First Week Pics

My precious kinders got along very well.

Having a mix of boys and girls is a nice change of pace!

We caught a pet!  NOT!
S/he is living in an empty fruit cup.
Obviously, the seal is not cutting the oxygen level.

AB patterns

beginning sounds game

pattern block design cards

Working on our class book about Pete.

I wonder how long the puzzle love will last...?

Practicing name writing on white boards.

Art Class:  I read "A Day With No Crayons"
and the children designed an original crayon color.
We also covered the rules of art class
and the proper handling of tools.

We love Splat!
After listening to his stories through varied media,
we made a descriptive word map.
I need to brush up on my Expo marker skills!

My Kindergarten Schedule

Our special classes were switched up this year,

necessitating a schedule redo.  
(And another redo on 8/24! Pic has been updated.)

Writing Workshop has made it onto the grid--it's official!

Of course, we will be writing every day, in some way.

As the year progresses, I hope to slide W.W. into 
the Phonics slot on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

I have a workbook series to complete, 
but the process moves quickly once the children 
become accomplished at navigating literacy stations.

I've had a few comments asking about Wake Up Work.  
During this time, the children are working on a journal prompt, 
a skill page in their math journals, or a read/write/cut/glue page.
As the children finish, they move to the other side of our room, 
to explore puzzles, new theme books, or playdo.
I am always open to changing the activities during this transition!

How does your schedule look?

Fun Forms Freebie!

I'm trying to provide more opportunities for parent involvement

 in my classroom this year.

At orientation, I'll be presenting the Mystery Reader project 

and sharing the Donation Station idea.

 I've created a few snappy forms to keep track of my volunteers! 

Click HERE for the set!
I'd be happy to add something custom for YOU--
leave a comment!

Monday Made It!~~Pointers

I finally made something to share at 

4th Grade Frolics!  

This idea was inspired by Meredith from Keen On Kindergarten!

I was able to visit her classroom-in-progress--it's A+!

After seeing the small pointers at her reading table, 

I had to make some for my little readers.

Aren't they cute?

With a glob of hot glue, I attached the puffy stickers to the cookie sticks.  After some trial and error, I decided that a double-sided approach was best.  The farm equipment pointers are very cool, but need a reinforced backing before they can be used.

I'm on a roll!  Look for a giveaway soon!!

Currently~~August

Linking up with Farley!

They Call Me Mom

Meet my children!

I've had a fun summer with my babies!

As you can see, there isn't much "baby" left in them.

(Thankfully, the youngest still needs a 

snuggle every now and then!)

This fall, Aaron will be a sophomore in college.  

He is currently in Washington DC,

 experiencing the leadership side of fraternity life.

Austin just finished another summer of competitive baseball.

I can't believe how tall he has become--taller than his older bro!

He is taking crazy math classes this year, as a junior.

Amory danced her way through the summer and will join the escadrille team as she begins her freshman year!

Her hair is almost as long as her legs. :-)  

Jordan heads to middle school this fall.

He is our go-to guy for all things techy.
I would be lost without his help.
This summer, Andrew and I have had just enough nights 
without them to get a feel for an empty nest.
I don't like it!
Somehow, I need to s l o w down time!

A super nice person nominated my site for the 

Top 25 Teacher Mom Blogs.

I am truly thankful for any votes that come my way.
(The pink button will take you there.)

I love teaching kindergarten!

I LOVE being a mom!!