The Very Crazy Week

This week is going to be C.R.A.Z.Y!!! Tuesday is our 100th Day of School, Wednesday is probes, Friday is Valentine's Day....oh, and did you realize that it is a full moon week? I don't know about you but I can usually tell when it is a full moon week within the confines of an elementary school. It's a yowza, for reals.

I am going to have a lil' sale to celebrate this awesome week! Maybe you'll be able to find a little something to make your week easier :0)

         

Here's to CrAzY week!

Shannon

Happy New Year!

The end of December already?!? Whaaaat? The entire month seemed to fly by! Some love from Mr. Coop, who by the way is TWO!!!! I can't believe it myself.

He's completely his own little person now. Full of strong opinions, a temper that completely throws me, and a funny personality! I LOVE being his "Mama" more than anything!

Things for me continue on the unexpected path. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is seriously no joke, but I'm trying essential oils and loads of prayer, lol. Life continues to improve, I promise! That little blue eyed bundle just keeps me beyond busy!

I just finished up an Emergent Reader Companion pack for Poetry Journals for the Primary Classroom, if you're interested. It took me forever and a day to get it together. There is a reader for each poem, the file itself is just over 250 pages :0)

Everything in my store is on sale through tomorrow. 

 

I wish you and yours the happiest of New Year's. Stay warm and safe tonight!

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

Poetry Journals: Making them Matter (December Edition)

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.

All of my Poetry Journals can now be found on TPT, as well.


Four Gingerbread Men


Four Gingerbread Men

The Driedle Song

The Driedle Song

Peppermint Stick

Peppermint Stick

Poetry Journals: Making them Matter (November Edition)

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.

All of my Poetry Journals can now be found on TPT, as well.


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!

Poetry Journals: Making them Matter (October Edition)

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.

All of my Poetry Journals can now be found on TPT, as well.
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)

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 :)


All of my Poetry Journals can now be found on TPT, as well.

As always, thanks for reading!

Shannon

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

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!


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.


All of my Poetry Journals can now be found on TPT, as well.
 
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