Hand Art for the Seasons

 

 With the hectic pace of Kindergarten and keeping up with the standards, we don't want to forget about basic skills such as tracing, cutting, and gluing. These cute art projects add so much to our classroom and the children just love seeing their artwork on the walls. This month we chose an owl. Children are labeling their work and of course adding their own special touches to their pieces. Don't they just make you smile?

Kindergarten Homework

We have had a few homework projects since the beginning of school. This is one the students love to do. Children were tasked with finding items at home that begin with the first letter of his/her name. Each child was invited to share these items with the class thereby reinforcing the first letter and beginning sound. Here we have "B" sharing her collection of "b" sounds with a book, bubbles, bear, and Buzz Lightyear. Bravo!!

Reader's Workshop: Book Bins and Star Books

Reader's Workshop is the time when students are given the time to "read" the books in their book bins. Each child has a book bin which includes a "Star Book" (Three Billy Goats, Caps for Sale,  or Where the Wild Things Are, etc.) that they have heard several times. They are now able to retell the story by looking at the pictures. The bin also includes an ABC book, a Dr. Seuss book and several Level A books which are simple sight word/picture books. Next wee, children will be bringing home a book from their book bin each night as part of their homework. They will love sharing these books with their family and reinforcing the reading skills and strategies they learned in school.

We Have "Caps for Sale"!

"Caps for sale...50 cents a cap." This is another one of our "Star Books" that we reread to the children a few times so that they will be able to retell the story using pictures and vocabulary from the book. Here we have our peddler. He has on his own checked cap and then all of the other colored caps for sale. In the story, the monkeys "borrow' the peddler's caps while he takes a nap against a tree. The caps are returned after the monkeys behaving as the peddler throws his own checked cap on the ground in frustration. Children are learning story sequencing, using story language, and vocabulary such as refreshed, disturb, and imitate  when retelling these adventures. Every student is lucky enough to have a copy of a "Star Book" in his/her book bin and it is delightful to hear them "reading" the books daily.

 He feels refreshed after his nap.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff- A Retelling

Being able to retell a story is one of the key ingredients in learning how to read. The children have heard us read The Three Billy Goats Gruff several times during the past few weeks. So much so that they are able to retell it themselves by using handmade stick puppets when doing their own retelling. They share with a friend and decide who is going to be what character and then act out the folktale. Soon they will get their own copy of the book and "read" by using the pictures in the book to help them along. These beginning steps in reading help the child by using one of the first strategies in reading, "Look at the picture." 

What is Kindergarten About? - The First Two Weeks - Random Pictures -

                                        ABC Puzzles                                           Drawing

                                                    Building with Legos                                                  

                                                                                      

                                                      Working on ABC puzzles together

 

                                                                   Pattern Block Creations
Kindergarten is all about learning, growing, and sharing. We like to have some time set aside every day for the children to have some "down" time. During this self-directed learning time, they have the opportunity to work on puzzles, build with Legos, use Play-doh, draw,  read, or go on the computer. They decide where they want to go and what they want to do. This is very important in the life of a Kindergarten student. They learn to share, take turns, converse with one another and make new friends. This is one of the things that makes Kindergarten so special.
                                                         More from our Animal Visit

Humpty Dumpty - Rhymes and More

Having props that go with the books add so much to the children's enjoyment.

The rhyme and repetition of a nursery rhyme contain some of the basic skills needed in learning how to read. For instance, students are learning phonemic awareness when they can point out the words that rhyme at the end of each line. They increase their memory skills in recalling the rhyme and sharing it at home. When we chant these rhymes in class, we point to the words on a chart (shared reading), ask questions about the story, talk about the characters, dance to the song and then have the students work on an art project about the subject. All of these poems will be put into their own Nursery Rhyme book for them to practice "reading" and chanting the rhymes. Our favorite is Humpty Dumpty and you can see why!!

 

 

Class Promise

 Every new year we come together as a class and decide what we think will help our class be a nice and safe place to learn, work and make friends. As we gave the class the opportunity to work with a partner to come up with some ideas, we decided on the above list. For instance, one idea was "to pick up our friends when they fall" and "not to hit anyone." Those ideas were morphed into "We will be kind to our friends." and "We will use our hands for helping."  Then we added two ideas, "We will raise our hand to speak." and "We will be first time listeners." Next the children drew in their faces, added a safari hat and some hair and they were glued along side our promise. We will chant our Class Promise every morning to remind ourselves about the importance of being a good student and friend in the class room.

The other option is to post the below picture -- that might be a little too scary at this time... :)

Settling Into Kindergarten - Rituals and Routines

We have just completed the third day in school and it is amazing to see the transformation that is taking place. Students already know how to put their folders in the bin, set up their cubbie (lunch outside their backpack), and settle into their morning work which has been beginning number practice. There has been a lot of lessons with our rituals and routine including how to come to the floor,  how to tuck chairs in and how to give out and collect papers. There has been an art project where the children made giraffes. This included lessons on how to hold the scissors, how to place the cap on the glue stick, and where to put project when it is completed. We have been upstairs to visit some of the animal displays so we even added a lesson on how to walk up and down the stairs (on one side of the staircase) and how to hold on to the railing. Children are constantly learning the whole day (even if they don't realize it). All of these lessons will make our kindergarten a fun and safe place to be, 

First Day of K - What a Great Day!

The first day of Kindergarten and the start of a new school year kicked off today with all of the children meeting in the dining room and saying one last "good bye" to their parents. After entering the classroom,  backpacks were unloaded and the students started getting acquainted with each other. Lessons such as how to use the bathroom, how to line up and how to come to the floor were given. We discussed lunch behavior and playground rules. However, the highlight of the day was the visit to see the wild animals. Experts in the field explained the various North American animals and the children were permitted to pet them (using two fingers) so their fur would not be disturbed. It was a wonderful experience for our students and one they really enjoyed. We wonder what the rest of the week will bring...

 Wild Animal Tour -- First Day 2013 on PhotoPeach

Preparing for a Wild Adventure in Kindergarten

The Mall-ard's will be officially open for business on Monday. Our sign is out and welcomes our "Wild Things" for an adventurous year "Walking on the Wild Side" (our school theme). We had a wonderful Kindergarten Orientation on Friday where we had a few minutes meeting the children and having them look over their new classroom. Parents were given an overview of what to do for the first day drop off and where to pick up their child after school along with other important information. A weekly newsletter, daily communication folder, and this blog will ensure parents feel a part of our classroom community.  

The pencils are sharpened, the crayons are ready, and the books can't wait to be opened...just waiting for our "Wild Things."  :)

Getting Ready for Kindergarten 2013-2014

 The Mall-ard's  have been busy getting ready for our new Kindergarten students who will be starting their first day of school next Monday, August 19th. Last year our school theme was a "Recipe for Success" and our classroom was "The Mall-ard Diner" . This year the school theme is "Taking a Walk on the Wild Side" and our class is "Where the Wild Things Are." We can't wait to see all of our new students on Monday. Meantime, enjoy the video prepared by Principal Phillips to welcome all students back to school.

Last Day of First Grade 2013

 We were surprised by two visitors from the the town of Mozzarella on the last day of school. One was Vincent Van Dough and the other was Leonardo Da Munchi. They had a problem. Vincent's pizza has delicious dough and Leonardo's has superior sauce. After some arguing, they came to the conclusion that joining forces would made for an excellent pizza all around. Lourdes and Randy Smith did an awesome job keeping the children entertained with the book, "The Great Pizza Contest" by Riley Roam.

 Listening and watching "The Great Pizza Contest."

 Students would join in the fun -- if they liked "sauce" better or "dough."

Vincent was trying to persuade the children to like dough better than sauce.

All of the students had a special treat waiting after the skit -- pizza bagel bites.  What a wonderful way to end their first grade year. Thank you Lourdes and Randy for closing the "Mall-ard" diner so memorably!!

Preparing for Second Grade

 As summer is fast approaching, we would like to offer some helpful hints about the next grade level. One of which is a list of summer preparation games and activities that one of our seasoned second grade teachers (Mrs. McLeod) prepared. You will find Reading, Skills, Writing, Math and Science activities. We strongly suggest that you utilize this site so that your child's learning will continue during this "down" time. It will pay off and the transition into second grade will be much easier. Remember to bring books on trips. A Magic Tree House adventure will help pass the time while waiting for a plane. Make sure there are books in the car and the beach bag. Please do not make "getting out your book" a punishment. Show by example and get your book out or read together ("You read one page and I'll read the next.") Happy Summer!!
http://ccesummer.wikispaces.com/New+Second+Graders

Our Year in Pictures - Group Photos 2012-2013

 As the Mall-ard Diner is getting ready to close its doors for the summer, we look with fondness over the past year and all of the great learning and experiences our students had...just remember...once a Mall-ard....always a Mall-ard...
Group Photos - First Grade 2012-2013 on PhotoPeach

Random Pictures First Grade 2012-2013 on PhotoPeach

End of the Year BBQ

The Mall-ard Diner was open for business on Friday. We had parents and children enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch together.Thanks you parents (moms and dads) for sending in all of the needed food and supplies and a special thanks to the dads for cooking up a storm. The kids said it was "the best day ever" and we surely do agree. The Mall-ard Diner will be closing in two short weeks but the memories will last a lifetime!
First Grade - End of Year BBQ 2013 on PhotoPeach

May Happenings at the Diner

The days are flying by so quickly that it is hard to believe we are looking at less than 14 days left of school. The following pictures are from various activities from the month of May, 2013 which include the author book signing, our potato harvest, and the field trip to make our pizzas at CiC's.

May Happenings 2013 on PhotoPeach

Cultural Arts Week - 2013

We have many traditions at our school and we are right in the middle of one called "Cultural Arts Week."  This is the time when student's Art work is displayed throughout the school which includes sculptures, self portraits, and photos. The portrait above was completed in Art class by Anna and is representative of the techniques of  line, form, and function learned in a formal Art class. This is why having these types of resources are so important to a child's education. 
Also during Cultural Arts Week, students enjoy an assembly of varying cultural arts media. This week we had an artist that drew to music, dancers,  and a puppet master.  Tomorrow is a visit from the children's author Kevin O'Malley and on Friday we have the Fletcher Middle School Band. The week ends Friday night with "Arts Extravaganza" where parents and children are invited back to school to see their child's art work displayed in the halls and have fun on some interactive arts and crafts.  

Persuasive Writing - the beginnings...

For the past two weeks, our class has been working on persuasive and opinion writing. They are learning the basics of letter writing including where to put the date, salutation, body, and closing of letter. Students have come up with topics from asking parents for a trampoline to how we can recycle more to save the Earth. We have reviewed the value of adding reasons to their letters to help persuade the reader to see things their way. This is such an exciting workshop because students are designing their own stationary, writing for whatever cause they choose, and getting to "mail" their letters in our classroom mailbox. This following letter was written by Briella and we just had to share it!


Dear Mrs. Mallon,
How are you?  You have been a great teacher today!  I was thinking do you think that the whole class should decorate our mailbox? because 
1.  It will look pretty
2.  The students and me have amazing ideas of what to draw on the mailbox
3.  You and Mrs. Dillard might be impressed.
Sincerely, 
Your best student
Briella

Now how can we deny such a great request given the beautiful "softening up" approach at the beginning and that it was written by our "best student"?  Needless to say, the request was approved!!

FCAT Words and Treats of Encouragement

 

 Of course our First Graders are too young to take the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) this week but we have "adopted" a fifth grade class to show our support. This is the same Fifth Grade class that we "partner read" with every Thursday. The children wrote them letters of encouragement and parents sent in treats for us to give them for every day of the test. The students had fun bagging up the candy and cookies for their friends taking the test. Clever sayings were added to their treats such as: "You're a SMARTIE pants" and "You are one SMART COOKIE".  The letters that the class wrote were amazing. Below is a sample:

Dear Alexa,
I hope you ROCK on your FCAT. I bet you will get an A+. You know I am always with you if you need anything.  Love Hannah