Engaging Young Learners in Reading

How do we support young learners when they begin Kindergarten to enjoy reading and writing?  In my classroom there is a lot of modeling and practice.  Students dive right into getting their hands on books that first day of school.  They know that they are the ones that choose their books.

    

With the help of many mentor texts students explore the different ways to read books and to find that perfect reading spot  Having a friend to read to is always extra special too!

Today the students were shown how to use the Stop and Go Reading Mats as tools during Reader's Workshop.  Instruction begins with walking up the "Party Ladder" of reading and building the understanding of how we set ourselves up for reading.

Forces of Motion Student Inquiry

What is a force of motion? 

To begin we need to build our knowledge of the different kinds of forces of motion and then take a close look at the many types of simple machines that make it easier for us to push or pull things.

Brainpop Jr

Students independently listened to reading using Pebble Go and an Epic collection.

           

Pebble Go and Epic

Then they chose books that they wanted to explore further.

Next the students broke into different small groups to begin to see how different simple machines work.

 

The next day we revisited what a force of motion is. 

Simple Machines from Reading A-Z

Then the students chose what kind of simple machine they would like to design. We gave them choices of supplies and let them make their own simple machine.

 

Looking forward to their presentations of their simple machine creations!

How Do You Think They See Themselves?

As Writers!

Pumpkin Inquiry in Kindergarten

What do we already know about pumpkins? 

Click on our Pumpkin Padlet to find out!

The students began to observe their pumpkins today! We would like to send a special thank you to my Mom, Elaine, for sharing pumpkins from her garden with us. The students continued to build their knowledge when Sue Hanson, from Hanson Garden and Village, joined us on National Pumpkin Day! 

 

We are reading informational texts about pumpkins

  

 and investigating how they grow and also how they turn into 

Jack-o-Lanterns.

We Are Readers, Writers and Friends

We believe in ourselves! We can read. We can write. We can be a great friend!

 

International Dot Day 2017!

Check out how we celebrated International Dot Day and unleashed our creativity!

As we begin this new school year we are really thinking about how we can be learners. Author Peter Reynolds provides us with rich books to help us build self-esteem and understanding of all.  Some of our favorite books written or illustrated by Peter Reynolds are:

  

and the new favorite 

Insect Inquiry Begins with Curiosity

Next they will continue their exploration of their chosen insect.

Can We Save Grandma?

Today the students embarked on their first Breakout EDU activity. Today's inspirational game is based on the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. I broke the students into five groups and each group worked collaboratively and communicated in order to be creative and use critical thinking skills to solve the puzzle to solve the combination to unlock the lock. Looking forward to providing this for my students again soon!

Which Book Would You Choose?

Please scan your favorite book’s QR code!

Then listen to the story to build your understanding ❤

                

      

   

If this book is chosen the students will work together to reread the story!