{"title":"Kindergarten Literacy Lesson Plans","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"tools-for-your-morning-routine-in-the-early-childhood-classroom-a2193","title":"Tools for Your Morning Routine in the Early Childhood Classroom","description":"\u003cp\u003eKids thrive with routine and, in truth, most teachers enjoy the sense of normalcy and order that schedules provide. If you're wondering how to set up a great morning routine for your preschoolers and early childhood students, here are some great tips from various early education teachers!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/p-21708-calendar-pocket-chart.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eCalendar\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's great to review the day, date, and year at the beginning of the day. Provide a large, interactive classroom calendar where:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents can strengthen letter recognition and spelling as they review the relevant month of the year.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents will sharpen numeracy and counting skills as they review the date (e.g. if it's the 10th of the month students count to ten).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents can learn the days of the week and the month of the year through fun songs repeated each day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Morning Board\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot only will a morning board help your students settle into the flow of a new day, it will strengthen valuable skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay review.\u003c\/strong\u003e While the calendar provides a great help, extend the activity by having student volunteers choose from pre-crafted labels (or write with dry erase markers on laminated sheets) to fill in the following items: \"Today is...\", \"Yesterday was...\", and \"Tomorrow will be...\" so that your students begin to make connections and understand the relationships between days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays in school review.\u003c\/strong\u003e Have a chart to keep track of the number of days your class has been in school, then use the status to practice place value (e.g. at 93 days a student volunteer would place a 9 in the tens place and a 3 in the ones place). Carissa of 1+1+1=1 blog has a great printout for this section of the morning board!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeather review.\u003c\/strong\u003e Have your students check a \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/p-24122-classroom-thermometer-15h-x-3w-fahrenheitcelsius.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eclassroom thermometer\u003c\/a\u003e to record the temperature and look outside to describe the day's forecast (e.g. cloudy, sunny, rainy, stormy, snowy, etc.). Find a fun weather song to go along with it. It could also be fun to have a \"weather bear\" that student's \"dress\" for the conditions outside (e.g. rain boots, umbrella, parka for rain, winter coat, gloves, and hat for snow, etc.).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck out some of these great posts for more ideas, printables, and more!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/1plus1plus1equals1.com\/Calendar.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e1+1+1=1...Calendar\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com\/2010\/03\/homeschool-calendar-morning-board.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eHomeschool Calendar \u0026amp; Morning Board\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/delightfullearning.blogspot.com\/2010\/08\/calender-and-morning-board-routine.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eCalender and Morning Board {Routine!}\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734087082009,"sku":"A2193","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"fun-crafts-for-teaching-the-alphabet-a2197","title":"Fun Crafts for Teaching the Alphabet","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe alphabet is an integral part to every preschool and kindergarten curriculum. Make it fun with these awesome ABC crafts from Totally Tots! Here's a glimpse at Jolanthe's creative craft for the first letter of the alphabet which will definitely leave you wanting more!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA is for Alligator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cb\u003e\nSupplies You'll Need:\u003c\/b\u003e sheets of green WonderFoam\u0026amp;reg; or \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-63-construction-paper.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003econstruction paper\u003c\/a\u003e, sheets of white WonderFoam\u0026amp;reg; or construction paper, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-56-craft-supplies.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ewiggle eyes\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-248-glue-adhesives.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eschool glue\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-231-markers-highlighters.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eblack marker\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore beginning the craft:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrace and cut an uppercase \"A\" from the sheets of green WonderFoam\u0026amp;reg; or construction paper for each student completing the craft. From the scraps and extra sheets, cut small triangles, preparing two for each student.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom the white WonderFoam\u0026amp;reg; sheets or construction paper cut small triangles. While a specific number isn't required, make sure you have at least five small triangles per student.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo assemble:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvite students to turn their uppercase \"A\" onto its side to create the shape of an alligator opening its mouth to show its 'pearly whites'. Instruct your students to glue wiggle eyes to the two green triangles then secure these to the top of the \"alligator\". The white triangles will be used as teeth and should be glued to the inside of the alligator's \"mouth\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSneak Peek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n- D is for Dinosaur\u003cbr\u003e\n- J is for Jaguar\u003cbr\u003e\n- P is for Penguin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe sure to visit the site for the complete alphabet craft collection!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/totallytots.homestead.com\/NowIKnowMyABCs.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eTotally Tots ~ Now I Know My ABCs\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734087311385,"sku":"A2197","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"if-you-give-a-mouse-a-cookie-a-lesson-in-economics-a2882","title":"If You Give A Mouse A Cookie: A Lesson In Economics","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-1834\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/If-You-Give-A-Mouse-A-Cookie.jpg\" alt=\"Social Studies and Children's Literature Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003eWhile your kindergartners may not understand the term 'economics', they'll certainly understand what it means to \u003cem\u003ewant\u003c\/em\u003e something. Mary Suiter, lesson contributor to A to Z Teacher Stuff, has designed a relevant economics lesson for your students that will help them comprehend the concepts of cause and effect, demand, and the difference between a good and a service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials You'll Need\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-850-drawing-paper.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eDrawing paper\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGraphic art tools (\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-102-markers.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ewashable markers\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-165-crayons.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ecrayons\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-129-colored-pencils.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ecolored pencils\u003c\/a\u003e, etc.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/p-28401-if-you-give-a-mouse-a-cookie.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eIf You Give A Mouse A Cookie\u003c\/a\u003e\" by Laura Numeroff\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuiter suggest beginning the lesson with a discussion on cause and effect using simple sentence examples your students will understand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Cause-Effect-Relationships.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter discussing several examples, invite your students to come up with their own cause\/effect statements or provide them with several cause statements (e.g. \"Morgan decided not to clean her room...\", \"Daniel sat quietly at his desk and finished his work...\", etc.) and invite them to finish them with effect statements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce students demonstrate an understanding of cause and effect, introduce and read Numeroff's \"If You Give A Mouse A Cookie\". (NOTE: Before reading, it can be fun to pose the title as a cause statement and invite students to predict the effect statement!) After finishing the story, Suiter recommends completing the following activities:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview the events of the story. This can be done playing a memory \"chain\" game. Have students create a circle. Ask for a student volunteer to start the game. Pass them a bean bag and have them say the first item the mouse wanted after being given a cookie (milk). Instruct them to pass the bean bag to a friend anywhere in the circle who is to recite the first \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e second things (milk, straw). As your students pass the bean bag, continue building up the list until you've recounted every item. Not only will your students be strengthening memory and gross motor skills, they're sure to have a blast!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview the concepts of cause and effect. Use the events in the story to construct cause and effect statements. Discuss as a class why these statements make sense.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduce the concepts of goods and services. Everything that the mouse wanted could fall under the umbrella of a good or a service. Give students the definitions of these terms and invite them to brainstorm other goods and services that they use every day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduce the concept of demand. Describe the difference between wants and needs. Introduce to students the idea that they themselves are consumers (just like the mouse, or their parents, or their neighbors, etc.) who have specific and unlimited wants and needs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombine the concepts to create and illustrate a story. As a class, create your own story, modeled after \"If You Give A Mouse A Cookie\". Here students will get extra practice with cause and effect, practice distinguishing between goods and services, and make connections between related goods as well as demand. Provide students with drawing materials and have each student illustrate a different part of the class story. This can later be bound and put in the classroom library or sent home for children to share with their families.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile this is certainly not a complete list, Suitor gives some great ideas on how to bridge the gap between economics and this delightful children's storybook. Your students are sure to have a blast!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/ecedweb.unomaha.edu\/lessons\/mouse.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eLesson: Give a Mouse a Cookie\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734089048089,"sku":"A2882","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/If-You-Give-A-Mouse-A-Cookie.jpg?v=1522781603"},{"product_id":"fun-activities-using-brown-bear-brown-bear-a2883","title":"Fun Activities Using Brown Bear, Brown Bear","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-450\" title=\"brownbear\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/brownbear.jpg\" alt=\"Eric Carle's Brown Bear cover\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003eNot only is Eric Carle's classic early childhood tale \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/p-28455-brown-bear-brown-bear-what-do-you-see.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e perfect for story time, it has many practical learning applications for the classroom as well! Here are a few of our favorites:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudent Welcome Books\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompile student pictures and names to help your kids get to know each other (e.g. Teacher, Teacher, who do you see? I see Mason looking at me, etc.).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTake pictures of learning centers to help your students get familiar with the classroom layout (e.g. Teacher desk, teacher desk, what do you see? I see a student desk looking at me. Student desk, student desk, what do you see? I see the library looking at me. Library, library what do you see? I see the reading corner looking at me, etc.).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDraw or take pictures of important classroom procedures\/rules for students to familiarize themselves with (New student, new student, what do you see? I see the sign-in sheet looking at me. Sign-in sheet, sign-in sheet, what do you see? I see the homework bin looking at me, etc.).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColor Recognition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTake two weeks, assigning one of the nine classic colors presented in the book to each day. Have your students (and the rest of the hall if you can) wear the assigned color to school that day to strengthen student color recognition skills. On the tenth day, have students wear their favorite color for review!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse the story characters to create a color matching game. Print the colored animals onto card stock, paint clothespins with corresponding colors, then invite your students to clip the proper clothespin on the proper card.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Five Senses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpand on Eric Carle's theme and have your students create simple books (or create a book as a class) that include all of the following: What do you see?, What do you hear?, What do you Smell?, What do you feel?, and What do you taste?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpeech \u0026amp; Vocabulary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost kindergartners have Carle's classic memorized by this time. Use this opportunity to read the book aloud as a class, recording your students voices for them to hear later. Reading along and out loud will give your students confidence as readers, strengthen speech skills, and help them review important vocabulary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more great ideas, visit the full post at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/teachers.net\/lessons\/posts\/561.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eTeachers.net\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734089605145,"sku":"A2883","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/brownbear.jpg?v=1522781606"},{"product_id":"literacy-center-activities-sound-amp-letter-matching-a2886","title":"Literacy Center Activities: Sound \u0026amp; Letter Matching","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-79\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/A-is-for-Apple-Samantha-Grundy.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Samantha Grundy\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhonics can be difficult to master, but is essential for building successful readers. Elaine Engerdahl, experienced early childhood educator and creator of the site \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kinderplans.com\/content.cfm?PageId=186\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKinderPlans\u003c\/a\u003e, suggests using the following activities in your learning center to help students with this tough topic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSort By Sound\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide students with pictures of various objects. Invite them to sort these pictures into piles by sound. The goal is not to confuse or overwhelm your students so work on no more than three sounds at a time. For advanced learners, consider providing only those pictures that begin with the letter \"t\", \"s\", and \"o\" sounds and have students sort the objects into the three sound groups or, for a less complicated task, have students make only two piles from the pictures (e.g. pictures that begin with the letter \"t\" sound and pictures that do \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c\/strong\u003e begin with the letter \"t\" sound).\n\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatch Pictures To Letters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimilar to the first activity, provide students with picture cutouts and a columned paper with letter headings. Invite students to match each picture to the letter sound they begin with (e.g. the picture of the tree would be matched to the column with the \"T\" heading, the octopus would be matched to the column with the \"O\" heading, etc.). Again, you can adjust this activity to the skill level of your students. Advanced students can work with several sounds at a time, while less advanced students can practice identifying one particular sound at a time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhonics Memory Game \u0026amp; Student Collaboration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave students work in pairs to match pictures to letters or sort pictures into groups based on letter sound, then invite students to take turns playing a memory game. As one student closes their eyes, have their partner take away one of the pictures. Have the other student open their eyes and try to guess which picture has been removed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more explanation and other great early childhood resources, be sure to visit Engerdahl's website and blog!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734090326041,"sku":"A2886","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/A-is-for-Apple-Samantha-Grundy.jpg?v=1522781611"},{"product_id":"literacy-center-activities-sight-word-activities-a2887","title":"Literacy Center Activities: Sight Word Activities","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Alphabet-Blocks1.jpg\" alt=\"color letter alphabet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Erin Cadigan\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelping your kindergartners learn and master sight words is important to their future success as readers. In fact, continued exposure to these common words through classroom activities, games, and literacy center activities works to improve student fluency when learning to read. Educator and creator of the website \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kinderplans.com\/content.cfm?pageid=186\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKinderPlans\u003c\/a\u003e, Elaine Engerdahl, suggests using the following activities to help your students practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSight Word Spin Game\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSupplies You'll Need\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSight word game board. Create this using an aluminum pie tin. Fit and glue a construction paper circle into the bottom of the pan, use a marker to create sections, and pen the sight words your students are reviewing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSight word game cards. Pen the same sight words on to a piece of card stock and slide into a document sleeve. Create a game card for each student.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDry erase markers or crayons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpinning top.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudents will take turns spinning the top in the pie pan game board. Whatever word the spinner lands on, students must pronounce it correctly then use their dry erase marker or crayon to mark it off their game card. The student continues his or her turn until the top lands on a word they've already crossed off. Whoever crosses off all their sight words first wins the game!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord Family Wheel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngerdahl uses the following word family as an example, but there are certainly many others you could create: bug, hug, tug, mug, jug, dug, rug, slug. Create a card stock circle and divide it into eight sections (like you would a pie). At the end of each section, pen the beginning letter(s) of each word (e.g. b, h, t, m, j, d, r, sl). Mount the circle onto the left side of a full sheet of card stock with a brass fastener. The circle or wheel should be fully moveable. On the right side of the card stock, pen the word family \"ug\" next to the wheel. As the circle is turned, new words are created. Invite students to say each new word and identify the letters in it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese activities are simple, but they'll certainly help your students as they attempt to commit to memory common sight words for future reading success!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe sure to visit Engerdahl's full post for more literacy center ideas as well as \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/ideas\/3292\/sight-word-flash-cards\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ethis complimentary sight word activity\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734090686489,"sku":"A2887","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Alphabet-Blocks1.jpg?v=1522781613"},{"product_id":"improving-literacy-amp-writing-with-letters-from-the-teacher-a2888","title":"Improving Literacy \u0026amp; Writing With Letters From The Teacher!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-98\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Mailbox.jpg\" alt=\"gray mailbox\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Secret Side\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a teacher, instilling a sense of excitement for reading and writing is important. While homework assignments and classroom exercises have their place, the can also garner a sense of tedium and obligation for some students. A great way to invite your students to sharpen literacy and composition skills (without them feeling as if they have to drudge through yet another exercise) is to write letters to them! Kelli Lewis, an Early Childhood Education graduate student and contributor to A Learning Experience, gives these suggestions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe letters do not have to be personalized for each student (although they can if you desire). While this is a fun exercise, the goal is not for it to take a crazy amount of time out of your already busy schedule.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave a specific time set-aside during class for letter delivery and reading. Lewis suggests leaving the correspondence on your students’ desks in the morning before they get to school and having them complete this activity in the first few moments before the learning day begins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter contents can be about anything, but make sure you give your students specific details (e.g. introduce them to your pet, tell them about an activity or class they will have that day, etc.). Most of all, keep the letters short.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvite students to respond to your letter with pictures and words, or to write a new letter of their own. You might also consider having students write letters to their classmates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncorporate lessons learned in class by making intentional spelling or grammatical mistakes and having your students catch and fix them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLetter writing is a great way to help your students review lessons learned in class, get to know one another, and strengthen both reading and writing skills! Your students are sure to love this activity!\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/newsletter.schoolbox.com\/2010\/09\/26\/youve-got-mail-using-letters-to-connect-with-students\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734090784793,"sku":"A2888","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Mailbox.jpg?v=1522781613"},{"product_id":"halloween-literature-unit-the-magic-pumpkin-a2892","title":"Halloween Literature Unit: The Magic Pumpkin","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-133\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/The-Magic-Pumpkin.jpg\" alt=\"the magic pumpkin childrens book by martin and archambault\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e{Kimberly L. Short, lesson plan contributor to \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.eduref.org\/Virtual\/Lessons\/Language_Arts\/Reading\/RDG0018.html#lesson1\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eEducator's Reference Desk\u003c\/a\u003e, has designed an exciting Halloween themed reading unit that your kindergartners are sure to enjoy. Designed to explore several literature selections over sixteen days, here are a few highlights!}\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo kick off the unit - and to use as a recurring theme throughout the lesson - Short suggests Martin and Archambault's \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Magic Pumpkin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLesson Objectives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn about the basic parts of a story - beginning, middle, and end.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduce the concept of sequencing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAssess and promote listening and comprehension skills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpon reading the story, Short recommends having your kindergartners recount it for you. While prompts here and there may be needed, this activity will show, not only if students were listening, but how much they comprehended. Consider creating story cards that depict the most important events in the book and use them in one of the following ways:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvite student volunteers to place story cards in the correct order on a prepared story \"board\".\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDivide students into teams, provide each team member with a different story card, and have teams \"race\" to see who can line up in the correct order first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate a 3-column organizational chart with the following headings - \"Beginning\", \"Middle\", \"End\". Have student volunteers categorize each story card.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more of Short's recommended activities, be sure to read her full lesson plan!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734091505689,"sku":"A2892","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/The-Magic-Pumpkin.jpg?v=1522781618"},{"product_id":"halloween-literature-unit-little-critter-s-halloween-a2894","title":"Halloween Literature Unit: Little Critter’s Halloween","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-143 alignright\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Little-Critters-Halloween.jpg\" alt=\"mercer mayer's childrens book little critter\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e{Kimberly L. Short, lesson plan contributor to \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.eduref.org\/Virtual\/Lessons\/Language_Arts\/Reading\/RDG0018.html#lesson5\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eEducator’s Reference Desk\u003c\/a\u003e, has designed an exciting Halloween themed reading unit that your kindergartners are sure to enjoy. Designed to explore several literature selections over sixteen days, here are a few highlights!}\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot only will your students recognize the character of Short's next literature selection - Mercer Mayer's beloved Little Critter - they'll certainly be able to identify with the story as well!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLesson Objectives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn about and be able to recognize different emotions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscuss how our moods can be affected by our feelings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrengthen writing skills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the story, Little Critter goes from grumpy to happy. Create a columned organizational chart with several emotion headings (e.g. \"Grumpy\", \"Happy\", \"Sad\", \"Mad\", etc.). Invite your students to brainstorm things that can evoke these emotions. Additionally, discuss how these feelings can affect our overall mood and how we interact with people and the world around us.\n\nConsider having your students create \"feeling\" books in the following format:\u003cimg class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-141\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Feeling-Book.jpg\" alt=\"exercise to learn about different emotions\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exercise will help your students better understand their emotions and how these feelings present themselves when interacting with others and the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Short's activity suggestions, be sure to visit her full post!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734092161049,"sku":"A2894","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Little-Critters-Halloween.jpg?v=1522781622"},{"product_id":"halloween-literature-unit-arthur-s-halloween-a2893","title":"Halloween Literature Unit: Arthur’s Halloween","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-137\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Arthurs-Halloween.jpg\" alt=\"arthur's halloween childrens literature by marc brown\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e{Kimberly L. Short, lesson plan contributor to \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.eduref.org\/Virtual\/Lessons\/Language_Arts\/Reading\/RDG0018.html#lesson2\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eEducator’s Reference Desk\u003c\/a\u003e, has designed an exciting Halloween themed reading unit that your kindergartners are sure to enjoy. Designed to explore several literature selections over sixteen days, here are a few highlights!}\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour kindergartners will certainly recognize the characters of Short's next literature selection - it's PBS' Arthur and the gang!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLesson Objectives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAssess and promote the skill of following directions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn about the importance of helping people around us.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAssess and promote observation skills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview the basic parts of a story - beginning, middle, and end.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn how to work together in a group.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePre-Story Activity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore class starts, prepare a \"magic\" bag filled with various Halloween cutouts (e.g. witch's hat, black cat, broom stick, ghost, etc.). Since you don't usually carry a large tote bag around during class, use this as a way to assess student observation skills. Invite them to determine what's different about you, and once they do, have them come up to the reading circle\n\n\u003cem\u003ePost-Story Activities\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpon reading the story, discuss what Arthur and D.W. did to help Mrs. Tibble. Have students take turns describing a time when \u003cem\u003ethey\u003c\/em\u003e helped someone. Invite your students to come up with a list of reasons why it's important to help others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstead of dismissing students back to their seat, play a game that will help to strengthen listening skills and get them back to their desks at the same time! Invite students to close their eyes as you pass out the Halloween cutouts in your \"magic\" bag. Recognize each individual item through song (e.g. To the tune of \"The Muffin Man\" - Do you have the jack-o-lantern, the jack-o-lantern, the jack-o-lantern? Oh, if you have the jack-o-lantern, please stand up.). After their turn, encourage your students to return to their seats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Short's recommended activities, be sure to check out her full plan at Educator's Reference Desk!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734092193817,"sku":"A2893","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Arthurs-Halloween.jpg?v=1522781622"},{"product_id":"halloween-literature-unit-pumpkin-patch-unit-project-a2895","title":"Halloween Literature Unit: Pumpkin Patch Unit Project","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-large wp-image-164 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Pumpkin-Patch.jpg\" alt=\"pumpkin patch\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Rikki Degraz\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e{Kimberly L. Short, lesson plan contributor to \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.eduref.org\/Virtual\/Lessons\/Language_Arts\/Reading\/RDG0018.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eEducator’s Reference  Desk\u003c\/a\u003e, has designed an exciting Halloween themed reading unit that your  kindergartners are sure to enjoy. Designed to explore several literature  selections over sixteen days, here are a few highlights!}\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Short details various daily activities to complete based on one literature selection or another, she also ties the unit together with two projects that span its entirety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePumpkin Patch Project Objectives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn about making predictions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn about cause and effect.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview the basic parts of a story - beginning, middle, and end.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview the concept of sequencing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is an overview of the project:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"wp-table-reloaded-id-1-no-1\" class=\"wp-table-reloaded wp-table-reloaded-id-1\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-1\"\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"column-1\"\u003eDay\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"column-2\"\u003eProject Directions\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-2\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eBefore students get to class, create a \"pumpkin patch\" by covering a classroom table with brown bulletin board paper or recycled paper bags. Use watercolor paints - mainly brown, white, black, and gray - for detailing (e.g. plow marks, etc.). Create small slits in the \"dirt\".\nAt the end of the first lesson, have students make pumpkin seeds from sturdy craft paper and invite them to \"plant\" it in the pumpkin patch. Have students create an opening entry in their nature journal, making predictions on what will happen in the life cycle of their pumpkin.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-3\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eCharge students with observing the pumpkin patch daily for changes. Have them record the changes in a nature journal using both words and pictures. If there is no visible change, have students write \"no change\", but invite them predict what might be happening under the \"soil\".\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-4\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eDon't forget to make observations and journal about what's happening with the pumpkin seed under the \"soil\"!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-5\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eDiscuss what pumpkin seedlings need in order to grow (e.g. \"food\" and water). Have students brainstorm where their pumpkin seeds will get these essentials.\n\u003cp\u003eProvide students with blue sheets of construction paper and have them create \"raindrops\" with which to water their pumpkin seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDon't forget to create a nature journal entry and, again, predict what the water will do for the seeds.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-6\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eCharge students with observing the pumpkin patch daily for changes. Have them record the changes in a nature journal using both words and pictures. If there is no visible change, have students write \"no change\", but invite them predict what might be happening under the \"soil\".\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-7\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eBefore students get to class, create small green vines from bulletin board paper or construction paper and place them in the patch where the seeds have been planted. Have students compare their pumpkin's progress with their journal entry predictions on the first day. Did they expect that vines were part of the pumpkin \"life cycle\"? What are their revised predictions (if any)?\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-8\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e7\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eBefore students get to class, create several crows and place them in the pumpkin patch. Discuss the \"hardships\" pumpkins face while attempting to grow. Help students \"shoo\" the crows from their patch, then have them brainstorm (overnight) how to keep dangerous pests out of the patch.\n\u003cem\u003eDon't forget to journal!\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-9\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eCompile a list of student suggestions for keeping crows out and vote on the best solution. One of them will likely have suggested scarecrows. Provide materials and templates for your students to create their own scarecrow and help them place their creations in the patch.\n\u003cem\u003eDon't forget to journal!\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-10\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e9\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eDon't forget to make observations and journal about what's happening with the pumpkin seed and vine!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the rest of the project directions, be sure to read Short's full lesson plan at Educator's Reference Desk!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734092881945,"sku":"A2895","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Pumpkin-Patch.jpg?v=1522781627"},{"product_id":"halloween-literature-unit-creative-writing-project-a2896","title":"Halloween Literature Unit: Creative Writing Project","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e{Kimberly L. Short, lesson plan contributor to Educator’s Reference Desk, has designed an exciting Halloween themed reading unit that your kindergartners are sure to enjoy. Designed to explore several literature selections over sixteen days, here are a few highlights!}\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Short details various daily activities to complete based on one literature selection or another, she also ties the unit together with two projects that span its entirety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreative Writing Project Objectives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview the basic parts of a story - beginning, middle, and end.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview the concept of sequencing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn how to work in a group.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrengthen writing skills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShort suggests presenting your students with a pre-printed book, including illustrations, with which they are to write a story as a class. Consider shaping the illustrations around the pumpkin patch project or another subject your kindergartners are familiar with. Here is an example of what your book could look like (remember, you'll only be including the pictures at first so that your students can write their \u003cem\u003eown\u003c\/em\u003e story):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/cdn.tristro.net\/uploads\/ideas\/post\/Unit-Writing-Project-Example.jpg\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-156\" alt=\"pumpkin life cycle example writing project\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Unit-Writing-Project-Example.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\n\u003cem\u003ePage Process\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresent students with the illustration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvite students to describe what is going on in the picture. Write down each child's suggestion (attempt to capture it word-for-word so that the book reflects their voice as well).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemind students to keep sequencing in mind (as it relates to the topic of the book) as well as whether the page belongs in the beginning, middle, or end of the book.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelp students come to a consensus on which description is best.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of the unit, create a bound classroom copy of the book and present each child with a copy of their own to take home and share with their families!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information and directions, be sure to visit Short's full lesson plan!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734093045785,"sku":"A2896","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Unit-Writing-Project-Example.jpg?v=1522781628"},{"product_id":"maps-in-kindergarten-rosie-s-walk-a2897","title":"Maps in Kindergarten: Rosie’s Walk","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-190\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Map.jpg\" alt=\"map and keys\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Steven Husk\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven in the age of GPS and MapQuest, it's important for your students to orient themselves with maps as well as practice giving and following directions. Patricia Bentham, creator of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kindergarten-lessons.com\/kindergarten_maps.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKindergarten-Lessons\u003c\/a\u003e, suggests using Pat Hutchins' \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRosie's Walk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e to introduce classroom map activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLesson Objectives\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAssess what students already know about maps (i.e. why they're important, what they're used for, types, etc.).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduce and practice the concept of sequencing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn about the concept of viewpoint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn how to create a map.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLesson Activities\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"wp-table-reloaded-id-2-no-1\" class=\"wp-table-reloaded wp-table-reloaded-id-2\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-1\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Kindergarten-Lesson-Plans-Table-Number-1.jpg\" alt=\"1\" title=\"Kindergarten Lesson Plans Table Number 1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-177\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eBentham suggests introducing the concepts of sequencing and mapmaking by having students create a story map. Provide students with a piece of card stock and walk them through creating a map of the barnyard including the important landmarks that Rosie visited on her walk. Students can design landmarks with graphic art tools, construction cutouts, etc. When finished help students re-tell the story using their maps.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-2\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Kindergarten-Lesson-Plans-Table-Number-2.jpg\" alt=\"2\" title=\"Kindergarten Lesson Plans Table Number 2\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-178\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eTo learn about viewpoints, Bentham suggests designing a fun, hands-on exercise. Using blocks from the classroom play center, she suggests creating a small village with several buildings. Equipped with crayons and a small blank booklet, have your students observe and draw the 'village' from different viewpoints (i.e. from the side, from the top, etc.). Have them predict which viewpoint \u003cem\u003ereal\u003c\/em\u003e maps are drawn from then show them several maps of your area as you discuss the topic further.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-3\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Kindergarten-Lesson-Plans-Table-Number-3.jpg\" alt=\"3\" title=\"Kindergarten Lesson Plans Table Number 3\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-179\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eTo further strengthen student mapmaking skills and introduce map functions, consider dividing the classroom into small sections. Assign a section to each student, inviting them to observe and draw what they see (adding labels if they can). When finished, assemble each child's drawing to create a large map of the room. Examine the map as a class, determining whether a new student or parent would be able to navigate the classroom and find each important center, station, etc. Ask students whether there are any details they should add by asking them about the map's functionality (i.e. will a new student know where to place completed classwork, how to sign in every morning, where to hang their coat, etc.).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-4\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Kindergarten-Lesson-Plans-Table-Number-4.jpg\" alt=\"4\" title=\"Kindergarten Lesson Plans Table Number 4\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-180\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eCreate a slideshow of the different types of maps (i.e. physical, topographic, etc.). Discuss how each is used and have your students brainstorm why each is important.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of the lesson, students should have a pretty good grasp of how maps are used, why they're important, and how to make their own! For helpful lesson pictures and greater activity detail, be sure to read Bentham's full post!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734093373465,"sku":"A2897","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Map.jpg?v=1522781630"},{"product_id":"american-indians-heritage-series-the-inuits-a2902","title":"American Indians Heritage Series: The Inuits","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/4951753554.jpg\" alt=\"Eskimo woman in fur trimmed costume\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto © 1904\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s hard to imagine what America looked like before roads and skyscrapers, let alone before easterners \"discovered' this new and untamed land. Do your students know that, even before Christopher Columbus arrived in the “new world”, there were groups of natives (original inhabitants of a place) spread out over the entire country? Known today by their rightful name, Native Americans, these groups or tribes of people were called Indians by Columbus who thought he’d reached a country called India. In honor of “American Indian Heritage Month\", this series of lessons will help your students get to know the various cultures and tribes of the original Americans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUnit Introduction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrab a globe and invite your students to gather around. Commissioned by the King and Queen of Spain in 1492, Columbus was enlisted to find a westward trading route to Asia. [Point out Spain and Asia on the globe.] At this point, easterners had no idea that the Americas even existed. Because of this very fact, when Columbus reached land nearly two and a half months after setting sail, he thought he’d landed in India. [Point out the “new world” and India on the globe. Discuss how far off the mark Columbus was.] Thus, the native peoples Columbus and his crew encountered were given the (very wrong) name, Indians.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShow students a map of the Native American Cultures\/Groups inhabiting the Americas. Discuss how every part of the Americas is highlighted – showing that native communities were spread throughout both continents. Remind them that, while Native Americans have been stereotyped, not every native tribe was the same. Because of regional weather conditions and available resources, housing, dress, food, customs, and even tools\/weapons differed for each tribe. Let students know that they will be exploring the cultural differences of several Native American Tribes. [NOTE: Try to present the information for each cultural group in a similar format to make it easier for students to make comparisons and connections.]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Inuits (Eskimos)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLesson Objective\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn about the Inuit way of life: where they live, the climate in their region, housing, how they dress (both regularly and ceremonially), what they eat, their customs, transportation, and everyday tools\/weapons. Begin by showing students where the Inuit tribe is located on a Native American Cultures\/Groups Map and discuss the following information:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePertinent Data\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Arctic (North)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHousing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Igloos or tents\/houses made from animal skins, wood, sod, or mud\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClothing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sealskin parkas in the summer, caribou skin parkas in the winter, and boots made of walrus hide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFood:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert fisherman and hunters - the Inuits survived on seal, walrus, caribou and other animals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTools\/Transportation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harpoons, kayaks, umiaks (open boats made of wood and skin), and dog sleds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLesson Activities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLiterature \u0026amp; Writing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChildren's Books.\u003c\/strong\u003e Debbie Haren, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.lessonplanspage.com\/SSLAAlaskaUnit1IntroWithBookK3.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eHotchalk ® Lesson Plans Page\u003c\/a\u003e contributor, recommends Barbara M. Joosse’s \u003cem\u003eMama Do You Love Me?\u003c\/em\u003e The book presents many opportunities to discuss the wildlife found in the Inuit’s region (i.e. musk ox, moose, caribou, whales, ermine, etc.) and offers some fun cultural vocabulary words (i.e. mukluks = boots). You might also wish to include Robert N. Munsch’s \u003cem\u003eA Promise is A Promise\u003c\/em\u003e and Lydia Dabcovich's \u003cem\u003eThe Polar Bear Son: An Inuit Tale\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFishing For Letters Game.\u003c\/strong\u003e Because the Inuit’s were expert fisherman, create a fun fishing game with a dowel rod, yarn, magnet, and alphabet fish cutouts adorned with paper clips. Have students “fish” for letters and: 1) Identify and match the letters to an alphabet poster, 2) Practice early writing skills by copying the letter on the fish, or 3) Connect several of their “daily catches” together to create and review unit sight or vocabulary words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInuit Games\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBilboquet.\u003c\/strong\u003e Make this game using a toilet paper roll, string, and an unsharpened pencil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlanket Tossing.\u003c\/strong\u003e Head to the gym and play some fun parachute games.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNauktak.\u003c\/strong\u003e Have students take turns laying down on the classroom rug and lining their feet up with its edge. Use a piece of masking tape to mark where the top of their head hits, then have the student stand at the edge of the rug and try to jump past the mark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTug-O-War.\u003c\/strong\u003e With a rope and two teams, this is another activity perfect for the gym.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIllukisaaq.\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide students with soft balls and spread them out across the gym, teaching them the technique of juggling and allowing them to try.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEskimo Dominoes.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Inuits played matching games with dominoes. Have student participants draw tiles until all but one have been divided up. Start a \"train\" using the last domino then have students take turns matching their dominoes to one end, making a longer train.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInuit Crafts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScrimshaw Art.\u003c\/strong\u003e Inuits are famous for their scrimshaw technique where they engraved story images into ivory then rubbed them with lampblack. Using plaster of Paris, carving tools, and black shoe polish, have your students create their own \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mce.k12tn.net\/indians\/crafts\/inuitcrafts.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003escrimshaw art.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIgloo Homes.\u003c\/strong\u003e With Styrofoam packing peanuts or floral foam cut into small cubes, have students design and build their own igloo model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGreat Resources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.native-languages.org\/arctic-culture.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eNative American Language Net | Arctic Indian Tribes and Languages\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.civilization.ca\/splash.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eCanadian Museum of Civilization\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.gamesmuseum.uwaterloo.ca\/VirtualExhibits\/Inuit\/english\/index.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eUniversity of Waterloo Elliott Avedon Virtual Museum of Games | Inuit (Eskimo) Games\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave fun exploring the culture of the Inuits!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734096093209,"sku":"A2902","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/4951753554.jpg?v=1522781646"},{"product_id":"alphabetizing-animals-a2906","title":"Alphabetizing Animals","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-287 alignright\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Giraffe-Example-Animal-Card.jpg\" alt=\"example animal card featuring the picture of a giraffe and its name in traceable letters\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003eA great way to strengthen your kindergarten students' command of the alphabet is through simple alphabetizing exercises. This activity, found at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.localschooldirectory.com\/lesson-plans\/id\/643\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eLocal School Directory\u003c\/a\u003e, offers a perfect introductory activity. Your students will love working with the animal cards and they'll be certain to brush up on their ABCs!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActivity Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide students with a set of cards featuring the picture of a different animal on each. The lesson plan creator suggests the following animals - giraffe, bee, fish, dog, elephant, ant, and cat. [NOTE: Don't give them too many or they may feel overwhelmed. This lesson introduces the concept using the first seven letters of the alphabet. Continue with groups of seven until all the letters of the alphabet have been used, then consider extending the exercise to include more letters or letters that do not sit side by side in the alphabet.]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvite your students to place the animal cards in order alphabetically based on the letter their name starts with.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsider laminating the animal cards and, once students are finished ordering them, provide dry erase crayons to use in tracing the animal names on the cards for some writing practice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnimal Cards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe couldn't find the actual activity worksheet for this lesson so you'll  have to make your own animal cards (like the example pictured above) or find other pre-made animal worksheets online like these:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFarm Animal Printables from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/kids.scintro.com\/printables\/index2.asp\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eScintro\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-285 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Scintro-Animal-Cards.jpg\" alt=\"Animal Flash Cards\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: kids.scintro.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnimal Cards from Homeschool Creations*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-286 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Homeschool-Creations-Animal-Cards.jpg\" alt=\"Animal Flash Cards\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[*All you have to do is click the link for the \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com\/2010\/12\/gingerbread-baby-lapbook-and-printables.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eGingerbread Baby Preschool Pack\u003c\/a\u003e on her site and print the correct pages. While they were created for a  separate activity (one you might want to try!) and they don't follow the  suggested animals, they would certainly be useful all the same!]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734098518041,"sku":"A2906","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Giraffe-Example-Animal-Card.jpg?v=1522781661"},{"product_id":"writer-s-block-a2907","title":"Writer’s Block","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/LG-9027_L.jpg\" alt=\"LEGO pieces\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking for an interesting way to help your kindergartners review vocabulary, learn about basic sentence structure, and practice building their own simple sentences? Here's an awesome idea from Lindsey Boardman - mother and creator of the blog, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.filthwizardry.com\/2010\/07\/diy-spinny-spellers-and-repurposing.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eFilth Wizardry\u003c\/a\u003e. {It was even featured by Debra Immergut in \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/familyfun.go.com\/magazine\/familyfun-magazine-archive\/familyfun-december-january-2011\/writers-block-954228\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eDisney's FamilyFun\u003c\/a\u003e Magazine!}\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupplies You'll Need\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/p-3279-lego0174-duplo-large-bulk-set.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eLego Duplo blocks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlank adhesive labels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-102-markers.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMarkers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore beginning the activity compile a list of vocabulary or sight words your students have been working on, scripting them onto the labels. Apply each of these labels to the side of a Duplo block. Then have your students practice word recognition (ex. \"Can you find ______?\") and, once they're comfortable with the word choices available, help them \"build\" their own sentences!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe activity is unique, uses materials that can be found around the classroom, and breathes new life into a familiar classroom toy! There's even a starter list of vocabulary words for you and your students to enjoy if you visit FamilyFun!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734099140633,"sku":"A2907","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/LG-9027_L.jpg?v=1522781665"},{"product_id":"word-families-a2908","title":"Word Families","description":"\u003cp\u003eLearning to read can be a daunting task for early elementary students. In a seemingly inconsistent language, a great tool for kindergartners to have in their \"literacy tool belt\" is the ability to recognize reading patterns. Words that rhyme, known as word families, are one such pattern. For example:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Example-Word-Family.jpg\" alt=\"example word family\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are some great activities to use when introducing the concept to your students, for continued practice, and ultimately, to strengthen basic literacy skills, helping your kindergartners become confident readers - now and in the future!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWorksheets\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse dry erase crayons, magnet letters, or other letter markers with these fabulous word family ladders from Erica at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com\/2010\/12\/word-family-ladders.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eConfessions of a Homeschooler\u003c\/a\u003e. Students will practice recognizing common word endings and letter sounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/wordfamiliypromo6.jpg\" alt=\"worksheets for helping students learn about word families\" class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-298\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: http:\/\/confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/blog.havefunteaching.com\/2009\/09\/word-family-worksheets.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eHave Fun Teaching Blog\u003c\/a\u003e provides a great series of word family printables. Use in the as a traditional worksheet, laminate the printables and add them to your literary center (with dry erase crayons), or even adapt the graphics and words to create interactive emergent reader books (like those found here at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/ideas\/3307\/learning-about-sizes-height-worksheets\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ePreschool Printables\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Have-Fun-Teaching-Worksheet.jpg\" alt=\"worksheets for learning about word families\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: blog.havefunteaching.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith this series of worksheets from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.education.com\/worksheets\/word-families\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eEducation.com\u003c\/a\u003e, you can do the same kinds of activities! Your students will love the variety and you won't have to come up with your \u003cem\u003eown\u003c\/em\u003e practice printables!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Education.com-Word-Family-Worksheet.jpg\" alt=\"worksheet for learning about the -ub word family\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.education.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCharts\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese index card word family flip charts from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/quirkymomma.com\/2010\/phonic-flip-chart\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eQuirky Momma\u003c\/a\u003e are great for individual instruction. Create several and place them in your literary center for independent study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Quirky-Momma-Word-Family-Flip-Chart.jpg\" alt=\"homemade word family index card flip chart\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: quirkymomma.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Reading-Rockets-Word-Family-Chart.jpg\" alt=\"flower chart for learning about word families\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.readingrockets.org\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis flower word family chart from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readingrockets.org\/article\/13750\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eReading Rockets\u003c\/a\u003e is a great way to introduce word families during group instruction. This format will keep the different groups organized and provide convenient review posters for continued use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGames\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour students will love this word family game from The Snail's Trail. It's colorful, easy to understand, and will allow students to practice this important concept!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/The-Snails-Trail-Word-Family-Game.jpg\" alt=\"homemade word family game made from recycled paint chips\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: thesnailstrail.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/ReadWriteThink-Word-Family-Game.jpg\" alt=\"word family sorting game\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: readwritethink.org\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have access computers, there's a great (free!) word family sorting game at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readwritethink.org\/classroom-resources\/student-interactives\/word-family-sort-30052.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eReadWriteThink\u003c\/a\u003e. It may seem daunting to your students - working with four families at one time - so consider partnering your students up for some learning fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith such a variety of exercises, your students are sure to enjoy learning about word families! Be sure to visit each site for the full post, downloads, and directions!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734099566617,"sku":"A2908","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Example-Word-Family.jpg?v=1522781667"},{"product_id":"winter-with-the-k-crew-a2912","title":"Winter with the K-Crew","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/2177980496.jpg\" alt=\"Winter dreams\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2008 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for James Jordan\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/69826987@N00\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eJames Jordan\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Winter dreams'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/69826987@N00\/2177980496\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerusing for winter ideas, we came across \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thekcrew.net\/winter.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThe K-Crew's website\u003c\/a\u003e - a fantastic resource for kindergarten teachers created by (in their own words) two \u003cem\u003ereal\u003c\/em\u003e teachers who teach \u003cem\u003ereal\u003c\/em\u003e students in \u003cem\u003ereal\u003c\/em\u003e classrooms! We decided to check out their winter thematic unit and there were so many great ideas we just had to share!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMath \u0026amp; Science\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExperiment with Static Electricity. Ever notice the boom in static electricity during the winter? The K-Crew set up a \"Static Magic\" station where students explored this very concept using felt, balloons, confetti, and other interesting materials.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGraphing. Ask your students a simple yes\/no question (i.e. \"Have you ever thrown a snowball?\", \"Have you ever caught a snowflake on your tongue?\", etc.) or provide them with a multiple choice question (i.e. \"My favorite winter activity is...A.) Sledding, B.) Ice skating, or C.) Building a snowman.\") and graph the results. Discuss concepts like \"more than\", \"less than\", \"most\", \"least\", etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEstimation. At the beginning of each winter month, place a jar of winter-themed counters at the front of the room (i.e. marshmallows, candy canes, etc.) and accept student estimation submissions. As a class, count the number of objects in the jar and compare it to the predictions. Create a chart or graph showing the number of student guesses within +\/-20, +\/-10, etc. of the actual number.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther ideas including growing snowflakes, discovering states of matter and density with ice cubes and oil, and learning the importance of warm clothing in the winter. Check out the full post for more information and instructions to these cool projects!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage \u0026amp; Literature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWinter Journaling. Invite students to prepare and decorate a winter journal - from scratch or using small store-bought notebooks - then take a look at the great writing prompts and journal activities at The K-Crew's website! You're sure to boost their writing confidence and journal entries make great opening, transition, or ending activities!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead, Read, Read! The K-Crew duo provides an excellent list of children's literature as well as appropriate lessons and discussions for each selection at their site including \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFootprints in the Snow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e by Cynthia Benjamin, \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHere Comes Winter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e by Janet Craig, and \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy Favorite Time of Year\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eby Susan Pearson among many others!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearning Stations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe K-Crew offers many learning stations throughout the winter unit targeting different skill sets like fine motor, art, writing, etc. Here are a few highlights:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSewing mittens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePuffy snow painting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScribble art (they have two incredible resource books for this type of activity!)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStamping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the list goes on and on! The K-Crew really knows how to put a thematic unit together so be sure to check out their site and all their wonderful early childhood resources!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734101172249,"sku":"A2912","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/2177980496.jpg?v=1522781677"},{"product_id":"wordless-picture-books-a2913","title":"Wordless Picture Books","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/4385119849.jpg\" alt=\"Picture Books\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2010 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for J. Enokson\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/47823583@N03\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eJ. Enokson\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Picture Books'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/47823583@N03\/4385119849\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWordless pictures books are a great tool for sparking creativity, improving student vocabulary, and building reading skills. [Check out this great post about the benefits of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/ideas\/2267\/the-wonderful-world-of-wordless-picture-books\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ewordless picture books\u003c\/a\u003e as well as appropriate literature selections to use in the classroom!] In the following lessons, students will discuss the elements of a story - the plot, characters, setting, etc. - as they relate to the illustrations. Essentially, students will learn to \"read\" the pictures for the information they reveal about the story - which can be a great skill when learning to read!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLesson 1: Illustrating Text\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplain to your students that pictures can often be just as important as the text of a story. In fact, they can provide a sort of pictorial \"context clue\" when the reader runs across a word or phrase they don't know. In this exercise, students will experience how listening to a story can create a picture in our minds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo begin, select a children's book from the shelf (consider using one that ties into the present thematic unit) and inform your students that they are going to be taking on the role of illustrator. Invite each child to listen carefully as you read the text from the first page then, without seeing the original pictures, sketch an illustration to accompany it. Do this for each page of the book. At the end, allow your students to share their creations having them explain why they chose to feature certain elements, characters, plot happenings, etc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsider using word processing software to print the story text onto small strips for the students to cut out and glue to their illustrations - creating their own book to take home!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLesson 2: Storytelling with Illustrations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust as listening to a story creates a \u003cem\u003epicture\u003c\/em\u003e in our minds, looking at a picture can create a \u003cem\u003estory\u003c\/em\u003e in our minds. In this three-part exercise, students will be invited to study the pictures of a book to discern:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWho the characters are and what they might be like.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe setting - where the story takes place, when the story takes place, what time of year the story takes place, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is happening in the story and how the characters might be affected (i.e. thoughts\/feelings, etc.).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey will then use these insights to write their own story to go along with the illustrations in a wordless picture book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart 1\u003c\/em\u003e: Begin the exercise as a class. Choose a new story, cover up the words on the first page. Discuss each of the elements and how they're presented through the illustrations on the page. Prompt students to look at actions, body language, facial expressions, etc. in order to predict what might happen next. Keep an organized chart of your class' contributions for the page. Flip to the next page, once again covering up the text, and repeat the process. Discuss what predicted events seem to be correct as well as more observations on the characters, setting, and plot. Continue this process until each page has been completed and a rough storyline has been formed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart 2\u003c\/em\u003e: Next, using your notes as a guide, decide as a class the text that should accompany each illustration and write it on the board. Once text has been written for each page, read the class' rendition of the story (and be sure to keep a copy of it to make into its own special book!). Finally, read the story as it was written and compare it to your class' version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart 3\u003c\/em\u003e: Divide your students into groups of three. Provide each group with a new (very simple!) wordless picture book and an organizational chart and have them repeat the exercises in parts one and two on their own. Invite them to prepare a first draft (sticky notes with preliminary text on each page will do just fine!) and emphasize the importance of adding details, etc. rather than just telling a simple story (i.e. “The dog ran” is too simple. How did he run? Where did he run? Was he running away\/toward something? Was he running because he was happy\/full of energy\/sad? etc.).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe sure to make yourself available to your students – with only one practice run as a class, this might seem a bit overwhelming. Another option might be to select three different stories, discuss them first as a whole, then assign one of these stories to each group to finish. You'll get several different versions of the same story which could be a lot of fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWordless picture books are a great learning tool and, with these exciting lessons, your students are sure to have a blast!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734101434393,"sku":"A2913","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/4385119849.jpg?v=1522781679"},{"product_id":"valentine-s-day-unit-writing-amp-literacy-center-activities-a2917","title":"Valentine’s Day Unit: Writing \u0026amp; Literacy Center Activities","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you don't have a writing center in your classroom, get one! Independent writing activities and writing centers offer great opportunities for you kindergartners to practice handwriting, build their vocabulary, and gain confidence as storytellers and writers. Here are some great activities to include in this year's Valentine's Day unit!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eJournaling\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreate special Valentine's Day journals by re-purposing old valentines from years past.\u003c\/p\u003e\nSelect valentines for the journal cover - laminating them for durability.\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg alt=\"valentine journal cover\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/photo2.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e*Valentines courtesy of \u003ca onclick=\"javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http:\/\/www.kate.net']);\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kate.net\/holidays\/valentine\/cards.php\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKate.net\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreate several journaling page options - we chose to include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlank drawing paper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGraph paper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLined writing paper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe created plain paper cutouts, but you might consider gluing the pages to recycled valentine cards for extra stability and durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"valentine journal page options\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/photo.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave students choose a cover and a packet of pages (include several sheets of each type of journaling page and paper clip them together to make the process easier).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"unassembled homemade valentine journal\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/photo3.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"homemade playing card notebook\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Playing-Card-Notebook.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo assemble, use a paper punch to create holes in the upper left corner of the booklet and secure with a binder ring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[NOTE: This example journal was made from recycled playing cards - a valentine journal would work the same!]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring your Valentine's unit, have students use the journals to draw the people they love, complete writing prompts (i.e. \"I love ____________ because ____________.\", \"What do you love to do?\", etc.), and design special valentine cards for friends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/photo4.jpg\" alt=\"heart shaped sight word flash cards\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConversation Heart Sentences\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreate heart cutouts with common sight words and classroom vocabulary words. Invite your kiddos to use these words to create simple sentences. Because the concept of sentences may be a bit overwhelming, provide illustrations and pictures for inspiration. You might also consider providing specific word sets for each image as a way to guide students in sentence writing. For example:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet up a scenario similar to this - one side of the board displays part of a generic sentence with interchangeable noun cards (in this instance we've used a car) and the other side of the board offers students three conversation hearts with describing words that can be used to make sentences. Students must decide whether the words on the heart make a true or false statement based on the noun card presented.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/photo5.jpg\" alt=\"dry erase and corkboard valentines day writing activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nInvite students to move the first conversation heart to the end of the sentence. In this case, the completed sentence reads, \"The car is red\". Based on the noun picture card, this statement is true.\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/photo6.jpg\" alt=\"Valentine's Day Conversation Heart Literacy Activity\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-423\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRemove the first heart and repeat the process with the next heart. Here the sentence reads, \"The car is brown\". Checking back to the noun picture card, this is an untrue statement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/photo7.jpg\" alt=\"Valentine's Day Conversation Heart Literacy Activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvite students to try the last conversation heart, making the sentence read, \"This car is fast\". Once again (based on the noun picture card presented -- a sports car), this is a true\/reasonable statement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/photo8.jpg\" alt=\"Valentine's Day Conversation Heart Literacy Activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nAs they complete the activity, have laminated writing paper and a dry erase crayon for students to use in copying the sentences. For every \"false\" statement, have students revise the sentence to read, \"The ______ is \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c\/strong\u003e _______\". For the example above, students would have penned, \"The car is not brown\".\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/photo9.jpg\" alt=\"Valentine's Day Conversation Heart Literacy Activity\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-426\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eValentine Image\/Message Matching\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's another great way to use recycled valentines (or free printable valentines like these from Kate.net). Gather several pairs (i.e. matching sets) of valentines - on one card cover up the graphic or image and on the other cover up the message. Using the message clues, invite students to match the right message to the right illustration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/katevalcards2009a2.jpg\" alt=\"valentine cards\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eMessage only cards\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/katevalcards2009a-no-messag.jpg\" alt=\"valentines cards\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eGraphics only cards\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour students are sure to be kept busy with these fun Valentine's Day writing activities!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734102056985,"sku":"A2917","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/photo2.jpg?v=1522781682"},{"product_id":"a-week-of-dr-seuss-printable-mini-unit-a2919","title":"A Week of Dr. Seuss - Printable Mini-Unit","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-447  \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Cat-In-The-Hat.jpg\" alt=\"image of Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarch 2nd is Dr. Seuss's birthday and, if you haven't already, it might be nice to include some of the famous author's works in your lesson plans - they're quirky, colorful, and inspire some pretty great activities! April Larremore, kindergarten teacher and creator of the blog \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com\/2011\/02\/dr-seuss.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eChalk Talk\u003c\/a\u003e, has put together a spectacular mini-unit that will take some of the guess work out of your planning. Here are a few of our favorite activities:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBig A, Little a, What Begins With A?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing Larremore's page template, create an alphabet book as a class. Assign each student a letter, invite them to script the letter in the blanks on the page (paying attention to the proper case), then, armed with graphic art tools, brainstorm and draw as many objects as they can that start with that particular letter. To finish - print the cover of Dr. Seuss's own 'Amazing Alphabet Book' to use as the book's cover, mount each page onto colored construction paper, laminate, and bind each piece together to create a fantastic classroom keepsake book!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Foot Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduce your students to a new form of measuring using foam feet instead of rulers and measuring tape. Larremore suggests using \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/p-11663-feet-by-the-foot.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eFeet by the Foot™\u003c\/a\u003e, a set of 12 colorful feet \"rulers\", to measure how tall each student is. Have students take turns lying on the floor while another student volunteer lays the feet 'heel to toe' in order to determine height. Keep track of each student's height for graphing - either draw a bar graph on the board or have you students participate to make a \"human bar graph\" (i.e. write height values on the board and have your students line up in front of the correct measurement). Compare and contrast the bars using terms such as \"less than\", \"more than\", \"most\", \"least\", \"average\", etc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI Wish I Had Duck Feet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss the special qualities a duck has that makes them well suited for pond living (i.e. webbed feet for swimming, waterproof feathers for staying warm and dry, etc.). Invite students to think of other animals that have unique qualities:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFish have gills that allow them to breathe underwater.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChameleons change color in order to hide from predators.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheetahs have long lean bodies and long tails to help them stay balanced and run fast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe list could go on and on. After the discussion, have students choose an animal part they'd love to have for a day and describe (with drawings and words) their reasons why. Provide students with construction paper and other craft supplies and help them fashion the particular part to use during pretend play. Oftentimes, it will take quite a bit of creativity and problem solving to create the qualities and you're sure to have many giggles along the way!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOh the Places You'll Go!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarremore suggests having your students create hot air balloons, adding a picture of themselves in the basket. On the back or as a journal prompt, invite them to describe where they would go in their hot air balloon. [NOTE: It could be fun to have your students write an adventure book about their day in the air - what they saw, who they met, where they stopped, what they did, etc.] To add in a bit of geography and reintroduce the concept of sequencing, invite your students to \u003cem\u003emap\u003c\/em\u003e their adventures, drawing an item of intrigue to represent each stop on their balloon ride!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more great lesson ideas to go along with Dr. Seuss's famous works, be sure to visit Larremore's full post at Chalk Talk!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734103629849,"sku":"A2919","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Cat-In-The-Hat.jpg?v=1522781692"},{"product_id":"ushering-in-reading-month-forming-letters-a2922","title":"Ushering in Reading Month - Forming Letters","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-468 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Wikki-Stix-Letters-Words.jpg\" alt=\"wikki stix letter forming activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: lilcountrykindergarten.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarch is reading month and, while your \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/lilcountrykindergarten.blogspot.com\/2011\/02\/daily-5-in-pictures.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ekinders\u003c\/a\u003e have likely mastered letter recognition, a great way to prepare students for future reading success is to have them practice forming letters. Here are a few great {hands on!} activity center ideas for your students to try.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave students build marshmallow letters by placing small colored marshmallows on the tips of toothpicks and pushing them into foam board in letter shapes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave students form letters with wikki stix or chenille stems. Invite them to copy from alphabet cards or use tracing tiles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrint large letter cards, inviting students to place them atop foam board and use jumbo push pins to trace them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate or print letter lacing cards onto card stock, using a paper punch to place holes along the letter. Attach these to foam board, providing students with plastic golf tees and a small wooden hammer and inviting them to tap the tees along the letter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide students with a pin geoboard and rubber bands or yarn and invite them to try their hand at letter formation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelp your kinders build a foundation for reading success with these great letter forming activities {and get reading month off to a great start!}.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734104186905,"sku":"A2922","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Wikki-Stix-Letters-Words.jpg?v=1522781695"},{"product_id":"fun-with-dr-seuss-a2923","title":"Fun with Dr. Seuss","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-473 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Dr-Seuss-b.jpg\" alt=\"Reading Across America Dr. Seuss Lesson Ideas\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: fun-in-first.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Jodi Southard of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/fun-in-first.blogspot.com\/2011\/02\/dr-seuss-unit.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eFun in First Grade\u003c\/a\u003e originally created this Seuss unit for her first graders, with a few tweaks {only \u003cem\u003eyou\u003c\/em\u003e know the skill level of your students} your kindergartners are sure to enjoy these lessons too! Here are just a few of the activities you'll find in Jodi's printables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRhyming with \u003cem\u003eThe Cat in the Hat\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis activity would be perfect in a small group setting. Read for your students the base rhyming words \"cat\", \"fish\", and \"ball\" - consider modifying the worksheet to include pictures of these words to make them more memorable to your kindergartners - then take the word cutouts one by one, inviting your students to glue them under the correct hat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSequencing with \u003cem\u003eThe Cat in the Hat\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss with your students the basic parts of a story - beginning, middle, and end. Invite them to keep these in mind as you read Dr. Seuss's \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Cat in the Hat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e. Test their memories, as well as their skills at sequencing, by having them draw and write about what happens in the story in the order it happens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatching Antonyms with \u003cem\u003eOne Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss antonyms with your students providing examples and inviting them to make up sets of their own. Hand out Jodi's worksheet and complete the activity as a class or small group. As you match each pair of antonyms, have students draw a line connecting the words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearning Lessons with \u003cem\u003eThe Lorax\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore reading \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Lorax\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, discuss with your students that oftentimes literature attempts to teach its readers a lesson or truth. Invite them to think of a story they've heard that has this purpose. You might also consider having your students tell their \u003cem\u003eown\u003c\/em\u003e story - recounting an experience that may offer a piece of advice or life lesson for their fellow students.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith this idea that stories can convey messages and lessons, read Seuss's story and discuss the questions on Jodi's worksheet, including the lesson the author was trying to convey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more great Dr. Seuss lesson ideas, be sure to download Jodi's full unit at Fun in First Grade!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734104285209,"sku":"A2923","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Dr-Seuss-b.jpg?v=1522781696"},{"product_id":"bottle-top-sentences-a2924","title":"Bottle Top Sentences","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-479  \" alt=\"homemade bottle top sentence building activity\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/bottle-top-sentences.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: activitymom.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince your kinders are likely on the path to letter mastery, common sight word recognition, and vocabulary expansion, you might try throwing a \u003cem\u003enew\u003c\/em\u003e ball in the air with this fun reading\/sentence building exercise from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/activitymom.blogspot.com\/2010\/07\/bottle-top-sentences.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThe Activity Mom\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupplies You'll Need\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecycled white {or light colored} bottle tops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePermanent marker\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePaper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGraphic art tools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore introducing this guided exercise at the writing center, compile a list of vocabulary and sight words your kindergartners have been working with, scripting these directly onto the bottle caps with the permanent marker. Also, take time to create a variety of \"sentence cards\" (see example below), to copy and place at the center.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-480\" alt=\"example sentence cards for bottle top sentence building activity\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Bottle-Top-Sentence-Cards.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003eTo complete the activity, students will work to match the bottle top vocabulary words to the correct spot on the sentence card {for extra practice} and then \"read along\" as you go over the sentence with them. With the graphic art tools, invite them to illustrate the sentence card they've just read placing the finished product in their reading folder for continued practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce students are comfortable with basic sentence structure and the vocabulary words, invite them to try creating and illustrating a sentence of their own on a blank sentence card. Not only will this activity help your students build confidence as writers, it can be a permanent writing center activity - all you have to do is periodically update the bottle top words and sentences!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734104711193,"sku":"A2924","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/bottle-top-sentences.jpg?v=1522781698"},{"product_id":"literature-laughs-amp-leprechaun-tricks-a2926","title":"Literature, Laughs, \u0026amp; Leprechaun Tricks","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-501 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Clever-Tom.jpg\" alt=\"Clever Tom and the Leprechaun book cover\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.jacketflap.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTop o' the mornin' to ye!\u003c\/em\u003e If you're looking for fun lesson ideas for St. Patrick's Day, second grade teacher Mrs. Dicken's knows \u003cem\u003ejust\u003c\/em\u003e how to celebrate - lots of good books, a little adventure, and an elusive {trickster!} leprechaun, who goes by the name Lucky! We found this awesome thematic unit at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/teachershare.scholastic.com\/resources\/13295\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eTeacherShare\u003c\/a\u003e {a resource from Scholastic} and just had to share!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeprechaun Thematic Unit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucky Leprechaun is on the loose and doing what he does best - playing tricks! Of course, he's a sly fellow {with years of practice!}, so he won't be easy to catch, but Mrs. Dicken has put her best detectives on the job. Armed with recycled shoe boxes, craft embellishments, duct tape, aluminum foil, 'bait', and \u003cem\u003eanything\u003c\/em\u003e else they can think of, students will work all week to create \u003cem\u003ethe perfect leprechaun trap\u003c\/em\u003e! Meanwhile, Lucky is up to no good:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonday students will find that Lucky has turned all of their chairs backwards. Paired with Lorna's Balian's \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLeprechauns Never Lie\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, your kindergartners will begin to understand just how tricky leprechauns can be!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn Tuesday, students will arrive to discover that their pesky little friend has messed with their name plates, putting them {upside down!} on different desks!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWednesday brings 'inside-out desks' - where Lucky takes everything from inside the desk and places it on top. Linda Shute's \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eClever Tom \u0026amp; the Leprechaun\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e gets the literature spotlight and, along with how clever they are, students learn for the first time that leprechauns can be trapped!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn Thursday, Lucky strikes again - scattering desks and turning the classroom posters upside down. After a reading of Jana Dillon's \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLucky 'O Leprechaun\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, where two children and their grand aunts devise a plan to catch a leprechaun {and are successful!}, students will make their own traps to set before leaving school that afternoon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFriday, Lucky brings a magical surprise! Children will walk in to find Lucky's \"pot o' gold\" and a sample of Lucky's Magical Powder in the center of the classroom. After a reading of Pamela Duncan Edwards' \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Leprechaun's Gold\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, where students learn a priceless lesson about generosity and humility, invite students to enjoy the treats their little classroom leprechaun has brought to share.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor fantastic ideas on 'capturing' Lucky, a recipe for Lucky's Magical Powder, several writing exercises to inspire student creativity, and various St. Patty's Day themed activities {that cross multiple subjects!}, be sure to visit Mrs. Dicken's full lesson post at TeacherShare!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734104940569,"sku":"A2926","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Clever-Tom.jpg?v=1522781700"},{"product_id":"out-of-this-world-space-activities-a2927","title":"Out of This World Space Activities!","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for a way to breathe new life into your space unit, look no further. Julie, kindergarten teacher and brilliance behind the classroom blog \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/mrsleeskinderkids.blogspot.com\/2011\/03\/space-centers-and-activities.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMrs. Lee's Kindergarten\u003c\/a\u003e, has put together a phenomenal lineup of \"space stations\" that will have your kiddos learning and having a blast! Here are a few of our favorite activities:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-509 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Rocket-Number-Order.jpg\" alt=\"rocket themed number sequencing kindergarten lesson\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: mrsleeskinderkids.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCounting \u0026amp; Number Sequencing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Blastoff! \u003c\/em\u003ePutting a twist on this familiar countdown sequence, Lee invites her students to fill out this fun rocket-themed printable at the math space station - completing each number sequence in order to help the rockets make their way to space. Students practiced counting and writing numbers 1 through 26. This, of course, can be altered to meet the skill level of your kinders.\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eColorful Astronauts \u0026amp; Writing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLee invited her students to review colors, color words, the week's sight word {\"here\"}, and basic sentence structure using a fun story chart and interactive story worksheets at the writing space station.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-508 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Color-Story-Chart.jpg\" alt=\"astronaut themed color story chart\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: mrsleeskinderkids.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the worksheet, students copied sentences from the story chart, penning both the sight and color word {using a graphic art tool of the appropriate color} as well as coloring the astronaut next to the sentence. Lee's worksheet works perfectly for this activity, but you might also consider designing an interactive emergent reader {the sentence formatting would stay the same, but there would be one on each page and the astronaut would most likely be bigger}. Students \u003cem\u003elove\u003c\/em\u003e making their own books and would get extra fine motor practice as they punch holes and use a binder ring to assemble their work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-510 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/vowel-stamping.jpg\" alt=\"vowel sounds and stamping space themed kindergarten lesson\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: mrsleeskinderkids.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVowel Sounds \u0026amp; Stamping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHouston, we have a problem!\u003c\/em\u003e At the literacy space station, students were presented with an important mission - the vocabulary words on the worksheet {helpfully accompanied by a picture of the object} have returned from space with the wrong vowel, find the correct vowel and fix the 'mixed up' words. Lee had students use letter stamps - a great fine motor activity - but you could also use letter stickers, markers, or other tools for the activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese fantastic activities only brush the surface of the many fun space stations Mrs. Lee designed to go along with her space unit. Be sure to visit her full post for more great ideas!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734105104409,"sku":"A2927","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Rocket-Number-Order.jpg?v=1522781701"},{"product_id":"space-boy-space-thematic-unit-a2928","title":"Space Boy - Space Thematic Unit","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe stumbled across some more great space activities at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/totallytots.blogspot.com\/2011\/03\/once-upon-book-space-boy.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eTotally Tots\u003c\/a\u003e {posted by Jenn of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mama-jenn.blogspot.com\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMama Jenn\u003c\/a\u003e another fantastic blog\/resource for early childhood educators!} and just had to share! She introduced the unit by reading Leo Landry's \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpace Boy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, then 'blasted' into some fantastic lessons! Here are a few highlights -- as always, you'll have to visit the original post for the activities, printables, and full lesson plan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-516\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Space-Matching.jpg\" alt=\"a is for astronaut rocket silhouette matching game math kindergarten lesson\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: totallytots.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpace Silhouette Matching\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatching games provide a great tool for improving memory, teaching the concepts of grouping and sorting, and strengthening both problem solving and critical thinking skills. Adding silhouettes to the mix provides a unique challenge in and of itself - students are forced to observe the overall shape of the object, instead of using other {more eye catching} details to identify them. In this game, students are invited to match space-themed objects to their silhouette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-514\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Space-Colors.jpg\" alt=\"space themed color recognition game and kindergarten lesson\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: totallytots.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpace Color Recognition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this exciting game {designed by Jenn herself!}, students are charged with an important mission - help get the rockets back home. Using a customized die, each side containing a different color rocket, your kindergartners will take turns rolling the die, identifying the color rolled, and marking off the appropriate cloud path until each rocket is safely guided back to Earth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-517\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Space-Math.jpg\" alt=\"space themed kindergarten math activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: totallytots.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpace Math \u0026amp; Fine Motor Skills\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudents will use the rocket cards to brush up on numeracy, counting, and fine motor skills, by identifying the number on the card, counting the appropriate number of link manipulatives, and attaching them to the card. If this activity is to simple, consider using the cards to form addition and subtraction problems. You can also switch the type of manipulatives used in the activity {based on what's in your classroom and the interests of your students!}.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit Jenn's full post other great ideas including literature to read, a language building exercise, a patterning lesson, gross motor skill ideas, games, and more!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734105333785,"sku":"A2928","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Space-Matching.jpg?v=1522781702"},{"product_id":"creating-mental-images-amp-successful-readers-a2929","title":"Creating Mental Images \u0026amp; Successful Readers","description":"\u003cp\u003eEffective readers create vivid images, even 'films', in their minds as they read. Teach your kindergartners how to cultivate this skill using these fantastic exercises from Deanna Jump, kindergarten teacher and creator of the site, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mrsjumpsclass.com\/readersworkshop.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMrs. Jump's Class\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-521 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Mental-Images-1.jpg\" alt=\"cultivating mental images kindergarten lesson plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.mrsjumpsclass.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMental Images: Before \u0026amp; After\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelect a poem that inspires vivid imagery. Read your students part of the poem, leaving out the last couple of lines, then invite your kindergartners to draw their most intense mental image. With this exercise completed, reread the poem, this time include the missing lines. Have your students complete the exercise once again. When mounted side-by-side, the images can be quite telling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-522 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Mental-Images-2.jpg\" alt=\"creating mental images kindergarten reading lesson plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.mrsjumpsclass.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMental Images: Plot, Characters, \u0026amp; More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelect a story that weaves a vivid tale. Read it to your students, choosing an element for them to focus on - a character, part of the plot, the setting, etc. After story time, invite your students to recreate their most intense mental image (as related to the element chosen). Have them provide 'evidence' from the story to back up their picture. This exercise will help your students cultivate the skill of creating mental images, as well as build their writing skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more great writing workshops and thematic activities, be sure to visit the full post at Mrs. Jump's Class!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734105563161,"sku":"A2929","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Mental-Images-1.jpg?v=1522781704"},{"product_id":"having-fun-with-rainbows-a2931","title":"Having Fun with Rainbows","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-536  \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/copyright-katherine-marie-2977.jpg\" alt=\"rainbow activities for kindergarten\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: katherinemariephotography.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you sneak them into your unit on weather or add them to your St. Patrick's Day lesson plan, these rainbow-themed activities from Katherine at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/katherinemariephotography.com\/blog\/archives\/8304\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKatherine Marie Photography\u003c\/a\u003e are dynamic, unique, and fantastic! We really can't choose any favorites {everything looks like so much fun, seriously!}, so here are a few highlights!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFun with Rainbows\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePaint Chip Puppets\u003c\/em\u003e. Attach a craft stick and wiggle eyes to recycled paint chips to create fun puppets for pretend play. Enlist the help of your students to come up with some creative color names and act out some fun scenes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eClothespin Color Matching\u003c\/em\u003e. Attach strips of colored paper to a card stock cutout of the letter \"R\". Paint a clothespin to match each color and, when dry, invite your students to clip the clothespin to its appropriate spot on the cutout. To make it more challenging for your kindergartners, consider adding a sight word component. For example, create a key that corresponds one sight word with one color. Write each sight word onto an unpainted clothespin. Invite students to consult the key to figure out where to clip the clothespins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eColor Sorting \u0026amp; Math.\u003c\/em\u003e Find a plastic storage container {for sewing, etc.}, placing one colored number card - two through twelve - at the bottom of each section. Invite you students to roll a die, write down the first number, roll it a second time then add the results of both rolls together, placing an object in the appropriate space on their 'game tray'. Students should continue until they've rolled each sum and there is an object in each section on the tray.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more fantastic rainbow activities that can be tailored to the skill level and interests of your students, be sure to visit Katherine's full post!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734106054681,"sku":"A2931","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/copyright-katherine-marie-2977.jpg?v=1522781707"},{"product_id":"my-little-sister-hugged-an-ape-literature-math-amp-more-a2934","title":"\"My Little Sister Hugged An Ape\" - Literature, Math, \u0026amp; More!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-553 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/sister-book-cover.jpg\" alt=\"Bill Grossman's My Little Sister Hugged An Ape book cover\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: teachinginhighheels.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeidi, first grade teacher and creator of the site, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/swampfrogfirstgraders.blogspot.com\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eSwamp Frog First Graders\u003c\/a\u003e, designed this great lesson based off Bill Grossman's \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMy Little Sister Hugged an Ape\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e. With its fantastic imagery, sensory vocabulary, and humorous prose, this literature selection offers several great activities that your kindergartners are sure to love!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSensory Vocabulary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing a page from the book as an example, discuss sensory words and how they can make a \u003cem\u003ebig\u003c\/em\u003e difference in storytelling. For example, the two sentences below are vastly different:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy sister hugged an eel. She liked its feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy sister hugged an eel. She liked its \u003cstrong\u003eslippery\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eslimy\u003c\/strong\u003e feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you read the rest of the story, invite your students to look for other sensory words. After a complete reading, take the book page by page, listing the new sensory words your students have discovered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSensory Writing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping in mind the power of sensory words and using the newly created list as an example, invite your students to create new pages for the story. Begin by brainstorming a list of animals as a class and have students vote for their favorite selection when the list is complete. Tally the votes to determine the top two choices, then divide the class in half, assigning an animal to each, and have each group come up with both prose and illustrations for their new page {divide your time equally between the groups for any questions, etc. that may arise - also, note that this project may span more than a day}. When the pages have been 'polished', have a final reading of Grossman's story, adding in your students' created pages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSensory Graphing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking from the list of sensory words discovered on the pages of Grossman's book, invite your students to complete a questionnaire, answering questions like, \"Have you ever touched something slimy?\", etc. Keep a running tally of your students' answers and use these to make a bar graph. Interpret the data, finding which experience was \"most shared\" by students, \"least shared\", etc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more pictures, a printable writing activity, and other lesson ideas, be sure to visit Heidi's full {guest} post at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/teachinginhighheels.blogspot.com\/2011\/03\/guest-blogger-heidi-from-swamp-frog.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eTeaching in High Heels\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734106349593,"sku":"A2934","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/sister-book-cover.jpg?v=1522781709"},{"product_id":"cut-or-draw-amp-tell-stories-a2935","title":"Cut - or Draw - \u0026amp; Tell Stories","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-564 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/cut-and-tell.jpg\" alt=\"cut and tell literacy activity for kindergartners and preschoolers\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.playbasedlearning.com.au\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo keep your kinders interested during story time {and to hopefully instill in them a love of storytelling and reading!}, it's important to vary your routine. Develop a voice for each of the characters, help students visualize the events of the story by acting it out or miming, add sound effects where appropriate - do what you can to keep them focused, interested, and even captivated by the story!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut and tell stories, as well as draw and tell stories, offer a fantastic break from traditional \"bound book storytelling\". They require the teller to truly know the story {allowing them to better relate the events, characters, and setting}, add an artistic element to the process, and usually provide a surprise ending when the cut object\/drawing is revealed!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo see how a cut and tell story works, check out this fantastic blog post from Sherry and Donna at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.playbasedlearning.com.au\/2011\/03\/cut-and-tell-story\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eIrresistible Ideas for Play Based Learning\u003c\/a\u003e. The duo also has a picture tutorial of a \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.playbasedlearning.com.au\/2011\/03\/the-ghost-on-petersons-farm\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003edraw and tell\u003c\/a\u003e story. You can find several resources for these types of stories online as well {or attempt to make your own from a new\/favorite story!}. One resource we thought was particularly helpful is this compilation of \"Draw \u0026amp; Tell\", \"Cut \u0026amp; Tell\", and \"Fold \u0026amp; Tell\" books from the \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.fremontlibrary.org\/UserFiles\/File\/youth\/foldandtell_pdf.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eFremont Public Library\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile certainly not practical for \u003cem\u003eevery\u003c\/em\u003e circle time, your students will have a blast with this new storytelling platform. You might even consider having \u003cem\u003ethem\u003c\/em\u003e give it a try...\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734106775577,"sku":"A2935","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/cut-and-tell.jpg?v=1522781711"},{"product_id":"thematic-problem-solving-books-a2936","title":"Thematic Problem Solving Books","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/i37.photobucket.com\/albums\/e62\/caralesley\/KPedersenButton-1.png\" alt=\"\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: growingkinders.blogspot.com\/\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKathleen, kindergarten teacher and creator of the blog, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/growingkinders.blogspot.com\/2011\/03\/daily-fix-it-math-problem-solving.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eGrowing Kinders\u003c\/a\u003e, recently shared a fantastic tool for organizing math problems and building problem solving skills, while also strengthening both reading and literacy skills - monthly problem solving books! Each booklet contains problems relating to themes, holidays, and units to be covered during the month. Take a look at these fantastic worksheets included in her March booklet featuring St. Patrick's Day, weather, and more!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere are 3 leprechauns. Each leprechaun is holding 2 pots of gold. How many pots of gold are there all together?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/march-1.jpg\" alt=\"st. patrick's day problem solving worksheet for kindergarten\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Growing Kinders\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are 6 kites flying in the air. There are three children on the ground. How many kites is each child holding?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/march-2.jpg\" alt=\"march weather themed problem solving worksheet for kindergarten\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Growing Kinders\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI want to make 2 kites. I have 6 ribbons to tie on the tail of each kite. How many ribbons does each kite get?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/march-3.jpg\" alt=\"march kite weather problem solving worksheet for kindergartners\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Growing Kinders\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesign a kite with four equal parts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/march-4.jpg\" alt=\"march kite equal parts problem solving worksheet for kindergarten\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Growing Kinders\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesign a kite with two equal parts that are symmetrical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/march-5.jpg\" alt=\"march kite weather symmetry problem solving worksheet for kindergarten\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Growing Kinders\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach entry in the booklet states the problem {using a combination of numerals and number words} in which students are required to highlight or circle words\/sounds recognized as well as underline important numbers and information. There is also a place for students to draw the solutions and compute\/display any pertinent number models. These booklets make great group instruction tools as well as quiet time activities!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck out the rest of Kathleen's fantastic resources at Growing Kinders!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734106972185,"sku":"A2936","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/bwe.png?v=1522781712"},{"product_id":"books-remember-writing-project-a2937","title":"\"Books Remember\" Writing Project","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-579 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/ICBD-Poster-2011.jpg\" alt=\"international children's book day poster 2011\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.ibby.org\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApril 2nd is International Children's Book Day (ICBD). Celebrated since 1967 {on or around the birthday of famous children's author, Hans Christian Anderson}, it is a day commemorated \"to inspire the love of reading and to call attention to children's books\" [\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.ibby.org\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eInternational Board on Books for Young People, IBBY\u003c\/a\u003e].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach year, a different country has the privilege of sponsoring ICBD, selecting both a theme for the celebration and inviting a well-known author to develop an overarching message and an illustrator to design a poster that will be used throughout the world to promote the festivities. This year's sponsor is Estonia and the theme is, \"The Book Remembers\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstonian author, Aino Pervik clarifies:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"Storybooks remember the things that you cannot find in old\ndocuments\". They capture how people of the time thought, what they dreamed of, what they might have been afraid of, and what made them happy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"The book remembers the time in which it was written\". Reading Charles Dickens, we are transported to the streets of 19th century London, by reading Mark Twain we travel down the channels of the 19th century Mississippi River with Huckleberry Finn and the gang, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe point: Because these authors lived and breathed in the time period, because they themselves were a part of it, their books sport vivid and accurate recollections of the people and places of history. Their stories \"remember\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriting Prompt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause your sutdents live and breathe in 2011 as a five or six year old boy or girl, they have a keen insight into the lives, dreams, thoughts, and feelings of 21st century kindergartners. In a simple exercise, invite your kiddos to write a short story about their day - from beginning to end. You might consider breaking this up into several prompts:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMy morning routine - who gets me up, what do I eat for breakfast, how do I get to school, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMy day at school - what my classroom is like, how many students are in my class, what we learn about, what learning technology we use, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMy day after I get off the bus - who's home to meet me, when do I do my homework, what games and activities do I like to play, who eats supper with me, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMy bedtime routine - when do I go to bed, who tucks me in, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContinue these simple exercises by inviting your students to create a \"dream book\" or an \"about me book\", using a simple notebook and magazine clippings to describe...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat I want to be when I grow up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat kind of car I want to drive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat my pet will look like.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnd so on and so on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's quite amazing to think about, once your students have completed and compiled these simple prompts and activities, someone from the future would be able to piece together numerous bits of information:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe thoughts and dreams of 21st century kindergartners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe 21st century family system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe 21st century education system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTechnology in the 21st century.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnd much more!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot only will these exercises help tie in the theme of International Children's Book Day, they make great keepsakes for parents!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734107168793,"sku":"A2937","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/ICBD-Poster-2011.jpg?v=1522781713"},{"product_id":"storytelling-with-fairy-tale-dice-a2938","title":"Storytelling with Fairy Tale Dice","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/4684106464.jpg\" alt=\"Life Is a Game of Chance\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto © 2010 \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/jeffanddayna\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eJeff Golden\u003c\/a\u003e | \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/46868900@N00\/4684106464\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info \u003c\/a\u003e (via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/www.wylio.com\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStorytelling is a fantastic way for your kindergartners to learn about sentence structure, practice building simple sentences, and strengthen sight word recognition. We found this great lesson example from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.education.com\/activity\/article\/speakaboo-fairy-tale-dice\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eEducation.com\u003c\/a\u003e lesson writer, Virginia Jean Herrod. In honor of International Children's Book Day {on April 2nd} and famous children's fairy tale author Hans Christian Anderson {whose birthday falls on the 2nd as well}, students will write their own fairy tale using several large dice - that's right, dice! The outline stays the same, but the possibilities are endless as your students \"roll\" and weave new fairy tales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFairy Tale Storytelling Dice\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst you'll need to create the props. With Styrofoam cubes {or square tissue boxes}, colorful paper, and clear contact paper make the following:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne character die. {Have students brainstorm and vote for their top six fairy tale characters.}\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne adjective die.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne residence die. {Have students brainstorm different types of houses\/buildings.}\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne place\/setting die.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWriting Stories\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVirginia suggests following a story model, filling in the blanks by rolling the correct die {kind of like a Mad Lib puzzle!}. Here is her example:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Once upon a time there was a...[Roll the character die and insert a character and\/or name].\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"...who lived in a...[roll both the adjective and residence dice and insert a description].\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"One day [character name] decided to go to...[Roll the place\/setting die and insert place]\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"...where she\/he met...[Roll the character die and insert a character and\/or name].\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHere's a completed beginning:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Once upon a time there was [a princess named Jasmine] who lived in a [messy apartment]. One day, Jasmine decided to go to [the corner store] where she met [Eeyore]...\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelp students continue the story by adding details and events based on the beginning sentences. What did Jasmine \u003cem\u003edo\u003c\/em\u003e at the corner store? Did she buy supplies to fix up her messy apartment? Did she even \u003cem\u003ecare\u003c\/em\u003e about the messy apartment? Do Jasmine and Eeyore become friends? And so on and so on. Whenever your child(ren) or students are ready for a new character or place, have them roll the dice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudents are \u003cem\u003esure\u003c\/em\u003e to have a blast with this exercise whether they work individually, in a small group, or as a class! At the end, compile a book of your {mixed up} fairy tales to enjoy throughout the year!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734107398169,"sku":"A2938","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/4684106464.jpg?v=1522781714"},{"product_id":"april-with-eric-carle-a-thematic-unit-a2939","title":"April with Eric Carle - A Thematic Unit","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-592 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Eric-Carle-2-017.jpg\" alt=\"Eric Carle kindergarten thematic unit\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: hicks-thealphabetgarden.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe works of Eric Carle {and the activities they inspire!} are a fabulous way to herald in the spring season! We found this great thematic unit at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/hicks-thealphabetgarden.blogspot.com\/2011\/03\/april-eric-carle.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThe Alphabet Garden\u003c\/a\u003e, a blog created by kindergarten teacher, Julie Hicks. Her teaching partner, Susan Johnson, brought the lesson to their classroom a few years back and it's become a spring staple! Here's a rundown of literature selections, learning objectives\/goals and\/or activities {you'll have to visit her site for the \u003cem\u003efull\u003c\/em\u003e workup though!}.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Very Hungry Caterpillar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate a fact page listing information learned about butterflies - their habitat, what they eat, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn the stages of the butterfly life cycle as well as explore the circular nature of a life cycle through drawing, illustration, and manipulative play.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice telling time with a word problem timelines of when the hungry caterpillar ate each item in the book.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn about symmetry using butterfly wings as examples.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice storytelling, sequencing, and identifying the basic parts of a story (beginning, middle, and end) by having students retell the story using a story board.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn to identify colors and color words.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice storytelling, sequencing, and identifying the basic parts of a story (beginning, middle, and end) by having students retell the story as they place character cards in the correct order on a story poster.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Grouchy Ladybug\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate a fact page listing information learned about beetles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn the stages of the ladybug life cycle, as well as explore the circular nature of a life cycle, through drawing and illustration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild fine motor skills and simple addition skills by having students use a hole punch to make the correct number of 'bite marks' in leaf cutouts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice storytelling, sequencing, and identifying the basic parts of a story (beginning, middle, and end) by having students retell the story with puppets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice problem solving skills and visual discrimination by putting together puzzles of the book cover.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild measuring skills (with non-standard units) by using ladybug manipulatives measure how big\/long\/tall classroom objects are in ladybug units.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Very Busy Spider\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate a fact page listing information learned about spiders.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompare\/contrast spiders with insects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice simple addition skills by having students draw the correct number of legs on spider bodies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Tiny Seed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate a fact page about the parts of a plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn the stages of the plant life cycle, as well as explore the circular nature of a life cycle, through drawing and illustration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild measuring skills (with non-standard units) by using ladybug manipulatives to measure how many ladybugs tall student flower crafts are.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many, many more project ideas - crafts, geography studies, author studies, etc - at The Alphabet Garden so be sure to head on over there for activity write-ups and pictures!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734107627545,"sku":"A2939","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Eric-Carle-2-017.jpg?v=1522781716"},{"product_id":"giddy-up-learning-about-the-pony-express-a2940","title":"Giddy-Up! Learning About the Pony Express","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/4068594446.jpg\" alt=\"Our Little Cowboy\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2009 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for Scott Schopieray\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/schopie1\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eScott Schopieray\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Our Little Cowboy'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/53346660@N00\/4068594446\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDid you know that the Pony Express was established on April 3rd, 1860? If you're looking for a fun 'mini-unit' to do with your kinders {or should we say, cowboys and cowgirls!}, that will teach them about the 'wild west' and the first mail system in the U.S., check out this lesson plan from Andrea J. Spillett, California kindergarten teacher and lesson plan contributor\/teacher blogger for \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www2.scholastic.com\/browse\/unitplan.jsp?id=231\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eScholastic Teachers\u003c\/a\u003e. Your kiddos are sure to have a blast!\n\u003cstrong\u003e\nLearning About the West\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss with your students what it was like to live in the 'wild west'. Here are some things to consider including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA geography lesson, showing your kinders the region on a map.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePictures of a traditional western town.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompare\/contrast education, technology, medicine, clothing, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDescribe a day in the life of a kindergartner\/child in the wild west.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWestern Law Enforcement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpillett likes to do a lesson on 'law enforcement' in the west - discussing civil responsibility, the importance of order and safety, and, of course, WANTED posters! After reading \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Legend Of Lightning Larry\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Aaron Shepard, she invites her students to come up with actions {silly or serious} that might be cause for them, or a classmate, to be \"wanted\" in the classroom (i.e. turning all the name plates upside down, walking backwards through the hallways, running in class, etc.). The children then make WANTED posters in true western style!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatterning Exercises\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTaking from the traditional western dancing style, Spillett invites her students to explore a new style of movement - finding patterns in the dance steps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWith floor color cards, students are invited to finish the pattern taped to the floor, then hop from card to card reciting the pattern (i.e. red\/green\/red\/green or yellow\/red\/red\/yellow\/red\/red, etc.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTo capture traditional western clothing styles, students make a bandana or bolero, incorporating patterning through fun bead embellishments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWestern Songs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"Clementine\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"Oh, Susanna\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"Home On The Range\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain!\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Pony Express\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss today's mail system {and the other ways we communicate with friends and family}. Explain to your students that, in the wild west, if your grandma wanted to send you a birthday card, it would travel by horse. In your discussion of the Pony Express, consider:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHaving your students complete an ordering\/problem solving activity, putting the following items in order by how long it would take a letter to travel from your city to another part of the country (from shortest to longest) - horse, rail, car, jet, etc. Discuss the answers; your students are sure to be amazed!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice addressing envelopes, stamping them {with fun stickers!}, and 'delivering' them to classmates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstruct a map of the school, creating a 'mail route' of the fastest way to deliver mail to other classes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more lesson ideas, extensions, and 'wild west' fun, be sure to visit Spillett's full post!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734107758617,"sku":"A2940","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/4068594446.jpg?v=1522781717"},{"product_id":"making-a-story-roll-writing-center-activity-a2942","title":"Making a Story Roll - Writing Center Activity","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/3164059182.jpg\" alt=\"How We Roll - 52 Stories - Pt 1\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2009 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for GorillaSushi\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/gorillasushi\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eGorillaSushi\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'How We Roll - 52 Stories - Pt 1'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/13589188@N00\/3164059182\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDid you know that April 10th {this Sunday} is \"Encourage a Young Writer Day\"? While you should inspire and cultivate your students' writing  skills every day, consider setting up a unique writing center activity  to recognize the day. \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/imaginationsoup.net\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eImagination Soup\u003c\/a\u003e guest contributor, Alida Bunder, suggests making story rolls - an  exercise that will get your students excited about making {and writing!}  books.\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eStory Rolls\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollect an assortment of recycled toilet paper, paper towel, and even wrapping paper rolls, as well as colored printer paper or construction paper in various colors. Before beginning the exercise, cut the materials to the appropriate heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf using toilet paper rolls, you'll need to cut a stack of paper to the height of 4-inches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf using a full paper towel roll, a standard sheet of paper will fit its 11-inch height.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoth paper towel and wrapping paper rolls can be cut down to fit the width of a standard piece of printer paper (8.5-inches) as well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf using non-standard paper (i.e. construction paper, scrapbook paper, etc.), you'll most likely have to cut both the cardboard tubes and the paper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith these pre-cut materials, invite your students to create a story roll! Have them place several sheets of paper end to end, creating one long sheet of paper using glue or double sided tape, and attach one end to the cardboard roll. Then, using each piece of paper as a \"story frame\" have your kiddos brainstorm a theme, write several story sentences, and use various graphic art tools, magazine clippings, etc. to illustrate their tale! When finished, roll the paper around the cardboard tube and secure with a colorful ribbon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour kinders are sure to have a blast with this exercise - it'll stretch their imagination, provide practice in proper sentence structure, and excite them to know that they've created their very own story book! In honor of their creations, set aside a shelf in the classroom library to display the books and invite other students, classes, teachers, etc. to come peruse the 'new literature'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734108446745,"sku":"A2942","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/3164059182.jpg?v=1522781720"},{"product_id":"gardening-writing-center-activities-for-spring-a2943","title":"Gardening Writing Center Activities for Spring","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-620 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Seed-book.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten spring gardening writing center activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.kellyskindergarten.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo go along with your spring gardening theme {and \"Encourage a Young Writer Day\"!}, we thought we'd share some great gardening writing center activities we found at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kellyskindergarten.com\/Monthly%20Centers\/April\/april_centers.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKelly's Kindergarten\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy Seed Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet out Kelly's interactive emergent reader printable, inviting your students to cut out the gardening and other vocabulary words {planted, raked, watered, forgot, went, away} and glue them to the correct page. Where there are writing spaces, have your students practice using and scripting the common sight word \"it\". While the pictures will help guide your students through the story, it might also be nice to complete an example book, presenting it at the beginning of the week so that students know what to expect when completing the writing center activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy Gardening Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave your students make special gardening journals using laminated seed packets for the covers {see our previous post on \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/ideas\/2917\/valentine-s-day-unit-writing-amp-literacy-center-activities\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eplaying card and recycled valentine journals\u003c\/a\u003e for directions\/inspiration!}. Each day, have students complete a prompt:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is your favorite fruit?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is your favorite vegetable?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat would you like to grow in your garden?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePretend that you planted a magic seed. Tell what happened!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDescribe what a gardener needs to do to make seeds grow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKelly suggests creating a prompt sheet that students can cut apart and paste into their journal each day. {She offers a free printable with the above prompts on her site!}\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe hope these writing center activities will help your students connect with the unit and be inspired to continue writing at school \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e home!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734108676121,"sku":"A2943","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Seed-book.jpg?v=1522781721"},{"product_id":"you-can-read-high-frequency-word-program-a2946","title":"You Can Read! - High Frequency Word Program","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-644 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/reading-1.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten literacy center activity shape words\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: 1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile she hasn't released the free printables yet, Carisa of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com\/2011\/04\/you-can-read.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e1+1+1=1\u003c\/a\u003e has put together a fantastic high frequency word program that will have you saying, \"You can read!\", to your exuberant kinders! Here's a glimpse at a few of the exercises in the packet - model your literacy center activities after them or hold out for the freebies!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShape Words.\u003c\/strong\u003e In this activity, your kiddos will locate and connect the dots between matching high frequency words. At the end of the exercise they'll be surprised to find that shapes have emerged on their mat!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConnect the Words.\u003c\/strong\u003e With this exercise, students gain exposure to high frequency words\/new vocabulary and build fine motor skills by tracing the line between matching words. As a variation, have students use scissors to cut the line, or provide them with ink pads and have them create a 'fingerprint line' to connect the words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord Puzzles.\u003c\/strong\u003e Students will practice problem solving, hone visual discrimination skills, and learn to recognize high frequency words with this fun puzzle activity. Set out a laminated base page for students to use as a guide, inviting them to match the letter puzzle pieces to their proper place on the sight word board, and when comfortable, remove the base page for a more challenging exercise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMixed Up Fonts.\u003c\/strong\u003e In this activity, students must search out and circle matching sight words using the color specified in the key. The challenge; the words are printed in different fonts making it important for students to look closely in order to make the correct matches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord Play Dough Mats.\u003c\/strong\u003e Help your kiddos strengthen fine motor skills, review proper letter formation, and gain exposure to high frequency words with fun play dough mats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOther activities you'll find at 1+1+1=1...\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSentence search\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh frequency word search\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWord tracing cards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWord BINGO\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColor by Word\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnd more!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis comprehensive high frequency word reading program is sure to be a great supplement to your lessons and the activities a fantastic addition to your literacy centers! Be sure to visit Carisa's blog for the details and updates about it's release!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734109167641,"sku":"A2946","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/reading-1.jpg?v=1522781724"},{"product_id":"sight-word-activities-amp-games-for-easter-a2952","title":"Sight Word Activities \u0026amp; Games for Easter","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-682 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/literacy-1.jpg\" alt=\"Spring Easter Sight Word Kindergarten Literacy Lesson\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: http:\/\/www.kellyskindergarten.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKelly, kindergarten teacher and creator of the site, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kellyskindergarten.com\/Monthly%20Centers\/April\/april_centers.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKelly's Kindergarten\u003c\/a\u003e, has designed some fantastic Easter sight word activities that would be ideal for spicing up your literacy centers this holiday season {she even offers a few printables!}. Here are a few center ideas that can be adapted to fit the needs of your classroom...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEaster Egg Puzzles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvite your kinders to strengthen sight word recognition and reading skills with these easy to create egg puzzles. Simply script a CVC\/sight word sentence onto the top half of a colorful egg cutout, adding an appropriate sticker or illustration on the bottom half, then laminate and cut apart {with unique lines - i.e. wavy, puzzle piece, zig zag, etc.}, inviting your students to make correct matches. Instead of full sentences, you could also script the CVC\/sight word onto both halves for more focused\/less complex matching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-684\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Egg-cellent-Spelling.jpg\" alt=\"Spring Easter Egg Sight Word Game Mat\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: http:\/\/www.kellyskindergarten.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEgg-cellent Spelling Game\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudents won't even know they're \"learning\" with this fantastic \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kellyskindergarten.com\/Games\/DollarStore\/dollar_store_delights_and_big_lo.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eCVC\/sight word spelling game\u003c\/a\u003e! Best played in a group of two or more, here's a list of the things you'll need:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge Easter basket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEaster eggs in assorted colors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall pails or Easter baskets {one for each player}\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEaster spoon or tongs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarious CVC\/sight word game mats {like the one above}\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a marker to script a letter onto the side of each plastic egg or place letter 'cards' inside the eggs {include each unique letter from the focus sight words}. Invite students to take turns scooping several eggs from the Easter basket and placing them in their personal game pail\/basket. As each child takes their turn, encourage the other players to begin opening their eggs and recording\/spelling the sight words on their game mat. After each player has had a turn, all eggs should be returned to the basked, carefully mixed, and the process repeated until someone has spelled all of the sight words on their game mat.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734110183449,"sku":"A2952","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/literacy-1.jpg?v=1522781730"},{"product_id":"perfectly-hatched-writing-activities-for-easter-a2953","title":"Perfectly \"Hatched\" Writing Activities for Easter","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-688 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/mvc-122s.jpg\" alt=\"Spring Easter Chick Kindergarten Writing Center Activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: http:\/\/www.mrsbeggskindergarten.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you're switching out your classroom centers for Easter, don't neglect the writing center! We found some fantastic ideas from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thekcrew.net\/spring.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThe K-Crew's spring unit\u003c\/a\u003e and from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mrsbeggskindergarten.com\/April.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMrs. Beggs' Kindergarten\u003c\/a\u003e that you don't want to miss!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJournal Prompts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this two-part prompt from The K-Crew, your kinders will be invited to use their imaginations, learn about empathy, and explore\/practice describing emotions. On the first day, have your students begin by drawing an egg with a tiny crack in it. After looking at pictures of animals that hatch from eggs, invite your kiddos to determine what type of animal might be waiting to hatch from \u003cem\u003etheir\u003c\/em\u003e egg {real or imagined!}. Set out markers, crayons, and other graphic art tools with which to decorate the egg {hopefully, the decorating process will inspire imaginative egg inhabitants!}. Below the illustrations, invite your students to think about how an animal trying to hatch might feel and what they might be thinking. Have them write a short response.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the second day, have your kiddos draw and color the fully hatched animal. Revisit how the animal might have felt before and invite your kinders to brainstorm how they might be feeling\/what they might be thinking now! Have them script several sentences in response.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEaster Chick Pop-Up Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMrs. Beggs invites her students to strengthen sight word recognition, practice letter formation, and practice reading aloud with her Easter pop-up book activity that follows the story of a hatching chick. For each page, students create {cut out and glue!} illustrations, copy the story text, and, when finished, take turns reading the story to their groupmates. [NOTE: For instructions on creating simple pop-up books, check out this post at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.ehow.co.uk\/how_5019292_make-pop-up-book.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eeHow\u003c\/a\u003e.] For directions on setting up this writing center, be sure to visit Mrs. Beggs' full post!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734110380057,"sku":"A2953","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/mvc-122s.jpg?v=1522781731"},{"product_id":"storytelling-games-that-engage-the-imagination-a2954","title":"Storytelling Games That Engage the Imagination!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-692 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/5202776729_035e568c76_m.jpg\" alt=\"Kindergarten Reading and Storytelling Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.flickr.com\/photos\/jm_photos\/5202776729\/\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince this Wednesday {the 27th} is \"Tell a Story Day\", we thought it would be great to find some storytelling games that will help your kinders engage their imagination, review the parts of a story, and practice constructing a tale from beginning to end. Here are some fantastic ideas from Dianne at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.storyconnection.net\/?content=games\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThe Story Connection\u003c\/a\u003e!\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Magic Story Bag\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this activity, divide students into groups of four, offering each group member a paper bag with a surprise object in it {the four objects should be the same for each group}. Taking turns, have students open their bag and tell a short story about the \"magical\" object they find inside! As an activity extension, consider regrouping the students by the object that was in their bag and, after retelling their stories, choose one to illustrate\/make into a book to share with the class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Spinning\" Stories\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo prepare for the activity, unravel a ball of yarn, tying a knot every three to five feet, then re-wrap the knotted string back into a ball. To play, invite your kinders to sit in a tight circle and demonstrate how to play by telling the beginning of a story, unraveling the yarn ball as you talk. When you reach the first knot, toss the yarn to a student in the circle and invite them to continue the story as they spin the string. This process continues until the story is complete. Dianne suggests reviewing the parts of the story as you go along, reminding students of they're task {i.e. crafting the beginning, the body, the climax, etc.}. Tell as many stories as it takes to give each student a turn!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more storytelling game ideas, be sure to visit Dianne's site for the full post!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734110511129,"sku":"A2954","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/5202776729_035e568c76_m.jpg?v=1522781732"},{"product_id":"rhyme-time-learning-with-mother-goose-a2955","title":"Rhyme Time - Learning With Mother Goose","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e{May 1st is \"Mother Goose Day\" so we thought it would be fun to unearth some fun, last minute rhyme-inspired lessons for you to consider using in your learning centers. Here's are a few of our favorites from Michelle Hubbard and her family \"Rhyme Time\" event at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.hubbardscupboard.org\/nursery_rhyme_activities.html#ScheduleforRhymeTime\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eHubbard's Cupboard\u003c\/a\u003e!}\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-822 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Rhyming-Cards.jpg\" alt=\"Kindergarten Rhyming Cards\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumpty Dumpty Egg Shell Rhymes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreate simple two-piece rhyme puzzles from egg shapes by cutting them in half {using unique lines for each cutout, of course!} and pasting images of rhyming words onto either side. If you don't know where to start, we suggest using the rhyming cards found in this \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com\/2011\/04\/birds-preschool-pack-bird-printables.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eBird Preschool Pack\u003c\/a\u003e from Jolanthe at Homeschool Creations. She offers a total of six pairs that are sure to work perfectly on your egg shell puzzles {or just provide a little inspiration to help you create your \u003cem\u003eown\u003c\/em\u003e rhyming pairs!}. Once students have completed each egg puzzle, consider inviting them to think of more words that fit into each group {i.e. eggs, legs, begs, pegs}.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwinkle, Twinkle Beginning Sounds \u0026amp; Ordering\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreate a makeshift \"clothesline\" in your literacy center. Gather twenty-six wooden clothespins, scripting one letter of the alphabet onto each, and clip them to the line in order {or leave them in a basket by the line so your \u003cem\u003estudent's\u003c\/em\u003e first order of business will be to place them in the proper order}. Brainstorm and collect an image of objects that start with each letter of the alphabet, pasting these onto star cutouts. To complete the activity, have students match and clip the image to the clothespin with the appropriate beginning sound. As Michelle says, once the student has clipped all the \"stars up in the sky\", head over and check their work. [NOTE: You might consider, forgoing the clothesline, and creating the activity board to look like the night sky. Sprinkle alphabet stars across the board and add a Velcro dot on the bottom of each for students to attach smaller 'picture' stars to them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese activities only brush the surface of what Michelle has compiled at her site, so be sure to head on over there for more inspiration!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734110642201,"sku":"A2955","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Rhyming-Cards.jpg?v=1522781733"},{"product_id":"journaling-with-mother-goose-a2956","title":"Journaling with Mother Goose","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you're putting together a Mother Goose\/nursery rhyme unit for you kinders, don't forget these fantastic journal prompts from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thekcrew.net\/mothergoose.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThe K-Crew\u003c\/a\u003e! We created several printable worksheets of our favorite activities to make integration a snap, but we didn't make one for \u003cem\u003eevery\u003c\/em\u003e prompt, so make sure to visit the full post for more ideas!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Nursery Rhymes Writing and Journal Prompt Kindergarten Lesson\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Humpty_Dumpty_Prompt.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumpty Dumpty \u0026amp; His Fall.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e Invite your students to get into the nursery rhyme with this fun prompt and printable! Your kiddos will get in touch with their artistic side, drawing a picture of Humpty Dumpty's great fall, and use their imagination to write about what happened to all the pieces. As an extension to the journal prompt, consider having your students create \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/ideas\/2308\/exciting-sometimes-messy-sculpture-crafts\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ethese fantastically fun egg shell sculptures!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Mother Goose Journal Writing Prompt Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Humpty_Prompt.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumpty Dumpty Sequencing.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e Invite your students to \"dissect\" the rhyme, capturing the main events {in the proper sequence!} through illustration and a brief description with this printable. For a more guided approach, provide your kiddos with descriptions to cut and paste in the appropriate spots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Rhyming Word Literacy Kindergarten Journal Prompt\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Rhyming_Words_Prompt.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRhyming Pairs.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e As a culmination to your study of Mother Goose and nursery rhymes, invite your students to create their own rhyming pairs, drawing a picture of items that rhyme {i.e. leg\/egg, vest\/nest, etc}. Use this printable or one of your own, inviting your kiddos to get some extra printing practice by scripting the words under the pictures as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBe sure to visit The K-Crew's site for more journal prompts and nursery rhyme unit inspiration!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Digital Download","offer_id":1734110871577,"sku":"A2956","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Humpty_Dumpty_Prompt.jpg?v=1522781735"},{"product_id":"pie-charts-amp-storytelling-a-unique-approach-to-inspiring-tales-a2957","title":"Pie Charts \u0026amp; Storytelling: A Unique Approach to Inspiring Tales","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-836\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Story3.jpg\" alt=\"Kindergarten Literacy Storytelling Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003eElise, mother and creator of the site, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/etadventures.blogspot.com\/2011\/04\/imagine-pie-charts.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eInspiration Surrounds... Creativity Abounds!\u003c\/a\u003e, has put together a wonderful storytelling aid that will help your kinders think about objects in new ways, use their imagination, and inspire some great tales! She calls them 'imagine pie charts' and provides several examples to print and use {as well as to inspire \u003cem\u003eyou\u003c\/em\u003e in creating your own storytelling aids!}.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImagine Pie Charts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElise's pie charts are great because they invite your kiddos to think about situations, characters, etc. from a different perspective. Best used in a small group or one-on-one setting {or even as a morning writing prompt!}, each chart contains four distinct images that can be used to stretch your students' imaginations. As your kinders take turns spinning the image \"wheel\", consider exploring one or more of these guided storytelling approaches:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvite your students to pretend they are the object in the picture. Have them describe what a typical day might look like for this particular item\/character. Discuss each segment of the day {morning, afternoon, and evening} separately to help your kiddos make connections and provide more detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide your students with focus questions to answer or scenarios to think about. For instance, if the image wheel showed a flower, you might ask\/prompt them to imagine - what it would be like to live on a flower, what the earth\/a storm might be like if it rained flowers, etc. Consider creating unique journaling pages that explore each prompt {see picture below for examples}.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave your students consider what the object\/character is like by having them explore - what it might feel like, what it might look like, what it might sound like, what it might smell like, and what it might taste like {optional}.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-839\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Story5.jpg\" alt=\"Kindergarten Storytelling Journal Prompt Worksheets\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNursery Rhyme Extension\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince many kindergarten classrooms incorporate a nursery rhyme unit {and since May 1st was \"Mother Goose Day\"} consider creating nursery rhyme imagine pie charts using images, characters, and items from popular nursery rhymes. For example, to go along with \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLittle Miss Muffet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e you might include a spider, porridge, a bowl and a spoon, and Miss Muffet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe sure to visit Elise's full post for the directions and printables, and while you're there, be sure to peruse her site for other awesome early childhood activities!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734110969881,"sku":"A2957","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Story3.jpg?v=1522781735"},{"product_id":"contellations-amp-planets-fun-space-day-activities-a2958","title":"Contellations \u0026amp; Planets - Fun Space Day Activities","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/1121058121.jpg\" alt=\"Pleiades Star Cluster\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2007 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for Nick Ares\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/aresauburnphotos\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eNick Ares\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Pleiades Star Cluster'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/9993075@N06\/1121058121\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe found these fantastic space activities at the site, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.angelfire.com\/al\/ToTheStarsAndBack\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eTo The Stars And Back\u003c\/a\u003e, a collaborative project undertaken by four university students attempting to integrate space and language arts. Here are two of our favorite projects that would be perfect for the writing center!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreating New Constellations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter showing your kinders pictures of constellations and regaling them with stories of how they came to be, provide your students with some black construction paper, silver star stickers, and white chalk, inviting them to create and name a new constellation. When finished, have them write a few sentences about the origin of their group of stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePostcards from Pluto\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo go along with your lessons about our solar system and the unique planets that make it up, invite your kinders to imagine what it would be like to live or take a vacation on their favorite planet. Provide them with a 4” x 6” blank index card, having them decorate the front with what they imagine the planet {their home or vacation spot} would look like and, on the other side, write a quick message to friends or family back on Earth, incorporating details they've learned about the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734111133721,"sku":"A2958","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/1121058121.jpg?v=1522781736"},{"product_id":"cross-curricular-space-day-fun-a2959","title":"Cross-Curricular Space Day Fun!","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/2924217723.jpg\" alt=\"Space, Space, Space\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2008 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for oewf\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/oewf\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eoewf\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Space, Space, Space'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/9054823@N08\/2924217723\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKindergarten teacher, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.space.ecsd.net\/po%20Space%202.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMrs. Opyr\u003c\/a\u003e, shares some wonderful learning center activities that would be the perfect addition to your space unit or \"Space Day\" lesson plans. The best part is, the activities aren't limited to science, but have language arts, math, and writing components as well! Here's a sample of our favorite activities!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExploring Parts of a Day {and the Parts of a Story!}\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust as a day has two distinct parts, daytime and nighttime, a story has several basic, but distinct parts; it has a beginning, a middle, and an end. To study this idea, as well as brush up on the concept of sequencing, Mrs. Opyr read Nancy Davidson's \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNight and Day\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e {part of the Ginn First Collections program} and then invited her students to illustrate the main events that happened in each part of the book. Have your kinders fold a piece of paper in thirds or provide them with a worksheet {like the one below}.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-850\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Space_BME1.jpg\" alt=\"Kindergarten Space Lesson Worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNext, she invited each of her students to use their \"story boards\" to retell the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor a practice round, and to work out the sequencing \"kinks\", divide students into groups of three and have them take turns telling each other the story.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinally, have the group \"perform\" the story {each taking a section} in front of the class or invite the students to your desk, individually, to demonstrate their listening skills and their grasp of sequencing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a spin-off of the story, discuss as a class the differences between night and day {i.e. at night we see the stars and the moon v. during the day we see the sun (and sometimes the moon!), but not the other stars, etc}. Talk about the activities that usually take place during the daytime versus the activities we normally do at night. Invite your students to journal about their very different day and night routines - drawing activities from each and penning a several descriptive sentences - using prepared journal pages {like the ones below} or blank page in their notebook.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-851\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Space_ND.jpg\" alt=\"Preschool and Kindergarten Space Journal Prompt Worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Space Learning Centers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese two activities work perfectly for your literacy\/writing centers. Mrs. Opyr suggests the following for your other learning centers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eScience Learning Centers.\u003c\/em\u003e 1) Space Suit Scientific Drawings. Create life-size astronauts by tracing students' bodies and using graphic art tools to decorate. Draw and label the parts of the space suit. 2) Moon Sand Sensory Table. Fill the sensory table with \"moon\" sand, inviting students to sift for moon rocks and other space related objects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eMath Learning Centers.\u003c\/em\u003e 1) Make Mooncake. Students will get hands on experience with making accurate measurements as well as learn to follow directions. 2) Moon Rock Measuring. Measure the life-size astronauts {made at the science center} in moon rock units. Graph the results to find who is \"the most moon rocks tall\", who is \"the least moon rocks tall\", etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eWriting Learning Centers.\u003c\/em\u003e 1) Space Play Dough Mats. Print space vocabulary words onto card stock {be sure to laminate!} and invite students to form and \"trace\" the words with play dough letters. 2) Write a Book. Collaborate as a class to write and illustrate a book. Mrs. Opyr suggests modeling the book after Carle's \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrown Bear, Brown Bear\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e - be sure to visit her space page for the details!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe activities just scratch the surface of the many ideas Mrs. Opyr shares on her space page so be sure to head on over there and check it out!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734111264793,"sku":"A2959","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/2924217723.jpg?v=1522781737"},{"product_id":"sight-word-games-for-kinders-a2960","title":"Sight Word Games for Kinders","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-857\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/sight-word-games.jpg\" alt=\"Sight Word Literacy Learning Game Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: fabulousinfirst.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's nice to have a list of educational\/back-up activities and games on hand for substitute teachers, transitions between activities, the last several minutes of the day, and even for those occasions when you get through an activity or lesson early. First grade teacher, Michelle Oakes, of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/fabulousinfirst.blogspot.com\/2011\/05\/sight-words.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eFabulous in First\u003c\/a\u003e, shares some of her students' favorite sight word games that are sure to provide some fun options and inspiration as you set about creating your own list! {Or maybe just \u003cem\u003eupdate\u003c\/em\u003e the list you already have!}\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's great about the post is that she includes a printable list of the activities {describing the rules of each game, playing suggestions, etc} so all you have to do is print several copies and place them in their appropriate files or folders {i.e. \"Substitute Binder\", \"Classroom Games \u0026amp; Activities\", etc} with a list of focus sight words. To update, simply place a revised or amended word list in the folder after each unit and you'll make certain that your students are getting the proper review while still having lots of fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHead on over to Michelle's website to check it out! Your students will be asking to play \"The Eraser Game\", \"Mind Reader\", and her other exciting learning games in no time!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734111723545,"sku":"A2960","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/sight-word-games.jpg?v=1522781739"},{"product_id":"making-reading-fun-word-play-a2961","title":"Making Reading Fun - Word Play!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-862\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/IMG_8795_thumb1.jpg\" alt=\"Reading Literacy Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: 1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe agree wholeheartedly with Carisa of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com\/2011\/05\/word-play-learning-to-read-is-fun.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e1+1+1=1\u003c\/a\u003e, \"learning to read doesn’t always involve a book or a piece of paper\"! If you're looking for hands-on word play activities Carisa offers a fantastic list of ideas {that she continues to add to!} to help foster in your kinders a love of learning and reading! You'll have to visit her blog for the full post, but we thought we'd highlight a few of our favorites!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriting with Manipulatives.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e A perfect 'quiet' afternoon activity, this exercise focuses on fine motor skills as well as sight word review. After calling out a word or rolling a sight word die, invite your kiddos to write the word with small manipulatives {beads, mini erasers, floral beads\/jewels...the possibilities are endless!}.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThrow \u0026amp; Read. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eStrengthening gross motor skills and sight word recognition, this activity works great as an outdoor learning activity or on a rainy afternoon when your kiddos have the wiggles. On their turn, students attempt to catch then quickly drop the sight word die, calling out the word it lands on. Consider having students stand in a circle tossing the die around\/across until each child has had a turn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBe sure to check out the rest of Carisa's activities and the links to other website\/blog ideas at the bottom of the post. While books, worksheets, and pencils have their place, your kiddos are sure to enjoy these fun reading exercises!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734111985689,"sku":"A2961","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/IMG_8795_thumb1.jpg?v=1522781741"},{"product_id":"magnificent-may-math-center-ideas-a2962","title":"Magnificent May Math Center Ideas!","description":"\u003cp\u003eAllie Magnuson, Scholastic Classroom Solutions blogger, has put together an incredible list of math activities, exercises, and games for the month of May! Her exciting themes, spanning from \"The Price Is Right, Kindergarten Edition\" to a classroom \"Counting Party\", are sure to get your kinders excited and ready to learn! We especially loved her frog themed center ideas and thought we'd share a few of the highlights along with some extensions {as always, you'll have to head on over to Allie's blog for the full scoop!}...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-869\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Fly-Counting-Cards-2.jpg\" alt=\"May Math Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatching Flies.\u003c\/strong\u003e Allie made fly counting cards, set them up as a \"game mat\" on the floor {or another hard surface}, and invited her students to take turns tossing a bean bag frog onto the mat, counting the number of dots on the fly counting card on which it landed, and collecting the appropriate number of plastic flies. As an extension, consider creating multiple versions of the fly counting cards {like our example} - dots, numerals, number words, tally marks, etc. - to help your students practice recognizing numbers and number words as well as counting!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, you might also consider having your kiddos use the fly counting cards to play a fun game. Create several yogurt cup frogs {like these at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.suite101.com\/content\/green-friends-yogurt-cup-crafts-a90083\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eSuite 101\u003c\/a\u003e}. The only thing you'll want to remember when crafting; do not flip the yogurt container over. Leave the opening at the top to create 'frog cups'. Provide each player with a frog and set the stack of fly counting cards face down in the center of the circle along with a bowl of plastic flies. Have students take turns drawing a card, identifying the number of dots, numeral, etc. and counting out the correct number of flies into their cup. To make the game interesting, add several extra cards to the stack. For instance, you might include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGive 2 flies to the player on your right.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree flies escape, place them back in the bowl.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnother frog steals your flies, place them all back in the bowl.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudents continue play until one player collects 30 flies {or another number of your choosing}. For younger students, who may not prefer to keep a running total, add in one 'frog card' to the deck. The student who draws this card wins the game.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eFor more fantastic May math ideas, be sure to visit Allie's full post \u0026gt;\u0026gt; \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/blogs.scholastic.com\/classroom_solutions\/2011\/05\/merry-math.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMerry Math Ideas for May\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734112149529,"sku":"A2962","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Fly-Counting-Cards-2.jpg?v=1522781742"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/collections\/Sight-Word-Sundae-1.jpg?v=1530027921","url":"https:\/\/www.supplyme.com\/collections\/kindergarten-literacy-lesson-plans\/skill-punctuation.oembed","provider":"SupplyMe","version":"1.0","type":"link"}