Mrs. Spatafora’s Kindergarten Blog | Just another day in K! Helping Children Succeed by Leah Davies, M.Ed. By Leah Davies, M.Ed. All children have basic needs that, if met, will facilitate success in school. Every child needs AT LEAST ONE ADULT who is a positive role model. Educators and other professionals can nurture this by demonstrating concern for each student, and/or by encouraging a parent, relative, or other prosocial adult to become involved in the child’s life. Every child needs TO FEEL ACCEPTED. Educators and other professionals can advance this by treating each child fairly and by appreciating his/her uniqueness. Every child needs RECOGNITION. Every child needs A SENSE OF BELONGING. Every child needs TO FEEL SAFE AND SECURE. Every child needs SOME CONTROL over his/her environment. Every child needs SOCIAL INTERACTION SKILLS. Every child needs TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY for his/her behavior. inShare
Kindergarten Kindergarten A Place Called Kindergarten What Will Your Students Remember? by Leah Davies, M.Ed. By Leah Davies, M.Ed. When I asked educators what they remember about former teachers, one said, "I remember a teacher who made me feel welcome, safe and important. She saw something special in me.” Another stated, “It seemed like every day Mr. Helpful teachers are… calm and encouraging; fair and respectful; organized with high expectations; prepared and enthusiastic about teaching; able to demonstrate a sense of humor; and able to create a positive classroom learning environment (see“Successful Teachers”). Here are what adults are saying about their favorite teachers. “My teacher... Here are some negative quotes. “My teacher… …seemed disinterested in teaching.” Ideas that may serve to enhance positive memories in children: Take a video or pictures of a various projects, special occasions, field trips and outdoor play. Administrators can encourage teachers to do their best by accentuating their specific strengths both verbally and in writing.
CanTeach PreK Numbers, Shapes, Colors Review To review all of the numbers, colors and shapes we learned as we went through our Letter of the Week curriculum, I made some fun review games! Note: If you missed it, don’t forget to do the A-Z Review also! Number Review: Clothespin Number Review: Write numbers on mini-clothespins and then have your child clip them on to the correct number of dots! 1-10 Number Sticker Sheets: This download includes numbers 1-10. Number Word cards: This download comes with the letters in the boxes like below and for more of a challenge I also added blank cards for each color word as well. Number Dot Cards: You can use these a few ways, simply count the dots and say the number, use a fun manipulative like mini-clothespins or pom-poms. Chicka Chicka 123 Cards: We cut out these small numbers & add them to our alphabet tree as we are learning them. Variation: Laminate and use as play-doh mats, or cut out and use as number lacing cards! Number Collage Worksheets: 0-9 worksheets are included. Shape Review:
Connecting Intentional Play to Science, Math, and Literacy Learning Excerpted from From Play to Practice: Connecting Teachers’ Play to Children’s Learning (pp. 41–44) | by Marcia L. Nell and Walter F. Drew, With Deborah E. Bush An increased emphasis on standards and outcomes in early childhood education is encouraging educators of young children to pay closer attention to teaching and learning about academic subjects such as math and literacy. However, early childhood educators struggle to ensure balance. We know that, for example, construction experiences with blocks and other manipulatives provide an experiential base for children to build scientific understanding. As a play workshop participant, a kindergarten teacher, explains: Sure, I asked, “Tell me about your castle. Math and literacy can also be integrated into play experiences, especially in extended explorations and projects. It is important to remember that the teacher’s role involves more than asking questions. Conclusion Adult play workshops ar Buy the Book »
What is Guided Math? - Guided Math Guided Math is similar to Guided Reading in that the teacher puts the students into small groups and the students work on specific standards being taught in centers around the room. You should try your hardest to have all the centers hitting the same topic. Students are placed in ability level groups and taught the standards of the curriculum. Differentiation is achieved as students are in different groups and instruction is changed to hit the needs of the student. Download What is Guided Math Click on one of the sheets below for a guide to what guided math will look like in your class. Guided Math Planning Sheet Guided Math Planning Sheet 2 Download Guided Math Plan 3 The first thing I say is make it work for you. Day 1- Pretest, mini lesson on topic, go over centers, whole group activity to get them thinking about concept (acceleration). FOR PRETEST you could give a 5 question quiz to see what the kids know. Day 2- Centers ** Day 4- Centers (Aim for about 4-5 kids per group) **
Penguins!#comment-form I think I'm TOO excited to make a post because my twin had her precious little baby today and that's ALL I can think about, but I will post pictures of our penguin fun this week. Penguins are so much fun to learn about and to teach about! They are one cool animal that God created. Huddling together like penguins do to stay warm. Fact book penguins...idea from Kim Jordano at kinderbykim.com My kids love this roll a word game. Here we sorted the fish by blends onto the penguins I loved this idea by Deanna Jump to review odd and even! I made life size penguins of 7 different kinds of penguins a few years ago and my students love to compare themselves to them...so that's what we are doing here. The smallest penguin is the Fairy Penguin The largest penguin is the Emperor Penguin. We also completed a K-W-L chart on our penguin unit.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) | AMTE Frequently Asked Questions What is the CCSSM? What is their purpose? What are the mathematical practices? What is the CCSSM? The Common Core State Standards were developed as part of a state-led effort ( 48 states, 2 territories and the District of Columbia ) coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The mathematics standards (CCSS-M) were designed to prepare high school graduates to succeed in entry-level, credit bearing academic, mathematics college courses or workplace preparation programs. In the year since their official release, numerous agencies have prepared materials to better inform teachers, administrators, and the public about the content and implementation of CCSS-M. A search for Common Core State Standards will identify web sites that contain a variety of materials to assist in the understanding and implementation of the CCSS-M. What are the mathematical practices?