So Thankful..

All of the kindergarten classes at Jeffers Pond enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving feast together on Tuesday. We ate turkey slices, cranberry, popcorn, Goldfish, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream...mmm! 

One of the things I am thankful for is being able to teach your child. :) I am one lucky teacher.

Earlier that day, we were able to play Harvest BINGO with our third grade buddies.

Last week, the class and I were busy exploring some of our outdoor learning areas. Our school offers SO many wonderful opportunities to get outside, rain or shine, so my goal is to bundle up the kids (and myself) and get some fresh air a couple times a week (during our playtime and SMART). I discussed with the class specific boundaries that they must stay within so I can keep an eye on all 23 kindergartners. We talked about how to be safe, responsible, and respectful (to nature and to each other) when we explore. Next week, I will be sending out a checklist of what your child should wear.

On another day, the kindergartners and I walked around the ENTIRE pond, which took about an hour to complete. We saw a bald eagle, lots of geese swimming in the pond, animal nests in the trees, and ice frozen on the path. It was refreshing to get outside!

In the classroom, we did fall-themed math stations.

Writing number words

Graphing pumpkin faces 

I taped different pumpkin faces on chairs and students had to fill in the different faces for their graph

Counting the pumpkins and writing numbers

Putting teen numbers in sequential order

Ordering pumpkins from smallest to biggest

Pattern block designs

Chain links

Shape connectors 

In a few of our math lessons, we've been learning how to tell and solve story problems. We illustrated a plate of food and wrote addition sentences to go with it.

In reading, I started guided reading groups where I meet with small groups of students and focus on a variety of reading strategies and skills targeted to their specific reading levels and needs.

So I have to rub it in just a LITTLE bit for all you Vikings fans...my Packers won last Sunday! I was able to go to the game at TCF Stadium and cheer them on (my voice is still recovering). What a redemption game compared to their previous game against the Lions--that one hurt. 

I went with Ryan and his friends from Boston who flew in just for the game!

With the holidays right around the corner, I thought I'd list a few of my favorite things (besides the Packers!) in case you need ideas or inspiration for gifts. I do not expect gifts from my students so please don't feel the need to get me anything. Every year I tell my class that they are the biggest gift I could have. My students help give me meaning and purpose for what I'm set out to do in life, and that's all I could ask for. Everything else is bonus. 

Favorite food: Sushi, Italian
Favorite drink: Starbucks (I turned to the dark side and started to rely on coffee-related drinks)
Favorite stores: Francesca's, Macy's, DSW, Charming Charlie
Favorite thing to collect: Jewelry or watches

I hope you all have a cherished Thanksgiving holiday. See you back next Monday!