February

In math, the class reviewed 10 + ___ = ____. We used ten sticks and centimeter cubes to show teen numbers, Also, I started having students come up and "teach" the class. I feel my kindergartners pay attention that much more when they see their peers in the spotlight. First, I modeled a problem to the class. For example, I said, "Use ten sticks and centimeters cubes to make the number 12." I wrote the number 12 on the Smartboard then manipulated the ten stick and centimeter cubes to show 12. The class did it at their carpet spots, using their own ten sticks and centimeter cubes. They could look on the Smartboard to see if they had the same answer as me. After modeling for the class, I then called on volunteers to come up with their own problems for us to solve.

Max is making 17 with the ten stick and centimeter cubes.

Kate is showing 13.

Riley is showing 18.

We worked in buddies to match the math equation to the sum. This took a lot of cooperation plus they had to decide how they wanted to organize their cards.

We played Top-It, which is basically like the game War. Students had to draw cards and figure out whose card had the bigger number. They took turns being the dealer, which is quite the task to do as a kindergartner--52 cards is a lot for a five year old! I was worried there would be tears or tantrums if kids didn't have the bigger number, but everyone was a great sport. They loved playing together, plus a few of them mentioned how they'd played this game at home before.

We worked on telling story problems and how to solve them by drawing pictures and writing the ___ + ___ model.

Showing me their answers--aren't they just the cutest?

In reading, we worked on buddy reading and how buddies can help each other become better readers. One of the skills was participating in book talks where we shared what our books are about, who was in it, what happened in the story, and why other kids should read it. As students shared their books with one another, they were also working on their listening and turn-taking skills.

At the end of our reading lessons, we having sharing time where I call on students to come up and practice the skill that was taught. Here is Elle doing a book talk on starfish.

Campbell is telling us what happened in her book.

Gavan is discussing how his book was about outer space.

In writing, we wrote about what we think love is.

In science, we discussed the similarities and differences in day and night skies. We also read nonfiction books during independent reading time about day and night and told our reading buddies what we learned.

The end of the week was concluded with a popcorn party, thanks to Lauren's mom Christine and her popcorn machine. I was unable to attend the PTC carnival yesterday since I had master's class all day; I had originally signed up to work at the popcorn stand. With some brainstorming, we decided to have our own popcorn snack in the classroom! The class truly deserved it too. They have been working so hard at following our school expectations and are learning so much every day!