Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Play in K

I am so excited!

WE CAN PLAY!



At an end of the year quick meeting the K teachers were told we can bring back a little time of play in our classrooms.

*cue huge grin*

Whether you are allowed to have the old-school center time or not, we all know the benefits of play.

  • Social- kids need time to interact, practice sharing, using manners, and time to talk and interact with their peers on their terms.
  • Behavior- we've all seen a rise in what's expected in kindergarten and a rise in behavior problems...that is not a coincidence.
  • Literacy/Math- when students play they are using and learning vocabulary, building math skills, and sometimes writing while playing.
I will have a 15-20 minute chunk to have a free centers time this coming school year.  I am still trying to figure out how I want to do it.  I will have the students choose what they do but will probably have to put parameters on how many students in the different areas.  

For the rest of the summer I would like to share things I have found or ideas I have about play in kindergarten.  Once a week I will post an idea.

Here is my new Market Place!  I have play money, ordered some play food, I am making some felt food, and just need some chalk.



Today I'd love to share with you some cards that I made as a forever *FREEBIE*.  These world structure cards are a great addition to your classroom blocks.  You can print and laminate the cards and have students try to build the structures.  Each card has the sentence: Can you build ____ ? (with the structure name where the blank is).  Also, each card is labeled with the location.  I saw this idea on a blog but hers were a bit different and she didn't have a digital version unfortunately.  I loved this idea and so I used photographs I bought from TPT and created these cards!  Go check out Can You Build It? World Structures.  Click on the name or underneath on the picture.

 


I can't wait to see what they build!

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Summer Goals


Hey everyone!  Things have been crazy town lately.  You know the drill, end of the year crazy.  Now that I've been settled into summer I thought I would let you all know what has been happening and tell you my goals for the summer (both professionally and personally).

What's Been Happening:
* I survived my first two semesters of grad school.  I'm going for my Master's in Reading- Reading Specialist.  Currently almost finished with one of my summer classes.  I have another in July.  Man oh man is it tough balancing classes and teaching, but I did it.  I'd rather do it now than when I have little ones running around.
* I am soon to be Mrs. Hadley!  I got engaged on the last day of school at the end of our school-wide talent show.  I had zero idea it was coming.  My mom acted weird in February pretending to see if I wanted a ring she got for her work anniversary and making me try it on...but other than that, I did not know when, where, or how.  I was completely shocked!

* I am getting married in early August!  I am just crazy enough to plan a wedding in 2 1/2 months.  I just got the dress yesterday!  Everything is mostly good to go other than one bridesmaid dress and catering.  Those are the biggies left.

Goals:
Professionally:
* I want to read 5 professional development books this summer.  I currently have almost 2 completed.
* Print and prep all my KinderMath & KinderLiteracy units by the amazing Tara West over at Little Minds at Work.  I have almost all of the math units printed and binded into unit books.
* Update my back to school information for Open House and first week of school.

Personally:
* GET MARRIED!  :)  My mom and Mr. Hadley have been amazing help!
* Read 10 just for fun books.

* Plan a honeymoon for Christmas break.
* Relax and enjoy the summer!