Learning About Kindness and Being Fair

It has been a  crazy few weeks since winter break (desperate for another vacation) and we have been working on a variety of projects related to the seasons and weather. On Friday I took a break and focused on Martin Luther King Jr. This is an important leader and I like to stop and spend time on this. I remember Dr. King as a child growing up in Baltimore and his words had a huge impact on me and the world I lived in.

I think I own every childrens' book written about this great man  but this is my favorite, by far. It is written authentically but in terms a young child can understand. When I was a Common Core coach I did a close read with first grade students using this text. It lends itself well to a cause and effect map and children are able to find evidence to support their thinking with ease. I recommend purchasing it for next year or adding it to your library now. Check it out here on Amazon. 

I really like this video and have used it for several years. If you want to check it out just click on the picture to watch it. We all love Reading Rainbow... right? It might have been the only time my class was quiet all day!

Then we talked about what their dreams are for the future and what goals they would like to achieve by the end of the year. This is a little book  I love to use for this purpose and one that the kids can really relate to. If you want to purchase it for next year you can grab it in my TpT store for just a few dollars. My students loved this reader.

We had a great day, filled with important conversations about kindness, being fair, and standing up for what you believe in. It was well worth the time it took to do this. I even squeezed in a hit of writing just because we need more work on this.

I love 3 day weekends. Don't you? 

What Common Core Standards Do They Have Under Their Belt?

The year is coming to a close in my district and I have been busy rolling out our spring units that now reflect the Common Core. Many schools are having end of the year celebrations and parents are visiting classrooms to admire all the work their children have proudly created over the year. Now you are wondering how the year slammed by so fast (or not). The paperwork has gotten out of control and the kids were ready for the summer right after spring break.. right? This is a tough time for teachers and anything that brings your life under control is embraced with enthusiasm. I decided to try out something new. This is not your standard memory book because my students would struggle with all that independent writing and I would have to do all of it directed,during small group instruction. OMG another job. So how is this different?

I took some of the highlights of our CCSS journey this year and created a student book that kindergarteners can complete on their own!  Okay I lied. Many kids will be able to pull that off and then we have a few... Yup read that again to be sure. It is a reflection of the skills they have acquired and can also serve as an assessment tool for specific skills.  You can pick and choose the activities you want them to work on. Does that sound useful? Wait, there is more! In addition, this is an emergent reader that they can share with their families, once you have gone through it together! It has dots under the text for tracking and is somewhat repetitive. I love the idea that they are essentially creating a Common Core journal of their year long understandings and can share this portfolio at home. The prep for this is minimal because I am afraid to contribute to the insanity at this time of year. I've got your back! I am off to work but will put this up in my store later. What traditions do you have for your little learners? Grab a tissue and share!

I just posted this in my TpT store for you to purchase. It's only $5.00. I hope you love this product as much as I do.

Fran 

An Interactive Mother's Day Card For Kinders

It is time to take a break from the race to the end of the year and have your students make a special card for their moms. I think this is a keeper because the kids get to make a special cut and paste card, a little strip book goes under the cupcake honoring all the things their mom does for them, and they get to write the word "me" on each one. Quick and easy-peasy. I bet it gets them a hug and a kiss from a happy parent! Mission accomplished. You can grab it right here but please leave a comment and head for the TpT sale.