Leprechauns and Mo Willems

    It is amazing to see the improvement in my kinders writing skills in recent weeks.  A few months ago they could barely write their own names, and now many are asking for a second and third sheet of paper because they can't fit their story on one sheet!  Last week was St. Patrick's Day, so of course we were reading and writing about leprechauns. They were working away, but when I started reading the stories, I was a little dismayed to read, "If I cot a leprechaun, I would kil it.  And eat it." I was actually horrified, but tried not to show it -- I just said, "I think we need to talk about this a little.  You see, it would be VERY BAD LUCK to kill a leprechaun.!"I explained a little more, then asked if he would like to try again.  Here is the improved version of the story.

It says, "If I cach a leprechaun, I would take caer [care] of him.  I woud not eat him."
That was a relief!!

Another great thing is happening in my class in the next picture.  My kids LOVE to read.  They can't wait to get finished with assigned work so they can get a book to read.  I bought some new Mo Willems books about the pigeon as well as a few more Elephant and Piggie books last week. It didn't take long for the children to spot them, and before I knew it, a whole group had gathered on the carpet to read the books. I couldn't resist taking a picture -- it looks like a commercial for Mo Willems. I love it!! I love how the Daily 5 procedure teaches them to sit in one spot and read to themselves. And I am so thankful for fabulous authors who keep writing books that help me grow kids who love to read.

Even with a few challenges, this has been a great year.  I will be sorry to trade this class for a new group of beginners who don't know how to write their names! But for now, I am sure enjoying my job!
If we didn't have to assess and assess and write report cards and progress reports and go to meetings, it would be even better!!

Teachers Taking Care of Teachers

Teachers Taking Care of Teachers

As we practiced our tornado drill last week, I couldn't help but think of the teachers who faced a real tornado and now have no school at all.  I would like to join with others teachers who are trying to help resupply classrooms that were destroyed. Click on this link to find out more.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

   We celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday today -- what a lot of fun! My door even won the contest for a Wal-Mart gift card -- got the idea from Pinterest, and my talented assistant put it all together.

We dressed in pajamas like the characters from "I Am NOT Getting Out of Bed Today"

And there were lots of great costumes -- but Thing 1 and 2 were my favorites.

Dr. Johnson came over from the Education office to read "And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street" and inspired the children to use their imagination.

   But my favorite part of the the day was when our principal - dressed as Cat in the Hat -- organized and led an impromptu parade through the school and around the playground. The kids LOVED it!

Morning Message

    This is the time of year that everything starts coming together in kindergarten -- all the days of repetition start to pay off, and these 5 and 6 year old kids make me proud.  Yesterday I asked one of my girls to write the morning message -- she's been doing some good writing in class, and I thought she might be ready.  She was!! Except for "Dear grrls and buss," she spelled nearly everything correctly, even carefully copying "Thursday" from the calendar.  It is so satisfying to see them using all the rules for "5 Star Writing." 

•  Start with a capital

•  Punctuation at the end of sentences.

•  Spaces between words

•  Neat

•  Makes sense

       Now I have others eagerly waiting for their turn to write -- I LOVE MY JOB!!