Kindergarten Hoppenings

More Phonemic Awareness

2012-03-05T21:28:00.001-06:00

This is my last week of my maternity leave. It's bittersweet. I miss my kiddos, but I KNOW that I am going to miss my little guy terribly. I've gotten loads of emails and comments that have told me to enjoy every minute because it goes so fast. I will be honest, late at night and during bouts of screaming, time has moved slowly; however, all the sudden...it's been almost three months. I just can't even believe it!

Coop can't believe it either!

To try to get back in the swing of Kindergarten, I am going to try to put a few posts together during Cooper's short naps throughout the day. This afternoon I got an email from Karen Strawser requesting Diagraph/Blend Cards to use during Phonemic Awareness instruction. They will compliment Michael Heggerty's program very well. You can see more about his program here...http://kinder-pond.blogspot.com/2011/01/phonemic-awareness.html.

So, this evening during my much beloved show, The Voice. I worked on Diagraph/Blend flashcards. I will try to post again later in the week, if I can. Thanks again for all the kind comments and emails. You truly have no idea how much I appreciate it. Now it's 9PM...time to sleep for a couple of hours before someone demands 5oz of liquid gold.

Thanks!

Shannon

This document contains a font that are copyright DJ Inkers. This document contain graphics that are copyright Carson Dellosa. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

I had to put it into Google Docs because something wacky was going on with Scribd. Here is the link...https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6-Y-ruCSs2rSXRQVDJrSnZRajZqTVl1c2tBOThZQQ/edit

St. Patty's Showcase

2012-03-02T14:07:00.000-06:00

Hello all!

First, I cannot thank you all for the kind comments and emails. It was soooo nice to hear from everyone. You are all just too sweet for words. My little fella thanks you too :0)

I got a few freebies from some of my followers and I've got a few things to share, as well.

Leprechauns Gold is a sight word game courtesy Jessica Benson.
Leprechaun's Gold Sight Word Game

Here is a St. Patrick's Day Sight Word Coloring Sheet sent by Amy Cox.
St Patricks Day Coloring Page Sight Words

Sharon from the http://dogdaysofkindergarten.blogspot.com/ sent The Pot of Gold game.
pot of gold

The Goods from Me :0)
All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

You can also find my original Lucky Hoppenings post here...http://kinder-pond.blogspot.com/2011/02/lucky-hoppenings.html
What's in the Shamrock Phonics Worksheet

Building Words (Short a Word Families)

Luck in Various Languages

Lucky Numbers 26-50

Shamrock Sight Word Concentration

St Patricks Day Sight Word Find

Websites for ideas...
http://mrsbrockhoff.edu.glogster.com/st-patricks-day/
http://www.littlegiraffes.com/stpatrickday.html
http://larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com/search/label/St.%20Patrick%27s%20Day?updated-max=2012-02-25T16:04:00-08:00&max-results=20&start=1&by-date=false
http://www.kidssoup.com/StPatricksDay/StPatricksDay.html#freestpatricksday
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/st-patricks-day/
http://whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com/2011/03/st-patricks-day-activities.html
http://extraspecialteaching.blogspot.com/2012/02/st-patricks-day-activities-freebie.html
http://lilcountrykindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/02/march-comes-in-like-freebie.html
http://www.hanginwithmrscooper.com/2012/02/lucky-charms-freebie.html
http://learningandteachingwithpreschoolers.blogspot.com/
http://www.classroomfreebiestoo.com/2012/02/free-st-patricks-day-pattern-page-for.html

Hoppy Sharings!

2012-02-27T20:17:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been MIA for a bit. Between having a newborn and the whole issue of my last blog, just made me take a break. I actually debated removing my blog all together. Some anonymous friend alerted DJ Inkers that I was not following their copyright. I honestly had no idea that I was not following the proper protocol. I have been using their clipart for a very loooooong time...my first set from them wasn't even on a CD, it was a hard floppy, can you imagine? Anywho, I didn't keep up with the policy changes, and I should have. It was an honest mistake. Well, it has all been cleared with DJ Inkers, so to my anonymous friend out there...you don't need to worry about it anymore. I have made arrangements with the company personally and specific guidelines have been established for my blog. I truly appreciate DJ Inkers working with me, and I am extremely appreciative. I am happy to say that my blog will be staying up.

I need to get back into the swing of school things, my maternity leave is quickly nearing its end; however, I haven't created anything lately. With one of all time favorite holidays approaching (how could it not be, with a name like Shannon?), and the lack of new things to SHARE, I thought I would give any of my followers the opportunity to showcase their St. Patrick's day shares. Any follower who has a St. Patrick's day printable that would like it showcased can comment with the link to their blog/activity or can email (smorss99@gmail.com) me the pdf and I will put it up as a link to Scribd. I will put up the showcase on Friday, so all comments and emails must be in by Thursday.

And, because I just can't resist his little face. Here's a little Coop for you!

Thanks so much for reading!

Shannon

Hoppily Ever After

2012-02-01T20:51:00.003-06:00

I have been spending an obscene amount of time on my couch. I call in TV circuit training...Live with Kelly, The View, The Talk, Ellen....it's all rotting my brain!! Then I have become addicted to Pinterest, oy! Well, today I decided to go visit blogs during Coop's naptime and WOW, I was truly amazed at how many bloggers have decided to post almost everything on Teachers Pay Teachers, yes, they occasionally throw you a freebie every now and then. I just was truly amazed. And, then administrators wonder why there is little collaboration, teachers are creating an atmosphere of competition....all under the guise of the money goes to teachers and not corporations. I started my blog one year ago and went into it thinking "what a great way to share materials and ideas." To each his own I guess. **(I changed this to red in response to a comment. If you don't feel the need to defend your choices, then don't. I'm not asking anyone to defend their right to post on TPT. I just believe that it is not for me, and I was truly amazed at how many people don't share anymore. I am not discouraging anyone from purchasing units or materials. Furthermore, we all have our stories....I could honestly careless how anyone is using their income....my choice is to share my stuff....your choice is not to...so what? Sorry that you don't appreciate my opinion, but it is just that, my opinion on my blog. I am not asking anyone to defend themselves. I am not bashing anyone.

I have purchased several units through TPT. I won't name the people I have bought things from; however, I will say this...I have bought from a total of 3 people.....I would only endorse the purchase of materials from 1 of them...Kathleen Pederson. She isn't giving me materials to say that, I don't even know her, but without a doubt...her materials are worth it.

All right, let me step off my soap box.

I have had such a difficult time creating things. I guess out of the classroom and home with a 7 week old changes ones focus, eh? By the way, Cooper is wonderful! He was having some major tummy troubles, but it looks like we have figured things out, so he isn't spending all his time awake screaming...seriously. You can get your Coop fix here http://thefalliblemommy.blogspot.com/. I posted some of our favorite songs/lyrics there if you're really desperate, lol.

Anywho, I have some things that I started for a little Fairy Tale Fun. Some of it I created a loooong time ago, some of it I created today....none of it has been used in my classroom...here's hoping they aren't all full of mistakes!

If you are looking for Valentine's Day, 100th Day, President's Day, or Community Helpers....look here....
http://kinder-pond.blogspot.com/2011/01/love-hoppens.html
http://kinder-pond.blogspot.com/2011/01/hoppy-100th-day.html
http://kinder-pond.blogspot.com/2011/01/presidents-day.html
http://kinder-pond.blogspot.com/2011/02/these-are-people-in-your-neighborhood.html

As always, I hope you find something you can use. I also hope you will find something that you created to share with someone... :0)

Enjoy!
Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.
Cards to use to ask questions with. These are actually in our Fairy Tale Homework bag.
Story Cards

Little Red Hen Sight Word Scramble Worksheet

Fairy Tale Syllable Sort

Bear to Porridge Ending Sound Picture Match

3 Little Pigs Vowel Matching

Three Little Kitten Picture to Word Match

Castle Counting by 10's Center Cards

Castle Counting by 10's

Fairy Squeeze

Fairy Tale Graphing Worksheet

Three Bears Missing Number Worksheet

Goldilocks Number Matching

These little cards can be used for whatev, but they are intended to be used as practice for patterning. The sheet that follows is a recording sheet. I used these type of cards during my insect unit. I copied the recording sheet on 11x14 paper, I believe.
Fairy Tale Pattern Cards

Fairy Tale Patterns Recording Sheet

Are You Ready for Some Football?

2012-01-20T15:29:00.001-06:00

The answer to this or any other sports related question for me is....no. I am not a sports kind of girl. My time could be much better spent shopping, reading, feeding my Pinterest addiction, catching up with the Real Housewives...really anything. I will cheer on the Chicago teams, but really, sports are not my thang. When I was trying to come up with something to post, I was at a loss, but then I remembered that the Superbowl is coming up....it is coming up right? I didn't miss it? No, I couldn't have missed it. Coop has me restricted to the couch, so the TV is on waaaaay too much. Seriously, my behind gets sore...he just doesn't let me put him down without screaming. Either my ears bleed from his screaming or my eyes bleed from all the crap on TV. I choose the TV.

My little guy took two mini naps which afforded me some time to whip up this post along with just a few downloads for you. I am enjoying being with my Coopaloop, but I do miss creating, posting, and teaching. I ordered a clearance djinkers CD, so hopefully it will inspire some new creations...we'll see. I also started a new blog about being a new Mommy....http://thefalliblemommy.blogspot.com/. It's got the story of Coops name, new Mommy products, and just my story right now.

I hope you enjoy! Thanks for reading, and as always, I love all the comments!
Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.
The Goods
ABC Footballs

Spin, Graph, And Tally Sports

Sports Spinner

This next one has three different levels, so be sure to scroll through it.
Words to Cheer About Worksheet

Happy New Year!

2012-01-11T17:02:00.001-06:00

Before I say anything I just want to say how much I appreciate all the comments and emails. Everyone has said such kind things and wished our family well. I can't describe how blessed and grateful I am! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

WoW, what a difference a month makes! My life has been consumed (for the better) by this little man! Cooper and I are doing well. My husband just went back to work this week so each day is a new adventure! Just thought I'd share a couple pictures of my little mister.

I just love him to pieces! While I love staying at home with him, I am also constantly thinking about my Kinder-Hoppers! I miss them sooooo much!! I can't wait to bring Coop to meet them. I've started a new Mommy blog, not much on there now, if you're interested you can check it out here...http://thefalliblemommy.blogspot.com/

I haven't forgot about my blog...I'm just finding it a bit difficult to create things, especially when I am not at school to be inspired. This morning I took a little time to create this Snowman Adding Book and a patterning worksheet. Hopefully, you will be able to use them in your classroom. I hope your new year is starting off as wonderful as mine!

Enjoy!
Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.
Snowman Buttons Adding Book

Winter Patterns

A Love I Never Knew...(non school related)

2011-12-22T12:14:00.000-06:00

Oh, my goodness! The last week has literally flown by. My little fella is FINALLY here! Here is my story of labor and delivery...

On Monday, December 12th, I went in to be induced at 8AM. The doctor and nurses all said they would be surprised if I were still pregnant at 5PM. The baby was really low, I was 3cm, and 90% effaced. They started my Pitocin drip at 9AM. The doctor had told me he would break my water early, well I started to get ansy around 2:30 because nothing was happening. I wasn't progressing at all.

I started having pretty bad back labor around 5 and asked for my epidural. Finally, around 6:30PM, the doctor broke my water. It was then that I realized that the epidural hadn't worked. I labored on slowly until 9. Around 9:30, they took out my epidural and gave me a new one. The new one just took off the edge, but they had to keep dosing me every 20minutes...I'll be honest, it was not fun!

I started to worry that I would end up needing a C-Section sometime after midnight. Things finally started progressing after 2AM. After an hour and 21 minutes of pushing and tearing :(....I had my little miracle in my arms. I remember just repeating, "I want him, I want him." All "goopy" and all. Nothing else in the world mattered and everyone and everything thing simply disappeared.

Cooper Daniel
12-13-11
3:21AM
8lbs
21 1/2 inches
Perfection in a tiny package :0)

It is a love that I never knew before. He is this amazing little person that I literally can stare at for hours on end. All the pain of 2010, all the difficulties with getting pregnant, all the crazy drugs and procedures, all 225 (give or take) days of throwing up....ALL worth it!! I love him more than I have ever loved. I am truly blessed with the best Christmas gift EVER!!!

Here are some pictures...

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas or Hanukkah. May the New Year bring you joy and happiness!

Love to you and yours,
Shannon and Baby Cooper

Holiday Hoppenings

2011-12-11T21:14:00.001-06:00

SURPRISE...a pre-baby post! I know I had said that I doubted I would post something before our little guy arrives, but I need a distraction. One can only clean, cook, organize, and bake so much! Before I give you a few things, I would love to share pictures of our nursery! I can't wait for our baby to make it complete.

And, here is the basket of double chocolate chip Heath cookies that I made this morning for the nurses and doctors who have to put up with me. Yum-O!

My last day at school was Friday. My intention was to work until I labor...on Thursday our doctor scheduled an induction for Monday, December 12th!!!!! I am over the moon excited and scared to death at the same time! I pray that everything goes smoothly.

My gift is coming tomorrow. Those of you who have read my posts from way back when now what a long and crazy journey it has been for me. It seemed to take forever to get here....lots of tears, medical interventions, and doubt. The pregnancy has not been very easy, I have thrown up every single day due to chronic and horrible acid reflux. Now that it is ending, I will miss feeling him within me. It will most likely be my only pregnancy and I have truly tried my best to enjoy it. A new journey lies ahead, I hope that you will stick around as I find my way through it....I probably won't be creating so much, but I will try.

Now for your gifts. It's just a hodge podge of Holiday stuff! I adore all things holiday related, so maybe next year I will go all out with a fabulous post. For now, I haven't created anything new, it's mainly things that I've used before. I hope you will find things to use in your classroom. Remember...it is the season of giving. If you have a blog, it is the perfect time to just post a unit as a freebie :-)

Happy "Labor" Day...couldn't resist!

Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

Literacy Goods

Christmas Tree Sight Words

With the Bingo cards, I give my kiddos the list of words and they write their own cards.
December Sight Word Bingo

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Polar Express. We have a whole party for it...which is tomorrow, I hope my kids have so much fun!
First Gift of Christmas Class Book

Holiday Journal

Holiday Syllables

Holidays Around the World Bingo

For this emergent reader, copy the main page on cardstock and the rest on regular paper. It will hold up nicely!
Holiday, Holiday, What Do You See

Reindeer Noses Books

Santa Medial Sounds

Santa Sight Words

Math Goods
Christmas Graphing Worksheet

Count the Menorah Candles Book

Do You Like Candy Canes Graph

Elf Squeeze directions are actually on the document. It's just an update of the Everyday Math Game "Monster Squeeze". My students are beyond 1-10 by this point, but definitely need practice with the tricky teens!
Elf Squeeze

Polar Express Numbers Worksheet

We use sentence strips for this sequencing activity.
Present Number Sequencing

Roll a Christmas Tree (2 Dice)

Santa Number Puzzles

Spin and Graph December Spinner

Spin & Graph December Holidays

Poetry Journals: Making them Matter (December Edition)

2011-11-27T17:12:00.001-06:00

I really thought I wouldn't have another post until someone had left a comment about the last Poetry Journal set. Yowza! I completely forgot!! Well, I woke up bright and early and put together this little post. We only have three weeks in December, so there are only 3 poems. We do one for our Gingerbread Unit, one for Holidays Around the World, and one for Christmas (because I ADORE the Peppermint Stick song)! I have kept the format the same....new journal pages, followed by old for anyone who wants them.

I plan on posting another Edition of Poetry Journals in the winter. In my room, we begin to do more activities with them and try to utilize them during center time. It is my hope to put together a post of activities!

As always, I hope you enjoy! Leave a comment if you feel chatty! Again, I am sorry for the late arrival of this post!!! Will post some pics as soon as my little bundle arrives, thanks for all the sweet comments and prayers!!!

Thanks for reading!
Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

Four Gingerbread Men

Four Gingerbread Men

The Driedle Song

The Driedle Song

Peppermint Stick

Peppermint Stick

Run, Run, as fast as you can!

2011-11-22T20:53:00.002-06:00

I know I have not been the best blogger in the world, I am sooo sorry! I had these grand delusions that I would get a good Thanksgiving unit done and posted...here we are just days away and I've got nothing for you. I have been consumed by all things BABY!

We had our baby shower October 23rd and suddenly the flood gates opened up for us! Our loss last year truly kept us extremely cautious. Once we had our shower, I began M.A.J.O.R nesting! From organizing his nursery to stocking our freezer. I try to sit down and blog or create and I find myself on etsy ordering a zillion custom burp clothes. He's our first and most likely our only, so I am going to shop to my hearts content and spoil him!!! We are getting very close to D Day, December 16. I am truly torn because I am beyond excited to meet my little guy but I LOVE teaching in December...it is the best. I guess I just need to sit back and enjoy the ride.

If you have sent me emails, I am sorry that I have not replied. It isn't because I don't appreciate your kind words, I am just consumed with baby, prepping for a long term sub, and report cards/conferences. Also, if you leave me comments on Scribd, I will just come right out and say it, it's a pain to read them. I have to click on each individual comment and then wait for that dreaded site to show it, so the moral of that story is that you should send things to gmail or leave them on the blog because we all know Scribd is a pain! Also, I know there have been some mistakes in some of my games like I have/Who Has, I blame my pregnant brain, LOL. I promise I will eventually fix those mistakes and repost....might be next fall, but it will get done!

I haven't been creating like I normally do, but I do have some things I use for our Gingerbread Unit, which by the way, I ADORE! We read all the different variations of the story, compare characters, taste gingerbread, make some super cute glyphs...it is soooo much fun for me and the kiddos! I am posting the small amount of things I have, I wish I had more and I wish I could tell you that I will post things for Holidays Around the World, but it is doubtful.

I will post an update when my little guy makes his appearance and that may be it until 2012. As always, I hope you find something you can use; I hope I inspire you to share (especially during this time of year); and I hope you have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!!! May you, your family, and friends be blessed!

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

Books We Love

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

The Literacy Goods
Beginning Sounds Match Up

Gingerbread Sight Word Bingo

Gingerbread Man Sight Words

Gingerbread Man Medial Sounds

Gingerbread Man Class Book

Where is the Gingerbread Girl Little Book (Positional Words)

The Math Goods
Sweet Patterns

Gingerbread Tricky Teens Worksheet

Gingerbread Math Worksheet

Gingerbread Man by 10's Worksheet

Buttons for the Gingerbread Man Math Book (Counting Backwards)

Do You Like Gingerbread Graph

Hoppy Fall Y'All

2011-10-20T19:52:00.001-05:00

First, I have to thank everyone for all the kind words!! I really just wanted to lay it all out for my anonymous "friend" out there. Your comments truly mean so much to me!

Well, here in the subs of Chicago, I think we can officially say that autumn is upon us. It was chilly, rainy, and quite windy today....great for snuggling and comfort food OR just chillin' on the couch with my laptop, a baby boy that is practicing Kung Fu in my belly, and a ginormous cat that is extremely needy. I've been creating, creating, creating!!! I realized I barely had anything for Fall, and after all the wonderful comments....I truly wanted to put together a nice package of downloads.

For those of you in the throws of Parent/Teacher conferences, I hope this will help ease your planning. I hope everyone can find something useful! As always, I appreciate any comments and thank you for reading/downloading!

Enjoy!
Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

Books We Love

Literacy Goods
Memory Cards...a favorite of my class!
Pumpkin Sight Word Memory

The template for Sight Word Uno came from kellyskindergarten.com. It does take a lot of practice with students, but once they have a handle on how to play...they LOVE it!
Fall Sight Word Uno

Fall Sight Word Find

I Have/Who Has...has become an obsession with my current Kinder-Hoppers. The pretty much beg to play it over and over, so I just keep trying to make new ones.
I Have Who Has Fall Edition Alphabet)

Have I told you lately how much I L.O.V.E. DJ inkers? Virtually all of my clipart comes from her...I am a clipart junkie. I loved these open pumpkins and thought they would work well as puzzles.
Pumpkin Alphabet Puzzles

You've seen this template before...St. Patrick's Day. I mount them to cute scrapbooking paper and put velcro circles on the letters and spaces.
Pumpkin Building Words Mats

The Sound It Out worksheet compliments the building words activity above. There are two different papers depending on what your kiddos need.
Sound It Out Pumpkin Worksheet

Early Fall Sight Word Color by Code

Beginning Sounds Leaf Match Up

I made this book quite a while ago and now looking at it, I kind of wish I hadn't included anything that could be related to Halloween. Maybe someday I will change it up!
Fall Colors Book

Pumpkin ABC's

We focus so much of our time at the beginning of the year with beginning sounds, but I know some of my loves are ready for ending sounds!
Squirrel Acorn Ending Sounds Match

The Falling Leaves Sort focuses on beginning sounds P and B. The second page has the leaves/pictures for students to color, cut, and glue. They are fairly small so I put two on a sheet to save on paper.
Falling Leaves P & B Sound Sort

The Math Goods
I adore these ten frames that we are going to use for centers. I am not using the acorns in my room. I went to Michaels and found these little stone acorns that were on clearance, well because it is October and time to put on Christmas decor, lol.

Squirrel Ten Frames

Squirrel Ten Frames 11-20

Students get to use dice and practice writing numbers on this sheet. Then after all the pumpkins have a number in them, they color by code.Roll, Write, And Color

Scarecrow-Crow Number Matching

Roll a Leaf

Number Match

I always have my kiddos make their own Bingo cards. I give them a copy of both sheets. They write down one number and then cross it off the second sheet...that way they don't duplicate any numbers. Four in a row wins!
Number Bingo

Falling Leaves Graphing Worksheet

Fall Comparing Sets Center

This book is similar to my Counting Spiders books. Students will use a stamp pad to make crows and then use a marker or pencil to make eyes and beaks on the crows. I tried to come up with a different title...but hey, I truly LOVE the Counting Crows and just couldn't resist.
Counting Crows Math Book

I have these printed on 11x17 paper. They will be mounted and laminated. I found foil leaf confetti (also on Clearance) at Michaels. Students will use a paperclip and a pencil as the spinner. The goal is to fill the trees with the specified number of leaves.

Autumn Leaves Math Game

Another blast from the past...Students roll a dice or two and write the number in the first box, then fill in the numbers that come next.

What Comes Next Fall Edition

Who I Am

2011-10-16T19:27:00.001-05:00

So, this post isn't for everyone. It's actually for one. One person who has chosen to remain anonymous. One person who doesn't know who I am at all, based on what they've said about me. It isn't a person I work with and it isn't a parent from my school...just a random person. To that person let me give you some insight to who I am and what I know to be true.

I have been working with children in a teaching capacity since January 1994. I graduated high school early and began working at a Pre-School immediately. I teach because it is a part of who I am. I have a love for teaching AND learning. Some people go into teaching because they think the kids are cute, they have good lessons, or for a number of reasons that just seem wrong to me. I teach because I know in my heart of hearts that I can help my students achieve goals in fun ways. The lessons are not nearly as important as the outcome...

I am extremely hard on myself within my classroom. I am constantly reflecting on what I can do better for my students. My students are my priority. My lessons, my materials, and all the other things that go with it are important too; however, my students learning the things I want them to learn is above all else the most important. This has always been my priority since 1994. I self describe myself as a bit OCD in my classroom. I am focused on my students being successful and enjoying Kindergarten, if this is a fault...I am willing to live with it. I really don't know of any good teachers who are not OCD in some ways in their classroom. We are striving for success, we have an abundance of paper work to stay on top of, we aim to be experts in everything that impacts our classroom, we are constantly seeking new ways to teach, we are always looking for the most engaging lessons...the list goes on and on, or at least it does for the good teachers.

In regard to fellow teachers, I will do virtually anything I can to help them. I love to create and share with others. I seek help from other teachers, as well. If I have a concern of any kind, I utilize people around me. Good teachers use people and resources to help themselves. I will be completely honest, individuals that do nothing to help themselves or to improve their craft...I lose patience with. Is this a fault, perhaps; however, it takes a lot for me to lose my patience. I am not perfect. I am human. I make mistakes, but I try my very hardest to learn from my mistakes and not make them over and over.

So, if you still think of me as a teacher who isn't very good or one that you would not want your child to have, then so be it. I know who I am, my administrators and co-workers know who I am and what I can do, and my students and their parents know what type of teacher I am...no matter what you think you know just based on reading or perhaps, your other reliable sources of information.

For those of you who are anxiously awaiting my Fall post...it will be up sometime within the next week or so. It has LOTS of goods and will be worth the wait. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!!!

Shannon

Eat, drink, and be ScArY....

2011-10-12T20:31:00.000-05:00

OH MY GRAVY...this girl is t.i.r.e.d. Unfortunately, I can't seem to sleep. I pray that I am not being to cranky with my little loves! I really try to stay focused on our goals and keeping positive. I can't complain because I adore my class and I am in LOVE with my little miracle, who by the way spends about 75% of the entire day doing Kung Fu. I have to share some pictures of how I celebrated Columbus Day...

That my friends, is the most amazing thing I have ever seen in my life. I am unbelievably in awe and blessed. You have just peeked at my little boy!!!!

On to some school stuff...
I have some answers to recently posed questions...

How do I fit in all the extras with all the curriculum?
* I will be completely honest, I don't fit in all the extras all the time. The activities that are in color are usually taught during our Morning Meeting and then added to a tub for work center time. During work centers, the group that gets the tub can choose the activities they want to complete. The worksheets always supplement things that we are doing in class. Now that all being said...I really try to stay organized and try to utilize every moment of the day; however, sometimes we simply run out of time.

* Fall Activities are coming!

* Most of my clipart and all of my fonts are from DJ Inkers. I can't even tell you which ones are the best because I truly LOVE them all. I am the biggest Clipart junkie...eVeR. I have an addiction. Some of it is from some old Carson Dellosa clipart CD's.

"You kept me up all night waiting for the Great Pumpkin, and all that came was a beagle. I didn't get a chance to go out for tricks or treats."

I know Halloween is a touchy time of year. Many schools do not allow Halloween activities; however, I am not at one of those schools, so I do enjoy Halloween activities. This is the first year in a while that all of my students enjoy Halloween festivities...I will be taking full advantage of this! I, as always, am thankful for those of you who leave me kind words. I truly appreciate it. I hope you find something that you can use. I didn't include descriptions, mainly because I am just too tired to think, lol. I think everything is pretty self explanatory. If you need something specific answered, just shoot me an email smorss99@gmail.com.

Enjoy!
Shannon

Books We Love

Literacy Goods
Trick or Treat Beginning Sound Sort

Halloween Syllable Sort

Spooky Syllables

Witch and Cauldron Upper to Lower Case Match

The Ghosts

Witch to Hat Rhyming Match

Roll Say Keep Halloween Edition

Math Goods
Spin & Graph Spooky Bat vs. Black Cat

Number Matching Cards Moons and Bats

Patterning Practice Cards

Creepy Patterns

I Have Who Has Halloween Edition

Spooky Sorting Marshmallows)

They Do the Mash...

2011-09-27T21:05:00.003-05:00

Oh my goodness, I don't think I've been more tired than I feel around 2PM, no kidding! I am not a good sleeper and I never nap...and the 3rd trimester is here :-)

In other news, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my new Kinder-Hoppers!!! As of tomorrow, I have 22 little smiling faces and they couldn't be any cuter or lovable. I will be honest though, having a student teacher is quite challenging for me. First, I am a girl on the go, almost always at full throttle....I am perfect for the five and six year old crowd (so I am finding it somewhat difficult to just sit and watch) and secondly, I am a bit of a control freak (I like my classroom to be organized a certain way and I obsessed with making sure my students get what they need academically). I am learning a lot and hopefully growing in the process. I am finding some time to create more, but my pregnancy brain is creating a bit of a creativity block. So....are y'all ready for this....I am working on Halloween and Fall activities right now and I am taking requests. I won't guarantee that all ideas will be created, but I will definitely try my best. Just email me a description and whether it should be an in color center/whole group activity or a black and white printable.

On to the goods! We do a mini monster unit in October. I don't have a ton of stuff for it, but what I have...I offer to you. I hope there are things that you can utilize in your classroom, and I truly hope to inspire you to share your creativity and materials with others! Show some love if you download....comments can be left at the bottom of any post if you have a google/gmail account (for those of you who keep emailing me) :-)

Enjoy!!
Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

Books We Love

Literacy Goods (sorry there just isn't much!)
ABC Monsters is a printable that has students practicing writing lower case letters alphabetically.
ABC Monsters

The Monster Sounds Go Fish is in order for those Jolly Phonics users out there! They don't have to be used for Go Fish of course.
Monster Sounds Go Fish

A printable. Students print the missing sounds in the appropriate box. The second page is for your little over-achievers!
Monster Middles (Beginning Sounds)

A little book to help with color word recognition, tracking print, and basic sight words.
See the Monsters Little Book

Math Goods
The sequencing cards are great for whole group, small group, and center instruction time.
Monster Number Sequencing Center Cards 1-20

These cards are the printable after using the cards above. Students color, cut, and glue the numbers in order on a sentence strip. I have all the way to 20 even though it says 12 to help differentiate.
Monster Number Sequencing 1-12

Number cards for matching.
Monster Number Memory Game

A center or whole group activity. Print out on cardstock and laminate for durability. Students find the hat match for each monster....that's right, in my world, monsters should be wearing hats.
Monster Number Matching

I love doing this graph! It always comes out the same, almost all the boys say they aren't afraid, but after discussing it more thoroughly...in the end, they fess up...super cute!
Are You Afraid of Monsters Graph

We also make some super cute Big, Green Monsters. We discuss symmetry. Students get an 11x18 sheet of black construction paper and we fold it in half (I let students choose whether they want to fold it vertically or horizontally), then we put green paint down the center of the fold. We re-fold it and press it down. Let it dry and then we use these pieces to create our monsters...http://www.kizclub.com/storypatterns/monster.pdf

A kooky little song to go with If You're a Monster and You Know It... http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/book.jsp?id=1312582

Spiders....the cute kind

2011-09-10T10:18:00.001-05:00

I loathe spiders! I know, I know...if it weren't for spiders the Earth would be taken over by mosquitoes, well, that just doesn't change anything for me. The only thing worse than a big hairy spider for me is a centipede, super fast, waaaay too many legs and I'm fairly certain that when I try to kill one and I miss, it runs and gets its' posse of centipedes to haunt me. I digress. I do what I consider to be a mini unit on Spiders the first week of October. I wish it could be longer, but there are just too many fun and amazing things to do in October, plus the landscaping in the front of our building is usually full of cool spider webs and creepies at the beginning of the month.

Teaching my little Hoppers about Spiders is always fun. #1- other than the handful of non-fiction books, the rest are so darn cute! #2- The projects, books, and worksheets we complete are all pretty cute, as well. #3- I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE watching my cuties get so excited as they sing There's a Spider on the Floor or do The Itsy Bitsy Spider gently on each others backs. I like the cute aspects, as you can see.

As always, I greatly appreciate everyone's kind words and emails! I LOVE my followers and readers! I hope you can find something here to use. Leave a comment if you download, por favor.

Enjoy!
Shannon

Books We Love

The Literacy Goods

These ABC Spiders can be used as a whole group to practice recognition or to put in order or of course, you certainly could use them as a center. I print them to cardstock and laminate them and velcro to the back so they can be used on the flannel board.
ABC Order Spiders

Beginning sound match ups to use more of your ink ;-). Cute center or whole group activity. I tried to coordinate it with the first set of Jolly Phonics sounds.
Spiders to Web Beginning Sounds

Worksheet to correspond with above activity. A good assessment for the second set of Jolly sounds.
Beginning Sounds Spider Match Up

I love this little book! I have a similar one in my Insect unit. Each student will need one copy of the book and one strip of spiders (5) to glue on each page. Great for positional words!
Little Spider Crawls Little Book (Positional Words)

These cards I copy on cardstock and laminate. I will make a few sets so that each one of my table groups can play at the same time.
Spider Sight Word Memory

It's usually around October that my Kinder-Hoppers fall in love with sight word finds. I create a table to make the actual word find and use words that correlate to our curriculum, but it is fairly easy to create. Now go open up PowerPoint and create a table word find of your own. Play around with it, your kids will love 'em!
Spider Sight Word Find

The template to this book is just like the one for Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Copy the title page and the last page on to white cardstock. The remaining pages are just copied on regular paper, sequenced, and then stapled to the bottom of the title page. The web page is then stapled behind the title page. Easy Breezy!
The Very Busy Spider

The Math Goods

I can't wait to use this! I am going to give each student a copy and then let them use stamp pads and their fingers to create the spiders for each page! After they have the spiders on the web, they will use black markers or colored pencils to give their spider legs and eyes. Great for reading and counting!
Counting Spiders Little Book

Simple worksheet to practice writing numbers 1-20. One number goes in each circle. It never fails that no matter how many times we practice writing our numbers, so many students will need additional practice ALL the time!
Spider Numbers 1-20

Simple graph to copy, cut, and glue to poster board. Have it laminated. Give each student a spider square, have them write their name on the dotted line, color, and cut. Sticky Tac it to the graph and go over the results. I love seeing how all the boys usually say they like spiders and then we get outside and about half the boys shriek when they see the spiders all over the landscaping in front of our school! Cracks me up every year!
Spider Graph

A graphing worksheet.
Spinning Spiders Graphing Worksheet

Lastly, the every popular I have/Who Has game for numbers 1-24...sorry for all the ink you will use! Print to cardstock and laminate...it will last you a long time!
I Have Who Has Spider Edition Numbers 0-24

For Fun
You must, must, must use the Raffi song Spider on the Floor! I bought these cheap wiggly spiders at Target last October, and I give one to each student to use while we do the song. I LOVE watching them and hearing them giggle as we approach the end of the song!

We also sing the Itsy Bitsy Spider, part of our Poetry Journals...after we learn it, students pair up and gently do the song on their partners back. So cute!!! Great for teaching how to gently touch!

Misc.
We use to make these spider headbands, but alas, our curriculum is too full now and doesn't afford us the time to do such projects! Pic taken from the old Little Giraffes website (how great was that site, Mrs. Flanagan...where are you?)

We also make these webs for fine motor development. The pic was from Little Giraffes. We make them using black paper plates, white yarn, and then a little orange or purple spider ring to hang from it. Just make small slits in the plate and have them weave the yarn back and forth through the slits. Tape the end down. Add the ring for the full effect :-)

A teacher on my team always does this, so I have no idea where the original idea came from. Anyway, I make a copy of this house on cardstock and have the kiddos color it. I give them a bendy straw and a spider ring. Tape the bottom of the straw onto the side of the house, so it's like a gutter. Put the ring on the straw and then tape the top down. Now the spider can travel up and down without getting lost.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

A Little of this and a Whole Lotta That!

2011-08-28T20:49:00.001-05:00

YOWZA, This was a CrAzY busy week! The first week back is always hectic and normally, I relish in it; however, it has just been exhausting. I found out on Tuesday that I would have my first student teacher. Believe me, I am so excited to be cooperating teacher. My student teaching experience was...well, let's just describe it as less than ideal. So, I am excited to be able to share, share, share!!! By Friday, I realized that hosting a student teacher is a positive and rewarding experience and it's also work, lol. The week felt longer because HOLY hot! Our school is not air conditioned AND the best part...my classroom has 4 windows total that face a courtyard! I'm feeling HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

What has truly impacted my temperature and exhaustion level is.....wait for it....I am pregnant! For anyone who has read my blog from the beginning you know that having a family has been something I have wanted for a looooong time. We have been trying for three years and experienced a heartbreaking loss last September. We used fertility drugs and underwent to fertility treatments (IUI). We found out in April that it had worked! While we were incredibly excited, we were very scared! We waited until I was 23 weeks to even announce it. I have been scared to even let the parents of my kiddos know because they just met me and have no idea that I will do EVERYTHING in my power to ensure the great Kindergarten experience that their child deserves. I owe so many of you many thanks for all the emails and prayers over the last months. You all have been an incredible support to me!

Now on to some school stuff...I have meant to take pictures of my room and bulletin boards, but atlas, I didn't! I thought I would upload a few documents that I use for anyone who wants to see.

Hope there is something that you can use! Have a wonderful week! Don't forget to leave some love if you download!
Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

Here is the newsletter format I use, I create it in PowerPoint because I am a P.P. junkie!
August 29 2011

Here are my lesson plans for the week of August 29. It's not quite in the normal format because we don't have all our specials yet, all components of the curriculum don't start yet, and because I don't start teaching centers for a little bit...I like to give my new kids time to adjust to the hectic pace of Kindergarten. This is one of the few things I do in Word. It looks fancy, but it's just tables. I split and merge cells, just takes practice!
Week of August 29 - September 2

Here is my crazy pacing guide for the year. I print it out on 11x17 paper and use it as my desk calendar, which is actually always covered in piles! Again, created in PowerPoint. You can see that all my poems aren't on it yet...that's because our theme order changes based on field trips and special events that aren't always in my control.
My 2011-2012 Pacing Guide

Here is the Language Arts Assessment that I use.
My Language Arts Assessment Chart

Two little Pete the Cat Goodies for you...
The first is a little book that is a bit goofy...before you send me emails that say "Pete's shoes wouldn't turn yellow if he walked in bananas"...I know this. The book is to help teach colors and is fun!
Pete Loves Colors Book

The second upload is an idea from Leslie Bjelde! Leslie has been so generous in sharing materials with me! This is a school tour book. I needed to save on colored ink, so I had to make my own version. The first and last pages are copied on white card stock. The rest of the pages are copied on colored cardstock that corresponds with the color of shoe that Pete lost. I copy the large shoes on colored cardstock, as well.
Pete the Cat School Tour Book

Coming Soon...Spider Unit!

Poetry Journals: Making them Matter (November Edition)

2011-08-21T21:24:00.001-05:00

Before the Poetry Journal post...

You can find how I introduce Poetry Journals here...http://kinder-pond.blogspot.com/2011/07/poetry-journals-making-them-matter_07.html
Yes, I will be posting December...soon.
I will be creating a post on activities that we do later on in the school year with our Poetry Journals at some point.
I will not be creating a Teachers Pay Teachers account. Read previous posts and you will soon realize I just don't believe in charging for materials. Would I enjoy the extra supplement to my income, sure...but it's not going to happen.
Scribd goes slow. It's free. A cross you must be willing to bare.
I will not change my documents for you to different formats nor will I email them to you. I don't mean to sound wenchy...it's just a fact.

Now with the post :-)
November is a CrAzY month for us in our district! The kiddos are off for the entire week of Thanksgiving. We have Parent/Teacher conferences on Monday and Tuesday, then we are off the rest of the week. I LOVE it!!!

With that being said, what you will find with this edition is not much, lol. The first week of November/the last week of October we learn about Fall (I am going to repost Gray Squirrel because that is the poem we do). The two weeks that follow are a combination of Turkeys and Thanksgiving. The week of Thanksgiving we are off, so there isn't a poem. The final week of November/first week of December we do our Gingerbread unit. Sorry for any confusion this may cause!

As always, I hope you find things that you can use in your own classroom, and I hope to inspire you to share with your fellow teachers! Leave a comment if you download :)

Enjoy!
Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

Gray Squirrel

Gray Squirrel

A Turkey Is

A Turkey Is

Thank You

Thank You

Four Gingerbread Men

Four Gingerbread Men

Sorry no picture of the poster. I forgot to take it, maybe I will remember at some point to take it!

Letters, Forms, Packets, and Behavior...oh, my!

2011-08-12T13:25:00.002-05:00

I will finally be able to get into my classroom next week and then we begin August 23rd. I haven't changed much of my documents, but I thought I would share them with anyone who just wanted to take a peek!

This is my welcome letter. I know it looks pretty plain but that's because I print it out on cute computer paper. Our first day of school is actually an Orientation Day. Parents and students come with all their supplies (which I have them sort into boxes in the hallway) and then we go over the curriculum and the in's and out's of our room. Lots and lots of questions!!!

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.
Kindergarten Orientation Letter 2011

The ABC's of Room 17 has been greatly condensed! Our school had us take out all the information that is in the School Handbook...makes sense, right?
ABC's of Room 17

OK, if this format of the Parent Volunteer Form is yours, please let me know and I will most certainly give you credit. I saved it in my Google Doc's and can't remember for the life of me who I got it from. Anywho, I just tweaked it so it fit my classroom.
Parent Volunteer Form

One thing that I tell EVERY new teacher is this little nugget...book orders for the first month are a MUST. Why, you ask...because the first order gives you the most bang for your buck. You can really rack up points to be used later on with that first order. I spend a good amount of time practically begging parents to buy $10 worth of books with that order. I tell them EXACTLY how many points we will get and what those points can buy. I tell them they can save the books for a gift later on :)

It has never failed me. My first order of the year has never been under $200. I've gotten a listening center, hundreds of books, and TONS of literacy/math center items. Of course, every order after the first is usually less than $20, but I won't complain!
Book Order Letter

I've seen this Behavior Clip Chart all over the blogosphere! After much thinking, I decided I would give it a go! I tweaked it a bit to fit my room, and I am praying that I love it as much as everyone says I will. Here is my chart.

This is the explanation that I am giving out to parents. Yes, as you can see, I am giving rewards. I kept on thinking that it just stinks that those kids who move up don't get anything other than recognition. So, anyway you can read the chart to see what they get for rewards and consequences. My Kinder-Hoppers that make it to the top will receive a sticker on their clip...first red, then orange, yellow, and so forth. When they have all the colors of the rainbow on their clip, it will be retired to the top and they will get a new jazzy one. **My jazzy ones were nicely dyed clips and then I sprayed them with silver glitter and now they are more ghetto than jazzy, so I am rethinking what to do about it.

Behavior Clip Chart Explanation

My students each have a green, plastic folder (F.R.O.G folder) that they take home each night. I staple a behavior calendar on the left side. Students color their folder at the end of each day with the color they ended their day on. The students that make it to the top will be able to color the corresponding square in rainbow colors. I am fairly certain I am going to cut the actual table description of the chart and tape it behind the behavior calendar so parents can reference it.
2011-2012 Behavior Calendars

Scary Dreams and New Things

2011-08-08T17:30:00.003-05:00

A special thanks for all the comments and emails! You have no idea how nice it was to hear from you all! Most of that post was directed at my some of my co-workers...some things will never change.

**A correction- The Chicka Chicka Boom Boom download didn't include the letter z. I've made the correction and just in case you missed it, here is the corrected download. My apologies!

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

And, so it begins...well, it actually began a few weeks ago...the scary dreams about school. I don't think I know any teacher who isn't plagued with dreams of school in August. This year my dreams seems to be focused on one thing...who am I getting?? I work in a district that doesn't do any screening for incoming Kindergartners...scary, huh? But, the balance is usually that we know many families that are coming in and requesting us as teachers and we have some coming up from our Pre-K program. So, my first dream was that my principal decided to put all the "new to district" families in my room. It ended with over half of my kids having behavior IEP's and me without an assistant, yikes!

I took my trip to Lakeshore Learning, and I am thanking the Dear Lord that I had lots o'gift cards! I got some new center stuff, to be placed on shelves that lack any amount of space! I also ordered a few books and a new timer. I am debating buying one of those cubby shelves from Target, but I am pretty sure I don't have space. Maybe I'll get rid of my desk...a girl can dream, can't she! Here are some of my new purchases...

I also dropped off a HUGE laminating order at the local store...that's right, I pay for laminating! We have a laminator at school, but it's the flimsy stuff. The store I go to is nice and thick with the added bonus of...they CUT it ALL for me!!!! Priceless. I made a new Behavior Clip Chart...inspired by many blogs. I hope that it works for my Hoppers this year! I will post a pic once it's done laminating. Here are two little things I made today while it rained. One is my Smartie Pill jar, way cuter than last year, although you can't really see the words very well! The other are containers for pencils.

Now, many of you have asked me to share my schedule with you, so here you have it folks...PURE CHAOS!

Lesson Plan Template 2011-2012

The other thing that many of you have asked about is how I handle Homework in my classroom. I send out a Homework Calendar packet each month. The packet contains Homelinks from Everyday Math, practice papers from Zaner Bloser handwriting, as well as miscellaneous things that I add. I am not sure if you will be able to use them or not. I've uploaded the Homework Guidelines that I include in my Parent Packet for Orientation day. It includes directions to the parents. I have also uploaded the September calendar (without the Homelinks or Zaner Bloser handouts b/c they are copyrighted materials), if people want more uploaded, I will certainly upload all of them.
Homework Guidelines

September Homework Calendar

(September )Letters and Sounds Go Fish

Now I will leave you with two pictures of my baby... my Thundercat, named Liono Baggins. He is a 21 pound orange and white, Tabby/Siamese cat. He is ginormous and very vocal.

One loud clap of thunder and suddenly he is a small, timid Scaredy Cat that hides in tiny spaces.

Thanks for reading!
Shannon

Hoppy School Year!

2011-08-04T08:20:00.005-05:00

No one who achieves success does so

without the help of others.

The wise and confident acknowledge this

help with gratitude.

-Alfred North Whitehead

Holy Cannoli...It's already August! In comparison to other years, I am getting started LATE. Each summer I usually do a new project of some sort...IE- I wrote a grant for Technology Centers and then spent the summer ordering, last year I ordered and prepped Family Literacy Bags, one year I cataloged and leveled my entire classroom library. This year I didn't have a clear focus, but I have begun to organize my thoughts!

We begin school August 23rd, but we can't get into our classrooms until the 15th, ugh! I don't want to make a ton of changes, but with all the new regulations we have on how much we can hang up...I have to start figuring out how to make my room cute again. I see pictures on blogs of everyone's classrooms and I am SOOO jealous. Jealous of how much space you have, jealous that you don't have a wall of windows which can display anything, jealous that you can hang things from clotheslines or the ceiling, jealous that you can have more than 20% of your walls cover...jealous, jealous, jealous! Alright, enough complaining!

I've already told you that my beginning of the year is in fact...a mess! So, this post is probably going to reflect that...sorry! I focus on the themes Krazy for Kindergarten (all about our school, our room, and each other), Colors & Shapes, and Birthdays. Pretty basic stuff. I've tried to create some fun stuff because I feel that we assess and pound rules into their little brains too much at the beginning of the year, when we should just be getting into the swing of things and make them LOVE coming to school! As always, I thank you for reading and I hope you can find something to use!

I really appreciate and look forward to comments! Please if you download something...the right thing to do is to express your gratitude. I'm not fishing for compliments...just a simple thank you. I love offering things for free, it makes me feel good, but I will be honest when I say this, when I see that things that I have posted have over 500 reads/downloads and then I only get 8 comments...it truly makes me want to quit. If it was worth the download then I certainly deserve some common courtesy, this is especially true if I work with you!

Alright, let me jump down off my soapbox and give you the Goods! I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! Thanks again for reading!

Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

Books We Love
Mrs. Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
Froggy Goes to School
Chrysanthemum
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes
Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes
If You Take a Mouse to School
Mouse Paint
Kindergarten Rocks
I Like Myself!
The Crayon Box That Talked
My World of Color
The Feelings Book
It's Okay to be Different
Mouse Shapes
Round is a Mooncake
Shapes in Nature
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?

Literacy Goods
I use the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom as a whole group activity on the flannel board. I copy the pieces on tagboard and put velcro on the back. Once we have done the activity as many times as the kiddos want, I transfer the pieces to a center activity.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

These are rhyming cards that can be used as a center or whole group activity after reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!
Chicka Boom Boom Rhyming Cards

ABC's for Me is a book for students to color and read. The dots under the words are to help students get into the practice of pointing to each word. It's kind of lengthy to copy, you may want to double side it.
ABC's for Me Book
Another little book to read. Super simple...gives them loads of confidence!
The School

Meet the Friends is a class book. We usually complete it during the first couple of days. I copy the "Hi, my name is" page for each student and they draw a self portrait. Then I take their first day of school picture and glue it on the page. I laminate the cover and a back cover and bind the pages. They LOVE reading this even at the end of the school year.
Meet the Friends Class Book

I use the Little Frog, Little Frog as a whole group activity on the flannel board. I copy the pieces on tagboard and put velcro on the back. Once we have done the activity as many times as the kiddos want, I transfer the pieces to a center activity.
Little Frog, Little Frog

This Go Fish corresponds to the order of Jolly Phonics. You don't have to use it as Go Fish, it could be simple matching or memory.
Jolly Phonics Sound Go Fish (1-3)

I LOVE doing this book. It is great for sequencing and the Hoppers love having their own copy. I copy the main page on white cardstock and the rest on regular paper. Students put the pages in order and I staple it on the bottom.
Brown Bear Brown Bear

I will be the first to admit, I DESPISE paying for activities, so I don't! I create and do without what I can't. I have made ONE exception to this rule....I purchased Fran's Pete the Cat unit and it was well worth the purchase! http://kindergartencrayons.blogspot.com/search/label/Pete%20Publication She has me addicted to Pete the Cat. The little book that I've posted goes along with the new Pete the Cat Rockin' in My School Shoes. Super cute!!!

Pete Loves School Book

I See Shapes is a sight word based book to help students practice reading the picture, identify shapes, and recognizing color words.
I See Shapes Book

Math Goods
For the Roll and Color, I create a dice with color words on it for each table group. Students take turns rolling the dice and then filling the shoes. When everyone's page is done, we will compare the results and graph them as a whole group.
Pete the Cat Roll and Color

For early in the year, I pair up students and have them play War with these cards. I like them because they are only 0-10.
War Bears 0-10

Another book for students to read. It helps students practice counting and writing numbers 1-10.
1,2,3 Count With Me Book 1-10

These are materials to create a Boys/Girls Graph. I use to make a huge one that stayed up for a long time, but now the Illinois Fire Marshall prefers our little primary grade center to look like a high school, so to save space, I had to create a small one. Once you create the poster, students use the little squares to create the graph. They write their name on the dotted line, color, and cut.
Boy and Girl Graph

Very basic Spin and Graph activity. You've seen it before :-)
Spin and Graph School Supplies Spinner

Spin & Graph School Supplies

Patterning worksheet. Pretty self explanatory.
School Patterns

The Number Buses are a center activity. A cute variation I plan on doing in my room is to use my students pictures instead of the clipart kids.
Number Buses

This can be used as a center or whole group. I plan on using them as a whole group for identification and sequencing and then placing them in the flannel board center.
Number Sequencing Center Cards 1-12

These are student cards. They color, cut, and glue them in sequence to a sentence strip.
Number Sequencing Cards 1-12

Students will work in groups to complete this activity. They take turns rolling a traditional dice and filling in the number that was rolled. They may only fill in one star at a time. If they roll something that they've already filled, their turn is over.
Roll, Count, Color Stars

The Roll a Color is for graphing and color word recognition. I create a dice by using colored dots. Students fill in the graph as they roll and write the number in the dotted box.
Roll a Color Graphing Activity

After we read Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See, I give students a small baggie of traditional M&M's to sort by color. Students have to recall the story and color the animals the appropriate color before they can begin sorting. They must complete the graph before they can eat their M&M's.
Brown Bear M&M Sorting

Have students use a paperclip and a pencil for the spinner.
Spin & Graph Basic Shapes

Simple Shape Sorting Mats to use as a whole group or center activity.
Shape Sorting Mats

Miscellaneous Goods
School Stuff Concentration

Birthday Goods can be found here....http://kinder-pond.blogspot.com/

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
-G.B. Stern

Hoppy Birthday!

2011-07-22T09:20:00.002-05:00

In celebration of my birthday (July 23rd)...a few birthday gifts for you to enjoy! I usually do some birthday related things as part of my beginning of the year. I will be honest, my beginning of the year unit is a HOT mess! I do a combination of Krazy for Kindergarten, All About Me, and Colors and Shapes. I do so many assessments and the kiddos are so not use to being in school for that long, you would think that I'm ADD, which I very well could be ;-). I thought I would separate the birthday stuff out, well because it is hotter than two cats fighting in a wool sock here and the pools not open yet!

I hope you find some things to use in your classroom! And, if you are feeling ultra generous, you can send me you favorite birthday related item that you use in your classroom to my email...smorss99@gmail.com...that's right folks, I am not above asking for gifts myself :-)!

Enjoy!

Shannon

Books We Love

The Birthday Goods
I know I already have this Jack Hartmann book uploaded but it ties in so nicely and my little Kinder-Hoppers ALWAYS love it, so I thought I would include it!

Birthdays Big Book

Our Birthday Wishes is a Class Book. It is actually in my Family Literacy Birthday Bag which all the students take home at one point during the year. I glue the cover on cardstock and laminate the front and back.
Our Birthday Wishes

ABC Cupcakes is a simple worksheet for students to write the ABC's on.
ABC Cupcakes

I use these ABC cupcakes for several things at the beginning of the year; matching upper to lower case and ABC order during whole group instruction. I use them for Go Fish with small groups.
Birthday Go Fish (Upper to Lower)

Counting Candles is a book that is for literacy, as well as, early in the year math instruction. I make a copy for each student and staple it together; however, you could certainly have students put them in order themselves, we read the books and then students must draw the number of candles indicated on each page. Then we practice reading our books using candles as pointers!
Counting Candles Book

A traditional Spin and Graph Game. Very simple for the beginning of the year. The dashed boxes are for the totals in each column.
Spin and Graph Birthday Spinner

Spin & Graph Birthday

Here is a Shape Color by Code. My kids adore anything that is color by code, so I try to be inventive!
Birthday Cake Color by Code (Shapes)

The Birthday Cake Math Mat is something that I use in the Family Literacy Birthday Bag, but it can be used as is for higher students OR for the beginning of the year, you can make multiple copies of the cakes and write numbers on them. You can use the paper candles or real candles and have students match the number of candles to the cake.
Birthday Cake Math Mat

Present Arrangement is a worksheet that gives students the opportunity to practice putting objects into order from smallest to largest. We practice this as a whole group with boxes before doing the worksheet.
Present Arrangement Seriation

Poetry Journals: Making them Matter (October Edition)

2011-07-20T09:47:00.001-05:00

It seems a tad early to be posting something for October; however, the masses have spoken! I completely understand wanting to be prepared for the upcoming school year! It's blistering hot here and I can't even fathom working in my non-airconditioned, windows facing the courtyard, oven of a classroom! The summer has suddenly kicked into high gear and seems to be moving at a very fast pace...I just want it to s.l.o.w. down!

Before I post the actual Poetry Journal portion, I must address a small issue that I am having. Believe me when I say...I LOVE that people are reading my blog and I love sharing things with everyone!! Most of you know that #1-It takes some time and $ to create materials, #2- It takes time to upload everything you want to have on your post, #3- Creating a post that contains a lot of uploaded material is a time consuming process, that being said...any issues that you may have with Scribd, I simply cannot really help with. I can't see your computer, Mac, or laptop to know what the issue is. For those who use Apple products...I know there is some sort of issue, I don't know what it is and you need to take it up with Scribd. I don't mean to sound harsh at all, but I get TONS of emails about issues, and I just don't know how to help. I cannot send all my documents out personally to your email because well, see #1-3 above. I love you all, but I will not be sending out anymore documents that are already uploaded on the blog.

Anywho, the themes for October are the basics: spiders, monsters, pumpkins, Halloween, and fall...inventive aren't we? I have the new version followed by my old ones and a picture of the poster if I remembered to take one :) . As always, I truly appreciate you reading! I hope the rest of July is fabulous for you!

Enjoy!
Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.
The Itsy Bitsy Spider

Itsy Bitsy Spider

Monster

Monster

Jack O'Happy

Jack O'Happy

Five Little Pumpkins

Five Little Pumpkins

Gray Squirrel

Gray Squirrel

Poetry Journals: Making them Matter (A Users Guide)

2011-07-07T15:19:00.000-05:00

The main questions about using Poetry Journals in a Kindergarten classroom have been...

When do you begin using them?
Are they used in class?
Are they sent home to complete the Homework, as well as, the illustration?
What day are they sent home?
How often are they used?
Can they be utilized during center time?

I am certain I am missing some questions, hopefully this post will answer all your questions!

My schedule of utilizing Poetry Journals changes each year. First, I get bored like an ADHD kid taking a standardized test. I NEED change in my classroom. I like to keep things fresh and fun! I begin using the first poem on the first full day of school, mainly because it is a lengthy poem! The actual routine of the Poetry Journal begins the following Monday. This year I will begin utilizing the Poetry Journal on August 29, 2011.

The Routine

Monday

I introduce the poem. I display the poetry poster that corresponds to the week. I read/chant/sing the poem first...because my voice is nothing, if not spectacular, or at least my little Hoppers think so! Then I read/chant/sing it again using a pointer. I love to start off from the get go properly displaying tracking of print. Then, I read it a line at a time and students echo it. Depending on the length of the poem, students echo it at least twice in one sitting. We will echo it again at the end of the day.

Tuesday

I read the poem and try to get the kiddos to say/chant/sing it with me. The first time it sounds horrible...to be honest, the second time doesn't sound much better!! I usually have the Mystery Helper come up to the poster and attempt to track the print.

The first Tuesday we start, I pass out the students 3 prong blue folder that is used for Poetry Journals. I find it easier in my classroom to have all folders color coordinated. I keep extra blue folders for parents that didn't think the color really mattered. I have students sit with their folder in a large circle on the carpet. I talk about their folder and how important it is for them. We talk about learning how to read with them and how by the end of the year, their folder will be full of poems and songs that they can read! This excites them like nothing else...I show them a folder that is full (they are all too amazed that they will be able to read all of them!) I then proceed to show students things that will destroy their folder. I show them how shoving them into their backpacks will rip and bend them. Then I show them how to carefully put them into their backpacks. I show them what it looks like to have potato chip fingers on the folder and pages...ewe greasy! I show them what happens when you "accidentally" spill juice on it. I show them my illustrations and how when they lose their journal, they lose their important work. We go over how to care for them, where they are stored, and general housekeeping. We practice putting them into our backpacks and into the blue basket they are housed in.

Wednesday

We read/chant/sing poem as a class. The Mystery Helper comes up to the poster and attempts to track the print. We do this twice.

Seated in a circle, I then talk about illustrators. I show students several books with great illustrations. We talk about colors and the area of a page that is covered with pictures. I show them several copies of the first poem that I have illustrated. We talk about which ones are good and which ones could be better and why.

At their tables, I introduce possible materials use. I show students how to use a pencil, a crayon, and a colored pencil to illustrate properly. I talk about the variety of crayons and pencils we have...large crayons, small crayons, twistables, glitter, metallics, etc.. I do not allow markers for Poetry Journals...just too messy! Then I pass out their Poetry Journals. Word of caution...it is easier at the beginning of the year to have the poem in the folder BEFORE you pass them out! I made the mistake of having students try to put their poem in too early in the year and it ends with half the class in tears, two that are able to do it, and the rest chanting my name. I plan on getting a volunteer and then doing serious teaching late in October on how to get those papers in. How you do it...is up to you!

I then display how to use a finger to track the print as we read s-l-o-w-l-y. Then we put them away...properly.

Thursday

We read/chant/sing poem as a class. The Mystery Helper comes up to the poster and attempts to track the print. We do this twice.

Students sit at their table. We talk about how illustrators take their time and use lots of colors. We discuss things we could draw and how they make sense. We review how to use materials. I introduce the timer for Poetry Journals. I will set the timer for 10 minutes for illustrating. You are not allowed to say you are done. When you are done drawing/coloring, you may read the poem, use a special pointer to read the poem, read to stuffed animal, or read the poem to Mrs. Martin. When the timer goes off, we go to the carpet and students may share their illustration.

Students then put their Poetry Journal into their backpack...carefully. Journals are to be practiced at home...Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I send home reminders of how to practice them. I do not allow anyone to return their Journal on Friday. They are collected the first day of the following week.

Friday

We practice reading/chanting/singing the poem. I have the Mystery Helper add the poster to the Poetry Journal Poster basket. I then introduce the next weeks poem. I also tell students that if their Journal is returned next week with the homework completed and initialed by their parent/guardian, they will receive a sticker or a smartie (yep, you read that correctly...a single smartie will get you results!)

Poetry Journals/Posters as a center
I begin teaching our work centers in the middle of September or early October depending on my students abilities and needs. You can look at my Work Center post here...http://kinder-pond.blogspot.com/2011/01/work-centers.html. When students are taught the Poetry Journal work center at the beginning of the year, they are taught to utilize the Poetry Journal Poster basket. The basket includes the posters, a binder of illustrated poems, and black and white illustrated poems in a folder (the last one is new...I will let you know how it goes!) Students may read the posters or the binder using special pointers, they may read to a stuffed animal or a friend, or they may use Wikki Stix to underline words they know. The new folder I am going to put in there will be for later on in the year for students to practice reading with, color, and underline or circle words they know. Towards the middle of the year, I also teach them a game they can play with the posters. They call out words as their friend tries to find them quickly.

Any other questions??? Let me know :)

As always, thanks for reading and don't forget to vote!

Shannon

Poetry Journals: Making them Matter (August/September Edition)

2011-07-06T13:49:00.001-05:00

It's July, it's beautiful outside...I should be lounging at the pool (my favorite summer activity); however, here I am...writing a well over due blog. It's hot and my head is screaming...so here I am :)

I've gotten some emails requesting my daily schedule, pacing, and new standards. I am not ignoring you, I promise! My daily schedule changes each year due to our specials. I love having specials, but it does make my schedule a bit chaotic. Our Kindergarten program is "extended day" which means our kiddos are there from 8:05-1:30, our specials include...3 days of PE (30min), 1 day of Music (30min), 1 day of Art (30min), 1 day of Library (30min), 1 day of Computer (35 min), and 1 day of Learning Center (2 30min sessions). So, my schedule is as routine based as I can get it, but as I said it will change for next year. Here is the link to the post from last year http://kinder-pond.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html. Our school is in the process of making sure the new Core Standards are included and paced out correctly. Once I have them, I will post them!

Don't forget to vote...

I have begun to pace out the Poetry Journals. In this edition you will find the poems for the last week of August 2011 and all the poems for September. I have the new page listed first, followed by a picture of the center poster (if I have one), and lastly the old journal pages. I hope you can find something to use for your classroom!

Enjoy!
Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.
ABC Rap

ABC Rap

Shape Song

The Shape Song

A-P-P-L-E

Apple

Apple Tree

Apple Tree

Little Miss Muffet

Little Miss Muffet

Show Some Love....Please

2011-07-01T11:49:00.000-05:00

Hello all!

My little old blog was nominated for Really Good Stuff's Blog Contest. I am ever so grateful to everyone for reading my blog and sending kind comments my way as always...it would mean so much to me if you would vote for my blog Kindergarten Hoppenings! There are so many other fabulous blogs and teachers out there, I am sure it will be a difficult decision. A shout out to all those who are dedicated to sharing their ideas and materials with others, we all deserve to win!

Please vote before July 7th!

Thanks Again!
Shannon

Way Up High in the Apple Tree

2011-06-19T16:13:00.001-05:00

I know it's not fall yet, but I couldn't resist posting some of my Apple Unit. It is one of my absolute favorite units! I know that the main reason I just love doing the unit is because it ends with a fabulous visit to County Line Orchard in Hobart, IN.. http://www.countylineorchard.com/ If you live anywhere near County Line, I HIGHLY recommend visiting. Walking around and picking your own apples is just part of what makes it great....without a doubt what draws my husband and I there is the great food! We spend the day picking apples, snacking on apple doughnuts and fresh grilled corn, and shopping. It always turns out to be a great fall day!

I hope you find some things you can use! Thanks so much for reading!
Shannon

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

Unit plan...
Apple Unit

Books We Love

The Literacy Goods
This is our Apples Class book. I mount the cover to tag board or construction paper and laminate it. Students write their name in the banner, fill in the color of their favorite kind of apple, and then illustrate their page. I take all the pages and bind them for our classroom library.
Apples Class Book

Sight Word Color by Code

Apples Book

These are Alphabet Concentration Cards. Cut apart and laminate. You can use them for whole group matching or as a center.
Apple Alphabet Concentration

I Have/Who Has is one of our favorite games to play as a group throughout the year! This apple edition helps students with lowercase letter recognition.
I Have Who Has Apple Edition

This is a worksheet to help students identify initial sounds in words. For those that use Jolly Phonics, I used the first set of sounds that are introduce in the program.
Beginning Sounds Match Up

This is a sound recognition game. Copy the apples on cardstock, cut, and laminate prior to use. Have students sit in a large circle. You can put the apples in a small basket or on a large cut out tree in the center of your circle. Teach the students the chant "Apples, apples nice and round. Pick an apple and make its sound!" Allow each child to choose an apple. The apples can also be used for ABC order in a large group or as a center!
Apple Sounds

The Math Goods
These are number mats. Students place the specified number of apples on the tree.

Apple Tree Number Mats 1-15

Patterning Worksheet (there are three levels of difficulty).
Apple Patterns

Roll an Apple is a dice game. Students roll a single die and then fill in the corresponding apple. They only get to fill in one apple each roll. Students can use crayons, markers, or the ever so popular...Do-a-Dot Markers to fill in the apples.
Roll an Apple Tree

The Apple Survey is more of a project. I have my high level students complete it; however, I am sure that students could be put into groups to complete it. It is a fun activity but does require students to visit other classrooms. In our school this is fairly easy because all the K rooms are in one hall.
Apple Survey

Here is the components of my "Do You Like Apples" graph. I use a piece of colored poster board. I glue the two apples to the corner with the title in the center and yes/no goes beneath the title. I use a dark marker to create the middle line of the graph. Students write their name on the small apple square and color it. Then we graph :)
Do You Like Apples Graph

The Comparing Apples Worksheet is completed as a whole group. I bring in three apples; one red, one yellow, and one green. I make sure they are 3 distinguishable sizes. We fill out the worksheet and taste each apple!
Comparing Apples Wksht

I don't have students bring in their own apples for this activity. I have students work in groups...so I am not cutting apart 21 apples. Each group gets an apple and each student completes their own worksheet.
Apple Seed Count Worksheet

Miscellaneous Goods
I love making various kinds of playdough throughout the school year for my Kinder-Hoppers! This is a recipe for Apple Pie Playdough. You certainly could make it with your students if you can use a burner. I just make it at home. I put it into a Ziploc bag and then into a brown bag and students smell and guess what is in the bag. Along with the recipe is a paper for you to fill out with students...like an Apple Recipe Book. It is soooo cute to see what they come up with!

Apple Recipe

For your little overachievers, students can play with the Apple Pie Playdough and create words. This is the worksheet that corresponds.
Playdough Words

Apple Investigation worksheet has two levels of difficulty. You can have students bring in their own apple or give each group an apple to work with (it definitely helps it cutting the apples).
Apple Investigation

This is an Apple Webquest for your high level students to complete as part of the unit.
Apple Webquest

My absolute FAVORITE art project during our apple unit has to be stained glass apples. They look gorgeous hanging on the windows!

We also do the seasons of an apple tree project.

Listen and read from Scholastic.
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/listen_read_27/apple-grows.asp

One of our absolute favorite songs!!!!

M.I.A.

2011-06-19T12:00:00.001-05:00

Hello all!

I know it has been quite a while since my last post. I truly apologize...just been busy!! I will be posting something later on today with lots of goodies :-). In the mean time...I just wanted to say thanks for sticking around and waiting for something, as well as, all the emails!!!

A little while ago my blog was named one of the 50 Best Blogs Written by Kindergarten Teachers. I was amazed that it nabbed the number 1 spot! It is my first award and to be honest...it was the first time I've really been recognized for anything. Most of my own co-workers don't visit my blog or if they do, they certainly don't acknowledge it. So it is quite a big deal for me!

CaliforniaTeachingCredential.org

Then I got an email from Really Good Stuff on Friday that said my blog was nominated for Really Good Stuff's 2011 Really Good Classroom Blog Contest! I had no idea who nominated it and I was more than flattered! A huge thank you to Martha Pennington for nominating my blog, I really appreciate it!
http://blog.reallygoodstuff.com/?p=7173

Voting will begin on July 1st.

The post that will be up in a little bit is part of my Apple Unit, check back later for the goods!

Winding Down

2011-05-16T19:47:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends!
The year is quickly coming to a close, and I am consumed with all the excitement! We need to complete assessments and benchmarking, finish up our MASSIVE Memory Books, practice for our end of the year show, and organize our Kindergarten Dinner. I LOVE the end of the year almost as much as I love the beginning :)

I am sure you've noticed a decrease in my posts. I just haven't had time. I am working on beginning of the year units, so I can post them during the summer. I also plan to finish the Poetry Journal posts throughout the summer. For now, I have a little game that I created that corresponds to Jolly Phonics to use during the beginning of the year. Even if you don't use Jolly, I am sure you will be able to use the first couple of sheets.

Jolly Phonics teaches a letter/sound everyday. The sounds are grouped into sets. To use the game sheets. Students use a paperclip and a paper fastener or a sharpened pencil for the spinner. The student spins the spinner and graphs what it lands on, as well as, make the corresponding sound for practice. It's a fun way to practice sounds!

Thanks so much for reading!
Enjoy!

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.
Spin & Graph Jolly Phonics Set 1

Spin & Graph Jolly Phonics Set 2

Spin & Graph Jolly Phonics Set 3

Spin & Graph Jolly Phonics Set 4

Spin & Graph Jolly Phonics Set 5

Spin & Graph Jolly Phonics Set 6

Spin & Graph Jolly Phonics Set 7