Fall Fun and a little sale...

Hello Friends! Or as Coop says (in his deepest voice) HallOW!

Some Coop for your viewing pleasure....

Agnes and her minion

Onto school...
We use PBIS in our school. Our class can collectively earn "Willow Wildcat Certificates"...for every 20, I let my students vote on a party. And, let me tell you, allowing the students to choose whatever pops into their little Kindergarten brains is absolutely silly. I let them pick whatever they want. One year we had a beach day in December. I cranked up the heat and we all wore beach attire, some of them actually wore their bathing suits ALL day. It keeps me on my toes and inspires some creativity on my end.

Our first Wildcat party was a bear party. Too.cute.for.words! We started planning our day and then I took some things from my Bear Unit and our day was planned. One of my little Hoppers asked, "Is Jay Cutler coming to our party?" Ummmm, who? My assistant was dying, first because of the question, second because I had no clue who Jay Cutler was. Upon reflection, perhaps I should have know just based on the fact that he is married to Kristin Cavallari...but hey, I wasn't into The Hills or whatever MTV monstrosity she came from. I mean she's no Teresa Giudice, just sayin'.

I digress...our day included, wearing Chicago Bears colors/clothes, bringing a bear to school, bear snacks (Honeycombs, Goldfish Crackers, and apple juice), tasting and graphing our favorite teddy grahams, making a Bear class book...which is a.dor.able (I wish I had a pic), reading The Three Bears, doing Bear songs....just so much fun. It felt like Kindergarten, ya know when they learned without timing them on everything and expecting them to have first grade brains. Crazy thoughts, I know.

I took a ton of photos, but most of them have my little Hoppers in them and as you can see by picture number two...warping their faces is creepy. It makes me feel like there is the offset chance that someone may be climbing through my television set soon and nobody wants that.

My bear unit is full of some cuteness.

My lengthy description...

OVER 150 pages of FUN! This pack has some of everything, 14 literacy and math activities; including 2 emergent readers, 11 centers, a class book, Teddy Bear Picnic ideas, parent notes, a class graph, and a few whole class activities.

Click on the pic for TpT 

Other Fall Hoppenings...

I found this poem on Little Miss Hood's Adventures in Kindergarten (link to her site on the pic). We used it to start off our Fall Unit. Some of my little Hoppers guesses about what the poem was about was, let's just say interesting ;-)

We made these AWESOME leaves. My kiddos NEED, NEED, NEED all the fine motor help they can get! So, we practiced using stencils and did some labor intensive cutting, but then followed it up with fun sponge painting. I've been making these leaves forever and they always turn out beautiful. Pretty simple...take red, orange, yellow, green, and brown pain and put it on a paper plate (like blobs of paint all over it. Instruct the kids to press lightly into the paint and gently press up and down on their paper. It doesn't matter if the colors mix, as long as they don't go back and forth to paint.

My kids current addiction would have to be Tackle the Quarterback. It's a spin on the math game Bump and they beg for it!

Tackle the Quarterback is in my Fabulous Fall pack on TPT.

Both the Bear, Fall, and Thanksgiving units are on sale this week on TPT, be sure to check them out :)

Have a wonderful week!!!

Shannon

Spooktacular Hoppenings {A long overdue SALE}

WOW, I simply cannot thank you all enough for the emails and comments. You are so kind and just made me miss blogging even more! My newest creation is Spiders, Bats, and Spooky Cats...(link to TPT in the first pic). All things fall related are on sale now in my TPT store :)

There are a total of 14 activities included (7 literacy and 7 math), over 110 pages! Each activity is aligned with the Common Core.

Skills addressed include;

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.1a Follow words from left to right, top to bottom, and page by page.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.1c Understand that words are separated by spaces in print.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.3c Read common high-frequency words by sight (e.g., the, of, to,you, she, my, is, are, do, does).

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.1d Recognize and name all upper- and lowercase letters of the alphabet.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.3a Demonstrate basic knowledge of one-to-one letter-sound correspondences by producing the primary sound or many of the most frequent sounds for each consonant.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.2a Recognize and produce rhyming words.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.2b Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.

RF.K.1. Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print.

RF.K.3. Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.

RL.K.10. Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding.

RL.K.5. Recognize common types of texts (e.g., storybooks, poems).

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.1d Recognize and name all upper- and lowercase letters of the alphabet.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.3a Demonstrate basic knowledge of one-to-one letter-sound correspondences by producing the primary sound or many of the most frequent sounds for each consonant.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.K.1a Print many upper- and lowercase letters.

CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.B.4a When counting objects, say the number names in the standard order, pairing each object with one and only one number name and each number name with one and only one object.

CCSS.Math.Content.K.OA.A.5 Fluently add and subtract within 5.

CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.B.5 Count to answer “how many?” questions about as many as 20 things arranged in a line, a rectangular array, or a circle, or as many as 10 things in a scattered configuration; given a number from 1–20, count out that many objects.

CCSS.Math.Content.K.NBT.A.1 Compose and decompose numbers from 11 to 19 into ten ones and some further ones, e.g., by using objects or drawings, and record each composition or decomposition by a drawing or equation (such as 18 = 10 + 8); understand that these numbers are composed of ten ones and one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine ones.

K.CC.6. Identify whether the number of objects in one group is greater than, less than, or equal to the number of objects in another group, e.g., by using matching and counting strategies.

CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.A.2 Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size.

K.MD.2. Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to see which object has “more of”/“less of” the attribute, and describe the difference. For example, directly compare the heights of two children and describe one child as taller/shorter.

CCSS.Math.Content.K.MD.B.3 Classify objects into given categories; count the numbers of objects in each category and sort the categories by count.¹

K.CC.2. Count forward beginning from a given number within the known sequence (instead of having to begin at 1).

I absolutely LOVE all things Halloween...unfortunately, this year I will be unable to participate because I have a couple of students who don't celebrate <enter sad emoticon here>. I will be able to use about half of this unit. Have no fear...I have a monster unit, an owl unit, as well as, a fall unit that can be used during the month of October.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Shannon

Hodge Podge

Hey there friends! Blogging has definitely become a difficult task. My little mister is almost 11 months old and he is ALWAYS on the go! If I'm not chasing him down, I'm trying to figure out what buttons he pushed on my laptop that has made my screen all wacky, lol.

Here's a little Coop fix for y'all!

I tried very hard to resist that frog costume but I just couldn't. Coop came to school for our Halloween parade and he was basically a celebrity. I can't tell you how much I love where I teach! Both of us are truly blessed that I am there with such wonderful people that love us.

I know I have been neglectful, but honestly, I will eventually get the hang of this new life. There are so many unknowns right now and so much new responsibility that sometimes its just overwhelming, ya know? Anywho, a few weeks ago someone had asked if I could post the directions to the stained glass apples that we make in September. I was good...I got out my camera and took pictures and had every intention of posting them right away but then life just got in the way. Here are how they turn out...

Here is how to make them...

Pre-cut two apples with the centers cut out for each student. Lay one of the patterns on wax paper. I have students use Elmers glue and a paint brush in the middle. They just put glue all over the center and the edge of the apple. Then they get to choose what color tissue paper they want in the center. They layer the tissue paper in the center AND on the edge until it is covered. Then we lay the other apple pattern on top (this way it hides the tissue paper edges from showing). Allow it to dry overnight. Then you can peel it right off the wax paper! Viola!

I was recently contacted by MPM School Supplies to try them out and boy am I glad I did! So, last year I purchased this timer...

I LOVE this timer. I use it for guided reading and recess, lol. Well, last year during my maternity leave, my timer took a leave of absence, as well, and has been missing ever since. So, I ordered my little timer and Carson Dellosa Quick Stick Word Families. I have been wanting to try them out for a while. With all of our crazy fire code regulations I really needed to find new smaller posters and these are PERFECT!!

The order was super easy to complete online and it shipped really fast. I was so excited to have my little timer back, lol, it's the little things. Anyway, something was wrong with it. The screen was kind of wonky. I called the customer service and they said it was no problem and they would send out a new one. A few days later, I had the replacement and it works wonderfully!

If there is anything your classroom could use, I highly recommend MPM.

10% off your first 10 orders:

http://www.mpmschoolsupplies.om/redeem/S1210XDABECFE

I have been asked if I am making anymore units and I am, it just is taking me a bit to get them together. My December unit is almost finished and from there, I will be working on a Winter unit, I believe. If there is anything you are desperate to see in those units, please let me know and I will try my best to accommodate. 

In the mean time, here are some fall favorites from last year :0)
Hoppy Fall Y'all 2011

Here is my Fall unit...

Poetry Journals...

I hope you are all happy and healthy. I miss the blogging world soooo much! Hugs to you all :)
Shannon

Holding My Head Above Water

Hey there!

I know it's been a while, I am sooo sorry. Sometimes, something just has to give, ya know? So, it's been the old blog. My days are really long, but Coop and I are surviving thriving...well, sometimes we are, lol. Thanks so much for the emails and comments, I truly do appreciate each and everyone of you out there!!! There are nights I don't actually eat dinner because of lack of time, so honestly, please do not take it personally if I don't respond for a while, I am hoping that one day soon, I will, by some miracle, catch up with you all. For now, just know that you are loved.

I haven't blogged in so long, I haven't been able to tell you how much I absolutely ADORE my new group of Kinder-Hoppers! I love, love, love them so much. They have these fun and enthusiastic little personalities and they even get my humor :0)

The first few weeks have passed by in a blur of fun, routines, and so much learning. We are fully into the swing of things and having a ball in Room 17! October has to be one of the most fun months in Kindergarten. By now, the kiddos know the expectations and are so excited the entire month. Next week is one of my FAVORITE weeks...Monsters. I don't link the unit to Halloween, it's just about imagination and fantasy. I can't wait :0)

I decided to work on a Fall Unit. It doesn't include any Halloween or Thanksgiving stuff at all, so it's perfect for those who can't include those themes. Here are some pictures...

I've also listened to those of you that wanted my Poetry Journals in one file, so that is up too.

I will be hosting a little Learning Resources giveaway next week sometime, so stay tuned!

I would love for you to visit my TPT store, so I'm throwin' a Columbus Day Sale!! Hopefully, you will find something you can use.

 

Hoppy Friday!
Shannon

Hoppy Fall Y'All

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!


Please consider making a donation to my blog.

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