Addition and Subtraction Kindergarten Worksheets
If you are like me, and looking for more ways for your students to add and subtract fluently within 5, you might check out these worksheets. For only $3.00 you will have 10 addition and 10 subtraction worksheets ready to give important practice to your young learners.
Poverty and Student Academic Success
Throughout my teaching career I have made many home visits, but one, in particular, stands out. A student of mine had been in an accident and I visited his home armed with some books, a class photo of his friends, and a hug. The home I entered was a tiny, cramped space occupied by not one, but many families. As teachers we know that despite our best efforts in the classroom, much of a child's future success has been predetermined by his socioeconomic status. It is a wall that we as teachers are continually chipping away at, but it is a monumental task. As teachers, we also know how devastating living in poverty is to a child. Poverty causes negative changes in the brain . Poverty causes stress. It is a source of depression and anger, illness and crime. With such devastating effects, why don't teachers have more allies in the fight against it? Especially when it has been shown to be the cause of any so called "education crises" in America. As reported by USA Today, "When you measure the test scores of American schools with a child poverty rate of less than 20%... they outperform every nation in the world."
So why have we become mired in nowhere "solutions" like "No Child Left Behind" and "Race to the Top"? Why has the answer to perceived school failure become Charter Schools and Vouchers? Why are we splitting our resources and allowing ourselves to continually fail our children because we are avoiding the issue. Teacher Tom thinks it's because, you can't make money off of solving poverty, and perhaps the reason really is that simple. Big box curriculum companies certainly stand to lose millions if we shift our focus from testing to improving lives. Politicians certainly make more progress when they introduce legislations that is labeled "education reform" than when a bill is meant to improve the lives of those in poverty. In my own state of Utah, a bill called the "Healthy Utah Plan" that would improve the health of children in the state may not even be given a hearing in the state house. We know the root of our education problem in this country, and yet we are hesitant to create solutions.
As teachers, we need to remember that we are a source of stability for these children, and that their educational success depends more on the life skills they learn from us, than from the test score they receive at the end of the year. These children are dealing with unbearable levels of stress in their lives, and, therefore, they desperately need a classroom free from anxiety. A classroom where they feel safe. We need to teach them the proper social skills through play based interactions. If we do not, they may never learn these skills at all. We need to love these children. They need love. Their parents need to know that their child is loved. It may sound trite, but love is the bridge that can create opportunities for these children and their families, and until we can rally the kind of social reform that can put an end to appalling percentage of children who live this way, love is going to be these children's lifeline. We must extend it to them. They are drowning.
Keep Kids Reading This Summer
First on the list should be the little paper books that you have used for guided reading. These books are often “old favorites” that students will return to again and again. With these books, students can review sight words and practice fluent reading.
To keep students interested in reading, however, they need access to new or different stories. These can take the form of books checked out from a public library or purchased at a bookstore. Technology can also provide access to new titles.
Farfaria is an app that allows members to read one free book per day. (For unlimited access, parents can pay a monthly, yearly, or lifetime fee.) The books are divided by subject, theme or genre; each division includes books representing a wide variety of reading levels. Students can choose to read the book or listen to it while individual words are highlighted. Simply put, children love to read using this app. It has over 1,000 books that are aligned to Common Core reading levels. And, new titles are added weekly! Additionally all books are professionally narrated to aide students in listening comprehension.
Reading is critical to success in school. Encourage your students to keep reading this summer to maintain reading skills...and to have some fun doing so!
End of the Year Song: I Like School
This is one of my favorite songs to use with my kindergartners. In fact, I like it so much, I use it to both begin and end my school year.
Here is a group of school kids singing the song.
End of The Year Celebration Songs
Several years ago I ran across a treasure! Her name is Nancy Stewart. If you are an early childhood educator and have not yet been introduced to her fabulous, age-appropriate music, I am happy that I can introduce her to you!
We are using this song in our Kindergarten Graduation. It is adapted slightly from Nancy's original to make it easier for our kiddos. You can download the sheet music and mp3 of the version with words or instrumental selection for free. Yep for free. She offers loads of free, appropriate songs. You will love this site! Please, enjoy this free song poster.
Summer Homework Calendar & Free Song Poster
This is one of my favorite, most useful products. As a parent, I wanted summer homework that was scheduled, quick, and meaningful. From that desire, I created this Summer Homework Calendar. You can pick it up at the TPT Store for only $2.00.
And, as promised, here is a third song poster from our Kindergarten Graduation. Enjoy
Graduation Craftivity, Diplomas, And a Free Song Poster
Looking for a fun end of the year activity and/or craft? Check out our updated Graduation packet that includes instruction for the craft and bonus graduation diplomas and invitations.
Also, as promised here is another free Graduation/End-of-the-Year poster. This great Jack Johnson song is a great song for all grade levels.
Here is a class on youtube singing this song in sign language.
Here is a class on youtube singing this song in sign language.
Play is Fundamental
I ran across this great video on play. I think it is the best I have seen.
If you are looking for Thematic Units filled with play-based games, check out our Thematic Units. Here are a few, we offer over 50.
End The School Year in Song
This great end of the year song, written by Steven Vogel, can be found here. The children enjoy singing its thoughtful melody, and certainly washes the brains with endorphins.We are preparing for our kindergarten graduation, and this is one of our songs. I will be posting a free poster for each of our five songs, one each day for the next five days.
If you love adding sign language to your classroom, visit Signing Savvy. This is the go-to sign language resource. I also like Baby Sign Language as it simplifies the process. And then of course, if you get real serious you can invest in Signing Time, a program that builds language and vocabulary as well as signing.
Whether you are planning a graduation like my kindergarten block, a celebration, or simply want some great end of the year songs to celebrate your classroom community, remember to stop by daily to pick up your free poster and glean a few end-of-the-year hints and/or projects along the way.
Finding The Best Ipad Apps
Because there are a lot of poor games out there, and many are based on the kind of operant conditioning described in the video below , they are a huge draw for children without having much reward, and they are often the kinds of games our children might ask us for. Sometimes it's hard to find games that are actually worth the time our kids are going to spend on them. What follows are some of my favorites. I haven't been paid by any of these games to promote them. I just think they're good.
Hungry Guppy
It's difficult to find an app that really works kid's number sense. That's why I love Hungry Guppy and Hungry Fish so much. They are made by Motion Math (that makes a whole slew of great math games for older kids). Hungry Guppy is appropriate for Preschool, Kindergarten, and First Grade children, and Hungry Fish is for First Grade and up. Hungry Guppy teaches children key foundational math skills, such as the part/whole relationship of numbers and their hierarchical relationships. For a glimpse of what you get with this app, check out this video:
Subitize Tree
Subitizing is an important skill for young children. It is the ability to visually recognize numbers by mentally grouping them. This is a great game that hones this skill. A child must quickly recognize the number shown in order to free the animals. It has different difficulty settings which makes sure that children can be challenged and not frustrated as they develop the skill. Both my 3 year old and 6 year old enjoy this game at different levels.
Duck Duck Moose
I love app developer Duck Duck Moose. All of their apps are well made, adorable, and creative. My younger kids love their nursery rhyme apps and my older kid is a fan of Moose Math. I don't think you can go wrong buying something made by these guys.
KneeBouncers
Sometimes baby is going to want a turn at the iPad, or need a phone distraction, andKneeBouncers is the best I've found. When baby touches the device's screen, bubbles pop, colors change, bells ring, and vehicles drive by. It works on your computer too; if baby likes to play with your keyboard.
Monkey Preschool
The Monkey Preschool series by THUP games is another series where every game is a winner. All of my kids have loved these games while preschool age, and they've learned great skills too!
Letter School
Letter School is a handwriting app. It's been a great app for all my kids, and especially for my second son, who learned all his letters by the time he was 2 from playing this app. The novelty of the game has worn off of my 6 year old, however, despite the fact that he still needs the practice.
Handwriting Without Tears
Based on the fantastic handwriting program, this is an excellent app for teaching proper letter formation. However, children probably won't be intrinsically motivated to play this one, so it's place is probably more instructional than recreational.
Eddie's Number Party!
This game by Scientific Learning, is a wonderful game to teach preschoolers pre mathematical skills. It also has a fun storyline and... PUPPIES! And what preschooler wouldn't love that?
Originator
Originator is the creator of the apps, Endless Alphabet, Endless Numbers, Endless Wordplay, and Endless Reader. All of these are engaging, adorable, and informative. You need to watch the video to get and idea of just how adorably these games have been put together.
This post originated on Lyndsey's Blog: Mamma's Tots.
Technology In the Classroom
Technology should be deliberately used in the classroom. You can evaluate if you are effectively using technology to impact teaching and learning by using the SAMR model. The letters represent: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition.
Substitution: Technology is sometimes used just as a substitution for something that we already have - reading or listening to a story on a computer or an i-Pad instead of reading a book or listening to a story from a listening center. This is a good starting point for technology, but doesn’t go far enough.
Augmentation: Technology can make a report or project a little better. If you type up a report on a computer and then use spell check, you are using technology to augment your work. Again, a nice feature, but not enough to justify great expense.
Modification: At this level technology begins to transform the educational process. Students still use traditional skills such as writing, but they complete assignments with technology. In kindergarten, a student may write about a subject, then record the story or sentences on an i-Pad. The accompanying illustrations can be photos of the student’s drawings, clip art, or other digital images. The report or story can be shared with classmates or parents.
Redefinition: A step up from modification, redefinition also transforms learning. At this level, technology allows for the creation of tasks that once would have been impossible and even inconceivable. Students can collaborate on a project; it can include student writing and pictures put together as a slide show with background music, video, and student recordings. The possibilities are endless, especially as students gain experience through the years.
John Dewey said, “If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” Technology is a part of the future for our students; take advantage of it to transform learning in your classroom.
Teacher Appreciation ESGI Amazing Giveaway
Make any Screen a Digital Whiteboard
Love it or hate it, technology is here to stay. The opportunities to include technology in the classroom are endless, but not every teacher will or should follow the same technology program. Depending on available materials and devices, each teacher needs to decide what programs, apps, and options will enhance learning and make teaching a little easier.
So, what is a good educational app? One that is fairly easy to use is Educreations. It can be accessed from your computer or i-pad. You can sign up for a free account (and download the free app on your i-pad) to try Educreations; a pro account (with additional options) costs around $100/year.
Educreations can be a digital whiteboard - you can “write” on your i-pad screen or use the mouse for your computer to write numbers, letters, or words. It’s great for displaying equations, spelling sight words, or writing anything that you would write on a standard whiteboard. Students will be engaged and even a little impressed by your “talent!”
Educreations can also be used to make a simple slide show. You can insert photos or clip art, add text, and record information. Your slide show can be shown to the entire group, used by students in class at an independent center, or accessed at home as part of a homework assignment.
If you aren’t familiar with Educreations, check it out. With some experimentation you may find that this is a tool that can help you engage students and enhance learning.
Dinosaur Thematic Unit
Are you wanting to fill your kindergarten classroom with dinosaurs? Here are three products you may be interested in trying.
But, if you do, be prepared for loads of Dino-Fun!
Reading Words in Kindergarten
Throughout the second semester of kindergarten, students work on reading words. For teachers, this emphasis on words can be a challenge. We need a variety of methods to keep word reading engaging and interesting.
Try this approach to involve all students. Use large letters - magnetic letters on a white board or a set of flashcards in a pocket chart. Put the vowels in a column down the middle of the board or chart; use all or some of the vowels, placing them in alphabetical or random order. Next have two or more students each choose a consonant letter. Arrange them before and after one of the vowels, then have the class (or an individual student) sound the word out. Continue with more students choosing letters for another vowel. With your guidance, letters can be arranged so you can work on CVC or CVCe words. You can also focus on digraphs or blends. If you allow students to put the letters around any vowel, you will definitely have a lot of nonsense words to read!
Your students will enjoy the variety of this activity and their added involvement in creating words. Give it a try for a fun word-reading experience!
Kindergarten: Let's Remember It's Purpose
Friedrich Wilhelm recognized that 5 year olds had unique needs and capabilities as he formed the first kindergarten. May Kindergarten Teachers across the nation hold strong to his concepts that kindergarten, through play and activity will serve as a social experience for children as they transition from home to school. His goal: that children should be nourished in "children's gardens."
Each child in our care deserves this nurturing devotion at his/her own developmental pace. My goal:
Every Child
Every Day
Every Way
Experiencing Success.
Building Fluency
Fluency is a skill that can be and should be taught. In 1997, The National Reading Panel which included guru Marilyn Jagar Adams stated, “... [F]luency is the ability to recognize words easily with greater speed, accuracy and expression...children gain fluency by practicing.
 |
| Adapted Fluency Probe |
 |
| Letter Fluency Probe |
Another way to increase Joey’s fluency is to add additional fluency activities such as lining up toys or other common objects and naming them quickly. Fluency probes with colors and other common objects also build fluency, confidence, and success.
So if you have a student that is struggling with fluency, try developing his/her fluency separately from the reading task (remember that fluency is a task in its own right). Practice fluency with a fluency probe that you are confident he or she can be fluent at. Let him or her feel success. Older kids also love to try color and object fluency probes or simple sight word probes.
Another issue to remember is fluency is not speed. Have you ever heard a student read so fast that you can’t even understand him, and then worse yet, he can’t recall what he has just read? A great way to help students understand the difference between fluent reading and super-speed garble is to tape the student reading. Let him listen to the difference between fluent reading and speedy garble.
If you are interested, here are a two 1 minute fluency probes you might wish to try to help your students on the way to automaticity.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)