Humpty Dumpty Sits On Our Wall

An important part of the first nine weeks of Kindergarten is our Nursery Rhyme unit.
When children hear and repeat these rhymes, they are becoming aware of identifying and manipulating sounds in language (phonemic awareness). Research in the past decade has shown that phonemic awareness is a predictor of success in learning to read. Once children have some degree of phonemic awareness and letter knowledge they can begin to decode the letter/sound correspondences that make up our written language. Nursery rhymes provide opportunities to hear rhyme, blend and substitute sounds.
In these pictures, students drew, cut out, water colored and decorated their own Humpty Dumpty's. Now they are sitting up on our wall...we hope they don't have a great fall too soon!

Reader's Workshop - Independent Reading

Each day we have Reader's Workshop. This hour long workshop is divided into several parts. First is a mini lesson. This is a ten to fifteen minute block of instructional time that teaches a specific reading skill or strategy. The students go back and practice what was learned and then come back to share their discoveries such as what they learned, wondered or noticed. This week we practiced "Independent Reading". This requires children to "read" books from their book bin for ten minutes. "Star Books" which students have heard several times and can "read" by themselves are in their bins. For now the Star Books are "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" and "Caps for Sale". These books will expand to "Where the Wild Things Are", "Goldilocks and the Three Bears", "Harry the Dirty Dog", and "Corduroy". Also in their boxes are their nursery rhyme poem folders, favorite books from home, and Level A beginning readers. This ten minute block of time will be lengthened as stamina increases.
It is important to note that research supports the fact that during primary and elementary grades, even a small amount of independent reading helps increase students’ reading comprehension, vocabulary growth, spelling facility, understanding of grammar, and knowledge of the world. (Bernice E. Cullinan, New York University). So you can see why giving students this independent reading time is very important.

Homework - Beginning Sounds

The next step after kindergarten students begin recognizing specific letters of the alphabet, is working on beginning sounds. Learning the beginning sounds of letters is one of the first steps in learning to read. This week's homework assignment was for children to look around their house for small objects that begin with the same sound as their name. A paper bag was provided for the students to put these objects in. Today we started to share the bags that have come in so far and tomorrow we will finish. In this picture we have a car, keys, crown, comb, crayon, colored pencil, cards, cookies, a cat, and keys. Do you know what sound this kindergarten student's name starts with? :)

Literacy Stations in Reader's Workshop

After ten minutes of independent reading, we open what is called "Literacy Stations". During this time, children have the opportunity to explore the books, charts and writing all around them. The stations that are now open are "Read the Room" where students use pointers and point to the words. "Write the Room" includes writing whatever they see on clipboards. This includes student's names, the alphabet, and color words. "Magnetic Letters" are used on cookie sheets for name practice. "Star Names" are cut up names (in envelopes) and students put the name in the correct order. "Big Books" are used for reading and pointing and ABC puzzles are a wonderful letter reinforcement activity. The children look forward to this time to explore the classroom and learn so much doing these hands-on activities. We will be introducing more Literacy Stations as the weeks progress to reinforce and challenge new learning.

Caps for Sale - A Retelling

All it takes is a couple of sentence strips, a tree drawn on the board, a peddler, and some monkeys to retell one of our favorite books "Caps for Sale" by Esphyr Slobodkina. After reading the book a few times, students had the chance to make the book come alive in Reader's Theater. Our peddler placed the caps very carefully on top of his head and yelled, "Caps, caps for sale...50 cents a cap!" After re-enacting the book, children now feel comfortable "reading" it by paging through and telling the story. This is a very important step in the reading progression and a precursor to actual reading.

Writing Samples Month-by-Month

Our kindergarten students are getting accustomed to the daily rituals and routines of the day. There is always morning work at their seats. This varies from day to day. It could be letter, number or name practice, an art project, or other hands-on activities (such as making the "Three Billy Goats" stick puppets) that we completed on Monday. There are always books in the middle of every table. When the children are finished their task, they may "read" until the papers are collected.
Another activity that the students complete is a monthly writing sample. At the end of each month, students are invited to draw and write about anything. For this first writing sample, it is very interesting to see how comfortable each child is in his/her writing experience. Some will draw a picture, some will start to label beginning sounds, and some will be able to write a few words. Below is a sampling of the August writing. At the end of each month, another sample will be taken. It is amazing to see the amount of growth that can take place in one month.

Here we have a drawing.

This is the start of labeling.

Here we have color words and words that she is confident in knowing how to spell (yellow sun, me, black, grass).

Ten Black Dots Marks the End of Week One

It is hard to believe but the first week of Kindergarten is over. Looking back, we have been very busy - the way Kindergarten should be. We learned new songs, played new games, danced, read books, painted with watercolors, played outside, worked on puzzles, drew pictures, experienced an assembly with Omega-man, had a fire drill, made a class promise, and so much more. No wonder everyone slept so well this week!!
Today in Math, we read "Ten Black Dots" by Donald Crews. This is a counting book where children notice the circle shape in the world around them. Students were invited to use their imaginations and use dot stickers to create their own dot picture. Afterward, they each shared their creation with the class.

Oh, one of the best things about today was that it was fun Friday! Below is an incredible treat that was shared with the class today.

Ten Apples Up On Top

One of our favorite books to read during the first week of school is Dr. Seuss' "Ten Apples Up On Top." In addition to hearing rhyming words, counting is integrated into this wonderful book about an apple-balancing competition between a dog, a tiger, and a lion. Today, the children were invited to draw themselves and put any number from one to ten apples on top of their heads. We had some unbelievable balancing acts going on with the apples! In addition, we had a lot of laughs when we modeled the activity by balancing apples on top of our heads :)

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Day

Today we celebrated the third day of kindergarten with Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault's rhythmic chant Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. This read-aloud is always a class favorite. The alphabet comes to life as the letters travel up the coconut tree and back down again. Students were read the big book and then created their own coconut trees with the letters from their name traveling up the tree.

Students also had time to explore pattern blocks. These blocks come in various shapes including hexagons, trapezoids, and triangles. They eventually discover how the shapes fit into each other and what shapes can make other shapes. Discovery and exploration is a big part of kindergarten and giving the children this time to talk about their findings with each other is very important.
Other activities today included singing, dancing, drawing, and more read-alouds. Today was a wonderful Chicka Chicka Day :)

Settling in on day two - The Class Promise

It is amazing to see the transformation in children even after one day in school. They went directly to their cubbies to drop off their lunches and backpacks and then to their seats. Each child was given a dotted sheet with his/her name on it for practice. When finished, they were encouraged to "read" a book in the book bin placed at each table.
Our focus today was determining what our "class promise" should be. We read books on friendship, following rules, and having respect for one another. Then we asked, "What do you think are some good ideas to help the class run smoothly?" We had responses such as being nice to each other, not to hit or be mean, listen to the teacher and waiting your turn. These wonderful responses were turned into 1) being a first-time listener; 2) being kind to others; 3) being ready to learn: and 4) having self-control (which was a direct student response). We all agreed that these were great rules to abide by. Then each child was invited to draw his/her face and it was attached to the newly created "Class Promise". We will recite this promise every morning to help us remember to be good school citizens.

Incredible First Day of Kindergarten

It was an "Incredible" first day of kindergarten. We started the day with two of our favorite books. "LLama, Llama Misses Mama" by Anna Dewdney and the classic "Corduroy" by Don Freeman. After "Llama, Llama" each child had the opportunity to hold the stuffed animal llama and we played "Hickity, Pickity." This is where we chant, "Hickity, Pickity bumble bee, won't you say your name for me?" Then the child says his/her name and we clap out the syllables and then whisper his/her name. Then the llama was passed to the next person and that person was introduced. We stretched with "The Freeze Dance" and then we noticed that Corduroy had lost his button. We read the book and then went searching the school looking for his lost button. We went to the Art room, Media Center, and playground which is where we finally found it!! In this way, the students received a mini tour of the school and we were so glad to find that button!!

After lunch, we decorated our very own super hero capes and couldn't wait to put them on. There was so much more in store for our first day kindergarteners. A special assembly was prepared to "WOW" the students.

"Omega Man" put on a show for the children where he bent iron, ripped a telephone book in half, and lifted two children on a bar. He told them they can be whatever they wanted and not to let anyone keep them from their dreams. He spoke of bullies and how we have the super power to be dream-makers and stay away from those dream-breakers.

All of our dream-makers will be back tomorrow with their incredible super powers to enjoy the second day of kindergarten. "Oh the places we will go..."

New School Theme: Empowering the Future

We are so excited with our new theme "Empowering the Future"! Our Kindergarten students will be "The Incredible Kindergarten Class" and we will be discovering lots of superhero strengths among each individual student. We can not wait to get started!

Chets Creek Elementary – Empowering the Future! from Melanie Holtsman on Vimeo.

Goodbye Hog Heaven - Returning to Kindergarten

It was the last day of school and you would think a happy day but not for our Hog Heaven students. The realization of moving on to a new grade...being big second graders was a bit much. As the students were in the hall saying goodbye to the fifth graders, they were overcome with emotion as they too are moving on. We are confident that they will love the rest of their years at Chets Creek and visit us often. The "Hog Heaven" banner is coming down and we are getting ready for a new group of Kindergarten students in a few weeks. We will be known as "The Mall-ard's Incredible Kindergarten" utilizing our new "Superheros" theme. Thank you so much parents and friends of Hog Heaven. The joy we shared with your children is priceless. And now, we can't wait to greet our new batch of incredible students!!

Work Over Time Bulletin Board - From K to First

The last bulletin board for the year is called the "Work Over Time" bulletin board. Because we have looped these students from Kindergarten to First Grade, we have kept writing samples from each child. The title "Turning the Page to a New Chapter" is appropriate in that these children are now moving from "The Mall-ards Hog Heaven" to the second grade. Included on this board is a monthly writing sample from kindergarten and then varying genre samples throughout their first grade year. These samples represent the excellent gains in confidence and ability to write in multiple genres. Going on to second grade, the students are equipped with the tools necessary to build on their solid foundation. Congrats to R & H for their representative samples for this board and we will be looking for their writing on future bulletin boards in the years to come.

End of the Year with Our Dads "Dads & Dogs"

At the end of first grade, we have a celebration called "Dads & Dogs". Our dads are invited into the classroom for a slide show and song and then we have a BBQ lunch with hot dogs (not family dogs)! It is a real treat for the dads to come in an be the focus of our celebration. They are the unsung heroes of our student's learning success and it is our pleasure to give them the attention they deserve. The children made up their own acrostic poem using the letters FATHER to think of words that represent what their father means to them. After the slide show, we went over to the Wilkenings (who live next door to the school) and had a BBQ hot dogs with all the trimmings supplied by the moms. It was a great day for some wonderful dads, uncles, grandpas and other family reps that made this so memorable for their kids!
Thanks to Romy, Chip, Melanie and all who have helped us make "Dads and Dogs" a special day.

Yoga Class in Hog Heaven

The Mall-ard students were very fortunate to have one of our parents teach a children's yoga class this week. Mrs. Leigh CJ teaches yoga and thought it would be fun to have the children learn some techniques. They were so excited and really got into the moment. Yoga is known for building confidence and self-esteem. It can improve concentration and focus. It is excellent for bodies and health and it promotes balance, flexibility, coordination and strength. The students had a wonderful time learning from Mrs. L and we appreciate the experience you gave them...we are now centered!!

Science of Plants

In Science, students have been learning about the parts of a plant and the specific function of each part. We employ the 5 E's when starting a new science unit. First we engage the learner. In other words, getting the student interested in the subject matter. Exploring gives the child the chance to have hands-on experience and to start forming questions. Questions are answered during the "Explain" part of science. Extending and then Evaluating their knowledge are the last of the 5 E's. Children had two different kinds of plants at each table. They listed what was the same and different about each plant. For instance, they both had leaves but they were different in size and shape. They shared their findings and then posed questions. "What do plants need to survive?" and "What are the functions of the leaves, stems, and roots?" were discussed. Our pre-intern Mrs. D.S. was wonderful in explaining the parts of plant. Their knowledge was then evaluated by having them label and list the plants parts and why the plant needs them to survive.

Mystery Reader - Fireman Chris Gets Fired Up About Fire Safety

We had a very special mystery reader this week - it was our old friend Fireman Chris. Fireman Chris shared a slide show stressing fire prevention and safety with the students. He talked about the importance of a safety ladder if you are on the second floor, staying low to the ground to get air, and having a meeting place for the family outside the home if there is a fire. Students learned tips such as touching the door with the back of their hand to feel if it is hot. Of course, he reviewed "Stop, drop and roll" with them. He read the "Magic School Bus Gets All Fired Up" to the children and had a question/answer session afterward. Thank you Fireman Chris for coming to our class during your off time to discuss fire safety with our class. They learned a lot and enjoyed your visit.

Mother's Day - The Mall-ard's Way

Mother's Day is BIG in the Mall-ard's classroom. On Friday, students invited their mothers to a special "Mother's Day Breakfast". It started with a short video called "What I like best about my mom" where each child mentioned something he/she especially liked about his/her mom. This included her famous chocolate chip cookies, reading and playing games with them. The children sang three songs (one was done in sign language) and then a special slide show was presented (below). Mrs. Holtsman's special project for the last two years has been to take a picture of each child one day a month. The results were great and tear-jerker to many mothers as they watched their child growing before their eyes. We finished with breakfast and coffee punch. At the tables were specially made gifts including a beaded black and white necklace that each child made and a recipe book created by the children of the favorite things their moms make. It was a great way and kick-off off the Mother's Day weekend. Thank you Mall-ard Moms for a wonderful two years with your child...we enjoyed every minute with each of them.

Untitled from Melanie Holtsman on Vimeo.

Letter Writing and America's White Table

A friend asked if we could participate in a special "surprise" for some World War II veterans who will be visiting Europe this month. On the way home in the plane when they think the day is done, the Vets will have a "Mail Call" with letters from students and family members telling them how proud they are of their service and how much it means to all of us. Of course we were very excited to participate in this project. In an effort to explain how brave the men and women of the armed forces are, we read a previous book of the month called, "America's White Table" by Margot Theis Raven. The White Table is set in many mess halls as a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty. Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit. This story is about a little girl's Uncle John and the white table they set for him. Each item placed on the table has a special significance.
Writing these letters couldn't have come at a better time. The students have been writing during our persuasive writing unit and writing to the servicemen came very naturally. Below is a sampling of the student's heartfelt gratitude of the remarkable job the armed forces has done for all of us. I am sure they will enjoy reading these notes from some very special first grade students.

Dear Sir,
How was your trip? My name is Grace. I'm in first grade in the Mall-ard's class. Thank you for serving our country. We just read a book called, "America's White Table." Thank you for letting us have freedom. you were fearless. And thanks for stopping the war. You did a good job! Have a great day sir.
Sincerely,
Grace E.

Dear Army men,
Thank you for risking your life for us. You are so brave and fearless. Thank you for saving our country.Thank you for freeing us.