Happy Little Kindergarten

Amazon Deals for Flexible Seating

2019-07-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

Flexible seating in schools are becoming more and more popular as both teachers and administrators learn about the benefits of it. When I bring home schoolwork I almost never sit at my desk. Instead, I like to cuddle up on my couch with a cup of coffee (or wine) and get cracking. Why is it that we expect 5 and 6-year-olds to sit at hard desks all day? Shouldn't we give them a comfortable learning environment and also a choice about where they learn as we do at home? Why do we expect more from our students? Let us provide a fun, enriching environment for our students where learning becomes both fun and natural for them.

I think the hardest part about using flexible seating in my classroom was the lack of funding for it. Most of my unique seating choices in my classroom came from yard sales or Facebook Marketplace which I paid for out-of-pocket. Every once in a while I purchase something new for my room, usually from Target or Amazon. This July 15th and 16th are Amazon Prime Days where you can find steeply discount products for your classroom. Every year I stock up on my back-to-school items during Prime Days and have them shipped directly to my classroom. I put a few Amazon finds together that would be perfect for any flexible seating classroom. Some splurges and some more modest items. Fill your carts now and check out on Prime Days! Happy shopping!

* You do need Amazon Prime to get discounts. You can sign up for a free trial for the month, but you'll need to remember to cancel before the end of your month subscription.

1. These inflatable empire chairs!

2. These 18" stills that come in 14 colors! Set of 4

3. For multifunction storage, this bookcase/reading nook!

4. This peanut balance ball for your wiggly learners!

5. A double chaise lounge is a splurge, but perfect for reading!

6. A table and chair set with build in storage!

7. Lap desks make every space in your classroom functional!

8. Small cubbies for individual student supplies

9. Tents always provide a fun and quiet reading environment!

10. A comfy couch

* This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you

Plus 1, Minus 1 Bingo: An Addition & Subtraction Fluency Game!

2019-03-06T09:22:00.001-08:00

Learning addition and subtraction facts fluently to 5 is quite the task for most kindergarten and first grade students! If they simply learn the concept or adding one and subtracting one, they can tackle a lot of those facts!

Using this game, students begin to strategize by deciding which number to cover, thus learning their facts fluently!

Here is how you play!

1 - Copy enough for your small group or class. I recommend using a fun-colored cardstock and lamenting a few to reuse throughout the year,

2 - Use a 10-sided die (you can get them on Amazon Here. They are honestly my favorite math manipulative!) Students can use the number line at the bottom to add 1 or subtract 1. For example, if the teacher or student rolls a 4, they can subtract 1 to get 4 or add 1 to get 6. They place a chip on the number of their choice.

3 - First player to get 6 in a row wins!

I usually play several rounds. I give this to my educational assistant to play with a group of about 4-5 students during math rotations. Eventually, I put this game in a bucket and the students play together independently!

Get Plus 1 & Minus 1 Bingo HERE!

* This post contains affiliate links

Year-End Amazon Deals for Your Classroom

2018-12-31T05:55:00.001-08:00

Getting back into the swing of things after a long break is tough. I found some great Amazon deals to help get your classroom ready to go in 2019!

Sharpie 1949557 Color Burst Permanent Markers, Fine Point, Assorted Colors, 24-Count

List Price: ~~24.39~~
With Deal: $8.59
You Save: $15.80 (65%)

All-New Fire HD 8 Tablet | 8" HD Display, 16 GB, Black - with Special Offers

List Price: $~~79.99~~

With Deal: $49.99

You Save: $30.00 (38%)

National Geographic Kids 1 Year Subscription

List Price: $39.50

With Deal: $15.00

You Save: 62%

National Geographic Little Kids

List Price: $39.50

With Deal: $15.00

You Save: 62%

Mr. Sketch 1924061 Washable Scented Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 14-Count

List Price: $~~14.99~~

With Deal: $7.19

You Save: $7.80 (52%)

Oregon Scientific SG268R-K Smart Globe Adventure AR World Geography Educational Games For Kids

List Price: $~~72.90~~

With Deal: $59.99

You Save: $19.96 (25%)

Osmo Genius Kit for iPad

List Price: $~~99.99~~

With Deal: $79.99

You Save: $20.00 (20%)

22 of My Favorite Things for My Classroom That You Can Order on Amazon Now!

2018-07-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

Prime Day is July 16 - July 17 which means tons and tons of deals! This is always a good time to stock up on things for your classroom. Here are 22 of my favorite purchases I've made for my classroom on Amazon. Stock your carts now!

In order to get Prime Day deals, you must have Amazon Prime. To sign-up, use this affiliate link (at no extra cost to you).

1. These industrial wire bins for your classroom library! These are nice and wide so books of every shape and size can fit!

2. This file organizer with 2 drawers! Perfect for organizing assessments!

3. A paper towel holder because we all know that classroom paper towels don't actually work! This one can be screwed into the wall to save precious table space!

4. These 10-sided decahedral dice! Perfect for using in math games where you need numbers 1-10. These dice in dice provide 2 numbers! Seriously guys, the best ever. You need these!

5. A label maker to make sure everything in your classroom has a place! This baby turned my closet from a hot mess into a perfectly organized space!

6. These number pops are prefect for students learning numbers 1-10.

7. These dry-erase fact family boards! I love these because they limit the need for worksheet which means less copying for you! I put these in my math bins as an independent activity during guided math.

8. You will find about a millions ways to use these kitchen timers! They have super strong magnets and clips on the back!

9. These ice cream scented dot markers might be my favorite thing ever!

10. No more stole Diet Cokes in the crowded faculty fridge with this mini compact beverage refrigerator!

11. These stackable bins are what organized classrooms are made of! I put all of my math stations and word work in here and simply change out the bin as we learn new games. This way I never lose a game piece!

12. Upgrade any surface in your classroom with this marble effect contact paper!

13. Class up your classroom with a glittery chandelier!

14. Tiggly interactive learning games for iPad! This is a fun and hands-on way for students of all levels to practice phonics, vocabulary, subtraction, addition, shapes, and so much more!

15. Sugar Rush scented gel pens! I put these in my work on writing area to entice my more reluctant writers.

16. Gaiam Balance Ball Seat for your wiggly students!

17. This 12-drawer cart for a perfectly organized Work Work station!

18. This beautiful rose gold framed monthly calendar. Never lose a calendar piece again by using a dry-erase calendar.

19. A 10-slot dry-erase marker holder wall mount.

20. The world's cutest and environmentally friendly lunch box set.

21. Enjoy coffee and tea even when you're not on prep with this cordless kettle!

22. 3-tier utility cart

Last Day of School Gifts for Coworkers or Students

2018-06-12T19:41:00.001-07:00

Let's face it. The end of the school year is CRAZY! As much as I think I prepare for it as spring approaches, it always sneaks up on me! At my school gifts and favors are the norm. Now, I'm a girl on a budget and a tight schedule so I was looking for something original, cheap, and low maintenance. I saw these drink floats on Amazon and just knew this would be my end of year favor.

I posted pictures of the favors I made for my adult coworkers. I made 2 versions. Kool-Aid packets with umbrellas and straws for my students and wine versions for my coworkers who really earned a drink this year (it was a tough one). Here is a list of everything you will need to make these favors (san wine) for your coworkers and students. Good luck!

You'll need:

Subscription Addiction: My Honest (and Unsponsored) Review of Subscription Boxes

2018-06-01T12:30:00.001-07:00

As summer slowly approaches, I wanted to focus a little less on work and more on the fun little things that make life just a little easier. I've recently become obsessed with subscription boxes. Some have been much better than others so I figured I'd break it down for you in a totally unbiased, unsponsored way. Over the next few weeks, I'm going to share some of my experiences, both good and bad, with subscription boxes!

First, I wanted to begin with my FabFitFun box. I know; I'm basic. I first got the box when I saw they had a Kate Somerville exfoliator I use that costs $75. Considering the box was only $50, I figured I could get that and some other goodies. I was pleasantly surprised when I really liked the other products in the box. Here are my pros and cons of the FabFit Fun Box!

1. It really is a good value.
It's sometimes hard to trust all those Instagram #ad posts I see about FabFitFun. I figured it was a box with junk, but was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the products in the box.

2. Customizations
When you subscribe for a year, you get to customize your box! When customizations open, you get to pick out about 4 of the products that go into your box.

3. FabFitFun TV
When I subscribed for the year I also go at home workouts and other benefits on their website. I really like the barre classes online!

Final Thoughts: Overall I think FabFit Fun is a great deal and you get tons of cute, high-quality products. If you'd like to see more, use my affiliate link HERE and get $10 off your first box!

Digital Behavior Charts Using Google Sheets!

2018-05-28T10:02:00.001-07:00

Let's be honest; behavior charts are a lot of work. Between managing each section of the day, sending it home each night, having it returned each day, and making copies for your records, it's no wonder why so many can be less than effective. I utilize Google Apps a lot in my room, and I knew there was a way to use Google as a tool to make my life a little bit easier.

Below is a picture of my behavior chart. I made it using Google Slides. It's super easy to make, but if you want a free copy of mine, head on over to my Instagram page (@happylittlekindergarten) and find out how to get a copy of mine for FREE.

Here's how I use mine:

1. Instead of sending home a paper each night, I simply share my Google Sheet with the parent. I encourage the parent to download the Google Sheets App on their phone so they can checkin throughout the day.

2. I also share this with my student on Google Classroom. Tip: Only allow the student to view this in the 'advanced settings'.

3. Make a copy and add pages for each week. This way you can make sure you have every copy of the behavior chart for your records.

4. Add comments in sections to describe why the child didn't each a checkmark by clicking 'insert' and 'comment' in the section. This can help explain behaviors to the parent, principal, behavior specialist, etc.

Musical Instrument STEM Challenge

2018-05-23T15:22:00.003-07:00

The engineering process is an important step in using STEM in your instruction. I find that many kids these days don't know how to persevere through failures. I've found that teaching the engineering process while teaching STEM lessons helps lesson the helplessness and encourage students to think outside the box.

Here is a STEM lesson I taught and a few helpful tips I learned along the way to limit the chaos!

Get the lesson HERE

1. Teach the engineering process

Focus on the fact that engineers almost never get it right the first time. I show this Kid President video then explain how the engineering process is an ongoing cycle.

2. Introduce the problem (ask & imagine)

Explain to students that we have to make instruments that make at least 2 sounds. Reiterate that is does not have to look like a traditional instrument. My class had a long conversation about this. I even showed them a Stomp video. I gave out the material list and explained that they could use only 5 items on the list to make their instruments. I gave students time to imagine their concepts and talk about it.

3. Plan

Students use their planning paper and the materials list to draw out their concepts. My students walked back and fourth between their tables and the materials to get ideas.

4. CREATE!

I use a cute stamp to 'approve' their designs. Once approved, students can get materials and begin to design. Some students had a lot of trouble in they stage. I allow students to replan their instrument if an idea isn't working out. Warning: this is messy and loud. Get used to it.

5. Test and improve

Students use the self-assessment paper to test and improve their designs. I allowed students to redesign or keep their original if they were happy with it. If the students needed something to do they can help a friend or decorate their instruments.

Because the engineering process is an ongoing cycle, technically you could do this projects for weeks. However, I'll admit I was happy once this was over! It took a little planning and a lot of cleaning, but overall I felt it was successful because my students were able to express themselves creatively, work though problems, and have fun! Good luck!

Get the full lesson plan HERE!

A Week of FREE Reading Plans!

2018-04-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

Lesson planning can get so tedious, especially towards the end-of-the-year! I wanted to share my lesson plans for this week with you all to use. I have Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription and I use the free books in many of my lessons and I LOVE it. I wanted to share how useful this service is in my classroom.

1. No more 'I can't see the picture!' - By reading the book on my SmartBoard, every student has a front row seat!

2. My students can reread the books on our classroom Kindles or on Chromebooks - You can download the books to your Kindles with the push of a button. I often see my students using our Kindles to reread the stories at Read to Self. You can also access the books on Amazon Kindle Reader on Chromebooks!

3. No more lost books - I'm not always the most organized teacher. I add links to my lesson plans so all I have to do it click and POOF, my book is ready to read!

Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans

Get my plans HERE!!

Cactus Mother's Day Craft!

2018-04-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

When the end of the school year approaches, it's easy to forget about a Mother's Day project! This year I wanted to make something that our moms could put on their desk at work, or the kitchen counter. These cacti are perfect! I especially love that you can't kill them (succulents don't do well with me). Here is what you'll need:

Cacti Templates & Cards

Small Pots

Green Cardstock

Your Imagination!

Print out cacti on green cardstock. Have the students cut them out. Cut along the dotted line and insert the pieces together. Tape or glue to a paper or cardboard circle inside the pot and decorate! I added small hearts to my cacti!

Print cards and have students decorate.

Chick Activities and a Giveaway!

2018-04-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my class raised chicks in our classroom. Being new to first grade, this was the first time doing this. Although the entire process only last 2 weeks, I was exhausted. Raising 12 baby chicks is no easy feat! Obviously, my students all wanted to hold and play with them, but I also needed to find meaningful ways to teach my students about the life cycle of a chick. To make my life somewhat manageable I made a Chick Journal to organize all of my chick lessons. At the end of the unit, my students presented their Chick Journals to their parents. Here are some of the activities we completed!

Cover: Of course we had to have a cute cover for my students to decorate!

Chicken Fun Facts: My students wrote a book of facts about chickens. We used these fun facts in our writing.

Inside an Egg: I used this sheet while we were waiting for the chicks to hatch. My students were so curious what the chicks were doing inside the egg!

Parts of an Egg: We also used this page before the chicks hatched. Students learned about the different parts you see in the eggs as they hatch.

Chicken Life Cycle: Of course we needed a life cycle visual!

Chick Book of Facts: :I also have my students write a book of facts about chicks. I used this writing paper and had my students write 1 fact per page. They use websites like PebbleGo and BookFlix to find the information.

You can purchase this Chick Journal on my first grade TPT store

Win A Chick Life Cycle Exploration Kit!

Enter HERE

* Giveaway opens 4/04/18 at midnight and closes 4/10/18. Participants must complete Rafflecopter entry form to enter.

Math Fact Fluency: Addition within 10

2018-03-15T10:30:00.002-07:00

Learning fact fluency by the end of first grade is an important math skill to prepare first graders for second grade. Basic math facts are as important as learning high frequency words by heart. Students need to see a fact and know it... quickly.

My class was struggling with fluency this year so I decided to make a no-prep homework packet to send home each week for some extra practice. I give a 5-page packet each week and attach a sheet of flashcards on colored card stock.

I also included some fun and easily differentiated activities I do during guided math. Enjoy!

Fact Fluency Homework:

Addition and Subtraction Fact Fluency Pack Includes:

Facts 1-10

Flash Cards

Addition & Subtraction page (facts 1-10)

Addition page (facts 1-9)

Subtraction page (facts 1-10)

Fact Family page (facts 1-10)

Timed Addition and Subtraction page (1-10)

Hands-On Addition Fact Fluency Practice for the Classroom:

I made these activities to be used over and over again in my class. I have different dice for the games that help me easily differentiate for my students.

Roll & Add: Students roll dice to practice addition. These ten frame dice I used help me differentiate because there are 4 different levels of dice (numbers 1-5, 5-10, 10-15, and 15-20). Students are aware of which color dice they are to use.

Roll & Count: For this activity, I use these double dice. Students use any strategy to add. Again, you can use higher number dice.

Using Qball in my First Grade Classroom: A Throwable, Wireless Microphone

2018-02-26T11:04:00.002-08:00

I love integrating technology and movement into my classroom as much as possible. Having a room of 20-something 6-year-olds has taught me that I must find creative ways to integrate both on a daily basis, however, these products must be durable (I have enough cracked iPads to prove this)!

When I saw Qball online, I knew it would be perfect for my classroom. After having my Qball for about a week now, here are a few things I learned. This is an unbiased, unsponsored post!

I LOVE using Qball in morning meeting. It's a perfect way to highlight an individual speaker. It encourages my quieter students to share their thoughts. I take attendance each day asking how my students feel as they begin the day. It's a great way for students to share their concerns and excitements about the day. I'm able to gauge the general vibe of my classroom this way.

I love using the Qball during whole-group lessons! Students share answers and discuss various topics using this microphone. They are so much more engaged once I take the Qball out because they all want a chance to use it. Answers are amplified throughout the room to ensure each person can hear the speaker. This is especially useful because I have flexible seating.

Pros:

* Qball makes every seat a front row seat

* It's super engaging

* It makes quiet voices louder

* It encourages movement

* Super durable microphone

* You can hook the microphone to your shirt and use it while teaching.

Cons:

* Students have tendency to put their mouths directly on the microphone part. Germ City!

* It's expensive ($179)

I did only found 1 coupon code. Thought I'd share:

Free Shipping - SHRKTNK

The Lazy Teacher's Penne Vodka Sauce

2018-01-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

Teaching is tough. Some days you need a stiff drink, others you need yourself some comfort food. This recipe is my go-to easy dinner when I need the sweet comforts of vodka and carbohydrates. Enjoy!

2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup Vodka
28oz can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until translucent.

2. Pour in vodka and cook for a few minutes (until the alcohol cooks off).

3. Add in tomato sauce and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper and saute for a few minutes.

4. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Add cheese and serve over cooked pasta.

New Year's Resolution: A Beautifully Organized Classroom!

2017-12-27T07:59:00.001-08:00

1. This Storage Mobile Craft Cart with Dividers!

Organize homework, folders, guided reading books, etc. The options are endless!

2. This White Craft Table

The perfect table for your writing area or a word work station! Students have everything they need at their fingertips. Try putting supplies in clear bins!

3. Galvanized Bins for Leveled Books

Level your classroom library and keep your classroom looking fantastic!

4. This AMAZING Rolling File Cart!

I call this cart my "assessment cart". I keep student's file folders in the bottom, assessments that need to be graded on the top drawer and assessments that need to be files in the middle drawer. It's perfect because I can roll it around my room and use it anywhere.

5. These Over the Door Storage Organizers

Get additional storage in your classroom closet, doors, or cabinets with these fabric storage compartments!

5. This 10-Slot White Dry Erase Marker and Eraser Holder

Never search for a dry erase marker or eraser again with this versatile rack! It even comes in 3 colors!

6. This Kate Spade Wall Calendar Decal (Clear)

7. This Wall-Mounted Binder Rack

I had such issues storing my students' writing portfolios because the binders would always slide and fall. I got 4 of these and not each student has their own slot! Perfect to use year after year!

8. This Wall Hanging Storage Bag Organizer

9. This 3-Drawer (Not Only for Make-Up) Organizer

I love using make-up organizers around the room for my supplies. I label them, plus they are clear so students are able to see which materials are available.

10. This Echo-Friendly Staple-less Stapler

11. This Magnetic Modular Storage Starter Kit

Use this to build a tranquil modular garden and add additional storage in your classroom!

12. This Bamboo Charging Station for your tablets, iPods, and more!

* This post include affiliate links that help me bring you more content like this. By using my link, there is no additional charge to you!

Using my Echo Dot to Improve Math Fluency in my First Grade Classroom

2017-10-08T07:17:00.002-07:00

Download HERE

I got an Echo Dot recently and was so impressed at how easy it was to use I decided to get one for my classroom. I decided to make activities that allow students to set individual goals for themselves and also check their work. Here is how it works...

1) Students set a goal for how many facts they can solve.

2) Students set a time limit.

3) Students follow the instructions on the paper and say "Alexa, set the timer for..."

4) Students begin to solve the addition/subtraction problems.

5) When the timer goes off students check their work by following the Alexa prompt, "Alexa, what is 2 + 2?

6) Students correct wrong answers and write down how many they got correct.

Download HERE

CAFE: EDITABLE Rules for Daily 5

2017-09-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

Daily 5 Rules

Establishing clear rules that everyone agrees on is an important part of implementing the Daily 5 in any classroom. This products allows you to make rules with the students and display them in a cute way. It's also nice and small so it saves precious wall space.

Type student responses in and make the frame together. Place in a 4x6 frame.

Download this EDITABLE Product HERE

9 of the Best Things Teachers Need to Buy on Amazon Right Now (Under $30)

2017-09-18T15:03:00.001-07:00

Teaching is tough so treat yourself, girl (or boy)!

1. This concrete desktop planter for your desk at work.

Turn your desk into an oasis with this modern piece. Plus, succulents need very little water so maybe this plant will actually stay alive!

2. This vacation fund coin box.

Summer vacation is only 10 not-so-short months away. Start your planning and saving with this decorative piggie bank!

3. These rose gold pens.

For the rose gold fanatic in us all.

4. This herbal immune system buster tea.

For those days when you put your hand in something sticky... and you're pretty certain it wasn't glue.

5. This pink clay exfoliating mask.

Every teacher deserves come papering.

6. This sushi roll USB flash drive

Your school lunch may not be appetizing, but your thumb drive sure will!

7. This charcoal-colored laptop sleeve.

You and your laptop will travel in style with is 13-inch felt laptop sleeve.

8. This motivating pencil or make-up bag.

Think of your sweet pooch every time you grab a knick knack from this canvas bag,

9. This white marble rubber-coated MacBook cover.

Your laptop will have a new look with a rubber finish with this durable laptop skin.

3 Tips to Get Your Students Signing into Chromebooks Independently

2017-09-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Technology in the classroom is great, but if not introduced properly, it can sometimes prove to be more of a nuisance than a valuable learning tool. Here are a few tips for how to get your students started with the most difficult task.... signing in!

1. Practice mouse & trackpad skills: I begin by allowing my students to sign in as a guest. I pull up some games that help teach students how to use the mouse or trackpad. This is important because many children are used to tablets and smartphones and assume all screens are touch screen. I recommend the website OWLIE BOO.

2. Incorporate a 'Technology Coordinator' into your classroom jobs: We all have them; students who know more about technology than even the most tech-savy teacher. Use them. I instruct students to go to these students before coming to me with technology help.

3. Use visuals: When providing usernames and passwords, use visuals to not only show students their passwords, but where they should enter the information. I use lanyards and put their sign in cards inside the lanyard. You can get my editable Chromebook sign in cards HERE.

CAFE Menu and Reading Comprehension Sticky Notes

2017-08-31T11:27:00.003-07:00

I've blogged a lot lately about using Daily 5 in my classroom. I recently posted a Facebook Live explaining how I organize Word Work to meet each of my students' individual needs (without losing your mind). For this post I want to talk more about Read-to-Self and Read-to-Someone.

Independent practice is important in any classroom no matter the subject. I wanted a way for my students to independently practice the comprehension strategies I teach during my read alouds. To do this I made reading comprehension sticky notes on VistaPrint. It was fairly easy and inexpensive (~2 a pack). I included the images in my Cafe Menu Poster & Comprehension Sticky Note Pack. I have more detailed directions there.

Here's how I use them. When teaching a comprehension strategy during my mini lesson, I show the corresponding card of my CAFE Menu. After my mini lesson, each student gets a sticky note. They use this during Read-to-Self. They place the sticky note on the page where they used the strategy. They can also respond on the back of the sticky note. The picture on the sticky note helps remind students of their objective during reading and is a great informal assessment tool.

I hope you all enjoy this pack! Happy reading!

Download HERE

Flexible Seating for First Grade!

2017-08-24T14:22:00.001-07:00

Flexible seating has been around for some time now. I'm not sure what took me so long to jump on that bandwagon, but here goes! This is my first year teaching first as well as my first year using flexible seating. That being said, I'm clearly not an expert in the area, but I did want to share some pictures! Enjoy!

**Update: I've received a lot of questions regarding the countertops pictured in my classroom. I made a tutorial and posted it on my highlights on my Instagram. Visit my Instagram page @happylittlekindergarten.

Get my CAFE Menu here

This is my fabulous step-daughter using the lap desks during my set-up day.

Homemade objective boards. 12x12 weathered wood from Michael's, printed vinyl, and clothes pins.

Visit my TPT Store Below!

First Day Math Activities

2017-08-20T16:49:00.003-07:00

Math games for the first few days to review simple math skills while helping students get to know their new environment. Check 'em out!

Download HERE

Math About Me: 2 versions (boy & girl)

Shape Hunt: 2 versions (Draw a Shape & Tally)

Number Hunt: 2 versions (draw the number & tally)

Download Here

Sanity-Saving Word Work Organization and Management Pack

2017-08-16T07:49:00.005-07:00

The part two years have been crazy, to say the least. I changed school districts then changed grade levels. Not only am I learning new curriculum, but I'm helping write new science curriculum for my district, moving classrooms, and starting a new first grade Teachers Pay Teachers store. Since my change to first, I've spend a lot of time thinking about how I can better manage my students during Daily 5 time while designing instruction to meet the WIDE variety of levels in my class and begin to shift responsibility in my classroom to my students so they become independent learners. Not an easy task.

Because Word Work is such a popular Daily 5 choice, I wanted to make their time there as meaningful as possible. Last year (my first year using Daily 5) I found that my students would often go to certain 'favorite' games that didn't necessarily meet their individual learning goals. I couldn't find a solution that didn't involve me individually picking games for my students each day, but I didn't love that idea. I wanted to encourage students to make better choices regarding their learning and I honestly didn't have the time to pick new activities for each student each day! I've spent this summer coming up with ideas to manage this that didn't require too much maintenance. So after about a million ideas, here's what I came up with. I hope you enjoy!

(Download HERE)

Let's start with what is included in the pack, then I'll explain how I use it....

Above is my Word Work area in my classroom. As you can see I use color-coded labels on bins (you can purchase them on Amazon HERE). I keep most of the same bins out all year. You can also see picture frames on top of my shelf. I put 4x6 anchor charts (also color-coded) in the frames.

Here is a close-up...

(I use plastic frames from Ikea)

Then I give each student a Focus Card....

Directions:

Print out a focus card for each student and laminate. My students keep these in their book bins (or bag of books). When I do formal assessments or confer, students know to bring this card with them. I place a star sticker on about 3-4 'keep practicing' areas. This way, my students know these are the buckets they can choose from during Word Work time. If I feel they mastered that specific area I place a sticker on 'mastered'. You wouldn't believe how motivated my students are to earn their stickers!

Here Why I Love This:

1. My students are still making choices regarding their learning. I decide what they need to learn, they decide HOW they learn it. Can you say highly effective???

2. It's super easy to pick areas to practice and you DO NOT need to change them too often. Many times, my student spend weeks practicing certain skills. That's okay.

3. When a supervisor comes into your classroom and asks a 6-year-old what they're learning, they may just be able to tell them! We've all been there. A supervisor comes in with their laptop and walks over to 'that kid' and asks him/her what they are learning and of course they answer with some off-topic response. Now, students have clear goals with visuals.

Organizing the Buckets

Don't over-think this step, but here was my thinking...

Vowel Sounds: I put long vowel and vowel combinations in this category.

CVC Words - and CVC word activity or short vowel activity

CVCe Words - Any activity with the CVCe combination

Digraphs - I put all digraph & consonant blends in here

Sight Words - obviously... :)

Word Families :)

* These are B&W images printed on color paper.

I hope you enjoy this pack (available for purchase in my TPT store)

End-of-the-Year Student Favors: Writing with a Purpose

2017-06-05T18:13:00.001-07:00

The end-of-the-year ALWAYS sneaks up on me. Every year. I love doing little favors for the students as a small token of my appreciation for a great year. Usually with 2 classes I try to stay within budget. The past few years I've given small plastic beach pails, however I feel apprehensive about simply purchasing a gift for the sake of giving a gift. This year I wanted to find something more meaningful for my students. That's when I decided to do a fun pen pal activity. This way students are able to practice writing over the summer and get mail. Remember how exciting it was receiving mail as a kid, also known as a time before bills? Now it's important that you commit to actually writing back to your students. Other than that, this is a fairly inexpensive end-of-the-year favor. To make it more exciting for the students I am attaching fun pencils for them to use while writing their letters. I used these Branch & Twig pencils.

You can download the poem HERE:

Kindergarten Unicorn Math Centers: Guided Math Fun!

2017-03-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

As most of you probably already know, my class loves unicorns! I wanted to share a fun math activity I use to teach about decomposing numbers using addition.

Let me begin by explaining that I teach this in SMALL GROUP during my guided math time. After I teach it in small group I put this in my math choice area. My students LOVE doing this activity!

Download HERE

Here what you'll need:

1. Make a rainbow abacus: 6 pony beads (in rainbow order) on a coffee straw.

2. Print recording sheet.

To Play:

1. Students push all the beads to one side leaving the purple bead closest to their thumb and the pink bead in the middle. Count all the beads. Discuss that you have 6 beads and you will be finding ways to make the number 6 using addition.

2. Move the pink bead over to the other side. Count how many beads are on each side. Color the matching addition sentence the same color as the bead you move. For example, you moves the pink bead first, so you color the top rainbow that says '1 + 5 = 6' pink.

3. Continue with each color until students have completed the rainbow.

This activity is part of my Unicorn Math Packet. You can get it

HERE!