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Kindergarten Teachers Chatboard Topics

Do you need to stop me?

by Tanna

Aug 18, 2014

What are your thoughts on this little poem?

Do you need to stop me?

Do you need to stop me? Please just let me be I hear you calling ‘mat time’ but I just don’t think you see. See, here I am with my all friends engaged in making ‘tea’ With some soft green leaves, a bit water and some sand from the sea. I’m making one f...See More

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jacque/WA/K-1/nbct 2006 I think this is a wonderful sentiment for a 3-5 year old preschool child, but in kindergarten, ideally, we provide Choice Time (free play) of 40-60 minutes each day to accommodate this kind of learning, which makes me not feel guilty in making them come to a rug time when asked. It is important for all children to learn to follow directions in a ti...See More

Aug 20, 2014

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Aug 20, 2014

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Start of school theme

by Kate

Aug 15, 2014

Any ideas for a cute saying for milk and cookies or mustard and ketchup theme? Thanks in advance!

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mammamya On 8/15/14, mammamya wrote: Milkies and mustchup

Aug 15, 2014

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Flacka Food for thought

Aug 15, 2014

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Desperate to find this phonics book

by Tracy

Aug 14, 2014

Hello teachers

I am a mother of two and my oldest started kindergarten last week. Her pre-k teacher told me about this book set a few months ago that I absolutely HAVE to get for my daughter! Unfortunately she is now on maternity leave and I can't reach her. I obviously am kicking myself now for not having searched for the when she first m...See More

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Gingerbreadman Exchange

by Deb

Aug 12, 2014

Looking for classes to join Gingerbread man Exchange. Each class will decorate a Gingerbread man (to represent their class/state) for each school on the list and then mail them (one to each class on the list during the first week of December. What a Great collection you will have! email if interested. [email removed]

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Deb Sharon, we would love to have you join. Can you email me your school info and address. [email removed]

On 8/19/14, Sharon wrote: > We'd be glad to join. We are from Michigan. > > > > > > > > On 8/15/14, Heather Mueller wrote: >> On 8/15/14, Lauritha Lane wrote: >> >>> On 8/12/14, Deb wrote: &...See More

Aug 19, 2014

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Dawn On 8/19/14, Deb wrote: > Sharon, we would love to have you join. Can you email me > your school info and address. Icenogle@brandon- academy.com > > > On 8/19/14, Sharon wrote: >> We'd be glad to join. We are from Michigan. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On 8/15/14, Heather Mueller wrote:...See More

Aug 20, 2014

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Well worth re-reading as we head back to school

by Flacka

Aug 12, 2014

On the state of what is happening in kdgn and what should be happening

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer- sheet/wp/2014/02/06/a-really-scary-headline- about-kindergarteners/

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"Chrysanthemum" Name Graph

by Sharon

Aug 8, 2014

I'm looking for a few other kindergarten classrooms that would like to create classroom name graphs inspired by the story "Chrysnathemum" by Kevin Henkes. Each class would create a graph of the length of their students' names in their class, take a photo of the completed graph and email it to the other participating classes. Each individual teacher...See More

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Sharon Thanks for your interest! I love doing the graph with my own class, and think the kids would really enjoy seeing other kindergarten class graphs. My email is: [email removed].

On 8/09/14, dsmith wrote: > > > I would like to join, thanks. Where can I send my email and > school info? > > > > > > On 8/08/14, Shar...See More

Aug 9, 2014

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kristine I do this every year, I am in.

On 8/09/14, Sharon wrote: > Thanks for your interest! I love doing the graph with my own > class, and think the kids would really enjoy seeing other > kindergarten class graphs. My email is: [email removed];

Aug 22, 2014

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What are we 'teaching' ?

by JAE

Aug 6, 2014

Feedback please :)

this is my view on 'teaching' as I don't believe we are there to attempt to teach children anything, but only there to provide opportunities in which they can learn at their own interest and readiness.

What are we 'teaching' ?

So you’re a teacher?

Ask yourself this, what do you teach?
...See More

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apology from post I apologize. I did not realize that I was on a chat for kindergarten teachers, where I do embrace discovery learning. I teach at older students. Sorry.

On 8/07/14, answer these inquiry questions wrote: > I am considered a much requested master teacher. I find these > posts to be a sad indication of the downfall of our profession. >...See MoreI apologize. I did not realize that I was on a chat for kindergarten teachers, where I do embrace discovery learning. I teach at older students. Sorry.

On 8/07/14, answer these inquiry questions wrote: > I am considered a much requested master teacher. I find these > posts to be a sad indication of the downfall of our profession. > Of course, if one is to oversimplify the task of learning, the > claim can always be made that providing a circumstance can > facilitate a child learning. We can not compare a toddler > learning to walk, which is developmentally a musclular task, > with higher learning, and more sophisticated mental tasks. > Simply put, we have many studies that clearly show that teacher- > led, directive lessons produce students who outperform students > in classrooms that feature inquiry based learning. Look up the > wealth of studies that have proven through testing and > measurement the amount of "learning" a student can accomplish in > a class with a dynamic, teacher driven method. My students > don't get into groups and learn from each other what they all > don't know--get real. This is why private schools, which favor > more traditional instruction, outperform the product of public > schools. I am appalled to hear such faulty logic to defend > methods that project the teacher as a useless ornament in a > classroom where, supposedly, the students are floating around in > groups learning from each other. Why not resign your position, > and allow uncertified aids to prompt students to engage in such > a fashion. You don't go to a tax accountant, a doctor, a golf > pro for lessons only to hear that you learn by discovering the > answers. Really? What a sad commentary on our schools today, > and sorry for the students having to find their way in such an > inefficient system. If a student learns this way successfully, > in fact, they never needed such a "teacher" to begin with. Why > contain them to the four walls of your classroom. Send them out > in to the world where they can use inquiry learning and > discovery to learn far more. You are merely holding them back. > > > > On 8/07/14, Valerie wrote: >> >> I too, am not entirely sure with the purpose of you questions >> and comments but I'm in total agreement with what you say and >> love the quotes you used. I teach in Ontario, Canada, where >> full-day Kindergarten is just in the final year of roll out. >> Full Day Kindergarten is being adopted, in many boards, with >> a strong play-based/inquiry based approach. I've heard the >> term Reggio more times in the past 3 years than I've ever >> heard in my life. We are being strongly encouraged to ease >> away from our traditional 'teacher' role, and >> become 'partners' in learning alongside our children. One >> thing that I have noticed is the push to throw away any >> programs that we had been using in the past (e.g., phonics >> programs such as Jolly Phonics). We, as teachers, are >> embedding learning in more authentic ways. We are abandoning >> themes in favour of inquiry, which allows the children to ask >> questions, do research, plan, collaborate with their peers >> and be involved participants in the inquiry process. I love >> it and find the children to be so very positive and motivated >> towards learning. I am looking forward to a new school year >> and to see where it takes us. >> >> >> >> >> >> On 8/06/14, JAE wrote: >>> Feedback please :) >>> >>> this is my view on 'teaching' as I don't believe we are >>> there to attempt to teach children anything, but only there >>> to provide opportunities in which they can learn at their >>> own interest and readiness. >>> >>> >>> >>> What are we 'teaching' ? >>> >>> >>> >>> So you’re a teacher? >>> >>> Ask yourself this, what do you teach? >>> >>> And your answer? Well maybe you would answer: I TEACH >>> children, I TEACH adults, I TEACH Maths, I TEACH Physics, I >>> TEACH English… well let me distinguish… >>> >>> How? How you do you TEACH these things? >>> >>> According to the dictionary to teach means “to impart >>> knowledge to or instruct (someone) as to how to do >>> something” Well I guess the next question would be who >>> needs to be taught? Infants? Toddlers? Children? Parents? >>> Adults? Sisters? Mothers? Fathers? Brothers? Who? >>> >>> Everyone needs someone to teach them right? Wrong. >>> >>> >>> >>> Why not? It’s really quite simple… >>> >>> Children don’t need to be taught to walk, but they need the >>> space to take their first steps and the motivation. >>> >>> Children don’t need to be taught to talk, but they need the >>> opportunity to be involved in conversation >>> >>> Children don’t need to be taught about the environment, but >>> they need the opportunity to experience creation >>> >>> Children don’t need to be taught to be polite, but they >>> need the opportunity to experience positive communication >>> >>> So you see the difference, teaching vs. providing >>> opportunity >>> >>> >>> >>> As humans we are born as a social being. Right from the get >>> go you are surrounded by other humans and through each and >>> every interaction your perception is adaptable. We rely on >>> other people to shape our views and values of the world but >>> not everybody is compatible, so how can you TEACH a room >>> full people the same thing when it is generic and >>> mechanical. Society dictates what everyone should know but >>> if not everyone is the same and learns in different ways >>> why are we put in box and told right from wrong and that we >>> don’t belong. >>> >>> When children are born their minds are open and free from >>> the influence of society’s pressure, so instead of telling >>> and measure, let them explore and treasure. >>> >>> There is no need to fill a child’s mind but instead provide >>> opportunities in which they can open it. >>> >>> As Albert Einstein said “I never teach my pupils, I only >>> attempt to provide conditions in which they can learn”. >>> >>> It is really that simple. If we changed our thinking and >>> took a step back instead of teaching we could provide the >>> right track. Open their minds instead of filling with ABC, >>> from there they can see the world with the full potential >>> of what it could be. >>> >>> How would you like to learn? Would you appreciate being >>> told what to think or having the opportunity and support to >>> explore. >>> >>> Being told that sand is rough or smooth, cold or hot, wet >>> or dry, or experiencing the fresh air with your feet in the >>> sand and sun on your skin. >>> >>> So I ask you again, what do you TEACH? >>> >>> And at last I’ll leave you with this >>> >>> Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may remember, >>> involve me and I’ll understand. >>> >>> Hide not your talents, for use they were made, what is a >>> sundial that is kept in the shade. >>> >>> Just think. >>>

Aug 7, 2014

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Tanna I feel that this is the whole point... The person who just ripped this poor persons head off apologised by saying they did not realise it was a kindergarten posting and that they teach AT older students.. I am in total agreement with this post and I feel like there are too many people within and outside of the profession that are in a hurry to try ...See MoreI feel that this is the whole point... The person who just ripped this poor persons head off apologised by saying they did not realise it was a kindergarten posting and that they teach AT older students.. I am in total agreement with this post and I feel like there are too many people within and outside of the profession that are in a hurry to try and teach children and see measure success by their ability to count and read and write before attending school, but where is the focus on what each individual child brings with them. I personally believe the values that enable success would be the ability to explore, create, imagine and have the tools to think outside the box and stand up when they are confused or feel something isn't right. This will produce the future of individuals and resilience. Having the ability to solve something that isn't working or find the answers they may not know is far more important than being judged on what they already know before they attend school. I understand, (I think) and feel this is a valid point. Each child brings with them something special and their own strengths, why should each child be marked against the same box when we try our best to encourage children to be themselves and individuals. No two children are the same and all learn and develop in different ways. That's the way I see it

On 8/07/14, apology from post wrote: > I apologize. I did not realize that I was on a chat for > kindergarten teachers, where I do embrace discovery learning. I > teach at older students. Sorry. > > > > On 8/07/14, answer these inquiry questions wrote: >> I am considered a much requested master teacher. I find these >> posts to be a sad indication of the downfall of our profession. >> Of course, if one is to oversimplify the task of learning, the >> claim can always be made that providing a circumstance can >> facilitate a child learning. We can not compare a toddler >> learning to walk, which is developmentally a musclular task, >> with higher learning, and more sophisticated mental tasks. >> Simply put, we have many studies that clearly show that teacher- >> led, directive lessons produce students who outperform students >> in classrooms that feature inquiry based learning. Look up the >> wealth of studies that have proven through testing and >> measurement the amount of "learning" a student can accomplish in >> a class with a dynamic, teacher driven method. My students >> don't get into groups and learn from each other what they all >> don't know--get real. This is why private schools, which favor >> more traditional instruction, outperform the product of public >> schools. I am appalled to hear such faulty logic to defend >> methods that project the teacher as a useless ornament in a >> classroom where, supposedly, the students are floating around in >> groups learning from each other. Why not resign your position, >> and allow uncertified aids to prompt students to engage in such >> a fashion. You don't go to a tax accountant, a doctor, a golf >> pro for lessons only to hear that you learn by discovering the >> answers. Really? What a sad commentary on our schools today, >> and sorry for the students having to find their way in such an >> inefficient system. If a student learns this way successfully, >> in fact, they never needed such a "teacher" to begin with. Why >> contain them to the four walls of your classroom. Send them out >> in to the world where they can use inquiry learning and >> discovery to learn far more. You are merely holding them back. >> >> >> >> On 8/07/14, Valerie wrote: >>> >>> I too, am not entirely sure with the purpose of you questions >>> and comments but I'm in total agreement with what you say and >>> love the quotes you used. I teach in Ontario, Canada, where >>> full-day Kindergarten is just in the final year of roll out. >>> Full Day Kindergarten is being adopted, in many boards, with >>> a strong play-based/inquiry based approach. I've heard the >>> term Reggio more times in the past 3 years than I've ever >>> heard in my life. We are being strongly encouraged to ease >>> away from our traditional 'teacher' role, and >>> become 'partners' in learning alongside our children. One >>> thing that I have noticed is the push to throw away any >>> programs that we had been using in the past (e.g., phonics >>> programs such as Jolly Phonics). We, as teachers, are >>> embedding learning in more authentic ways. We are abandoning >>> themes in favour of inquiry, which allows the children to ask >>> questions, do research, plan, collaborate with their peers >>> and be involved participants in the inquiry process. I love >>> it and find the children to be so very positive and motivated >>> towards learning. I am looking forward to a new school year >>> and to see where it takes us. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On 8/06/14, JAE wrote: >>>> Feedback please :) >>>> >>>> this is my view on 'teaching' as I don't believe we are >>>> there to attempt to teach children anything, but only there >>>> to provide opportunities in which they can learn at their >>>> own interest and readiness. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> What are we 'teaching' ? >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> So you’re a teacher? >>>> >>>> Ask yourself this, what do you teach? >>>> >>>> And your answer? Well maybe you would answer: I TEACH >>>> children, I TEACH adults, I TEACH Maths, I TEACH Physics, I >>>> TEACH English… well let me distinguish… >>>> >>>> How? How you do you TEACH these things? >>>> >>>> According to the dictionary to teach means “to impart >>>> knowledge to or instruct (someone) as to how to do >>>> something” Well I guess the next question would be who >>>> needs to be taught? Infants? Toddlers? Children? Parents? >>>> Adults? Sisters? Mothers? Fathers? Brothers? Who? >>>> >>>> Everyone needs someone to teach them right? Wrong. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Why not? It’s really quite simple… >>>> >>>> Children don’t need to be taught to walk, but they need the >>>> space to take their first steps and the motivation. >>>> >>>> Children don’t need to be taught to talk, but they need the >>>> opportunity to be involved in conversation >>>> >>>> Children don’t need to be taught about the environment, but >>>> they need the opportunity to experience creation >>>> >>>> Children don’t need to be taught to be polite, but they >>>> need the opportunity to experience positive communication >>>> >>>> So you see the difference, teaching vs. providing >>>> opportunity >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> As humans we are born as a social being. Right from the get >>>> go you are surrounded by other humans and through each and >>>> every interaction your perception is adaptable. We rely on >>>> other people to shape our views and values of the world but >>>> not everybody is compatible, so how can you TEACH a room >>>> full people the same thing when it is generic and >>>> mechanical. Society dictates what everyone should know but >>>> if not everyone is the same and learns in different ways >>>> why are we put in box and told right from wrong and that we >>>> don’t belong. >>>> >>>> When children are born their minds are open and free from >>>> the influence of society’s pressure, so instead of telling >>>> and measure, let them explore and treasure. >>>> >>>> There is no need to fill a child’s mind but instead provide >>>> opportunities in which they can open it. >>>> >>>> As Albert Einstein said “I never teach my pupils, I only >>>> attempt to provide conditions in which they can learn”. >>>> >>>> It is really that simple. If we changed our thinking and >>>> took a step back instead of teaching we could provide the >>>> right track. Open their minds instead of filling with ABC, >>>> from there they can see the world with the full potential >>>> of what it could be. >>>> >>>> How would you like to learn? Would you appreciate being >>>> told what to think or having the opportunity and support to >>>> explore. >>>> >>>> Being told that sand is rough or smooth, cold or hot, wet >>>> or dry, or experiencing the fresh air with your feet in the >>>> sand and sun on your skin. >>>> >>>> So I ask you again, what do you TEACH? >>>> >>>> And at last I’ll leave you with this >>>> >>>> Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may remember, >>>> involve me and I’ll understand. >>>> >>>> Hide not your talents, for use they were made, what is a >>>> sundial that is kept in the shade. >>>> >>>> Just think. >>>>

Aug 7, 2014

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My View

by Jess

Aug 6, 2014

Hello everyone!

I am just hoping for some valuable feedback on this writing. This is my view and after some frustration getting the better of me I sat down and wrote it. please please feedback, thanks heaps!

My View:

Have you ever had to join in sport that you really don’t enjoy? Has someone ever told you a long story a...See MoreHello everyone!

I am just hoping for some valuable feedback on this writing. This is my view and after some frustration getting the better of me I sat down and wrote it. please please feedback, thanks heaps!

My View:

Have you ever had to join in sport that you really don’t enjoy? Has someone ever told you a long story about someone you don't even know and haven't met? Hate maths and your teacher has sat everyone down and handed out papers on a mathematical theory that you just don't get? Can you honestly tell me that you can remember what happened and what was said in each of those situations and can apply them to your life right now? As adults we choose to involve ourselves in things we have an interest for, so how can we expect children to do differently, how?

In our early childhood sector why do we have assessments that are viewed as being a tool to determine the readiness of a child to attend school?

For anyone that has had more than one child I can almost guarantee that each of your children did not begin to crawl, walk or talk at exactly the same age. Each child is an individual at their own stage. I believe they have that right. They have the right to not be judged by their academic ability, but treasured for their strengths and personality. If you were to wake up tomorrow unable to talk would you like everyone to make your personal decisions for you without consulting you and just assume you didn't have the mentality? Decision making isn't always easy and is sometimes long but as a parent you know your child best right? Wrong.

I don't think there is one of us who hasn't picked up a baby from behind without first asking if they wanted to be picked up, wiped a child’s nose or face without asking or have kept trying to get a child to have one more mouthful of food and finish what is on their plate when they are spitting it out or turning away. If the roles were reversed, how would you feel? It is black and white, not grey. A child from an extremely young age without verbal communication has the capability to decide exactly what they want. So why do we decide what they need to know before they start school, during school and after school. It is society who is making the rule.

If your young son came home from school and wanted to start ballet because he has a growing interest and passion in the dance, would let him? Or would you sweep it in under the rug in the hope that it goes away because the majority of society says it isn't okay. We are placing societies views on our future, our children are an asset so why are we telling them to be themselves but restricting them to tick all the boxes from the textbooks on the shelves. We want our children to have the strength to stand up for what they believe in, but are we showing it?

At four years of age before they even start school they are being assessed on their ability to comprehend literacy and numeracy and write their name, are we the fool? How can a child be filled with the strength to stand up for what they believe and be an individual when they are constantly being compared to other children and being 'wrong' or have 'not yet achieved' because they don't meet the requirement, well, it is time for that way to meet retirement. Each and every one of our children should be filled with confidence, self-esteem, passion, patience and curiosity to further their own learning through their interests and determination when facing confrontation in any situation where they can then have the motivation to stand up strong for what they believe and have the affirmation that there are people who will always support their belief.

So is an assessment before school the way to give our children the confidence to stand up for what they believe in? Is it even going to matter once they are at school and begin? Well the jury is still out on that case, but I know what I believe and that is our children, our treasures, our future should be given the skills to further their knowledge and have the opportunity to learn in a natural way through their interests at their own pace, without feeling out of place or as though they are a disgrace because, learning is not a race.

At the end of the day, a child who had determination and a passion, who can stand up against others for something they believe in is going to be of greater value to provide change to our country than a child who can write their name at four years old and learns everything from a textbook but doesn't have the capability to think outside of the box, because I sure hope that’s heading out of fashion. Providing a child with these life skills and opportunity to expand on them and through something that is of value to them is the way and our children are the ones who will bring change at the end of the day.

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??? CA. legislation sending 4yr olds to school?

by KayeTeacher

Aug 6, 2014

I heard last year that legislation was in the works to allow 4 year old to attend Kindergarten. Can anyone tell me what progress this has made and when it is due for a vote?

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Hat On 8/06/14, KayeTeacher wrote: I heard last year that legislation was in the works to allow 4 year old to attend Kindergarten

No, the entrance age has been raised in the last few years. Now the student must be 5 by Sept. 1st to be in kindergarten. The student CAN go to TK - a transitional kindergarten, but not traditional kindergarten.

Aug 6, 2014

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O.P. On 8/06/14, Hat wrote: > On 8/06/14, KayeTeacher wrote: > I heard last year that legislation was in the works to allow 4 year old to attend Kindergarten > > No, the entrance age has been raised in the last few years. > Now the student must be 5 by Sept. 1st to be in kindergarten. > The student CAN go to TK - a transitional kinderg...See More

Aug 8, 2014

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Bee theme

by Pre K teacher

Aug 5, 2014

I need a phrase to put on my door related to a bee theme. Any suggestions?

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just a heads up On 8/05/14, Pre K teacher wrote: > I need a phrase to put on my door related to a bee theme. > Any suggestions?

Bees make the world go round.

Which is kind of true - bees pollinate plants which is the source of our food supply. Without bees, we'd starve.

But are you aware that the world's bee colonies have died off ...See More

Aug 6, 2014

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CC Guess who's buzzing in room ???/Pre-K (Put kids names on bees around a hive)

On 8/05/14, Pre K teacher wrote: > I need a phrase to put on my door related to a bee theme. > Any suggestions?

Aug 6, 2014

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