Winter Games - 3 Simple Centers

Winter is here! Although the weather outside may not be snowy. Our classroom centers will be.

Here are  three simple center ideas that you can use to transform your centers into Winter Games.  Each of these centers can be easily adapted to meet the needs of your students and classroom and with a few minor changes they can be used all winter. #teachertimesaver

Snowman Bowling

For this center, I am using SitSpots as place holders for our snow people.  On the bottom of the container, I have written CVC words that I would like my students to practice.

This center would also be a great introduction to subtraction.  This song could be adapted to engage all students while one child goes up to bowl.

Mitten Rhymes

I love using instant snow as a center. For this center, students will match the rhymes and hang on a clothesline.  Not only are students practicing rhyming, this center includes sensory play and fine motor.  We all know that kids need more of this, too!

Click here for your set of mitten rhymes.

Ice Fishing

A photo posted by Mrs.Parker (@learningwithmrsparker) on Jan 23, 2015 at 1:17pm PST

Look at that smile! I turned an ordinary copy paper box into a fun ice fishing center by simply cutting a hole on the top, adding some shredded paper and fish.   

Don't have fish! Don't worry Differentiated Kindergarten has a great freebie you can use. 

Well, there you have it. Three simple winter centers for your classroom!

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Beginning of the Year Centers

We are embarking on our fourth week of school.  We have spent a lot of time just learning about learning. We are learning to become independent learners.  My class can work and stay engaged for about 15 minutes.

As a result, I have planned centers that build upon their learning needs but also keep them on task.

Puzzles, board games, and easy to prep centers are among the activities that I am using during center time. During literacy centers, the groups have no more than four students.  Whereas, during math time, children work in pairs.

During center time, I am monitoring students or working with a group.  In many cases, it depends on how the class is responding to their independent work.  

We are taking small steps but we are heading in the right direction.  It will only get easier as they mature and learn.

How is your class going?

Happy Teaching!

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Our Learning - In Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words.  - Albert Einstein

Here are a few things that we've been up to in our classroom.

It's all good when you have a Pete the Cat mask. 

In honor of Read Across America, I was Pete the Cat.  

So, of course, I needed a few friends.  

We celebrated Read Across America by sharing our favorite books.

Then, we wrote about it.

 In social studies, we learned about maps.  We explored how to make a map of our home. 

This Target rug became an inspiration for a math center.

The greedy Leprechaun is known to slide over the rainbow to steal the gold.  

My intervention group has been helping Bob learn to rhyme. 

They found Bob to be so silly and were more than willing to help him learn to rhyme.

We wrote an interactive rhyming book.   

 Finally,

this has been my view lately.  Away from my students; assessing 1-1.  I love the data that it gives me and parents but I dislike not engaging and interacting with my class all day long.

I hope to be back to blogging soon.  In the meantime, you can follow me on Instagram or Facebook where you'll get an almost daily look into my teaching.

Until then,

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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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Teaching Colors

We begin the year with exploring and teaching colors.  Although, we wish all of our students knew this, many come in with limited knowledge, so we do our best to fill in those gaps quickly.

Their first homework assignment is to bring objects or pictures  that focus on the color.  We will use these items to help create our anchor charts.

Literature is embedded throughout the mini-unit.



I like to include books that they may be familiar with from preschool as well as some new or funny stories along the way.  I always include books that are easy enough for everyone to read and have these available during Book Buddy reading time.


Centers help students foster independence and working with others.

Even a game like CandyLand includes accountable talk.  Students must tell their partner what color they have.   I make sure to include variety and "fun" tools like these paint dots, foam dice and food.  Center time is short; 10 to 15 minutes depending on stamina.  In the beginning, we all may be working on these activities together.  Later,  I will transition them into Math Work Stations.

Would you like to use these in your classroom? Click on the links to get yours.  The pattern strips can be found here from Fran at Kindergarten Crayons.  I created the Brown Bear Roll A Color Sheet and the Gummy Bear Color Sort and Graph.

Need more ideas? Follow my Pinterest Color Board.

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Math Work Stations Ch. 3 - Revisited

I recently posted my thoughts about Math Work Stations after using them in my classroom for a year.  Many of you, commented how you plan to get started with this math style this year.  To help you, I am going to "revisit" these as well.

Chapter 3 is about Getting Started.  To read the original post and the links of other bloggers who joined in this virtual study, go here.

My Reflections Now:

• I started and introduced a few games at a time.  
• I loved having my students work with a partner.  We changed partners about once a month.
• I love dice! They can be used for so many skills.  
• The same can be said for all the Oriental Trading and Target Dollar Spot erasers, I have collected over the years.  Change the counter and it instantly becomes a "new" game.  :)
• Kids requested games that they wanted me to keep.  I also instantly knew when a game was a flop.  I got the "I'm Done" teacher.  
• My original plan to have each tub categorized by standard was too overwhelming for me.  Numbering the boxes was easier.  
• I was able to incorporate Common Core Standards as well as teacher "the book" all year long.
• Math Work Stations became easier to plan as the year progressed.  
• I loved that I could incorporate games that perhaps, my kids did not have at home like Connect Four, Hungry Hungry Hippo, puzzles, etc.  They each had mathematical value in our classroom.  

As I plan for the upcoming year, I know that I will "tweak" things about Math Work Stations.  I plan to reread the book again this summer to see how I can fit some skills in more frequently like geometry and measurement.

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Math Work Stations One Year Later

Last year, I had the opportunity to work and learn collaboratively with a wonderful group of bloggers and many of you about Math Work Stations.  It has been about a year since implementing Math Work Stations.  Since then, I have seen a difference in my approach towards teaching math and how I implement math concepts in the classroom.  

What's Working:
I love that Math Work Stations give every learner a chance to work with a partner to explore math concepts.  In my classroom, Math Work Stations take place 3 to 5 times a week depending on our schedule for at least 15 to 20 minutes.  In the past, math centers would have been an extra time filler.  Not now.  It is a component of our math program.

Many of the stations are games which I have purchased, made or found through the internet.  Although there are many great items via the web, I tried to only use the ones which reflected the needs of my students.  Some great sites are: KidsCount1234, Math Wire and Teachers Notebook.

Our Schedule:
Calendar and Math Routines 
     Components include: patterns, days of the week, months, counting by 1s, 5s, 10s, money, time, 10 Frame work, place value based on the date
Whole group instruction 
     Components include: teaching required math concepts from workbook, teaching a game, spiral review
Math Work Stations 
     Components include: 10-12 independent math centers.  Currently, includes addition, subtraction, counting, place value, time, money (pennies), Hundreds Chart work

Organization:
Organization is key to a successful math program.  Here is how I do it.

We use this simple pocket chart for our Math Work Stations.  Index cards are placed by the numbers and pairs work their way down the stations.  On average, it takes about 2 weeks to complete the stations.  I modify or help some groups based on ability.  Students are paired based on need and sometimes personality.  New partners are given about once a month.  I love that many times, I am able to walk around and observe the children.  I learn so much about their thinking during this time.  It helps me as I plan for future lessons.

The shelf holds most of our math manipulatives. Most of these items are used during Whole Group Instruction.  It also hold a few extra Math Works Stations.  If needed, I can adapt a Math Work Station quickly.

We do not have space to house our Math Work Stations on a shelf.  Instead our stations lay on the floor.  The numbers above help the students put the station back in the correct place.  At first, it took some time to retrieve and put back stations.  Now, we do this quickly and easily.  I use Sterlite containers that I found at Target.  They are not too bulky and most items fit easily.

Room For Improvement:
Next year I hope to incorporate more I Can Talk Cards.  Some of my shyer and limited English speakers, really do have a hard time talking about math.  I hope that this would help them.  I would also like to work towards the Common Core.  Math is the first to be assessed, so I know that it is crucial that I work with the Common Core in mind.


Did you try Math Work Stations? If so, what worked for you?  I would love to hear from you.  If enough people are interested, I could make this a Math Work Stations linky party.  Let me know.

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Math Centers - February Edition

Here is a peek at what our centers look like this month.


Race to $1.00

Graphics by Scrappin' Doodles

Students roll a dice until they have 25 cents which they trade for a quarter.  Game continues until someone wins the $1.


Nuts about Counting

A freebie by Lil' Country Kindergarten.  Get yours here.  My kids really like this center!


Peanut Butter and Jelly Addition

Graphics by Lettering Delights

Inspired by the book, Peanut Butter and Jelly, I created this simple addition center for my students.



Zoo Train

This addition center is from Kinder by Kim.  I have used this every year I teach addition.  Lots of times this includes animal cracker cookies but for this center we used animal counters.  I love her items! Check her out!

Tooth Fairy Counting

This adorable dental health freebie comes from Can Do Kinders.  I used white beads as counters.

Scoop and Count: V-day Edition

My kids loved last month's Snowman Scoop and Count that I made this one to use with Conversation Hearts.  I bought big and small hearts to vary it up.  It's a big hit.  Click on the image to get yours.  

A big shout out to all the teachers who have shared their creations with me and others.  I appreciate your hard work.  My kids love learning from you!

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Math in Photos

Have you ever wondered what other classrooms look like during Math Work Stations.

Here is a look into my classroom during Math Work Stations this week.  Almost all of these activities were found via blogs and are free. These easy to prep math centers are perfect for our youngest learners.

1.  Scoop and Count
2.  Snow Cow
3.  Penguins Sequencing numbers 1-16
4.  Domino Parking Lot
5.  Counting Teen Numbers
6.  Roll Mr. Potato Head 

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Happy New Year!  

Chinese New Year is not for a few weeks 

but I thought I would share this simple math center idea.  

Did you know that noodles are traditionally eaten at the Chinese or Lunar New Year feast?  Why? Because noodles symbolize a long life.

This math center was created with that tradition in mind.  To create, I simply cut white yarn into various lengths and put them in a bowl.  Add chopsticks, measuring tools, a Math Talk card and you have an instant center in minutes! (If your kiddos have not used linker cubes as learning tools make sure you give them time to play with them first.)

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Math in Pictures

I love how these stations can be a part of our math time for as long as necessary.  I change them as needed but many can be adapted.  How are your math stations going?  Any suggestions to make math even better?  Comment away.  I love to read them.

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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What is Working

Today was our 36th day of school.  The kids are growing as learners academically and socially. But sometimes, it can feel like I/we run a marathon; our pace is fast and almost non-stop. There is such rigor in kindergarten and I am thankful each day that I have a full day to teach all the content that students are expected to master. An additional stress this year, is that my school is in Program Improvement Year 2. :(

Despite the challenge, I am pleased with some of the changes that I have made because of you! Blogging has opened my world to a new professional learning community. As a result, I can see my students benefiting from my learning. I have changed my word wall to look more like this. We worked on patterns using Fran's wonderful resource. (I may never staple a book the same way again!) We sing and dance away our sight words using HeidiSongs (click on the side bar for more info.).

Here is a little thank you gift to all the wonderful teachers who are supporting me; sometimes in ways I never imagined.  This game was created to help my students continue to count and master numbers to 10.  I like how as students work on this, they are also beginning to learn about "making a 10."  The kids love it!  To play, place 10 red/yellow counters in a plastic container.  We use these.  The child counts how many red and how many yellow and colors the amount onto the Ten Frame.

Happy Teaching and Learning!

     

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Math Work Stations

Here is what our Math Work Stations look like.  

The I Can chart is based on our learnings thus far.  

It will be revised as we continue to grow and learn as mathematicians.

There are 11 Math Work Stations in our room.

Most games involve one of the three topics from our I Can Chart.

On average, our work station time is 15 minutes long.

For now, I am monitoring groups. 

Soon, I plan to meet with students.  

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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What is it? Letter or Number?

This week we worked on identifying words, letters, numbers and shapes.  I noticed some students were confused with these terms when I gave them their initial assessments.   This was especially true of my students who did not come to school with this basic vocabulary or are learning English.   We created this chart together.

Each child was given a card and had to think where it belonged.  I gave my experts the cards first and asked how they knew the answer.  Later, as part of their math workstation, the students sorted their own set.

Click here to get yours.

If you plan to use these with your students, please leave a comment.   Happy Friday!

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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This and That

My kids are doing a great job getting into the groove of being in school.  For the most part, they have a pretty good attention span and can "work independently" for about 10 minutes.  I have been able to complete some pre-reading and math assessments using my free trail offer through ESGI.  I really love the instant feedback you get from the assessment.  So, unlike our current system.  (Click on the link in my sidebar to find out more. ) 


I am hoping to begin Math Work Stations next week.  So, this week we are practicing a few math games that will become the basis of some of our work stations.  We learned about taking turns while playing CandyLand.  We also played a dice game based on Brown Bear, Brown Bear.

The kids did a great job!  Our mini lesson focused on recognizing the number of dots without counting.  Many were able to do this at least up to four.  Not bad, for our first go at this.  Then, we got to use the dice to roll and color our Brown Bear Worksheet.  This was a great way to practice our colors and counting without it looking like that's what they were doing.  :)  We even had time to share our work and analyze the data.

How are math work stations going for you?  Your words of wisdom is greatly appreciated.  I'd love to hear what's happening in your room.

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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