Math Investigations - It's My Choice

After several math lessons, students have the opportunity to revisit what was learned through practice in what is called "Math Choice Time." Today was a "Choice Day." Students were invited to choose an activity that has been taught in the past week and work with a partner on this math activity. These Math "games" included: Counters in a Cup, Combinations of 10, Off/On, and Double Compare. All of these "games" are used to teach while having some fun with a partner. Students have the opportunity to play the game, discuss their strategies, and share their findings with the class.
In the game "Counters in a Cup" partners are given ten chips, a plastic cup and a sheet to log information. One student hides some of the 10 chips under a cup. The other student counts the chips that he/she sees and the figures out how many are under the cup. The data is entered on the sheet. In Combinations of Ten, students had the opportunity to make up their own word problems and figure out the answer. For instance, Carson's problem read, "I have 10 suns and moons. How many of each could I have?" In this way, many of the combinations of ten are discovered. The game On/Off is similar to Counters in a Cup. Ten chips are given to each partner group. They take turns tossing some counters on the paper and some fall off the paper. They add the number that is on and off the paper and log it on the sheet. Finally, the game of "Double Compare." Each partner group is given a about 20 number cards, they flip two over at the same time. The person who has more (or less depending on the game) says, "Me".
Math Choice Centers are a way that students have the opportunity to choose an activity, get lots of hands on practice, and have fun with a friend. A whole new world of numbers is being explored.

Venn Diagrams Help Organize Our Thinking

Do you remember using Venn diagrams in school? It is a great graphic organizer and one that students of all ages like to use. After using them in Kindergarten, via Reader's Workshop by comparing Eric Carle books, Venn diagrams were utilized again, using two Mem Fox books. The students compared the books "Possum Magic" and "Koala Lou." They were asked to work in table groups. Each was given a drawn Venn Diagram and invited to write the titles of the books on each circle. Then reminded to write what is different about each book under the titles and in the middle, what the two books shared. Post it notes and copies of each book were supplied to each table so that each child could write their thoughts and place it in the corresponding circle. To hear and see the conversations about each book, the accountable talk, and the ability to work as a small group was amazing. What helped this activity run so smoothly was the student's familiarity and understanding of each book. They have heard them read several times either by us or online. They have written responses to these books and have acted them out. In all of these ways, students have internalized the stories and when it came time to list similarities and differences between them, it came very naturally. Afterwards, each group was called to the front and they eagerly shared their diagram with the class.

Writer's Workshop: Planning Details

Today during Writer's Workshop, student's were busy finishing up their pieces from this week. As some students were finishing, others were ready to start a new piece of writing. One child (video) asked if I would listen to his "planning of the story" that he is going to write. The lesson on "Planning Details" was a mini lesson about a week ago and how happy we are that it is now internalized. This student is looking at blank pages and telling what he is going to write on each page. This lesson was meant to encourage children to plan detailed stories before writing them. We have found that when students learn how to plan their writing, step by step and page by page, it helps them focus on the act of writing. As evidenced in the video, A. is busy planning the details that he is excited to write about. Planning - the key to a great Writer's Workshop. (FYI - the video will buffer the first time.)

Do You Do a Didgeridoo?

Today one of our read alouds was the book, "Do You Do A Didgeridoo?" by Nick Page. It was about a man who was looking for a didgeridoo in a music store. He begged, pleaded, and continually asked the owner, "Do You Do a Didgeridoo?" and the owner answered, "I didgeridon't!" At the end of the book, the owner found one in his store, and the man who once wanted it so badly, changed his mind. The children loved the sing/song rhythm of the book and of course, the topic of the didgeridoo. After the book was read, students learned that this instrument, used by the Aboriginal Australians, is made from tree branches that have been hollowed out by insects. There are no reliable sources stating the didgeridoo's exact age, though it is commonly claimed to be the world's oldest wind instrument.
The biggest surprise was yet to come. A student knew someone who had a didgeridoo and he brought it in to share with the class. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to see. hear, and feel this instrument up close. So, "Do You Do a Didgeridoo?

Writing for Readers

The children in our class have been writing since the first day of school and it is amazing to see the growth in just a few short weeks. They show an eagerness and confidence when asked to write a personal narrative and many of their stories span several pages. They are confident and happy writers and love sharing their "small moments" at the end of the workshop. By having the opportunity to write for forty minutes a day, students generate and produce stories that have great beginnings and lots of details. They are also learning how to reread and edit their work.
Today in Writer's Workshop, students had the opportunity to share their finished pieces with a friend. Each child had a partner and they took turns sharing their stories. They were encouraged to comment on their friend's writing, help to edit the piece, and compliment their partner's efforts. Afterwards, we came together and shared what our writer's have learned from this activity. "Writing for Readers" isn't that what it's all about?

Australia's Geography Is Our Topic Today

We were very fortunate to have a guest speaker today. Dr. B. is a professor at the University of North Florida's Department of Economics and Geography (and also one of our student's father.) Dr. B. came to talk to the class about Australia's geography. A globe was used to explain the northern and southern hemispheres. It was explained that when it is summer here, it is winter there. During the presentation, Dr. B. showed maps comparing Australia's land mass with the United States. He showed both countries from space where students were able to tell green and brown coloring (vegetation and desert areas.) Students were shown elevation zones and pointed out the mountains and plains between both countries. There were rainfall and temperature maps where children discovered the climate differences between the two countries. All during the presentation, students asked questions and offered their knowledge of Australia. It was a wonderful way for First Grade students to learn about the geography of the "Land Down Under."

Reader's Workshop Welcomes Mem Fox - Our Author Study

For the next few weeks, we will be reading, studying and learning about the works of our author for our author study, Mem Fox. Mem was born in Melbourne, Australia in March 1946. Mem Fox declares herself first a teacher and then a writer. Her first book, Possum Magic, was rejected nine times over five years but went on to become (and continues to be, to this day) the best-selling children’s book in Australia, with over two million copies sold. Since Possum Magic, she has written 28 books for children.

The purpose of this author study is to guide and support student's comprehension and in-depth thinking as a response to literature. In this study, they will see how Mem Fox draws upon her everyday life to create her stories. Her themes include family love, birth and dying, and relationships between the old and young.

Today in Reader's Workshop, students were given baskets of Mem Fox books and invited to explore them. They noticed the characters: "Look how big his hands are!"; settings, "This looks like the Outback"; and Australian animals, "I've seen an emu before." Afterwards, we had a discussion about their explorations, wonderings and noticings about the books they scanned. Information was recorded on an "About Mem Fox" chart and students began to make connections and discoveries about the literature of Mem Fox. Our author study will continue through the month of September and already we can tell that we have made a good friend!

Writer's Sharing Writing Using Technology

One of the most important components to the Writer's Workshop is the "share time" at the end of a lesson. This is where the teacher gets the opportunity to see if the mini lesson was understood by the student. A tool we use to share the actual writing is called an "Elmo." The children are very familiar with this technology because it is used quite frequently in the classroom. A child or two is invited to share his/her paper with the class when he/she has implemented the lesson taught. Students have the opportunity to see their writing up on a big screen and read it to the class. Their classmates can read along with the student and see the writing that their peers are producing. Having this visual helps other students improve upon their own works. After the writer reads his/her piece, the children give meaningful compliments on their friend's stories. For instance, "I like how you "stayed in the moment" or "You did a great job on punctuation." Being able to see a student's work clearly on the "Elmo" gives us a chance to look at writing in a whole new way. Writer's love sharing their writing using this technology!

High Flyin' Aussie Flag

We are back from an unexpected and not welcomed Tropical Storm Fay. School was in session only two days the first week of school. The good news is that we are back, in one piece, and thankfully, will never see that storm again!!
On Monday, we visited the letter "F" in our "Australia ABCs" book. The topic was the flag of Australia. The children learned that 'Australia's flag shows Britain's flag in the upper left hand corner. The large star on the flag stands for the six states and two territories of Australia. The small stars stand for the Southern Cross, a group of stars you can see when you are south of the equator.' Students noticed similarities (colors and stars) and differences (no stripes and blue) with the United States' flag. We also talked about the Aborigine's flag - whose colors are black representing the people, yellow for the sun, and red for the earth.
In the morning, we had an outline of the flag at each student's table to color. We wanted the children to be familiar with the look of the flag before attempting to make one in the afternoon with construction paper. Well, we couldn't be more pleased with the results. The students had a wonderful time in the afternoon cutting, assembling and gluing their Australian flags together. Afterwards, a student asked, "Can we make the Aboriginal flag too?" Of course, we'll give it a burl (try it, have a go)- now that we have some professional flag makers in the house!!

Pictures From Our Aussie Adventure: Day 1 and 2

Australian ABCs - A Great Place to Start

Our Aussie adventure is being driven by a book called, "Australia ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of Australia", by Sarah Heiman. On the first day of school, we jumped ahead to the "B" for Boomerang. The children learned about the history of the boomerang and had the opportunity to design one and take it home. Yesterday, the second day, we visited the letter "A" for Aborigine. Aborigines are Australia's indigenous people. Recent government statistics counted approximately 400,000 aboriginal people, or about 2% of Australia's total population. The hallmark of Aborignal culture is 'oneness with nature.' Their paintings usually consist of paint using earthly colors.
Students were shown samples of Aboriginal art and then created their own paintings. These paintings will be displayed year round in our hallway. They will be backed with a clip to hold student's writings and drawings throughout the year. We also plan to make an "Australian Word Wall" that will include the words from the Australia ABCs book for students to easily reference when needed.
Another important part of our day was when we discussed the "Class Promise". Students were asked for their thoughts as to "good ideas" that will help the class run smoothly. Their suggestions, such as "not running" or "not hurt others feelings," and "share with friends" are some of their ideas. Our class promise will be posted in front of the room and read everyday. Afterwards, students decorated a blank face to their likeness and we will post these faces around the promise chart.
Other happenings on our second day of school included a school wide fire drill and tornado drill; all went smoothly. Another chapter of "Junie B- First Grader" was read and because of the rain, we had free-centers inside. This included white boards, pattern blocks, cubes, drawing and free play. The second day was not second rate in our class...it was a beaut (fantastic)!!

Aussie Adventure- First Day of First Grade

"G'day" from Mrs. Dillard and Mrs. Mallon. Today was the first day of First Grade! Students were greeted in the lobby by the music of a steel drum. There was a lot of excitement in the room when friends saw each other after a few months of summer vacation. Familiar faces made the transition much easier going from Kindergarten to First Grade and seeing their "last year teachers" made for a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Parents seemed as happy as the children, dropping them off and happily waving good bye.
Students unpacked their shiny new backpacks and placed supplies and completed forms on the counter. After the morning announcements, they were called to the floor by their new table names: Kangaroos, Wombats, Crocodiles, Koalas, Platypus, and Kookaburras. (The signs over their tables were ordered directly from Australia.) Mrs. Dillard and I shared our new theme, "180 Days Around the World" and our particular country, Australia. The children were quick to add what they already know about the animals of Australia and which animals are their favorites. Children were asked to introduce themselves and tell us something about them. Because we have meshed two classes together, this was a great "getting to know you" activity. Our assembly was at 10:00 and we know that the first day of school always holds a special surprise. It was at this assembly that we heard a great presentation from Bruce, a man who traveled two years on his bike with his wife around the world. He had a fantastic slide presentation that had the children's 100% attention. To read more about his trip check out the following blog http://chetchatter.blogspot.com. This is a student blog from our class!!
When we came back from the presentation, we made kangaroos and before we knew it, it was lunch time.
When students returned from lunch, Mrs. Dillard read the first chapter from Junie B. Jones (First Grader). We had fire drill practice, recess outside, and then had a nice refreshing ice pop. On our return, we read about boomerangs and each child had one to decorate.
Before we knew it, the day was over -- the first day of First Grade is a memory -- and a happy one, at that!

The Mall-ards Are Coming!!!

The pencils are sharpened, the tables are cleaned, and the cubbies are ready for the brand new backpacks. It is the start of a new school year. The kindergarten students of June are now big August First Graders. They will be looping with us for another exciting year of learning, growing and making new friends. Did I say "us"? Yes, I did! The wonderful news is that Mrs. Dillard and I have joined classes and will be co-teaching this year. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to share our knowledge and give the best that we have to offer to our students. We have decided to mesh our name to "The Mall-ards" so that we now have one identity.
Our school's theme this year is "180 Days Around the World." First Grade's country/continent is Australia. Our classroom is decorated in an "Outback" theme with the some of unique animals native to that awesome country. We can't wait to share what we learn about the "The Land Down Under." We would be delighted to hear from an Australian elementary class that would like to correspond with us. If a teacher is interested, you can get in touch with us via the comment section of the blog.
This blog post will be updated next week with the first day of school pictures, happenings, and adventures. Get ready ...the Mall-ards are coming, the Mall-ards are coming...

Catch Us If You Can!!!

Geckos Abound In My Yard

How is everyone's summer going? Mine is flying by. I just returned from ten days to my home city -- Philadelphia. While I was there, I had some time to sit on the back porch and notice what a great neighborhood my mom's house is in. We saw rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, a fox, robins, blue jays, and even a deer (of course we are in the suburbs about 20 minutes from the city). We left food for them everyday and enjoyed watching the animals scurry along the yard with their bounty. However, when I returned to Jacksonville Beach and sat on my back porch, I was disappointed. I didn't have all of those animals to look at -- but what I did have was geckos! (Geckos are small to average sized lizards belonging to the family Gekkonidae which are found in warm climates throughout the world). They were everywhere!! I started to watch what they did - how they called to other geckos, how they attracted their mates, and how they stalked and ate insects. I thought it might be interesting for you to see if you can find the gecko in the picture and notice all the places they thriving in - have fun playing "Find the Gecko!!". P.S While I was walking my dog last night, an opossum crossed the street a few feet in front of me!! I guess the Jacksonville animals don't want to be upstaged by the Philly animals!! Oh...I just love the summer!!

The Grouchy Ladybug - A Puppet Play

During the last week of school, we decided to videotape a stick puppet play that the children have been practicing during Reader's Workshop. It is one of their favorite Eric Carle Books, "The Grouchy Ladybug." Thank you to Davis, Andrew, Conor, Sydney, and Carson who "insissssted" on practicing every day this week in order to present it to you.

Time to Say Good-bye For Now

The 2007-2008 Kindergarten year has come to a close. The books are being put away, the charts are being brought home as prizes, and the treat box candy is emptying out. Today, I felt like "Grinchy Claus" as I was putting genre books in the closet. One child said, "Mrs. Mallon - Where are you putting our books?" Children at this age know that school will soon be over but don't know quite what that means. I will miss them over the summer, but I know they will come back to school ready for First Grade. I will be looping with the class from Kindergarten to First. Mrs. Dillard will be co-teaching with me next year and can't wait for all the new learning that will occur. Tomorrow, students will be given a letter in their report card to write to me during the summer via a post card or letter with pictures of where they went on their summer vacation so that I can use these pictures and notes as a "Welcome Back" bulletin board in August. They love coming back and seeing themselves on the bulletin board!! Don't forget to read each day -- and visit the summer reading list at http://www.duvalschools.org/cce - go to Media then to Summer Reading List. A special thank you for a wonderful year to Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Ellis - you have made it the perfect year !! Have a safe summer and don't forget to write!!

End of the Year Activities - Lots of Things to Do!!

This last week of Kindergarten, we are doing things a little out of the ordinary. Yesterday was "Funny Hat Day" and today was "Board Games", "Ice Cream Social", and a visit from Karate America. The students had a great time listening to the black belt give directions and teach the values of what it means to be in karate. They each had a turn kicking and hitting the cushiony pads. The students learned about giving respect to parents and teachers and the value of manners. In the afternoon, the children brought out their board games including Candyland, Trouble, Twister, and Dominoes. Around 2:00 the ice cream store was open. We had chocolate and vanilla ice cream, chocolate and strawberry syrup, sprinkles, and whip cream. It was a great way to end the day and share some wonderful memories of this kindergarten year! Tomorrow is pajama day, popcorn, and movie - with a Chick-Fil-A lunch - Wow- I can't wait!!!

More Of Our Kindergarten Year in Pictures 2007-08

Our Year in Pictures - Kindergarten 2007-2008

Limbo Rock - Luau Party Day

Luau Party - A Great Way to End the Year!!

Today we celebrated the end of our marvelous kindergarten year with a Hawaiian Luau which included outside stations, hula dancing lessons, and a BBQ. Students came to school wearing brightly colored clothes or Hawaiian shirts and skirts. All the centers were put together by our kindergarten team. These centers included a beach ball relay (above), sea shell relay, limbo, musical beach towels (in lieu of musical chairs) and free play w/chalk, bubbles, and jump ropes. At noon, we had a BBQ and later in the afternoon a hula dancer came in to teach some basic moves of the dance and the meaning behind the moves to the children. This was a day of celebration for our kindergarten students. They worked very hard all year and it was time to have a great time with friends. We have four days left in our magical year and we have big fun planned for each of the last four days of our kindergarten journey!!

Safety Patrol Celebration Snapshots

Safety Patrol Celebration -Thanks So Much!!

It was a happy and sad day on Friday when we had to say good bye to our wonderful patrols, Miss V. and Miss M. These two girls were dependable, pleasant, and hard working. Every day they would come in and check to see what they would be doing with the children that morning. They brought the students in 15 minutes before school officially started. They would read books, work on projects, and listen to the Kindergarten students tell their stories each day. Having the patrols all year brought a special closeness and bond with the teachers and students. On Friday, we celebrated with a breakfast, cards, and a gift for them to remember us as they make the big leap into middle school. I have a feeling we will be seeing these two again someday - maybe teaching a few doors down from us!! Thank you so much Mrs. Cothern and Mrs. Ellis for your hard work as patrol sponsors and giving us this opportunity to know these two very special girls this year!!

Our Day at the Beach

A Beach Day and BBQ Fun!!

As we are approaching the end of our Kindergarten year, our very own Mr. & Mrs. Dickinson thought it would be a great idea to have a fun beach day and BBQ with the class. So this past Sunday, we met at the beach house and enjoyed a beautiful day of fun in the sun. The kids had a blast playing in the water, building sand castles, and finding shells together. The parents had a chance to sit back and enjoy watching their kids have a good time. Soon it was lunchtime and our hot dogs and hamburgers were delicious. After lunch, we went back out to the surf. In a matter of minutes a shark (not too big) was spotted and parents scrambled to get their kids out of the water!! One of the children said, "I don't know why everyone's excited about seeing a shark...that's where they live." Well, I guess that was right but it's still scary!! After a few moments, kids were back in the water (not too deep) and having a great time. So, you can see, it's not all work and no play in Room 104 -- it's a beautiful balance. Thanks to the Dickinson's for the great day at the beach and to Kelly for some great pictures of our day!!

Our Butterfly Experience

Out Popped A Beautiful Butterfly!

"Wow," said Sophia, "it is beautiful." Our class was very fortunate to be able to witness the emergence of a Monarch butterfly from its chrysalis today. We have had a mini caterpillar garden in our classroom for several weeks. Our Science teacher brought in some milkweed plants with butterfly eggs on them. The children have seen the eggs turn into tiny caterpillars and then bigger and bigger caterpillars -- and eat up all of the milkweed plants. They have seen the daily growth of these insects and have been able to talk about all the changes they have seen in them everyday. They noticed that when the caterpillar slowed down its eating, it started to look for a place to spin its silk button. It then formed into a J-shape. Mrs. Stevens (the Science teacher) put a net around the plant and hung it from the ceiling. Then the caterpillar found its way up the net and hung from the top. In about a day or two, it formed a beautiful green chrysalis and stayed like that for a week or so. Today, we noticed that the green chrysalis was brown. This meant that the butterfly would soon come out...and it did!! We have three more chrysalis hanging in our net and by early next week we should be releasing the rest of the butterflies into our butterfly garden in front of the school. Eric Carle would be so proud!!!

A Snapshot of our Mother's Day Breakfast

Mother's Day Celebration - May, 2008

Today we celebrated Mother's Day with mothers, grandmothers, and some fathers joining us for our special morning of entertainment, poetry, and songs. Each mother was greeted by her child and shown to his/her chair. After all the parents were in the room, we started with our first song, "Slippery Fish" (Charlotte Diamond). Students wore head pieces, made by our very own Mrs. Ellis , of different animals from the sea to go with the song. Then students (two by two) recited the Mother's Day Poem (Before I Was a Mom). We sung a class favorite (Alphabet Soup) and finished with "This Little Light of Mine" done in sign language. Soon it was time for the tissues to come out because the video segment of the event was about to begin. This was a slideshow which included a baby picture, a five-year old picture, and a picture of the child with his/her mom. It was beautiful. The video concluded with random photos throughout the year. Our breakfast included all kinds of pastries, bagels, cakes, and coffee/ice cream punch. It was wonderful. Mother's stayed to enjoy breakfast and left with a special gifts made by the children and a special placemat (see above picture) for them to use on Sunday.
Mother's Day is one of the biggest events of our Kindergarten year. We prepared for weeks to get the songs, poem, and movements just right. The children were as excited as a field trip day. We hope that through our efforts, Ms. Johnson, Mrs. Ellis and I, the children learned the importance of this special day and learned to always make this day, "Mother's Day" as grand as it should be! Our mothers deserve it and we love them!!!

Field Trip - Publix and Kilwin's

Publix and Kilwin's - What a Great Field Trip!!

Today was the last field trip of the year and what a great one it was. We went to Publix Supermarket and Kilwin's. This trip complimented our Science unit on food. First, we boarded the bus and headed to Publix. The manager greeted us and guided us on our first stop - the bakery. The students were quizzed about what food items they would find in the bakery and what ingredients it takes to make those items. A cake decorator came out from behind the counter and showed the students how she makes icing roses. Our next stop was Fruit and Produce. Here the students were shown some various tropical fruits and vegetables such as coconuts and mangoes. The mangoes were sliced up and children were given samples to eat. We stopped by the fish counter and the manager pulled out a live lobster - WOW!! The meat counter was next and different kinds of meats were shown - even buffalo! We went through the double steel doors into the back of the store and we were shown the big freezer, the stacks of crated fruits and cans, and where the trucks unload their goods on the hydraulic lift. Then we were shown the recycling machine where big boxes were put in for demonstration and they were crushed before our eyes. (Publix is the number one company in Florida for recycling!!) Our last stop was the dairy section and different cheeses were shown and explained. As we left, we were given cookies, popcorn, and gift bags from the store. What a wonderful treat that was!! Next, we boarded the bus and it was off to Kilwin's at St. Johns Towne Center. The sweet smell of chocolate hit us as we entered the store. Kilwin's is known for its Homemade Ice Cream and Fudge, Homemade Chocolates, Brittles, and Caramel Corn. We were shown how to make waffle cones (and Ms. Johnson and I got to make one). Students had the chance to sample any ice cream flavor they wished. They were shown how the chocolate comes to the store (in a big ten pound brick) and how they use a hammer to chop it up. The children were gifted with chocolate covered marshmallows as they left.
This was such a great field trip for the kids. They learned about community businesses and how stores operate in their neighborhood. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful companies such as Publix and Kilwin's in our area and appreciate how they welcomed us on our visit. I heard a few children say, "This is the best field trip ever!" Who would think that going to the supermarket and getting some ice cream would make such a memorable event?

Bingo: The Fun Way to Learn Sight Words

On Fridays, we break from the routine of Skills Block (charts, morning message, word families, etc.) and play a few games of Sight Word Bingo. The ritual of giving out the cards and chips are second nature for the children. I write " B I N G O" on the board and we are off and running. A slight humming is going on in the room until I pull the first card: "N" "little" and they repeat "N" "little". Then I write the word "little" on the board under "N". This gives the students visual reinforcement of the word while they look for it on their card. This goes on until the first 20 or so cards are read and we get our first "BINGO." The child then has to reread the words back to me for him/her to have a "confirmed" BINGO. When the bell is rung - that means it is a "confirmed" win and then we play two more BINGOs on that card. After that, the cards are cleared off and we play another game. I find this to be a fun and entertaining way for the reinforcement of sight words on a weekly basis. We also play "Word Family" bingo and in First Grade we'll play advanced sight word Bingo. Friday's are a great day to break from the routine and have fun with the words we learned all week - "B" "bye" - "B" "bye"!!