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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Rakin' In Learning

Here's a fall themed center that can be easily adapted to meet the needs of your students.

To make
You will need a leaves which can be easily found at your local craft store or dollar store, bags or buckets for sorting and a rake.  I found the buckets and rake at Target.

Next, using a Sharpie write on the leaves whatever concept that you would like your students to focus on.

I created this center for Word Work.  Students had to sort words, letters and numbers.  But it could be easily turned into a math center by writing number sentences on the leaves and having students sort the answers into the appropriate buckets.

To play
Students will toss their leaves up into the air or scatter their bucket.  They will rake up the leaves and sort as they go.

If needed, you could easily add a "worksheet" for students to fill out for accountability purposes.

Honestly, though, my students have loved working at this center.  They love it because it gives them the sensory experience of playing with the leaves.  I like that I can incorporate the sensory and learning.  

Happy Fall!

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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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Importing CDs to iTunes

Thank you for the overwhelming response to my previous post about how I use the listening center in my classroom.  I had a few requests on how to import CDs.  This is a step by step tutorial for those who need it.  Most of the audiobook CDs I have were purchased through Scholastic.

First, open iTunes.

When you insert the Cd,  a pop up window will appear like this. See those three checks to the left of the title? Many audiobooks are read with or without the page turn signals. Some have comprehension questions.  I usually only import the story with page signals. So, I uncheck number 2 and 3. Then, click on the bottom right; Import CD.  

Once completed it will look like this in your Music Library.  To get the image, if purchased through iTunes or a "more popular" item, you can click Advanced: Get Album Artwork on the top menu bar of iTunes.  Otherwise, you will have to get the image.  For early readers, the image helps them to know which book to get next.

I usually copy the image onto my desktop and drag it into the bottom left as shown here.

Next, you'll need to create a Playlist.  Go to File: New Playlist from the iTunes Menu bar.  I rename it to Audiobooks.  Once you've created your playlist, you can edit, add, or delete items from here.  The beauty is that it is still in your music library.  So, it is not gone forever.

If you notice from the first photo, my audiobooks playlist contains three items; two books and a podcast and lasts approximately 27 minutes.  More than enough time for one round of Daily 5.

I have been using this system for over three years and it works for me and my students.  I really do love this system.  I encourage you to give it a try.

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Listening Center Lifesaver

The Listening Center is always a class favorite during Daily 5.  

I used to struggle with how to allow all students a turn when we only have 1 computer but not anymore. I purchased this adapter and now, I can have up to 5 students at Listening Center.  I numbered the adapter and the seating area.

Then, I numbered the headphones to avoid the "He took my headphone!" antics.  When not in use the headphones lay on their number.  Yes, at times, we do get some tangled cords. I've taught the kids how to unplug the headphones and they can usually untangle themselves without my help. 

Space saver tip

Use a table with no legs; one which will be low, and let kids sit around the table on the floor. My table is actually up against the wall.  I've also disconnected the keyboard  and store it under the table since they don't need it.  If we are using the computer at other times during the day, I replug it in.  This gives them more room for  their books since usually they have to share with at least one partner.  

I love my listening center and have accumulated a large book collection which I keep on iTunes.  To read more about how I did that, go here.    

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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A Peek into Literacy Centers

I don't know about your students, but my kiddos seem to be really getting into the rhythm of school.  It is somewhat magical to see how independent they have become.

I have used Daily 5 as part of my literacy center program for several years.  Here are a few photos of what the kids are doing while I work with students during literacy centers.

Buddy Reading:  
This child is reading an enlarged version of our Phonics Library books.  Her buddy is listening waiting for her turn to use the pointer.  Reading is always better with a pointer.

Word Work:
This child is making words using stampers and Play-Doh.  I decided to try keeping the Play-Doh in the container to alleviate some of the mess that it makes.

This child has made CVC words with a and i using these dog bones to go with our shared reading story, This Old Man. 

Isn't it great when all the work you've put in about expectations and procedures finally start to pay off?

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

We had a great week exploring the wonderful world where anything can happen....

This book provided lots of opportunities for cross curricular study. 

I enjoy this book so much and thankfully, my students did too.

Here are some of the activities we completed.

• For math, we used this book to help us count.
• One of our alphabet activities was to match upper and lower case letters. 

Grab your copy here.

• We also played this Chicka Chicka Boom Boom alphabet game from Lakeshore Learning.  

• Look at these adorable hats!  The kids did wonderfully listening and following directions for this multi-step craft.  I loved how each one turned out different! 

Stayed tune for more Chicka Chicka Boom Boom inspired learning!

Happy Learning and Teaching!

 

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