Class Promise: The Foundation of Our Rituals and Routines

After reading several books this week, including "David Goes to School", "Following the Rules", and "Being a Good Friend", students were asked how they feel about having rules and the importance of them. Questions such as, "Would you like if your friend didn't follow the rules of a game?" and "How would that make you feel?" were asked. We talked about rules all around us. For instance, in the car (road signs), at the store (waiting in line), and at school (fire drills). Students were invited to give their opinions on what they think would be some good classroom rules to follow. They came up with: no kicking, no hitting, being nice to people, and listening to the teacher. We summed up what they said and wrote it on our Class Promise chart. The students drew pictures of themselves to go around the promise and it is now posted in front of the classroom. Our promise is said everyday before we start our Skills Block lesson. Students are reminded of the promise throughout the day and asked to follow the rules of the classroom so that no one gets hurt and everyone has a chance to be heard. The foundation of our rituals and routines is in place with our Class Promise and the students are very proud to be a part of creating it!

Kindergarten - First Days at the Honky Tonk

The Honky Tonk is in it's first week of operation and student's are getting into the rhythm and flow of the classroom. Our highlights today included the start of "Star Names" where every student gets the chance to be the "Star" and his/her name is the focus of the lesson. Questions such as, "What do you notice about his/her name?" and "How many letters are in the name?" are asked. Letters of the name are cut up and mixed up and then put back together. Questions are asked of the student, "Do you have any brothers and sisters?"; "What do you like to do?"; "Do you have any pets?" Then the children go to their seats and draw a picture of the "Star" with something he/she likes to do. A book is made of all these pictures and is sent home with your "star" child on his/her day. Also today we read several books, namely, "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom".

Students made their own coconut tree and used letter stickers up the tree spelling out their names. We read, "The Three Billy Goats Gruff," and "Caps for Sale." These are two "Star Books" that the children will hear several times this month and will soon be able to retell the story by looking at the pictures. In Math Workshop, we read "Ten Apples Up On Top" by Dr. Seuss.That book is always a class favorite. The students then went to their seats and drew themselves with apples on their heads! Below are some pictures from free center time. It's no wonder that your kindergartener is tired...as you can see, we stay very busy at the Honky Tonk!!

Honky Tonk Is Open For Business

The first two days of Kindergarten have gone by in a flash. The change in the children from day one to day two has been amazing. Today they took their folders out of their backpacks and placed them in the bin, put their belongings in their cubbies, and went to their seats to do their morning work. Today it was name practice. We practiced how to come to the floor, how to line up and how to walk in line. All of these "mini-lessons" help the children learn the rituals and routines of the classroom. Today we started skills block with an ABC song and Humpty Dumpty Nursery Rhyme song and dance. Then we read, "David Goes to School" by David Shannon. This was the lead in to our next lesson about rules and why they are important. Students had valuable input as to what our rules chart or what we call our "Class Promise" should include: being nice to each other, sharing, and no hitting. The class then decorated a face cut out which represents themselves. This will be placed around our new class promise which we will show you tomorrow. Today we had our first fire drill. The children were prepared because we practiced yesterday (the first day of school.) They did an excellent job! In the afternoon, we celebrated a birthday, played outside, read some books, and the students had some time for free play (which is so important in kindergarten). This is where they learn to share, communicate, and make friends with each other. The Honky Tonkin' Kindergarten is just getting started and we can't wait for each new day!

Orchestrating a Symphony of Student Success

As you may have noticed, the blog has changed from our "180 Day Aussie Adventure" to "Mall-ard's Kindergarten Honky Tonk." Each year our school theme changes and this allows our new school year to have a unique feeling of its own. The school theme this year is "Orchestrating a Symphony of Student Success." Our specific Kindergarten theme is country music. Our classroom is going to be the "The Mall-ard's Honky Tonk." We can't wait to bring you all the fun and excitement of our new Kindergarten class via this blog. We hope you sign up on the FeedBlitz located on the sidebar of the blog post. In this way, you will be notified when a new blog post has been entered through your e mail. Ya'll enjoy the new theme trailer and we will see all of our new "Honky-Tonkin" Kindergarteners real soon!

Read Aloud Even in the Summer

It's hard to believe that a little more than a month has past since the last day of school. We have new routines now - getting up when we want to (for some of us) and sliding into the kitchen for that first cup of coffee...oh, I love the summer! I came across an interesting article and wanted to share it. Even though our "soon to be second graders" can read, they can glean so much from hearing you read to them. Children love hearing books read aloud. Mem Fox(one of our author studies last year) wrote some tips on how to become better at reading aloud:
Fourteen Fantastic Hints on Reading Aloud by:

Mem Fox, Queen of Read Aloud

• Ensure your audience sits close to you and close to each other

• Welcome everyone with roving eye-contact on the first couple of lines

• Entice, like a high-powered salesperson, with the first line

• Remember to make the phrases into beautiful, lilting, up & down music

• Paint pictures by visualizing the scenes and the emotions

• Change vocally: high/low; loud/soft; fast/slow

• Speak the verbs (action words) with animation for lively reading

• Fall in love with the pause

• Don’t over-express: it’s embarrassing—just hang loose and have fun

• Don’t be ruled by rhyme endings

• Make the last line v-e-r-y slow indeed

• Say goodbye to everyone with roving eye-contact on the last lines

• Never read anything aloud that you don’t like yourself

• Enjoy yourself and throw yourself into it to stop yourself from being boring!

Read aloud...even in the summer!!

Mystery Readers Kept Us Guessing!

During the past few months, we had visits from our mystery readers. These readers included dads, moms, and siblings. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit us and read one of your child's favorite books to the class. The students loved guessing who the mystery reader was going to be and what book would be read. We had visits from Lilly (Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse) and Daphne (Scooby Doo). Students enjoyed hearing chapters read from Tales of Despereaux. And not a sound was made during the book, "The Three Questions" by Jon Muth (based on a story by Leo Tolstoy.) All of the thought and time you put into coming into the classroom was appreciated and will be remembered. Thank you mystery readers!

The "Mall-ards" Got Talent

During this last week of school,we forgo the normal routine and just have a lot of fun (not that the routine wasn't fun). On Monday, we had our awards ceremony and in the afternoon had the "Wii Olympics" sponsored by our P.E. team. Today the students made "Australian necklaces" (with beads and boomerangs), our Mystery Reader appeared, and we also had our class "Talent Show". We had break dancers, joke tellers, magic performances, abstract art interpretation, singers, and speech readers...to name a few. This was a chance for the children to share their special talents with the class. Oh yeah, the "Mall-ards" got talent, for sure!!

First Annual "Dads and (Hot) Dogs"

Today the children celebrated their dads with our first annual "Dads and Dogs" BBQ. After the students performed a few songs, "A - You're Adorable" and "The State Joke Song", we showed a slide show of the "Year in Pictures" which had more than a few dads teary-eyed in seeing how much their child has grown in the past year. The children gifted their dads with a "Winner" medal for various things that their dad does best - we had "The best breakfast maker," "The best hugger," and "The best surfer," to name a few. After the gifts, poems, and drawings were given, all of us went outside to a hot dog BBQ with all the trimmings. It was a great precursor to Father's Day and our way as saying "thank you" to the great dads of great kids!
(All pictures are not on slide show - we forgot to remove your name tag.)

Sheetzu Caca Poopoo - A Mystery Reader's Favorite

Our Mystery Reader was Mrs. W. who found her mystery book "Sheetzu Caca Poopoo" at the local library. Comedian and talk-show host Joy Behar wrote about a lovable character in this cheerful, funny picture book. "When Max the mixed-breed meets a pack of snobby purebred dogs in the dog run, he can’t understand why they don’t want to play with him and his mongrel friends. Determined to get everyone to play together, brainy Max—who is part poodle, after all—comes up with a way to break the ice between the mixed-breeds and the purebreds. America’s current obsession with designer dogs makes this book as timely as it is lively." This books showed how everyone can get along even though they are different. Mrs. W. also read "The Worrywarts" by Pamela Duncan Edwards. This book "uses alliteration to lighthearted and humorous effect." On a "warm Wednesday morning," Wombat, Weasel and Woodchuck contemplate all the terrible misadventures that could befall them while preparing for a "wander into the world." Both books were thoroughly enjoyed by the children and our thanks to our Mystery Reader!

From Seed to Plant - Waiting for the Beans!

A few weeks ago, we finished our Science Unit on plants. One of the activities was, of course, planting a seed and watching it grow. Students checked daily on the growth of their seed. The bean was put into a plastic bag with a moist paper towel and hung in the class window for several days. Students charted the progress of their seed. When it sprouted, it was planted in a cup with fresh potting soil and the children took them home to plant. Some made the journey and some didn't. However, we heard many success stories. Some plants are growing up the side of houses (just like Jack and the Beanstalk) and some, like the picture of above and below, have been replanted and nurtured into a beautiful addition to a garden. It looks like "ML" will be making us some bean soup real soon!

Mother's Day Celebration May, 2009

Mom's, moms
so hugibl and kissibl
I love my mom
She takes care of me
but in poet's eye's
I see me and my
mom doing stof
togethor as a family.
That is why I love
my mom and me.

Poetree by: Piper

Today we celebrated the mother's of our students! We planned our presentation for weeks and the children practiced with joy because they wanted it "just perfect." In the hallway, we posted Mother's Day poems that the children wrote together with a watercolor drawing. Our program included the songs "Upside Down" (Curious George)performed in sign language, "A" You're Adorable, and the "State Joke" song. We also showed a slide presentation of "The Year in Pictures" which was wonderful to share with the mothers. Afterward, a breakfast was offered and children with their mothers had the chance to kick off the Mother's Day weekend together. It was truly a memorable event.

Mystery Reader - What a Wonderful Surprise!

We were surprised once again with this week's Mystery Reader! Ms. R. came in with one of "T's" favorite books, "Super-Completely -- and Totally the Messiest" by Judith Viorst. If her name sounds familiar, she is also the author of the "Alexander" series -- "...No Good Horrible Day" and "...Used to be Rich." This book is about a big sister who is very neat and constantly urging the younger sister to be neat — "like me" — but whether at home, at school, or the beach, Sophie is a disaster. However, Sophie does have some redeeming qualities that everyone loves.

Thank you so much Ms. R. for coming in and reading this book to the children. They really enjoyed the story!!

Standards Based Bulletin Boards 2008-2009

This was the first year that we took pictures of our Standards-based bulletin boards every month (well almost every month) and I'm so glad we did. As each month goes by, I see the thought, work, and imagination it took to create it. The student's work is highlighted and it shines brightly for all to see. August was our first board, "An Aussie Adventure Awaits You" which hints to our theme for the year. Because we are a looping class, students were invited to write to us during the summer via letter or postcard. Their letters/postcards/pictures were put around the map for all to see.
"Minilessons Can Make A World of Difference" was board number two. Writing minilessons such as editing, starting at the red line, using the word wall, etc. were the focus. Student's work was shown before and after a minilesson was taught. "Navigating Our Way Though Nonfiction" was a Reader's Workshop board which guided the viewer with a page by page look at the elements of nonfiction via a booklet that the students made. It included close ups, comparisons, table of contents, cut aways, and labeling. The next is a math board, "2D Or Not 2D - That is the Question". This board reflected learning about 2D and 3D shapes in Math. It included a booklet students made on 2D and 3D shapes, pattern block construction, using technology, and making 3D shapes such as cubes, triangular and rectangular prisms. "Great Beginnings - Precious, Priceless, and Winsome" was our homage to Kevin Henkes. This showed four different "great beginnings" for a response to literature. Starting with a question, a statement, a quote from the story, or a personal reflection were featured. And finally, our "Work over Time" - "Watch How Time Will Tell". This takes our student, Alexandra, from a Kindergarten month-by-month writing (2007-2008) sample booklet to First Grade (2008-2009). Showcased is a pattern book, personal narrative, report, response to literature, functional piece, and persuasive writing sample. These boards were a window into our classroom. They are now archived and will be looked on to build upon for the classes to come. We'll be taking pictures of our boards from now on -- it was a great idea!!

Men Do Read -- WOW -- What a Week!!

Within one week, we had three guest readers -- all dads -- come to model for our class that everyone loves to read -- even guys. Fireman Chris came back to visit. He read a book about fire safety. He explained the importance of wearing protective gear when on a motorcycle and he also talked about water safety at the beach and pool. Fireman Chris brought in a special visitor, his daughter "S", who will be kindergarten next year.

Next, we had a member of the BUDs club (Brothers, Uncles, and Dads), Jeff W. whose daughter "M" is in our class. Jeff read "Book Fair Day" and a nonfiction fiction book about animals that live in the dark. Ask him about "glow worms" -- he knows all about them!!

Finally, we had our Mystery Reader, Phil A. He surprised our class on Thursday and read a book about "Being Green" and also read some poems to the class. His son "B" is in our class. Then he shared some of his heavy-duty policeman gear with the kids. That was also a special treat!! Wow!! What great role models these men are to our students -- showing them that "Real Men Do Read" -- and love doing it!! Thanks dads!!!

"Magic" Meeting an Author

Luckily, while shopping in Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago, we found out that Mary Pope Osborne was coming and let the students and parents know via our weekly newsletter. This afternoon, at Barnes and Noble/Town Center, "C" was able to meet and take a picture with one of our favorite authors Mary Pope Osborne. Her books are truly "magical". We read a chapter a day from "The Magic Tree House" series and the children are transported into history. From dinosaurs to pilgrims to the Civil War to the Titanic, children are traveling with eight year old Jack and his seven year old sister, Annie. It all started one summer day in Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, when a mysterious tree house appeared in the woods. Jack and Annie climbed into the tree house and found it full of books! They soon discover that the tree house is magic and can take them to the places in the books. All they have to do is to point to a picture and wish to go there. Every day, when we read a chapter aloud, our class is transported with Jack and Annie to faraway places and long ago times!
We know more of our students went to meet her and can't wait to hear how wonderful their adventure was!!

Big Chickens -- Book of the Month

Our book of the month was "Big Chickens" by Leslie Helakoski. It gives a new twist to the old story about a hen house and a furry predator. Four fussy hens are chicken in more ways than one. "When they first spy a wolf, they run off to hide in the woods, but are soon frightened by a ditch, and then by a peaceful-looking group of cows, and on and on, until they end up in a cave, where an encounter with actual danger leaves them feeling brave for the first time." It was a wonderful book that the children loved hearing again and again. Students made paper bag puppets and put together the following play. We hope you enjoy it! Special thanks to Conor - who is reading the book.

Big Chickens Puppet Show

Persuasive Writing: Beach vs. Pool

As we are continuing the unit on "Persuasive Writing" today we read the book, "Should We Have Pets?" by Sylvia Lollis. This book is a collection of persuasive letters written by students persuading others about the pros and cons of having a pet. After each letter was read, students rated it a number 3, 2, or 1 to see if the letter gave enough information or persuaded them one way or another to have a pet or not. This book helped to make clear the idea behind writing persuasively, and the Writer's Workshop lesson unfolded from there. The class wanted to make our own book, as Ms. Lollis' class had done, and we decided to choose, "Is going to the beach better than going to the pool?" Below is a sampling of persuasive letters written that we will go into a class book. Are any of the letters persuading you one way or the other?

April 9, 2009
Have you ever been to a beach? I have. I like it better than a pool cause in the pool there is no sea animals and no big waves. And the beach has shark teeth. The pool, when you stand on a boogie board, you can fall off and crack your head open by the concrete. The beach you don't get hurt and you can surf. The pool has a rule called, "No Boogie Boards." I hope you like the beach better now.

by Chelsea B.
That's a good argument Chelsea. I think I like the beach better.


Another pro beach letter:

April 13, 2009
Dear Anna Grace,
Do you think the pool is better or the beach? Well, I think the beach. Why? Because you can swim farther out than the pool. You also can't ride the waves on you boogie board in the pool! You can also ride the waves and you can find sea shells. In the pool, you can hit your head on the ledge when you jump in. (That's what my dad did once.) You can do the same if you jump close to the steps. Love Julia
P.S. What does Austin like?

You have some good points, Julia. I think you persuaded me to go to the beach!

Spring Has Sprung in Room 104

Today we celebrated Spring with an egg hunt and center activities. After parent volunteers helped hide the eggs on the playground, students were given their curbside posts to wait until the, "Ready, Set, Go" directions were given. After students collected a set number of eggs each, they came back to the classroom to enjoy making some arts and crafts activities. Centers included crafting bunny wind socks, card making, tangram rabbits (the ancient Chinese moving piece puzzle, consisting of 7 geometric shapes), cookie decorating, hard boiled egg decorating, word searches, and Spring book bin reading. It was a festive day in Room 104!

Persuasive Writing Is Alive and Well

For the past two weeks, our class as been learning about and practicing "how to write persuasively." Books such as "Click, Clack, Moo - Cows That Type" was the one of the first books read on this topic. Other books, such as, "I Wanna Iguana" and "With Love, The Little Red Hen" are other books that help children understand this genre of writing. Parents have sent in stationary, stamps, notepads, and envelopes to help kick off this unit on writing letters. A sheet was sent home for parents to write names and addresses of family members or other people that the students would like to write to. Lessons on how to address and where to put the stamp on an envelope were taught. Moreover, lessons on how to write about something that students feel the need to change and persuade others with their reasons to change something is the bigger idea. One student wrote about changing the food in the cafeteria to more chicken. Another student wanted a dog and wrote to his parents about how he will take care of it. And another wrote to the President and asked that no more trees get cut down so the animals will have a place to live. When the children get the chance to write, it is amazing to see how much they really know and want to fix.

Today, each child was given a "Tiny Topics Notepad." During our Writer's Workshop lesson, we traveled the school, inside and out, and wrote notes to ourselves about things we noticed needed to be changed. The students noticed books on the hallway floor, the lost and found that was hidden, the litter on the back playground, and the primary playground didn't have enough grass. All these notes were taken while walking through the school. Tomorrow, students will have the chance to write about one or two of these topics and try to persuade our principal to fix some of these concerns remembering to give good reasons why she should do so. To find out more about this unit, visit, timmonstimes.blogspot.com and you will find some great resources to use at school and at home. Parents, look for your letter to be coming in the mail real soon...don't be surprised if you are persuaded to do something you weren't really planning on...WARNING...start saving for that new pool!!

Kevin Henkes Puppet Show -- Live

We hope you enjoy this Kevin Henkes' Puppet Show debut -- The students shared their retellings with the class and this is a sampling of them. We hope you enjoy it!

Mallard Puppet Theater from Cheryl Dillard on Vimeo.