Holiday Books that Celebrate Diversity

I love books! Over the years, I have amassed a large collection of books that I love to share with my students. I look for books that reflect the diversity in my classroom. During the holidays, I also want to be respectful of the holiday traditions that my students may celebrate. 

Here are a few of my favorites for the holidays.

Happy Reading!

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How to Draw an Elf Directed Drawing

As a mom, I began the tradition of having an Elf on our shelf during the holiday season. It brought my own child so much joy to see his elf appear magically each year. 

I was inspired by our family tradition to create this. While I do not believe that an elf should be used as a behavior management strategy, I can see how some children might want to know how to draw an elf based on their own experiences. 

  

I created a movie that you can use for yourself or use with your students.  

Elf on a Shelf Directed Drawing

Lastly, here are a few other Elf inspired books and resources that you might like to add to your collection. In my classroom, I like the read The Littlest Elf before our directed drawings.  I also love Harry Connick Jr.'s The Happy Elf; the music alone brings a smile.  

If you use this in your classroom, I would be so honored if you shared them with me.  You can connect with me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.  

Happy Teaching!

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An "Elf"tastic Freebie

Have you joined the elf craze? For the past three years, Elf has visited our home.  I admit that I am not as creative nor have the time as all the other mommas across the world.  So, our Elf sits on the shelf and watches. He brings us a few trinkets and notes as needed.  Luckily, I have a believer so it doesn't take much to make him happy.

Last night, we spent some quality time learning how to draw an elf. He was so proud of his work and wanted to share it with Elf.  We began with a simple template that I shared here.






I created a video guide for my Facebook Fans.  This Freebie will show you and your students how to draw an elf.

I plan on having the elf visit our classroom soon.   I think this will be a great way to begin our Winter break.


Happy Teaching!
 

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Common Core Math Kindergarten Style

Math Storage

Keeping math organized has been one of my goals this year.  To help me, I try to house all our math learning tools in one place.  Some items are kept on the shelf for easy access.  These are manipulatives which we use often.  The colored boxes; scrapbook containers, house manipulatives which I have a bulk of such as linker cubes and tangrams.  The numbered boxes are our Math Work Stations.  

A Peek into Our Learning

 

This year, my teaching of math has shifted towards the Common Core.  As a result, our work during math time differs greatly than in the past. 

The Santa Count and Scoop center works on counting teen numbers and learning about the Base Ten system.  In the past, we would still be working on counting from 0 to 10 at this time of the year.  

Another major shift is introducing addition and subtraction much earlier than before but with a greater emphasis on thinking about number and number relationships.  We have been working on number bonds for the past few months.  I love to use the red and yellow counters for this.  A simple game we play is "Shake and Count."  I give them a set number of counters and they just shake and count how many red and how many yellow.  We, then, record, the different ways to make the given number. In November, we worked on making 5 using turkey feathers.  

This month, we are using Christmas trees to show number bonds which we decorate with red and yellow ornaments.  Grab a copy here.   Santa's Sleigh Drop is from Mel at Frog Spot.  The center focuses on subtraction.  The kids select a card and then, problem solve using counters as presents.  They are doing great with this.  I have never taught subtraction this early but through hands-on learning they are learning about this concept using a timely subject matter which piques their interest. 

And, just in case you missed it, I posted this on my Facebook page.  

Our new book box.  Formally known as a Kleenex box.

Isn't this what teaching is all about?  

Finding meaning and purpose in all we do.

Happy Teaching!

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QR Codes Tutorial

Many of you wondered, how to create QR codes.  Today, I am going to share how I create them.  This post shares how I use them in my classroom.  

To follow along this tutorial, you will need a mobile device such as a smartphone or iPad with a QR app installed to scan the QR codes within the tutorial to "see" the difference.  If you are interested in creating QR codes, I use this website.

As you can see in Box 1, Data Type, QR codes can be embedded from many sources.

Scan to see what it looks like.

The above QR code was created by simply typing in Box 2, Content.   If you like, choose a color (Box 3).  Finally, click Download QR Code.  This is effective and easy to do.

Since, I am creating these for Word Work, I wanted to create a "fancier" image.  To do so, I created my document in Power Point.  Then, saved the file as a .jpg file which I uploaded it to Google docs.  I add the website address in Box 2, Content, and selected the URL shortener to create a "less busy" QR code.

Scan image.

Did you "see" the difference?  

I am going to use this next week during our Word Study.   I am sure the kids will love it.  You can grab a copy for free.  Yes, free!  I hope that you'll love it.  

Click image for your copy.

I hope this tutorial inspires you to give QR Codes a try.  If you do, let me know.  I think my next QR post will be on Tips and Tricks.  Anyone interested?  

Happy Teaching!

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Our Christmas Gift

We made lanterns as holiday gifts for our families.  This really was an inexpensive project to make.

You need glass jars (all donated), Mod Podge, and tissue paper.  Kids cut the tissue paper into squares and then applied a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the jar.  Next, they put their pieces of tissue paper onto the jar.  I went around and touched up the tissue paper to ensure that it was all glued down.  Afterwards, I sprayed with Mod Podge clear sealer and added a tea light.

Another alternative would be to collect glass baby food jars cover as directed above and give for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day with a cute poem.  

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Oh, Christmas Tree!

Oh, Christmas tree! Oh, Christmas tree!  How lovely are your branches!

We enjoyed an action packed day of all things Christmas tree.  Here are some ideas and suggestions for you to use with your students.

We made Christmas trees writing sums or differences based on the number of the star. This was a great way to informally access student's knowledge of math facts.

We practiced writing words with the long e sound onto trees; a notepad I purchased from the dollar section at Target last year.

Our art activity was a litle messy but worked on fine motor skills.  I found the idea from we heart art.  At first, they did not look so pretty but I think they make a beautful bulletin board display.

Here is what it looks like up close.

Hope it inspires you! Maybe you'll use these ideas with your class next year!

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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December Sensory Playdoh

I have several students who benefit from sensory activities.  I like to use Playdoh.  I make it rather than purchasing it because I can add scents and colors based on a theme or time of year.  I also like that it is a fun activity to do with my son.  I try to make a new batch each month.  This month, I have made Peppermint Playdoh. So far, it is a big hit! I made it in two different colors; like the colors of peppermint. 
My special needs students use the Playdoh during their break times throughout the day.   Whereas, everyone else uses it during Word Work while at Daily 5.

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Too Many Tamales

I love holiday stories! There is something so special about these books and the messages that they convey. I find myself buying more every year but also have discovered that I rely on some tried and true books around this time of year.  With the madness of assessments, parent conferences and the holidays approaching; it is nice to rely on some wonderful favorites that can also be used for teaching purposes. 

I love how this book, Too Many Tamales, celebrates family traditions.  For many of my students and myself included, it would not be the Christmas season without the making of tamales.  In this charming story, Maria discovers the importance of telling the truth rather than covering up for one's mistakes.  While making tamales, Maria tires on her mother's diamond ring and misplaces it.  In her panic, she and her cousins eat all the tamales trying to find the diamond ring within the masa.  Later, Maria learns that her mother had the ring all along.  After reading the story, we will complete a story map based on the problem and solution. 

My favorite Froggy story.  We used this story recently to work on problem and solution.

 

What happens when the principal takes a gingerbread cookie to school?  Read this story to find out.

Discover how Mrs. Wishy-Washy's animals get ready for the Christmas holiday. 

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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It's Christmas, David!

I know. We haven't even had Thanksgiving and I'm already blogging about Christmas.  But yesterday, I recieved my book order from Scholastic.  If you're like me, opening one of these boxes every month is like Christmas! I ordered several books with familiar characters but this David Shannon book is my favorite.  I admit, I read it to my class.  (We have next week off.) 

Here is one of my favorite pages.

As I read the book, it reminded me a lot of No, David!  Take a look for yourself.

I decided created a graphic organizer; a text to text comparison of No, David! and It's Christmas, David! to use with my class when we get back from break.  I thought you might like it too.

Click here for download

Hope you enjoy!

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