Kindergarten Teachers Chatboard

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Elizabeth On 9/03/16, DonnaR/CA wrote: > I have a little guy in my classroom who seems to have no > sense of direction. When doing a Jack Hartmann video that > was about Up, Down, side-to-side, even after the video had > been presented several times, he would go Down when Jack > was doing Up (and pointing up). > > Then there's the writte...See More

Nov 4, 2016

Elizabeth On 11/04/16, Elizabeth wrote: Donna, this is my 20th year teaching kindergarten and the first thing that should be done for this child is to rule out any visual impairments by having the parent take their child to a medical professional. It is also important to remember that kindergarten is very developmental and I would do interventions until Janu...See MoreOn 11/04/16, Elizabeth wrote: Donna, this is my 20th year teaching kindergarten and the first thing that should be done for this child is to rule out any visual impairments by having the parent take their child to a medical professional. It is also important to remember that kindergarten is very developmental and I would do interventions until January. In January, there is usually a light that goes on for those in the dark earlier and if it does go on, seek next steps. I am also curious to know what phonics program you are using for letter/sound correspondence. I am a huge advocate of Zoo Phonics for these young learners. It involves a total physical response (TPR) to learning that usually helps students who are not getting it any other way. As far as directionality goes, students, like the child you speak of, need visual anchors like placing an X marks the spot on their desk and then write the X on the top of the paper, so the student can match and know where each end of the paper or book belongs. But above all, trust your gut! As another teacher posted, we instinctively know when somethings not right, so trust those instincts. I hope this child finds his way and I am glad to see a concerned teacher reaching out to help a child... a reminder of what a great profession this is. Elizabeth > On 9/03/16, DonnaR/CA wrote: >> I have a little guy in my classroom who seems to have no >> sense of direction. When doing a Jack Hartmann video that >> was about Up, Down, side-to-side, even after the video > had >> been presented several times, he would go Down when Jack >> was doing Up (and pointing up). >> >> Then there's the written work. I will place a paper on > his >> desk in the right direction, he will turn it upside down. > I >> am continually coming by his desk and turning his book in >> the correct direction -- it's often upside down. (These > are >> picture books.) >> >> This is the first time I have encountered this type of >> thing in my 3 years of teaching K. Should I refer him to > an >> SIT (Student Intervention Team) for possible referral to >> SST (Student Study Team), or wait to see if it works > itself >> out? >> >> >> Donna

Nov 4, 2016

phonics curriculum

by mlynn

Sep 2, 2016

Help. I am an assistant teacher this year and I am teaching phonics to kinders. I used Fountas and Pinnell in the past but didn't like all the prep. Does anyone have a favorite site or resource? I am starting next week!!!! mlynn

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Grace Definitely! Go to [link removed].

On 9/02/16, mlynn wrote: > Help. I am an assistant teacher this year and I am teaching > phonics to kinders. I used Fountas and Pinnell in the past > but didn't like all the prep. Does anyone have a favorite > site or resource? I am starting next week!!!! mlynn

Sep 2, 2016

Anyone teachers journeys 2011 edition....or just teach journeys? I need help on how to teach it for my class. I was just thrown into this and have no clue how to do a whole days lesson. School bought the 2011, but I am thinking that it would be the same but just have to use my edition. Please help, any help would be appreciated.

Thank you ...See More

Journeys curriculum

by sonia davila

Aug 31, 2016

How to implement culture of consistency for student learning

Aug 30, 2016

Successful businesses, sports teams, the military, even Broadway shows—they all have a culture of consistency. So why not our schools?

Read the article linked below to see what it looks like and the specific steps you can take to establish a culture of consistency in your classroom.

How to Have Successful First Days of School

Aug 29, 2016

Successful first days of school are easily attainable. (Click below to access the article full of tips for the early part of a successful school year.)

The Key to Solving Discipline Problems

Aug 28, 2016

One of the most important articles you will read during this school year, this timeless and popular piece is better read now than later. (Click below to access the article.)

How To Start Class Every Day

Aug 26, 2016

A study showed that in the classroom where the teacher greeted the students at the door, there was an increase in student engagement from 45 percent to 72 percent. How it's done makes a difference.

Read the linked article by Harry and Rosemary Wong to learn simple and enjoyable techniques for starting class every day.

I am struggling with the choice of an academic preschool where my son is currently enrolled which has Spanish, science, math/computer, fun and fitness, and English lessons (with specialized teachers) vs a play based curriculum. Which is better or does it even matter? My son is extremely bright but I worry that it's a bit much for his age. He will b...See More

Preschool for 4 year old

by Nicole

Aug 18, 2016

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DAP lover I 100&37; agree with Flacka. Go for play-based. Believe it or not, your child might learn MORE in that atmosphere.

On 8/20/16, Flacka wrote: > I have taught both preK and Kindergarten for many years. > Kindergarten is now what first grade used to be with all or nearly > all of the day spent in academics. Assuming both preschoo...See MoreI 100&37; agree with Flacka. Go for play-based. Believe it or not, your child might learn MORE in that atmosphere.

On 8/20/16, Flacka wrote: > I have taught both preK and Kindergarten for many years. > Kindergarten is now what first grade used to be with all or nearly > all of the day spent in academics. Assuming both preschools are > high quality I would choose the play-based program. > > He is only 4 and has many,many years of academics ahead but > little time for socialization and discovery. I good play based > program will offer plenty of opportunities for learning and > discovery along with socialization. > > Check with the kindergarten teachers in your district for what > skills they expect when the child enters K, make sure that he has > those skills, and he will be fine. > > > > On 8/19/16, SuperTeacher wrote: >> On 8/18/16, Nicole wrote: >>> I am struggling with the choice of an academic preschool >>> where my son is currently enrolled which has Spanish, >>> science, math/computer, fun and fitness, and English >>> lessons (with specialized teachers) vs a play based >>> curriculum. Which is better or does it even matter? My >>> son is extremely bright but I worry that it's a bit much >> for >>> his age. He will be ready for first grade before he's 5. >>> Thoughts??? >> >> I think it depends on your values, as well as your child. >> >> My daughter is 3 and a half. She is very bright, >> academically. She can count, knows her letters and sounds, >> loves to read. I'm not worried about academics. >> >> However, my daughter DOES need help socially. When she's >> with other kids, she plays alone. She usually won't talk to >> adults besides her parents. She is in a toddler soccer >> league and acts like she's afraid of the coach (who is super >> nice)! >> >> For my daughter, a play-based preschool is the best choice. >> She needs to learn the social skills! >> >> Also remember - you don't need to pick a super-insense >> academic or a strictly-play-based preschool. Many schools >> offer a nice balance of both. >> >> Think carefully about your son, and what he needs. Then your >> decision will be easy. >> >> I wish your son much success as he enters his school years! >> >> ____

Aug 20, 2016

maureen On 8/18/16, Nicole wrote: > I am struggling with the choice of an academic preschool > where my son is currently enrolled which has Spanish, > science, math/computer, fun and fitness, and English > lessons (with specialized teachers) vs a play based > curriculum. Which is better or does it even matter? My > son is extremely bright...See MoreOn 8/18/16, Nicole wrote: > I am struggling with the choice of an academic preschool > where my son is currently enrolled which has Spanish, > science, math/computer, fun and fitness, and English > lessons (with specialized teachers) vs a play based > curriculum. Which is better or does it even matter? My > son is extremely bright but I worry that it's a bit much for > his age. He will be ready for first grade before he's 5. > Thoughts???

I am a bit biased as I am a retired Montessori pre school teacher. I wonder why the two need to be separate - play based and academic? I loved teaching Montessori because children could have the freedom to be children yet have the opportunity to learn just about anything their minds and motivation were ready for. Purposeful "work" is child's play. Since Montessori is not group based learning but rather individual, that is why my classrooms would have quite a mix of children who were typical, gifted, learning challenged, not English speaking, etc. Each child was able to have his or her needs met

Although Montessori was originally rooted in special education, many people have all sorts of beliefs as to what "type" of student the schools attract. Some feel that the schools are for gifted children. Some think it is only for special education. Some think it is only for the rich. All sorts of misconceptions. A good Montessori school would have a mix of everything - variety makes the experience so much richer for everyone. I never had an aide for my special education students in the classroom and I usually had anywhere between 18 to 30 students with an assistant. The classes also consisted of a balance of three different ages - 2 1/2 years through age 6.

The schools tend to be extremely expensive on the east and west coasts, but it is possible to find affordable Montessori schools everywhere. The key is to find an authentic Montessori school. The name is not trademarked so just about anyone can open a school and put the name Montessori on it. You have to do a lot of research to read what it means to be "authentic". Then you should visit several schools (all kinds, not just Montessori) until you get a "feel" for what seems right for your child AND your family.

Some families balk about sending their child to Montessori for just the reason that it is recommended that the child attend five days a week rather then part time. There are very good reasons for that recommendation that the director of the school should be able to address. It doesn't have to be full days, half days are fine, but usually the children are ready for full days by age 5.

I certainly wouldn't be concerned that your child will be ready for first grade before he is 5. I had so many former students who graduated first in their senior classes over the past several years who obviously did just fine in their traditional schools. I am also proud to say that one of those is a gold medal Olympian this year, too. I love watching the achievements of my former students and a couple even surprised me. I just find joy when they grew up to be good people and are making the world a better place in their own unique ways.

Around here, looking for a placement in any preschool would have started in the spring at the very latest. Most of ours are full by now, but of course, that would be different in different locales. You sound like a caring, loving parent who wants the best for your child. Only you can research all the options and make the decision of the best placement for your son. Best wishes to you and I am sure his behavior in his classroom will tell you if you made the right decision. It's tough to always know, but depending on your area, there is often a lot of choices for preschools as you are finding out. Good luck!

Aug 21, 2016

Gifted and Talented Kindergarten

by smithe147

Aug 13, 2016

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone has some advice on how to stimulate potential Gifted and Talented students in Kindergarten? They are fidgety and showing signs of boredom during routine tasks such as morning routine, where we talk about yesterday, today, tomorrow, and do some counting, blending, talk about the weather etc. I know they...See More

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Valerie I teach in Ontario, Canada, where we were challenged a few years ago to rethink the purpose of 'calendar time' and whether it is really necessary. As we went forward in inquiry based learning, my teaching partner and I decided to not post our calendar in our first year of full-day Kindergarten. I think it's the best thing I ever did! We are able t...See More I teach in Ontario, Canada, where we were challenged a few years ago to rethink the purpose of 'calendar time' and whether it is really necessary. As we went forward in inquiry based learning, my teaching partner and I decided to not post our calendar in our first year of full-day Kindergarten. I think it's the best thing I ever did! We are able to engage in so much more meaningful and purposeful conversations with the children during morning meetings. We still have a calendar, but on a much smaller scale. At the beginning of each month, we invite a small group to help create the calendar for that month on Bristol board. We write the numbers together and post important days (e.g., birthdays, holidays, pizza day) using sticky notes. This gets posted at children's eye level and used as a reference. Someone makes sure to move the 'today' label each day ahead to the current day.

On 8/16/16, Flacka wrote: > I have been wracking my brain for the name of the teacher > who created a great calendar notebook that I used - > Jessica Meacham. She used to teach K and has created some > awesome resources. Google her name and I'm sure you will > find some things you can use or adapt so you don't have to > re-invent the wheel! > > > > On 8/15/16, smithe147 wrote: >> Great ideas. You're right, open-ended is best for them. I >> will try some of these ideas. Might make a booklet up for >> them. Some of the others students might like to lead the >> class during Morning routine. Thank you both! >> >> On 8/14/16, Flacka wrote: >>> They can do the same thing, only as Emeril says, "kick >>> it up a notch". Have them keep a calendar notebook - >>> give them a blank or mostly blank calendar and fill in >>> the numbers for the month. >> If >>> they can read, have them fill out a daily question - how >>> many Fridays are in the month, if today is (date) how >>> many more days until (date, holiday, etc), how many >>> school days this month, >> etc. >>> Have them keep a graph of the weather and answer >>> questions about the graph. If you have a para, he/she >>> can lead this group or can lead the whole group and you >>> work with these kids. Give these kids more open ended >>> ways to cover the same topics so that they have to think >>> and problem-solve for the answers. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On 8/13/16, Myrna wrote: >>>> On 8/13/16, smithe147 wrote: >>>>> Hi everyone, >>>>> >>>>> Just wondering if anyone has some advice on how to >>>>> stimulate potential Gifted and Talented students in >>>>> Kindergarten? They are fidgety and showing signs of >>>>> boredom during routine tasks such as morning routine, >>>>> where we talk about yesterday, today, tomorrow, and do >>>>> some counting, blending, talk about the weather etc. I >>>> know >>>>> they are not challenged in some lessons like these. >>>>> Does anyone have some ideas for how to cater for their >>>> needs? >>>>> >>>>> TIA >>>> >>>> Have you considered assigning special roles, such as >>>> calendar person, morning message helper. I have taught >>>> preschool for many years and I allowed my brighter >>>> students to write part of the the morning message, lead >>>> a portion of calendar time, etc. Eventually, other >>>> students were eager to participate and get a chance... >>>> This motivated my students who were reluctant to write >>>> or pay attention during morning meeting.

Aug 20, 2016

smithe147 Thank you I will look up Jessica Meacham.

The whole class creation of the calendar is a great idea too!

On 8/20/16, Valerie wrote: > > I teach in Ontario, Canada, where we were challenged a few > years ago to rethink the purpose of 'calendar time' and > whether it is really necessary. As we went forward in > inquiry...See MoreThank you I will look up Jessica Meacham.

The whole class creation of the calendar is a great idea too!

On 8/20/16, Valerie wrote: > > I teach in Ontario, Canada, where we were challenged a few > years ago to rethink the purpose of 'calendar time' and > whether it is really necessary. As we went forward in > inquiry based learning, my teaching partner and I decided to > not post our calendar in our first year of full-day > Kindergarten. I think it's the best thing I ever did! We > are able to engage in so much more meaningful and purposeful > conversations with the children during morning meetings. We > still have a calendar, but on a much smaller scale. At the > beginning of each month, we invite a small group to help > create the calendar for that month on Bristol board. We write > the numbers together and post important days (e.g., > birthdays, holidays, pizza day) using sticky notes. This > gets posted at children's eye level and used as a reference. > Someone makes sure to move the 'today' label each day ahead > to the current day. > > > > On 8/16/16, Flacka wrote: >> I have been wracking my brain for the name of the teacher >> who created a great calendar notebook that I used - >> Jessica Meacham. She used to teach K and has created some >> awesome resources. Google her name and I'm sure you will >> find some things you can use or adapt so you don't have to >> re-invent the wheel! >> >> >> >> On 8/15/16, smithe147 wrote: >>> Great ideas. You're right, open-ended is best for them. I >>> will try some of these ideas. Might make a booklet up for >>> them. Some of the others students might like to lead the >>> class during Morning routine. Thank you both! >>> >>> On 8/14/16, Flacka wrote: >>>> They can do the same thing, only as Emeril says, "kick >>>> it up a notch". Have them keep a calendar notebook - >>>> give them a blank or mostly blank calendar and fill in >>>> the numbers for the month. >>> If >>>> they can read, have them fill out a daily question - how >>>> many Fridays are in the month, if today is (date) how >>>> many more days until (date, holiday, etc), how many >>>> school days this month, >>> etc. >>>> Have them keep a graph of the weather and answer >>>> questions about the graph. If you have a para, he/she >>>> can lead this group or can lead the whole group and you >>>> work with these kids. Give these kids more open ended >>>> ways to cover the same topics so that they have to think >>>> and problem-solve for the answers. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 8/13/16, Myrna wrote: >>>>> On 8/13/16, smithe147 wrote: >>>>>> Hi everyone, >>>>>> >>>>>> Just wondering if anyone has some advice on how to >>>>>> stimulate potential Gifted and Talented students in >>>>>> Kindergarten? They are fidgety and showing signs of >>>>>> boredom during routine tasks such as morning routine, >>>>>> where we talk about yesterday, today, tomorrow, and do >>>>>> some counting, blending, talk about the weather etc. I >>>>> know >>>>>> they are not challenged in some lessons like these. >>>>>> Does anyone have some ideas for how to cater for their >>>>> needs? >>>>>> >>>>>> TIA >>>>> >>>>> Have you considered assigning special roles, such as >>>>> calendar person, morning message helper. I have taught >>>>> preschool for many years and I allowed my brighter >>>>> students to write part of the the morning message, lead >>>>> a portion of calendar time, etc. Eventually, other >>>>> students were eager to participate and get a chance... >>>>> This motivated my students who were reluctant to write >>>>> or pay attention during morning meeting.

Aug 27, 2016

What does your school provide

by curious

Aug 12, 2016

I am an admin. on a FB site for teachers to sell their own materials, books, etc. that they no longer need. One stipulation is that the items cannot have be bought by the school or district. On the site their are teachers selling or looking for guided reading books and math manipulatives like unifix cubes and pattern blocks.

Does your scho...See More

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Amy K My district provides our guided reading books. We actually have a guided book room where you go and can check out what ever levels you want. We literally have thousands of books. My district is school wide title 1. We often use our title money to buy new books for the book room. We also use the money to buy reading materials to use in literacy cent...See More

Aug 16, 2016

Flacka I would love to see the look on the face of admin and the parents if there was nothing in the room except for what was provided by the district.

On 8/16/16, Amy K wrote: > My district provides our guided reading books. We actually have a > guided book room where you go and can check out what ever levels > you want. We literally h...See MoreI would love to see the look on the face of admin and the parents if there was nothing in the room except for what was provided by the district.

On 8/16/16, Amy K wrote: > My district provides our guided reading books. We actually have a > guided book room where you go and can check out what ever levels > you want. We literally have thousands of books. My district is school > wide title 1. We often use our title money to buy new books for the > book room. We also use the money to buy reading materials to use > in literacy centers. > > Math manipulatives usually come with what ever series is purchased > by the district. I have been through several series and have tons of > manipulatives, especially Teddy bear counters. No more teddy bear > counters!!! > > Our district provides basic school supplies such as paper, crayons, > scissors, pencils, paint, glue etc... > > Teachers buy non essential things such as stickers, markers, birthday > crowns, labels, folders,etc... > > As a kindergarten teacher, what bothers me is that the district will not > buy toys. I have been teaching 20 years and the only new toys that > have entered my classroom are the ones I have purchased at garage > sales. Toys are essential to learning in kindergarten, but the district > doesn't see it that way. We are supposed to have a playtime, but > they don't want to provide any toys. > > The district used to buy us things to decorate our rooms, such as > border strip and bulletin board kits. No more! That is now my > expense. > > I honestly don't think our administration has any clue as to how much > our teachers spend on our classrooms. > > > > > On 8/12/16, curious wrote: >> I am an admin. on a FB site for teachers to sell their own >> materials, books, etc. that they no longer need. One >> stipulation is that the items cannot have be bought by the >> school or district. On the site their are teachers selling or >> looking for guided reading books and math manipulatives like >> unifix cubes and pattern blocks. >> >> Does your school or district provide you with guided reading >> books and math manipulatives or do you have to buy them >> yourself?

Aug 16, 2016