very careful as to the species of tadpole that you order. Some frogs have an extremely long tadpole stage, and your students won't be able to see the metamorphosis before the end of the school year! <a href="http://growafrog.com/">GrowaFrog.com</a> has some kits that promise quick metamorphosis, or you can order tadpoles in different stages of their metamorphosis!<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0865058865" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B009435MXO" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B004DJ6602" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B00ZCZT1C6" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Giant-Magnetic-Cycle/dp/B004DJ6602/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1485148949&sr=8-4&keywords=life+cycle+of+frog&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=d8b65185a354eb17a6ca24f816252fee" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0778706818&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0778706818&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004DJ6602&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0778706818" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Safari-Ltd-Life-Cycle-Frog/dp/B009435MXO/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1485148949&sr=8-1&keywords=life+cycle+of+frog&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=ba41681f705602c17d63f389ff344747" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B009435MXO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Folkmanis-Mini-Finger-Puppet-Plush/dp/B00ZCZT1C6/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1485149659&sr=1-5&keywords=frog+puppet&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=c0fb8278eceffd3fbeffc20fdceaf2c1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00ZCZT1C6&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2j3w83d">The Life Cycle Of A </a><a href="http://amzn.to/2j3w83d">Frog</a> is by Bobbie Kalman. She has several Life Cycle books and Children's Science books. I like her Life Cycle books becuase they have a lot of information on the animal, before even getting into the life cycle. It's 32 pages, includes a Glossary and Table of Contents, and lots of great photos of frogs! Learning Resources has a great <a href="http://amzn.to/2j3CQGr">Giant Magnetic Frog Life Cycle Set</a> that has 9 large pieces! This would be a great activity for your Science Center! Safari Ltd. has a <a href="http://amzn.to/2k6MA4D">Life Cycle of a Frog set</a> with 5 pieces. This set is great for allowing students to examine the different stages of the frog life cycle up close and hands-on! The<a href="http://amzn.to/2jP32sl"> Folkmanis Mini Frog Finger Puppet</a> would also be great for retelling ~ puppets are super at ensuring student engagement!<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chick-Life-Cycle-Elizabeth-Bennett/dp/0439876583/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485145658&sr=1-4&refinements=p_82:B002ZJH8GS,p_n_feature_browse-bin:2656022011&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=e608b3987a5904f98b2474b59bff7511" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0439876583&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0439876583" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceable-Kingdom-Chickens-Winning-Cooperative/dp/B004HVKAAS/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1485198430&sr=1-12&keywords=chicken&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=7513cb4d2672871fa2486615ad3e0a08" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004HVKAAS&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B004HVKAAS" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B0145O6C0S" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/G-Q-F-Manufacturing-1602N-Hova-Bator-Incubator/dp/B0145O6C0S/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1485198789&sr=8-8&keywords=egg+incubator&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=14bb0b73bea93dfb7f01fe96177162aa" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0145O6C0S&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Where-Chicks-Lets-Read-Find-Out-Science/dp/0064452123/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0064452123&pd_rd_r=GDMAEQ5RJF7F75KNR001&pd_rd_w=3YjIp&pd_rd_wg=CGa7r&psc=1&refRID=GDMAEQ5RJF7F75KNR001&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=3a081a1726d1dbb4cb623b30aea5cb97" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0064452123&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0064452123" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> My very favorite science activity is raising chicks in the classroom! I've done it every year I've been teaching, and it is the highlight of the year - the kids always remember how many chicks we had, their names and other details. This life cycle requires more expensive equipment than others, but its worth it! I usually get my eggs from local farmers via a Craigslist ad in the Farm section (please be careful when meeting or giving out personal information!) or by buying eggs off of EBay, but if you're lucky you might also have a an outreach program from a local university with an agriculture program that will provide fertilized eggs and even come do lessons on candling the eggs! Chick Life Cycle is a Science Vocabulary Reader with simple text and great photos. <a href="http://amzn.to/2jUxIJ8">Count Your Chickens</a> is a cooperative board game (meaning everyone wins or everyone loses) which I love for teaching 1-1 correspondence, turn taking and social skills. It also requires no reading, so it can be an independent Math Center activity for up to 4 students! I have a <a href="http://amzn.to/2jRn6KI">Hova-Bator Incubator</a> that I've used for 7 years now - it is a great little incubator with an affordable price!<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2jRtyla">Where Do Chicks Come From?</a> by Amy Sklansky is a great book with illustrations instead of photos. I like how it explains that the eggs that we eat can never hatch into chicks. It does refer to roosters and sperm, but in a very general way, without showing how fertilization actually occurs.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Readers-Caterpillar-Butterfly-ebook/dp/B008OBR1KY/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485143462&sr=1-7&keywords=life+cycle&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=b8246b0a1f9db8bd01ae36bced56dd8e" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B008OBR1KY&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B008OBR1KY" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B015HLX92M" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pinkalicious-Little-Butterfly-Victoria-Kann/dp/0062410717/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485156361&sr=1-22&keywords=butterfly&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=60a23bb75ea46d4ed23fd4efa84a8e28" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062410717&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0062410717" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Folkmanis-Monarch-Cycle-Reversible-Puppet/dp/B019K9NJPE/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1485147917&sr=1-4&keywords=butterfly+puppet&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=16c871ba8d7999e432232dc3e6c951c1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B019K9NJPE&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Insect-Lore-04760-Butterfly-Stages/dp/B000099Z95/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1485156815&sr=1-2&keywords=butterfly+life+cycle&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=a567058ebffbdf8a5ccc384873b27d95" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000099Z95&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B019K9NJPE" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B000099Z95" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />If you're tempted to order a butterfly garden and the live caterpillars, I advise you to check out your local Goodwill and garage sales first - you can often find the butterfly nets for very cheap! Next, instead of the caterpillars, I order butterfly eggs. We raise the plants that they will eat in our classroom so we can see the whole process - and the effects of insects on crops! I highly recommend that route rather than the caterpillars that eat the brown sludge - which is just confusing when you're teaching that caterpillars eat leaves! <a href="http://www.carolina.com/">Carolina Biological </a> has butterfly eggs, but depending on your state, you may find other sellers, just do a Google search! National Geographic Kids has a Level 1 <a href="http://amzn.to/2kiJjCm">Caterpillar to Butterfly</a> book that is a great read for young learners, with detailed photos and lots of info on the butterfly life cycle! Pinkalicious fans will love <a href="http://amzn.to/2jPbkAI">Pinkalicious and the Little Butterfly</a> - its a fiction story, but contain facts about the butterfly life cycle. Folkmanis also has a <a href="http://amzn.to/2jPhHUC">Reversible Monarch Life cycle puppet</a> that is beautiful - your students will love to act out the life cycle with this puppet! Insect Lore has a Butterfly Life Cycle Stages set for hands on exploration that is plenty durable for a classroom setting.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1574715534" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Folkmanis-Praying-Mantis-Finger-Puppet/dp/B0007QO4Z4/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0007QO4Z4&pd_rd_r=C54402BB1ZN03PE12JA6&pd_rd_w=EXK4N&pd_rd_wg=ECmwY&psc=1&refRID=C54402BB1ZN03PE12JA6&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=481663620598f0e75fe9527eb8290bcf" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0007QO4Z4&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B0007QO4Z4" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Insect-Lore-Praying-Mantis-Stages/dp/B00149RAKY/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1485146270&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=life+cycle+praying+mantis&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=4f54f0bfd9fdfee1d5865b0786a13d29" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00149RAKY&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B00149RAKY" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Manuelo-Playing-Mantis-Don-Freeman/dp/0142405604/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0142405604&pd_rd_r=C54402BB1ZN03PE12JA6&pd_rd_w=EXK4N&pd_rd_wg=ECmwY&psc=1&refRID=C54402BB1ZN03PE12JA6&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=ad492478270418e111c7b503e365e31c" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0142405604&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0142405604" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1477757732" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1433982412" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=herdkatsinkin-20&l=li1&o=1&a=1433982412" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1433982412&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1433982412&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Facts-About-Praying-Mantises-Fact/dp/1433982412/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1433982412&pd_rd_r=C54402BB1ZN03PE12JA6&pd_rd_w=EXK4N&pd_rd_wg=ECmwY&psc=1&refRID=C54402BB1ZN03PE12JA6&linkCode=li1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=03e48c27de874bc49729bd8f4c07164f" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Mantises-Animal-Cannibals-Hesper/dp/1477757732/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1477757732&pd_rd_r=0JGSDA2NHH3Q44XHQQSQ&pd_rd_w=rAffa&pd_rd_wg=u8BXg&psc=1&refRID=0JGSDA2NHH3Q44XHQQSQ&linkCode=li2&tag=herdkatsinkin-20&linkId=08a5f29bf5b2938d6222e47c4dbb1693" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1477757732&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=herdkatsinkin-20" /></a>I happen to love Praying Mantids, although they can be tricky to hatch in a classroom - some years I have great results and others the egg sac never hatches. I always make sure to have another life cycle going on at the same time, just in case we are disappointed by a dud egg sac. Also, praying mantids are cannibalistic, so when they hatch, they do tend to eat quite a few of their litter mates. My students weren't upset about that, but be ready for that eventuality. If you have your fruit flies ready and in plentiful supply, it will cut down on the cannibalism. Again, Folkmanis has an adorable <a href="http://amzn.to/2jHvdaJ">Praying Mantis finger puppet</a> that you can't go wrong with (do you sense how much I love puppets?!) <a href="http://amzn.to/2jHo8GY">Manuelo The Playing Mantis</a> is a must-have fiction story to go along with your praying mantis unit - great illustrations, lovely story and incorporates music and instrument making! 2<a href="http://amzn.to/2k6UE5m">0 Fun Facts About Praying Mantises</a> is a non-fiction book full of great photographs too, while <a href="http://amzn.to/2j3EfNf">Praying Mantises (Animal Cannibals)</a> is a great non-fiction text with glossary, index, fact boxes, and table of contents as well as photos.<br />
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You can also check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ingen77/life-cycles/">Pinterest Life Cycle Board</a> for more great resources! I also have a fun freebie for you - life cycle crowns! There's one for every life cycle mentioned in this post, plus one for plants!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVYqXtNtTXVC0XSZ7IMzwXKTT1RhdLVGwSA18YzOMxaVv0XyJVhUlo8rnV0ABo7NuKsY54QObteR28H7AHyg_GkVrIr5OeyRMxh4SaWBucN3nl1sA0MO1MXDUg1s8O5UZ2jDGDYi2JAY/s1600/IMG_4005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVYqXtNtTXVC0XSZ7IMzwXKTT1RhdLVGwSA18YzOMxaVv0XyJVhUlo8rnV0ABo7NuKsY54QObteR28H7AHyg_GkVrIr5OeyRMxh4SaWBucN3nl1sA0MO1MXDUg1s8O5UZ2jDGDYi2JAY/s320/IMG_4005.JPG" width="204" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzHEe4pHZwe68N80BTrUqkwlnZiS4S7WGu2849NgPVxL9nFwA0SN_eZwSx6Zl2cp8P-jfm24nJwY63Q8LsRzWPY9sV7jrweS_7QsJEeMc9NF1L6nirbMVgadl0dX42glGhefxUSdMUng/s1600/IMG_4015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzHEe4pHZwe68N80BTrUqkwlnZiS4S7WGu2849NgPVxL9nFwA0SN_eZwSx6Zl2cp8P-jfm24nJwY63Q8LsRzWPY9sV7jrweS_7QsJEeMc9NF1L6nirbMVgadl0dX42glGhefxUSdMUng/s320/IMG_4015.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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My son Sullivan was my model for these ;P</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3XDFKdpqMS3TUllSzZ3bXhoR00/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-mdMPvN806z6hZBrzgmwcNA">Just click here to download them for free!</a></div>
<br />Jennifer K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15114666136412667718noreply@blogger.com2