Implementing a New K-1 Classroom

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Multiage Classroom Chatboard

Implementing a New K-1 Classroom

by Niki Spears

Apr 24, 2007

/blockquote>

I am a kindergarten teacher embarking on implementing a K-
1 class with one of my 1st grade peers.

We will have a total of 40 students in this class (20
kinder and 20 1st grade)--and we are currently planning to
see how we will integrate without being insensitive to the
kinder experience. The hardest part for me is imagining
what it will look like especially during the first days of
school. As a kinder teacher we do a great deal of
socializing whereas I'm sure 1st graders come to school
ready to learn.

Do you have any information (i.e. schedule, behavior
system) that would work for the group that I'm
describing? Any information you have will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Comment

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Ashley /blockquote>

Hi,

I love multi-age and would never go back. I will kind of explain how it works in my
classroom. I teach K-1 with two teachers and about 30-35 students. We do as
much as we can together (hence the philosophy of multi-age) In my class we have
two grouping systems. Shining staring and shooting stars the...See More

May 21, 2007

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Niki /blockquote>

Hello Kathleen,

Thanks for your response. When I asked what the
classroom "looked like" I was considering the physical aspect--
centers, community meeting area, tables and so forth. Your
ideas really provided some clarity into how to teach both
grades as "one." Again, thanks for your response.
...See More

May 27, 2007

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Niki /blockquote>

Ashley, what does your classroom physically look like? I really
appreciate your response, you have given me some great ideas!
Is it possible for you to email me?

Thanks,

Niki

On 5/21/07, Ashley wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I love multi-age and would never go back. I will kind of ...See More

May 27, 2007

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anne Hi,

Are you ladies still teaching k/1? i'm teaching for the first time and i'm stressed out but loving it at the same time. I just want to make sure my students are getting the best of the program.

I have more K's than gr. 1's and I was wondering what type of management strategies you have. I have extensions for centers but I have...See MoreHi,

Are you ladies still teaching k/1? i'm teaching for the first time and i'm stressed out but loving it at the same time. I just want to make sure my students are getting the best of the program.

I have more K's than gr. 1's and I was wondering what type of management strategies you have. I have extensions for centers but I have a few students who are definitely not independent yet. They keep askin me for help or calling for me, especially when im doing guided reading. i even hold up a stop sign and tell the students to ask "2 friends" before they ask me, but they really want my help only. sigh.

On 5/27/07, Niki wrote: > Ashley, what does your classroom physically look like? I really > appreciate your response, you have given me some great ideas! > Is it possible for you to email me? > > Thanks, > > Niki > > On 5/21/07, Ashley wrote: >> Hi, >> >> I love multi-age and would never go back. I will kind of > explain how it works in my >> classroom. I teach K-1 with two teachers and about 30-35 > students. We do as >> much as we can together (hence the philosophy of multi-age) In > my class we have >> two grouping systems. Shining staring and shooting stars these > groups are based >> on grade level. Then I have a group and my co-teacher have a > group. These groups >> are based on personalities, etc. and are a mix of both k and > 1. Students travel the >> building in their mixed groups attending art, music, pe, > library, and computers. >> This helps support the buddy system. >> >> In the class we teacher everything together expect for math. > We use everyday math >> and it is very different curiculum for k and 1 we are still > working on bringing it >> together more. As far as all of others, shared reading, > writing, guided reading, >> science, social studies, etc. we all work together. Students > have different >> expectation they are held to which is where the star groups > come into play. For >> example, writing shooting stars may be expected to write 5 > sentences with a >> begining, middle, and end whereas the shining stars need to > have 2-3 sentences. I >> explain to the shining stars that if they want to take > the 'challenge' they can try to >> do that of the shooting stars. >> >> Rotations are easy, I make sure that all centers have > extensions and vary in ability >> level. Reading groups are determined by level so the students > are typiclaly all >> mixed up. >> >> If you would like to know more, let me know. >> >> Ashley >> >> >> On 5/20/07, KMS/1st/CA wrote: >>> On 4/24/07, Niki Spears wrote: >>> >>>> The hardest part for me is imagining >>>> what it will look like especially during the first days of >>>> school. As a kinder teacher we do a great deal of >>>> socializing whereas I'm sure 1st graders come to school >>>> ready to learn. >>> >>> That gave me the biggest chuckle! I can't think of any >>> grade where the social habits are more alike than K & 1st. >>> Firsties may have a year more under their belts, but they >>> need the same reinforcements as Ks. >>> >>> I did a buddy system, 1st with K partners. Firsties were >>> given the responsibility of "taking care" of their K, >>> sitting with them at Assemblies, reading with them, walking >>> with them, escorting them on Fire drills, etc. It worked >>> out great. >>> >>> We ran separate lessons except for PE, teacher story time, >>> sharing time, library time, and singing. It was >>> overwhelming at times (1 teacher, no aides), but well worth >>> the experience. I learned a lot more about managing >>> multiple levels of skills, how to differentiate with the >>> many levels within each group. >>> >>> Depending on which language arts curriculum you use, there >>> may be some parts that can be overlapped. Author studies >>> worked well for me with both groups. Math needs to have >>> lots of exploration time for each grade. I did social >>> studies and science together, with further extensions for >>> the Firsties after the Ks left for the day. My biggest >>> issue was that testing for Firsties had to be after Ks left - >>> almost impossible to stay quiet as long as it takes Firsties >>> to finish their tests. >>> >>> The Kindergarten and Primary sections on this chatboard were >>> very helpful for me. You can post to them also. If you'd >>> like to see a sample weekly lesson plan, let me know. >>> >>> Good luck! >>> Kathleen

Oct 27, 2009

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Anthony If you need a way to keep multiple classes curriculum and progress separate try my EPEE Software. It was made to handle this issue with ease. I am a Vocational Tech. teacher and we need to target math, career and work, reading,etc. etc standards in addition to our trade standards. I made EPEE for myself years ago and now it is available to anyone. ...See More

Nov 13, 2009

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