Superhero Fun

Hello friends! I just wanted to share some fun we have had this week. You might have read about my morning messages on another post. I really like them, so maybe just maybe I talk about them a lot. My kinders have grown tremendously from them, and I usually have a funny story or two from the conversations they generate. 

Usually our morning messages go along with our theme for the week. This week is a crazy week with a field trip and state testing in 3rd-5th. So our schedule is a little cray-cray.
I decided to share some of my favorite books with my kinders in ELA, so I don't have a set theme this week.  I figured it would be the perfect week to do my Superhero Morning Messages. 

Here's a little peek into our morning time and, of course, a funny story to go with it. ;)

 Each morning, I go through our message. It is a prime time to hit specific sight words, or in the very beginning, letters. 

We discuss the message. Sometimes we graph our answers. Sometimes we make a bubble map together. It all depends on the message and the conversations we have from it. Sometimes I let each student that wants to share what they think and we move on. 

Here is an example of our bubble map to go along with the message above.

After our discussion, my students will go to their table to write and draw their response to our message. 

I seriously forgot to take a picture of their journals. Maybe one day I'll remember...

Now, for the story...

Yesterday we discussed what superpower they would want if they were a superhero. I had all kinds of good answers. I had one tell me their power would be "mind division". This student went on to tell me exactly how they would use and how they use it, now, everyday. I LOVE the conversations we have from these messages. Though, sometimes, it's hard to keep a straight face. 

I would love to give a couple away!

The first TWO followers to leave a comment with their email will get it for free!

Springing Into Science Blog Hop {Freebie and Giveaway!}

Hello friends! Welcome to the blog hop! 

How do you integrate Science into your curriculum? Some units are easy to integrate and others are not. Here's a peek at what we've been up to this week and it includes a lot of Science!

My kinders have LOVED learning about life cycles. To correlate with Earth Day this week, we have worked with the life cycle of a plant. 

We've read these books:

Here is one of the anchor charts that we made to help with writing:

I have been using labels for my anchor charts that are like this. I print and laminate them first. Then, I tape them onto my paper. My paper came from the mailing section. It's technically packing paper and comes in a large pack. One pack lasts me for the whole year. And, unlike butcher paper it's already cut to the right size and I don't have crooked anchor charts from my lack of being able to cut in a straight line.  The only problem is it is a little thin. 

By doing this I can prep my anchor charts way ahead of time and check that off of my list!

This was on our focus wall. My students also use this to help with their writing when they are wanting to spell on of those words. 

Most of my activities this week have come from this packet: 

You can enter in the rafflecopter below for a chance to be one of the 2 luckies to win this packet!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And...here is a little freebie from that packet to get you started with writing!

And continue on the hop...

Organizing Supplies with Tables {and freebie}

Hello friends! I recently asked on my FB if you all preferred tables or desks. I got several replies and it seemed that we all have a lot of different opinions. LOL 

I have had both desks and tables and I have to say that I love my tables. They stay where they are supposed to and there's nothing for the kiddos to mess in or store papers in. The downside...there's no where for all of their stuff! Here's how I manage their supplies.

You can get these at Wal-Mart. They were either with the silverware or with the clothespins and things you put your dishes in to dry by your sink. They were very inexpensive and I've had mine for several years. My kinders stash their pencils, crayons, scissors, glue and dry erase marker in there. Yes, they do tip over every now and then, but it's not been an issue. 

Instead of taping their name tag on the table, I type out their name tags, print on colored paper and tape to the basket (this basket is turned around to hide the name). 

For me this is easier than pencil boxes. I like community supplies and having tubs in the middle. With this group of kids, it didn't quite work. And with a large class this year, it's hard to make sure the supplies are within reach for everyone at the table.

This has been super helpful with the Easter Bunny visits!

They think the Easter Bunny has their supply baskets confused with real baskets. :)

This has been a great way to promote good behavior and you can get the notes for free in my store!