Homecoming Day

Here are some photos of the homecoming float.  We had a fun time riding on it in the parade.  The kids even had candy to throw out to the crowd.  Thank you to those who donated bags for that.  It was beautiful weather for a parade and we had a fun time!

These two did a great job at coronation!

A Lesson on Seeds

I took a moment to show the kindergartners some different seeds.  I wanted to know that they come in many sizes, shapes and colors.  They need to know that seeds come from the flower or fruit of a plant.  We talked about how people eat some kinds of seeds: popcorn, corn on the cob, sunflower, etc.  I brought a cattail to school and showed them how each tiny piece was a seed.  I explained that conditions have to be just right for a seed to grow.  Those cattail seeds that fell on the playground will not grow there because there isn't enough water for that kind of plant.  They loved watching the cattail seeds fly off in the wind.

57 Birds and Counting!

It was time to see how many birds they knew.  I taught the kindergartners about tally marks and we started going through the bird cards.  They knew 57 species of birds as a group!  That is very good for having only been in school for 27 school days!  I feel like we hardly ever work on bird ID, but the "sponges" picked it up easily.  Way to go kids!

Superheroes to the Rescue

On Homecoming morning, Mr. Preheim walked into a surprise!  Some tricksters wrapped everything in his office and scattered the floor with balloons and candy.  He called the "Kindergarten Superheroes" for aid.  They swooped in and helped us clean up this silly mess.  The kindergartners walked out with candy, balloons and big smiles! 

First Birding Field Guide

We had a great day on homecoming day!  In the morning, the kindergartners got to open a box filled with South Dakota bird field guides.  Each child got one and it will be used as a resource in the classroom throughout the school year.  Then they will be able to keep it. 

Chalk Art

It was a Friday afternoon and we were all a bit tired from working hard all week, so I had the kindergartners go out and make creations with sidewalk chalk.  I loved seeing what they came up with!

Caterpillar to Chrysalis

I ordered caterpillars in a cup from Insect Lore.  There
were five of them.  We watched them eat and grow so fast.
Then one day they attached themselves to the lid of the cup.
We watched them wiggle and change.  The next day they
were transformed into a chrysalis, which is similar to a
cocoon.  I carefully took the lid off and placed it in this
netting.  Soon we will have butterflies, but until then we wait.

Center Time

After I teach a lesson, I often have the students go to different centers in the classroom to put those skills in practice.  They stay at their center for 10-15 minutes.  When the alarm sounds, they move on to the next center.  I always have one center with me, one that is play oriented, one that is writing and the others are skill based.  Not only does center work reinforce the skills of the week, it is great at teaching cooperation, sharing, self-control, and responsibility.  At this center in the top photo, I am working with a group on identifying the first sound in a word.

At this center, they are learning how to make the letters
using straight lines and curves with these magnetic pieces.
Then they trace it with their finger.

These students are working on various file folders: 
matching upper and lowercase letters, categorizing
 and first sound.

These students are matching uppercase and
lowercase letters.

These next three students are using a clipboard and
finding words in the room.  They try to write the words
on their paper.  The kids love this activity!

Fall Tree Art

To go along with our science standards about plants and seasons, the kindergartners painted fall trees.  First, they painted the trunk with a paint brush.  I reminded them that this was the stem of the tree.  Then I had them sponge paint leaves on their tree.  I love how each tree is as unique as they are!

Patriotic Songs

You may have heard your kindergartner singing patriotic songs.  Every day during the flag pledge, we sing a song.  I teach them as many as I know and they catch on quickly to the lyrics.  I think it good for children to know these songs.  So far they know the following songs pretty well:

1. This Land is Your Land
2. My Country Tis of Thee
3. You're a Grand Old Flag