{"title":"Kindergarten Writing Lesson Plans","description":null,"products":[{"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":"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-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-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-creative-writing-amp-mapmaking-a2898","title":"Maps in Kindergarten: Creative Writing \u0026 Mapmaking","description":"\u003cp\u003ePat Hutchins' \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRosie's Walk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e provides a great introduction to maps in your kindergarten classroom. It \u003cem\u003ealso\u003c\/em\u003e inspires several wonderful projects to help strengthen your students' creative writing, sequencing, and mapmaking skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreative Writing \u0026amp; Mapmaking As A Class\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvite your students to create a story together. Provide them with two settings - the playground or the park - and have them vote on which \u003cem\u003eadventure\u003c\/em\u003e they would like to go on. Armed with a camera (to take pictures of your students acting out each phrase), head outside and \"write\" a new story:\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/cdn.tristro.net\/uploads\/ideas\/post\/Kindergarten-Walk.jpg\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-197\" alt=\"park and playground story examples\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Kindergarten-Walk.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\nAfter reviewing the story, have students create a story map. With a piece of card stock and graphic art tools or construction paper cutouts, invite students to design a map of the playground or park, including the important story landmarks. Have them trace a path through the map, denoting the order in which each place was visited.\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndividual Creative Writing \u0026amp; Mapmaking\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a manner similar to Hutchins' book, have students (with the help of an adult) detail their morning route to school.\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/cdn.tristro.net\/uploads\/ideas\/post\/Individual-Writing-Project.jpg\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-201\" alt=\"example individual writing project\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Individual-Writing-Project.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\nAlso have them create a story map like the example below.\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/cdn.tristro.net\/uploads\/ideas\/post\/Individual-Mapmaking-Project.jpg\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-202\" alt=\"story map including a bus house pothole railroad crossing sign bridge library and school house\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Individual-Mapmaking-Project.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\nYour students will have a blast as they brush up on their writing, sequencing, and mapmaking skills!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734093504537,"sku":"A2898","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Kindergarten-Walk.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":"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":"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":"transportation-unit-a2914","title":"Transportation Unit","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/1368677930.jpg\" alt=\"Weird School Bus\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n    \tphoto © 2007 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for Kevin\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/17021192@N00\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKevin\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t|\n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Weird School Bus'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/17021192@N00\/1368677930\" 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\u003eTricia Bardillo, a \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.lessonplanspage.com\/SSMDOTransportationUnitK.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eHotChalk® LessonPlansPage\u003c\/a\u003e contributor, created this awesome, multidisciplinary transportation unit that is sure to be a hit with the kindergarten crowd! She includes writing, reading, and pretend play exercises, as well as other center activities for the week, constructing the lesson around four different forms of transportation: cars, buses, bicycles, and trains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriting Center Activities\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate transportation journals where students can draw and write about their favorite modes of transportation (i.e. bicycles, airplanes, helicopters, etc.). Consider providing each child with a set of transportation flash cards like the examples below. They are simple to make - all you need is word processing software, free clipart images from the internet, and a printer! \u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-331\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Transportation-Unit-Flash-Cards.jpg\" alt=\"example transportation vehicle flash cards\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003eInvite students to paste the card into their journal - coloring it and tracing the word - and write descriptive words in the opposite page or around the card (i.e. big, loud, green, fast, etc.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice simple sentence writing using vehicle names and simple descriptors. You might consider making use of the transportation flash cards in this activity as well. Here are some examples: \u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-332\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Transportation-Simple-Sentences.jpg\" alt=\"sample simple sentences with transportation flash cards and adjectives\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003eYou might also consider creating adjective cards for students to trace as well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet up a center for creating safety and traffic signs to place around the classroom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCircle Time: Literature \u0026amp; Songs\n\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBardillo suggests \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eStop and Go\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, an interactive book for your kiddos to color as they read, as well as several Donald Crews selections. Here are a few other transportation books that we found:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRed, Stop! Green, Go!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by P.D. Eastman.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThomas \u0026amp; Friends: Go, Train, Go!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Rev. W. Awdry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Big Book of Transportation\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Caroline Bingham.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOn the Go!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Teresa Imperato.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm sure there are many, many more great literature selections as well! NOTE: Be sure to choose a book to go along with each form of transportation studied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can find other selections at Bardillos' full post, from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.perpetualpreschool.com\/preschool_themes\/transportation\/newpage41.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ePerpetual Preschool\u003c\/a\u003e, at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.preschooleducation.com\/sland.shtml\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ePreschool Education\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.songsforteaching.com\/transportation.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eSongs for Teaching\u003c\/a\u003e, but here are a few of the traditional transportation songs:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Wheels on the Bus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDown by the Station\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2c68qD_NExQ\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eTransportation Song\u003c\/a\u003e by Peter Weatherall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more lesson details and creative ideas for your block center, pretend play corner, craft time, and more, be sure to visit Bardillo's full post! You might also consider checking out the book, \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eCrafts for Kids Who Are Learning About Transportation\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Kathy Ross and Jan Barger from your local library for extra project ideas! And while Bardillo only incorporates a few modes of transportation, don't be afraid to expand on the lesson, including construction vehicles, emergency vehicles, air travel, water travel, etc.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734101598233,"sku":"A2914","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/1368677930.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":"presidents-day-lesson-a2918","title":"President's Day Lesson","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Presidents-Day-Lesson.jpg\" alt=\"President's Day kindergarten lesson ideas\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.littlegiraffes.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Monday we celebrate President's Day and, if you're in need of activities to compliment your lesson plans, here are some great ideas from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.littlegiraffes.com\/presidents.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eLittle Giraffes Teaching Ideas\u003c\/a\u003e that your kindergartners are sure to love!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresidential Science\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePenny Cleaning.\u003c\/em\u003e Have your students explore the best ways to shine a dirty penny. Mrs. Flanagan had her students test ketchup, vinegar, salt, flour, and water. You might consider adding other substances like taco sauce, lemon juice, and Coke for some messy fun! It might also be fun to create a chart of results for each substance - labeling the top with the product used and gluing the resulting penny underneath.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePenny + Water Drops\u003c\/em\u003e. Provide each student with a shallow dish of water, an eyedropper, a sheet of paper towel, and a penny, inviting them to see how many drops of water will fit on the face of the coin. Be sure to have your students make predictions before beginning the experiment and compare the results at the end. They'll be amazed!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eMagnifying Coins\u003c\/em\u003e. Provide students with a selection of coins and a magnifying glass. Invite them to observe each coin and discuss their similarities and differences.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresidential Math\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eCoin Probability\u003c\/em\u003e. Have students toss a coin and keep track of how many resulted in \"heads\" and how many in \"tails\". Making Learning Fun has a great printable \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.makinglearningfun.com\/themepages\/PresidentsDay.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eheads or tails graphing\u003c\/a\u003e worksheet to use with this activity that will allow students to keep track of their tosses and findings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eCoins \u0026amp; Dice.\u003c\/em\u003e Divide students into groups of four, providing each group with a die and a coin worksheet for each child. Have students take turns rolling the die and coloring the appropriate number of coins on their worksheet. The first student to color all their coins wins!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresidential Social Studies \u0026amp; Writing\n\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss with your students the duties and roles of the president, as well as character traits needed for leadership. After each student has had a chance to contribute, invite your students to think about what they would do if they were president. Have them write their answer onto a sheet of paper and illustrate it using graphic art tools, magazine clippings, etc. When finished compile the individual pages into a book - \"What Our Class Would Do To Make Our Country Great!\" These books make great keepsakes from year to year and students will love seeing their work take a place of honor on the classroom bookshelf!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGames\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe couldn't forget to add some games to the post - especially since we found some really fun ones at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/stepbystepcc.com\/holidays\/president.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eStep By Step Childcare\u003c\/a\u003e! In \"President's Day Coin Toss\", students will get active, calling out fun movements when their coin lands on \"heads\".  \"Chop Down the Cherry Tree\" will bring out the giggles as the student volunteer blindfolded in the middle of the circle tries to guess which of his or her classmates tried to \"chop\" them down (i.e. tapped them on the shoulder). Finally, with \"Musical Coin Matching\" students strengthen coin recognition as they race to match their coin when the music stops. Be sure to visit the full post at Step By Step Childcare for full directions!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHere's another fun \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/ideas\/3741\/presidents-day-fun\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ePresident's Day lesson plans!\u003c\/a\u003e your students will enjoy!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734103466009,"sku":"A2918","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Presidents-Day-Lesson.jpg?v=1522781691"},{"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":"dental-health-printable-activities-a2921","title":"Dental Health Printable Activities","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Tooth-Fairy-Application.jpg\" alt=\"tooth fairy application printable dental health unit worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: What the Teacher Wants!\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\n\t \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Tooth-Measurement.jpg\" alt=\"tooth measuring activity for dental health unit\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: First Grade Teaching\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo go along with children's dental health month, we found two great printable mini-units – one from Rachelle at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com\/2011\/02\/dental-health.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWhat the Teacher Wants!\u003c\/a\u003e and one from Kristen at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/first-grade-teachers.blogspot.com\/2011\/02\/dental-health-and-teeth.html%22\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eFirst Grade Teaching\u003c\/a\u003e. Here are a few of our favorite activities:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTooth Fairy Application\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelp your kindergarteners brush up on their handwriting and writing skills with this fun tooth fairy application designed by Rachelle. The printable worksheet is adorable and the questions are sure to provoke some cute answers! Our favorite questions - “what will you do with all the teeth you collect?” and \"why will you make a good tooth fairy?\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnother printable designed by Rachelle, your students will not only “brush up” on the proper way to brush teeth, they'll be introduced to the concept of sequencing, build writing skills, and strengthen handwriting techniques. Have students illustrate each step in the process or bring in a digital camera to capture them acting out the steps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlease Lose A Tooth! Emergent Reader\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis emergent reader designed by Kristen combines cutesy clip art images and rhyming prose that your students are sure to love! Read the story as a class, then invite your students to use their imagination to draw what they think the tooth fairy looks like and where she\/he lives when not collecting teeth. In 20th Century Fox's “The Tooth Fairy”, Dwayne Johnson's character uses tools like shrinking paste, invisible spray, amnesia dust, 'cat away', and dog bark peppermints to carry out his mission as the tooth fairy. Invite your students (individually or in groups) to design a tool to make the tooth fairy's job a little bit easier, then have them present their inventions to the class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile your kindergartners may have practiced measuring with rulers and measuring tapes, it's doubtful they've figured out how many “teeth long” an object is. In this second printable designed by Kristen, students are given teeth cutouts and invited to measure and record the length of several dental hygiene items – toothpaste tube, toothbrush, mouthwash bottle, and dental floss container – in “teeth units”. A fantastically fun twist on measuring! When finished, have students get together in small groups to compare answers, remeasuring to settle any discrepancies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734103957529,"sku":"A2921","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Tooth-Fairy-Application.jpg?v=1522781694"},{"product_id":"writers-checklist-for-writing-success-a2925","title":"Writer's Checklist for Writing Success","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-486 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Writers-Checklist.jpg\" alt=\"sample writers checklist\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: cmsweb2.lcps.org\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven though your kindergartners are just brushing the surface of the writing process, it doesn't hurt to prepare guidelines for them to remember when completing a class assigned writing prompt or even when fiddling around in the writing center. \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/cmsweb2.lcps.org\/512359204723\/blank\/browse.asp?A=383\u0026amp;BMDRN=2000\u0026amp;BCOB=0\u0026amp;C=88295\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMs. Brissing\u003c\/a\u003e, kindergarten teacher at Banneker Elementary School, created a writer's checklist for her students to refer to {and fill out} once an assignment has been completed. With it, her kindergartners go back over their prose to make sure they...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStarted each new sentence with a capital letter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvided punctuation at the end of the sentence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProperly spelled the week's vocabulary and sight words {what Brissing calls \"star words\"}.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatched illustrations with their description.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e...among other things, of course! This is definitely a handy tool for writers who are just starting out and, if used correctly, will help them build a strong foundation for future writing success!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriter's Checklist Suggestions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSince your students are beginner \u003cem\u003ereaders\u003c\/em\u003e too, consider using a familiar icon for each item on the checklist {like Brissing did} or providing a \"fool proof\" example for students to model after.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the checklist short and simple - just the basics. Too many rules may very well overwhelm your students.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis is supposed to be a \u003cem\u003efun and helpful\u003c\/em\u003e activity. Your students should feel accomplished as they check the items off the list and even a sense of pride that they're turning in their best work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide a copy online for parents to see and print for use at home. The more your students are exposed to the writing guidelines, the more they'll become ingrained in their memory {and the checklist will no longer be needed!}.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734104514585,"sku":"A2925","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Writers-Checklist.jpg?v=1522781697"},{"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":"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":"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":"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":"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":"thank-you-earth-earth-day-activities-a2944","title":"\"Thank You, Earth\" - Earth Day Activities","description":"\u003cp\u003eApril 22nd is \"Earth Day\" - the day we celebrate our planet, appreciate the beauty of nature, and learn ways to protect our environment. Here are some fantastic exercises {via April Larremore of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com\/2011\/04\/earth.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eChalk Talk\u003c\/a\u003e} to work into your lessons as you help your kinders understand the importance of taking care of our earth!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-626 alignright\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/My-Favorite-Outdoor-Activity.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten Earth Day writing activity worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThank you, Earth!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBegin by reading Megan Halsey's \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e3 Planting Pandas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMichael Recycle\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Ellie Bethel, or another Earth Day literature selection. Invite your students to brainstorm a list of their favorite outdoor activities. Discuss with your students that when we pollute our environment {the land, the atmosphere, the water}, there are consequences and remind them of the importance of keeping our planet clean, conserving resources, etc. To wrap up the activity, provide your kiddos with pieces of paper and graphic art tools, inviting them to draw and write about their favorite outdoor activity! [NOTE: You might also consider using the clip art images provided in April's Earth Day unit and word processing software to create a custom worksheet for this activity like we did. It's simple!]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-625  \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Earth-promise.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten collaborative hand print Earth Day earth art project\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe Promise Our Earth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother great way to inspire your students to be conscious of their impact on the environment is with a promise board. Discuss with your students what a promise is {and what it means to make a promise}. Invite your kinders to recount a time in which they promised someone something. In honor of Earth Day, brainstorm things you might \"promise\" to do or not do in order to keep the environment clean and healthy. Have your students draw and write about their personal promise(s) to the Earth. End with this collaborative hand print Earth art project to display in the classroom! Students will love the 'hands-on' project and the opportunity to squish paint between their fingers!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734108807193,"sku":"A2944","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/My-Favorite-Outdoor-Activity.jpg?v=1522781722"},{"product_id":"reduce-reuse-recycle-earth-day-activity-a2945","title":"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! - Earth Day Activity","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs part of your Earth Day discussions, invite your students to explore these new vocabulary words and concepts - reduce, reuse, recycle! We found some fantastic worksheets and exercises to help with this lesson from Rachelle at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com\/search\/label\/Earth%20Day\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWhat the Teacher Wants!\u003c\/a\u003e and April at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com\/2011\/04\/earth.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eChalk Talk\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-639  \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/reduce-worksheet.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten Earth Day activity reduce printable worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReduce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvite your students to describe what they think happens to our garbage after it's picked up by the truck. Talk about landfills and bring in examples of common 'garbage can items' in order to talk about how long it takes for those particular items to decompose\/break down:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePaper = 2.5 months\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlastic bags = 10 to 20 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTin can = 100 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyrofoam = NEVER!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e[Information from the New York Times via \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thatdanny.com\/2008\/06\/06\/how-long-does-it-take-a-plastic-bag-or-a-glass-bottle-to-decompose\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThat Danny!\u003c\/a\u003e] \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss what reduce means {i.e. what it means to make something small} and use this fantastic worksheet to brainstorm ways to reduce our consumption, conserve our Earth's precious resources, the amount of garbage we throw away, etc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-640 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/reuse-worksheet.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten Earth Day activity printable reuse worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReuse\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss the following vocabulary words - waste, resources, conserve, etc. Invite your kinders to recount a time they wasted something they knew could be used again. Use Rachelle's worksheet to brainstorm ways in which our Earth's resources can be conserved by using something over instead of throwing it away and\/or actions we can take to prevent waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-638 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/recycle-worksheet.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten Earth Day activity printable recycle worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecycle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour kiddos are likely to be more familiar with this concept, but revisit the term and its meaning {i.e. taking an old\/used product and making it into a new one}. Without embarrassing anyone, poll students to see if they sort and recycle trash at home. Discuss ways in which recycling can be simplified or how to organize a \"recycling revolution\" at home. Use the printable worksheet to brainstorm and list items that can {and should!} be recycled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-637 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Do-not-throw-away-worksheet.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten Earth Day reduce reuse recycle printable worksheet activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a way to wrap up the lesson {and see if they've been listening!}, have your students complete April's Earth Day worksheet - drawing and describing a particular item that shouldn't be thrown away and giving two different ways in which it can be used for something else!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso, consider setting out sorting mats and provide students with tangible items or pictures and have them sort the objects into the correct category - reduce, reuse, or recycle. With these comprehensive exercises, your students are sure to remember the importance of keeping the earth clean and how they each have a role to play!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734108938265,"sku":"A2945","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/reduce-worksheet.jpg?v=1522781723"},{"product_id":"unique-writing-exercises-for-kinder-a2947","title":"Unique Writing Exercises for Kinder","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-653  \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/DSC04575.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten literacy center scrapbook journal\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: davisonkindergarten.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe stumbled across some great writing activities while perusing one of our favorite kindergarten blogs, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/davisonkindergarten.blogspot.com\/2011\/04\/making-connections-with-kid-blog-and.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMrs. Davidson's Kindergarten\u003c\/a\u003e {created and maintained by Vermont kindergarten teacher, Sharon Davidson}, and thought we'd share - just in case you were looking to breathe new life into your writer's workshop or writing centers this spring!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKidblogs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile this may not be a possibility for everyone {because of technology limitations, etc.}, we thought we'd mention the idea of kidblogs - a very unique writing exercise indeed! Using a platform specially designed for schools, students are provided with their very own blog through which they can publish posts\/journal entries, read what other students are up to, participate through commenting, and even get their families involved in the learning process by posting pictures, artwork, etc. While there is certainly a learning curve and much need for guided instruction {and participation of parents}, this is still a fantastic and unique writing exercise that will not only strengthen writing skills, but also help your kiddos learn to follow directions and introduce them to using technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScrapbooks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother great {less technological} way to add spice to your writing projects is to have students design and keep a scrapbook during the year. Your kiddos will have great fun working with patterned paper, craft embellishments, pictures taken in class or brought in from home, and writing short sentences to describe events, ideas, future goals, things learned in class, etc. The best part is, your kinders will have a great keepsake to take home with them at the end of the year!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734109298713,"sku":"A2947","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/DSC04575.jpg?v=1522781725"},{"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":"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":"eating-the-parts-of-a-plant-a2963","title":"Eating the Parts of a Plant","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for a fantastic way to end your spring plant\/botany unit, try this fun activity from Ms. Lopez of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/coloroutsidelines.blogspot.com\/2011\/05\/eating-plants.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eColoring Outside The Lines\u003c\/a\u003e that will have your kiddos snacking through the parts of a plant!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg title=\"plant-part-thinking-map\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-873 \" alt=\"Parts of a Plant Spring Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/plant-part-thinking-map.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: coloroutsidelines.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo prepare for your plant tasting party, Ms. Lopez suggests creating a thinking map of the parts of a plant. If they haven't already, invite your students to copy the scientific diagram in their science journals and reflect on the following prompt - What might it be like to eat a plant? Describe what a flower, stem, leaf, and roots might taste like. Have your students decide if they would want to eat a plant or if they'd rather not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Tasting Party\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore school put together a tray of plant parts...roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and even seeds!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoots = Carrots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStem = Celery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeaves = Lettuce or spinach.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlower = Cauliflower or broccoli.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeeds = Corn or peas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFruit = Tomatoes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd in a bit of dip and let the snacking begin! Have students record their reactions in their science journal. Did they expect to be handed a carrot when they agreed to sample a root? Broccoli as a flower? While, of course, some of your students will not be partial to vegetables, most of your kiddos will love this fun exercise!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe noticed the printable worksheet we were linking to from WSU.edu no longer exists so we decided to create our own version. Hope you enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg title=\"Eating the Parts of a Plant Worksheet\" alt=\"Eating the Parts of a Plant Worksheet\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Eating%20the%20Parts%20of%20a%20Plant.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Digital Download","offer_id":1734112313369,"sku":"A2963","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/plant-part-thinking-map.jpg?v=1522781743"},{"product_id":"learning-about-weather-through-pretend-play-a2965","title":"Learning About Weather Through Pretend Play","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/4938639714.jpg\" alt=\"Thermometer\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2010 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for Ged Carroll\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/renaissancechambara\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eGed Carroll\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Thermometer'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/39435232@N00\/4938639714\" 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\u003eAllie Magnuson, Scholastic's Classroom Solutions blogger for the preschool and kindergarten classroom, has put together a phenomenal article on incorporating weather into your pretend play corner! The fantastic thing about this combination is that the activities derived from it are cross-curricular, extending into every subject, and Allie's suggestions are all unique and engaging - some require technology, some require homemade tools, and others require a showcase of your kiddos sparkling {and creative!} personalities! Here are a few of our favorite ideas...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeather Word Write-Up.\u003c\/strong\u003e In their own unique style, have students use weather word cards and symbols to make forecasts. Armed with a seven-day forecast chart, a map of the United States, and a hand-held microphone, your kiddos will have a blast reporting that today is warm and sunny with a high of 78 degrees. This is a fabulous way for students to review and use new vocabulary words, practice communication skills, make connections between weather patterns in different parts of the country, and learn how to work with peer collaborators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking Thunderstorms.\u003c\/strong\u003e What kindergartner would pass up the chance to make noise in the classroom? Allie suggests inviting you kiddos work together to simulate and track a thunderstorm. This activity is fantastic for team building, learning to take accurate measurements, practicing converting data into comparable units, and all around fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eFind more great ideas, pictures, and suggestions for incorporating weather in the pretend play corner at Allie's blog! She's thought of everything from simple weather measuring gadgets {i.e. rain gauges, thermometers, sun clocks, and the like} to tornadoes and volcanoes!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/blogs.scholastic.com\/classroom_solutions\/2011\/05\/literacy-in-kindergarten-dramatic-play-centers-part-4.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eLiteracy in Kindergarten Dramatic Play Centers, Pt. 4: Weather Station\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734112804889,"sku":"A2965","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/4938639714.jpg?v=1522781746"},{"product_id":"3-simple-science-activities-for-kinders-a2966","title":"3 Simple Science Activities for Kinders","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-893\" title=\"potions3\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/potions3.jpg\" alt=\"Spring Science Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.activekidsclub.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's important to provide hands on activities for your curious little scientists to explore. Here are three simple exercises that we're sure they'll enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaking Potions.\u003c\/strong\u003e Armed with recycled jam jars, spoons, and pitchers of water, invite your kiddos to explore the wild plants in the schoolyard, using them to make special potions. Encourage them to think about smell and appearance as they mastermind unique combinations. Twisting a lid onto their jars, have your kiddos complete a write-up back in the classroom {or out in the grass!}. Invite them to record and draw each of the ingredients, write down the exact \"recipe\" {to the best of their knowledge}, name their special potion, and consider what it could be used for. [\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.activekidsclub.com\/spring\/art-crafts\/make-potions.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eActiveKidsClub.com\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaking Clouds.\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring is a fantastic time for cloud watching. Take your kiddos outside, lay on your backs in the cool grass, and talk about these awesome formations {i.e. the types, how they're formed, etc}. See if your students can identify the type(s) of clouds they see in the sky. Of course, you'll want to throw in a few minutes of imaginative play, asking your kiddos to describe the shapes\/objects they can see in the clouds. Consider having your kinders take their science journals with them in order to draw and label their findings {i.e. cumulus puppy dog}. Back in the classroom, with a few household items, your kiddos will be delighted to find that clouds can be made - indoors! [\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/4crazykings.blogspot.com\/2011\/05\/making-clouds.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e4 Crazy Kings\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaking a Kaleidoscope. \u003c\/strong\u003eWith milk, food coloring, and dish soap, your students can make their own kaleidoscopes! This may be a great supplement to a lesson on attraction and repulsion as the kaleidoscope and \"movement\" result from the detergent repelling the fat in the milk. [\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/melomomma.com\/2011\/05\/milk-and-soap-kaleidoscope-super-duper-cool\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMelomomma\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese great activities are sure to keep you miniature scientists interested and even entertained!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734113624089,"sku":"A2966","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/potions3.jpg?v=1522781751"},{"product_id":"end-of-the-year-writing-projects-a2968","title":"End of the Year Writing Projects","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-901\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/end-of-the-year-writing-e1306295354259.jpg\" alt=\"Writing and Literacy Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.eduperry.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrooke Perry, first grade teacher and creator of the site, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.eduperry.com\/2011\/05\/authors-inventors-and-researchers.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ePrimary Perspective\u003c\/a\u003e, recently shared several wonderful end of the year writing projects that we thought your kinders would enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Very Hungry Kindergartners\u003c\/strong\u003e. Modeled after Eric Carle's \u003cem\u003eThe Very Hungry Caterpillar\u003c\/em\u003e, invite your kiddos to craft their \u003cem\u003eown\u003c\/em\u003e adventure! When finished have your students copy the text onto the appropriate page and illustrate, or provide them with premade book pages like the examples at Primary Perspective. This activity is great for reviewing the days of week, numbers, and food vocabulary, as well as practicing writing in a particular style. Be sure to visit the original post for page examples!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Pigeon Munches...\u003c\/strong\u003e To help her students review the months of the year, Brooke had her students write and illustrate a classroom book modeled after Mo Willems' \u003cem\u003eThe Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog\u003c\/em\u003e. Students were invited to finish this prompt, \"In ___________ [insert month of the year], the pigeon finds a\/an ___________\" for an assigned month of the year. Your kiddos will have a great time imagining what the pigeon could have found during his\/her adventures! Be sure to check out the original post for page examples! [NOTE: For extra writing practice and month review, you might also consider having students create individual books.]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThese classroom books are just two of the examples - you'll find more great end of the year writing projects at Primary Perspective!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734114738201,"sku":"A2968","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/end-of-the-year-writing-e1306295354259.jpg?v=1522781758"},{"product_id":"summer-writing-folders-a2971","title":"Summer Writing Folders","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/writing-folder.jpg\" alt=\"Summer Writing Folder Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" class=\"size-full wp-image-924\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: theadventuresofbear.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEncourage your kinders to develop their writing style {and practice printing!} this summer with these fun writing folders from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/theadventuresofbear.blogspot.com\/2011\/05\/writing-folder.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThe Adventures of Bear\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\u003eTwin-pocket folder with fasteners\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstruction paper or patterned scrapbook paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCraft embellishments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCraft glue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/viewer?a=v\u0026amp;pid=explorer\u0026amp;chrome=true\u0026amp;srcid=0ByuafqGL5seVY2ZjYmUwODQtMGU3Mi00YWZmLTgwY2MtZDljMzQzYjQ1ZGZi\u0026amp;hl=en_US\u0026amp;authkey=COaK15wD\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWriting Paper\u003c\/a\u003e {here's a link to printable writing prompt paper}\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvite your kiddos to use the construction paper and\/or scrapbook papers, and other craft embellishments to decorate their folders. Add blank writing paper to one of the pockets and fill the middle section {with the fasteners} with pages of writing prompts for inspiration. Mrs. Durning, second grade teacher and creator of the site, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/msdurning.blogspot.com\/2011\/05\/daily-5-part-7-writing.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eSecond Grade is Splendid\u003c\/a\u003e, suggests using photo prompts to spark your kinders creativity. She offers a free printable photo prompt kit that she uses in her \u003cem\u003eown\u003c\/em\u003e writing center. Of course, you can also include written prompts or \"task cards\" to complete during each of the summer months. For example, \"Task #1: The first week of June is 'National Fishing Week'. Write a story about a fish who meets a worm on a hook\". You might also consider adding a frequently used word\/dictionary section to assist your little writers in composing their tales.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734115754009,"sku":"A2971","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/writing-folder.jpg?v=1522781764"},{"product_id":"ahoy-matey-we-arghhh-ready-for-pirate-week-a2972","title":"Ahoy, Matey! We ARGHHH Ready for Pirate Week!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-931\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Photo-on-2011-05-23-at-10.07.jpg\" alt=\"Pirate Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: msk1ell.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust found \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/msk1ell.blogspot.com\/2011\/05\/argh-some-pirate-fun-for-you.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMs. M's\u003c\/a\u003e fantastic teaching blog and had to share this end-of-the-year pirate party unit! It certainly looks like bunches of cross-curricular fun! You can head on over to check out the full post, but here's a sneak peek at our favorite activities!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePirate Costumes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDress your little swashbucklers in all the traditional pirate gear - pirate hats, eye patches, shiny jewelry, beads, and the like! Ms. M suggests heading over to \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kidscraftweekly.com\/pirates2_issue.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKids Craft Weekly\u003c\/a\u003e for tons of great projects! You might also consider heading over to \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/family.go.com\/disney\/disney-pirates-crafts-recipes-photo-gallery-pg\/view-all\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eDisneyFamily.com\u003c\/a\u003e for some Pirates of the Caribbean inspired gear {pirate buckles, pirate tricorn hats, a captain's compass, bandanas, etc}.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePirate Prompts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpice up the writing center with \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/family.go.com\/disney\/pkg-disney-crafts\/craft-628252-the-code-t\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003epirate journals\u003c\/a\u003e {exchange the skull for a mini pirate map or something more 'benign'} and special prompts!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"If I found buried treasure, I would...\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImagine you are a pirate...\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDraw a picture of your pirate ship.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWrite a code of conduct for your pirate ship.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImagine you are walking along the beach and stumble upon a treasure map...\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePirate Geography\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn recycled paper bags, have your students design their \u003cem\u003eown\u003c\/em\u003e treasure maps. Consider having them use 'landmarks' in the classroom so that their classmates can practice reading a map in order to find the 'hidden treasure'. You might also create a larger treasure hunt outdoors, hiding a prize on the playground and inviting students to work in groups to follow the provided treasure map!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBe sure to visit Ms. M's Blog for more great pirate ideas!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734115917849,"sku":"A2972","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Photo-on-2011-05-23-at-10.07.jpg?v=1522781765"},{"product_id":"me-on-the-map-social-studies-unit-a2987","title":"Me on the Map - Social Studies Unit","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-large wp-image-1024  \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/IMGP5911.jpg\" alt=\"Geography and Maps Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.jmeacham.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe love this book that early childhood educator, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.jmeacham.com\/science.social.studies.mini.lessons.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eJessica Meacham\u003c\/a\u003e, has her kiddos put together during their geography unit. Comprised of eleven different maps, ranging from a hand drawn picture of each child to a replica of the solar system, students learn where they fit in the world!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot only does this unit\/unit project offer a great way to learn important geography terms {i.e. town\/city, county, state, country, continent, planet, etc.}, students will also learn to distinguish between land and water masses on a map or globe, learn about map keys and symbols, explore direction using a compass, sharpen writing skills, and much more!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe sure to visit Mrs. Meacham's Classroom for the lesson plan download, book list, list of extra unit resources, and fabulous pictures of one of her student's completed projects ~ then get to planning your own \"Me on the Map\" unit!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734120439833,"sku":"A2987","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/IMGP5911.jpg?v=1522781793"},{"product_id":"curious-george-goes-to-kindergarten-a2988","title":"Curious George Goes To Kindergarten","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-1033 alignright\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/curious-george.jpg\" alt=\"Literacy Curious George Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003eWe found this fun lesson at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readwritethink.org\/classroom-resources\/lesson-plans\/taking-photos-curious-george-986.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eReadWriteThink\u003c\/a\u003e, a fantastic resource for teachers, and just had to share! Originally written by Dr. Deborah Kozdras and Tiffany Hernandez, and adapted by \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readwritethink.org\/about\/community-stories\/curious-kindergarten-37.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eJulie Blair\u003c\/a\u003e, students will be delighted to encounter one of their favorite childhood story character's in the classroom. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo start off the unit, students will spend time \"getting to know\" George {or perhaps getting to know him \u003cem\u003eagain\u003c\/em\u003e}, by reading books and watching video clips. After teaching your kiddos about using webs to organize information, work on a character web as a group, describing George's attributes. Next, in a whirlwind of fun and activity {which includes field trips \u003cem\u003eall over\u003c\/em\u003e the school and a plush Curious George}, students will then set to work creating their \u003cem\u003eown\u003c\/em\u003e story as teams or groups. Along the way they'll practice sequencing, build writing skills, tackle new technology, learn to work in a group, and much much more!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo start planning your \u003cem\u003eown\u003c\/em\u003e Curious George unit, be sure to visit ReadWriteThink for the full lessons and resources!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734121521177,"sku":"A2988","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/curious-george.jpg?v=1522781800"},{"product_id":"alphabet-animal-alliterations-a2989","title":"Alphabet Animal Alliterations","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-1045\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/SCAN0156-4.jpg\" alt=\"Alphabet Literacy Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: unschoolme.blogspot.com | \"Brown Bunny Bowling Baseball Bats!\"\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet ready to get creative with this fun lesson from Amida at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/unschoolme.blogspot.com\/2011\/04\/april-2011-art-gallery-alphabet-animal.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eJourney Into Unschooling\u003c\/a\u003e! At the end of the year, this is a great way to test your kiddos command of the alphabet and beginning letter sounds, as well as observe vocabulary growth. Start with an example and your kinders are sure to catch on fast!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Process\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelect a letter. Begin by brainstorming a list of animals whose names begin with the letter. For instance...\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1036\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Animals-1.jpg\" alt=\"Animal Literacy Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNext, calling upon their knowledge of adjectives, invite your students to brainstorm a list of describing words that begin with the focus letter.\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1037\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Animals-2.jpg\" alt=\"Animal Literacy Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLike the adjective list, help your kiddos create word lists for nouns and verbs that start with the focus letter.\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1038\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Animals-3.jpg\" alt=\"Animal Literacy Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1039\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Animals-4.jpg\" alt=\"Animal Literacy Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse the brainstormed animals\/words to come up with a fun scene\/description to illustrate...\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1043\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Animals-5.jpg\" alt=\"Animal Alphabet and Literacy Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003eTalk about how they might illustrate the drawing. For instance, a \"terrific tiger\" could be drawn with a blue ribbon or given a gold star to signify excellence, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[NOTE: Whether they use this process or not when creating their own alliteration artwork, this process will give them experience in how to organize and tackle a problem that needs to be solved. Additionally, it will introduce them to basic parts of speech.]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContinue this exercise as a class, inviting students to illustrate their favorite scene, or have your kiddos come up with their \u003cem\u003eown\u003c\/em\u003e alliterations! Check out the awesome ideas over at Journey into Unschooling!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734121619481,"sku":"A2989","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/SCAN0156-4.jpg?v=1522781801"},{"product_id":"bridging-the-gap-between-reading-amp-writing-a2990","title":"Bridging the Gap Between Reading \u0026 Writing","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/12424340.jpg\" alt=\"'Reading' photo (c) 2005, Emily Walker - license: http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n        \u003ca title=\"license: http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/ - click to view more info about 'Reading' or find free 'reading' pictures via Wylio\" href=\"http:\/\/www.wylio.com\/credits\/flickr\/12424340\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatt, kindergarten teacher and creator of the blog, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/lookatmyhappyrainbow.blogspot.com\/2011\/07\/literacy-beginnings-chapter-18.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eLook at my happy rainbow!\u003c\/a\u003e, shared this wonderful post on bridging the gap between reading and writing, and we thought we'd pass it along. Based on the teacher resource book, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Literacy-Beginnings-Prekindergarten-Gay-Pinnell\/dp\/0325028761\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eLiteracy Beginnings\u003c\/a\u003e, by Gay Su Pinnell and Irene C. Fountas, Matt talks about the twelve steps educators can use to bridge the gap, as well as, how he incorporates them into his classroom. There's lots of great practical advice, so be sure to head over and read the full post! In the meantime, here's a sneak peek at our favorite classroom ideas...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e{Step #2} You can hear the individual words in a sentence.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatt reinforces this concept using a pocket chart and individual word sentence strips to construct the morning message so that students can see this concept demonstrated visually. You might also consider writing messages, short stories, poems, etc. used in the classroom in this style...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-1053 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Poem-LiteracyBuilding.jpg\" alt=\"Literacy Building Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: chasingcheerios.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy placing a dot under each word, students can more easily follow along\/read {touching or pointing to each dot as the word is read} and visually\/aurally distinguish between the different words in the sentence. A third option you might consider for reinforcing this concept is to have your kiddos construct and read \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/ideas\/2924\/bottle-top-sentences\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ebottle top sentences\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-479\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/bottle-top-sentences.jpg\" alt=\"homemade bottle top sentence building activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: activitymom.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs they read, students can point to, move, tap, etc. the bottle tops, reinforcing the concept that you can see and hear each individual word in the sentence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThere are many, many more fantastic tips and activities in Matt's blog post, so be sure to head over to Look at my happy rainbow! for the full article!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734121750553,"sku":"A2990","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/12424340.jpg?v=1522781801"},{"product_id":"stamp-a-story-writing-center-activity-a2995","title":"Stamp-A-Story - Writing Center Activity","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-1077 \" alt=\"Literacy and Storytelling Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Stamp-A-Story-Worksheet.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e  \u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEver heard of this exercise? It's a fun way to get your kiddos interesting in writing, as well as inspire their creativity! Simply put, armed with these handy {free!} printable worksheets and a stamp set featuring various characters, 'places', animals, objects, etc., as well as ink pads in assorted colors {of course!}, invite your kiddos to set about crafting an adventure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFirst, invite them to pick a lead character, stamping the character picture in the appropriate section.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNext, selecting one for each of the open story sections, have your kiddos choose and stamp seven more unique story 'elements' on the worksheet. These can be other characters\/animals, items that mark the setting {i.e. a palm tree to represent the beach or the jungle}, or objects. Remind your kinders that they'll need to be able to connect all of these elements in their tale and to brainstorm story ideas as they go.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[NOTE: You might consider providing a bit of focus to the exercise with a theme - A Day in the Jungle, We're Going On Safari, The Day My Class Went To Space, If I Went To The Beach..., etc. Although, if you do this, you'll have to make sure your stamp collection correlates with as well.]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith their story ideas brainstormed and organized on their worksheet {this is a fantastic way to introduce how important brainstorming can be to the writing process}, students can then set about crafting their tale on the worksheet provided. Invite them to use their chosen stamps in the actual story as each is introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOther Considerations... \u003c\/strong\u003e If you don't have a large stamp collection, you might also have your students complete this exercise using clippings from old magazines and brochures, printed out clip art images, or even stickers!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Digital Download","offer_id":1734123126809,"sku":"A2995","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Stamp-A-Story-Worksheet.jpg?v=1522781808"},{"product_id":"look-think-amp-write-literacy-center-a3002","title":"\"Look, Think, \u0026amp; Write\" Literacy Center","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-1132\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/look.jpg\" alt=\"Literacy and Writing Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.elementary-teacher-resources.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking for a way to spice up your writing centers and coax your 'shy' writers out of their shell? Try this anonymous \"Look, Think, and Write\" literacy center idea from Kelly Mikesell at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.elementary-teacher-resources.com\/Look-Think-and-Write-Literacy-Center.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eElementary-Teacher-Resources.com\u003c\/a\u003e. The concept is simple...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrint and attach an interesting picture to a piece of poster or tag board. The picture can be of anything - an animal, a person, candids of students at work, an event held at the school {i.e. a football game, field day, school carnival, etc.}, a picture from a field trip, a funny cartoon, a photo from your vacation, etc. As students visit the center throughout the day, invite them to \u003cem\u003elook\u003c\/em\u003e at the picture, \u003cem\u003ethink\u003c\/em\u003e about it, and \u003cem\u003ewrite\u003c\/em\u003e a short blurb on the board.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOther things to include in the center...\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColorful markers, pens, or other special\/graphic art tools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA list of focus sight words and new vocabulary words to use as a guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave students bring their personal desk dictionaries that include the words learned throughout the school year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Kelly says, since their name isn't on it and their isn't fear of \"grading\", students may find it easier to simply write.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eFor this and other fantastic ideas, be sure to head on over to Elementary-Teacher-Resources.com. Kelly even has a free teaching newsletter where you can have ideas sent straight to your inbox! Check it out!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734125223961,"sku":"A3002","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/look.jpg?v=1522781816"},{"product_id":"adventures-in-nature-journaling-a3009","title":"Adventures in Nature Journaling","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-1174\" title=\"047\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/047.jpg\" alt=\"Outdoor Writing Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: greeningsamandavery.typepad.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe ran across this great post at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/greeningsamandavery.typepad.com\/greening-sam-and-avery\/2011\/09\/nature-journaling-ideas-and-resources.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eGreening Sam and Avery\u003c\/a\u003e and thought it might come in handy for those of you attempting to incorporate a bit of nature journaling into your curriculum! It's full of great ideas that are sure to get your kiddos involved and learning! Here's our favorite exercise...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFind A Treasure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreschool and kindergarten classrooms are often littered with \"treasure\" students have found while on the playground, walking in from the bus, or wherever else they may have ventured that day. Rocks. Leaves. Pine cones. Flowers. You name it! While it is certainly important to encourage your kiddos to find beauty and worth in the world around them, as well as stimulate creativity and use of their imagination, there's a much neater way of doing it. Armed with their nature journals and a pack of color pencils (or other graphic art material), invite your students to embark on an adventure for treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce spotted, to record its find and circumvent the need to bring the \"treasure\" to the classroom, have your students draw the object in as much detail as they can, writing or dictating describing words to complete the process. Consider providing magnifying glasses so that students can take a closer look and measuring tools. Just in case they want to attempt to find their treasure again, invite your kiddos to record the object's location on a map of the school yard. Back in the classroom, have a treasure hunt \"show and tell\", inviting your students to take turns sharing their drawings and describing what they found!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eFor more fantastic nature journal exercises and some excellent resource links, be sure to read the full post at Greening Sam and Avery!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734126239769,"sku":"A3009","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/047.jpg?v=1522781822"},{"product_id":"organizing-writing-prompts-in-a-journal-jar-a3020","title":"Organizing Writing Prompts in a Journal Jar","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-1244\" title=\"journal_jar_adult\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/journal_jar_adult.jpg\" alt=\"Writing and Literacy Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: christmas.organizedhome.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe love this idea we found at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.teachingwithtlc.com\/2010\/10\/journal-jar.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eTeaching with TLC\u003c\/a\u003e, a blog created by former elementary educator, Tamara Chilver. It's a great way to introduce your kiddos to creative writing and get them excited about the writing process. Simply fill an empty Ball jar {canning jar} with slips of paper containing various fun, kid-friendly questions and writing prompts, selecting one at the beginning of each week {or the time interval of your choice} for your kinders to work on in their writing journals throughout the week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe best part - Tamara links to a great site where you can find 20 pages of printable prompts. Simply download the pages, print them onto card stock, cut the prompts apart, and place them in a jar. {The site even provides jar labels!} You might also consider creating your own, including prompts that go with specific themes and\/or learning concepts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734128959513,"sku":"A3020","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/journal_jar_adult.jpg?v=1522781839"},{"product_id":"writing-prompt-5-winter-words-a3036","title":"Writing Prompt - 5 Winter Words","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-1338 \" title=\"Winter-Writing-Prompt\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Winter-Writing-Prompt.jpg\" alt=\"Winter Writing Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: pinterest.com | Marie Manning\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe found this adorable winter writing prompt while looking for Christmas activities on \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/334084912\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ePinterest \u003c\/a\u003e{uploaded by Marie Manning} and thought it was too cute not to share! While your kinders might not know exactly how to spell each of the words, it's a great exercise and a fabulous vocabulary booster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Writing Prompt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvite your kiddos to think of five things that go with winter - drawing and labeling them as best as they can. Create a worksheet to go along with this prompt or simply have your kinders complete the exercise in their journal. After completion, compile a list of all the winter words your students came up with, writing them on a snowflake or snowman cutout to display during the season.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734132432921,"sku":"A3036","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Winter-Writing-Prompt.jpg?v=1522781860"},{"product_id":"elves-needed-apply-here-a3039","title":"Elves Needed - Apply Here!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-1353\" title=\"Elf-Application\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Elf-Application.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas Writing Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis adorable Christmas writing activity comes from Mrs. Carroll of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com\/2011\/01\/christmas-catch-up-happy-new-year.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThe First Grade Parade\u003c\/a\u003e - we're certain your kiddos will love it! Start by sharing Stephen Krensky's creative Christmas tale, \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow Santa Got His Job\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, a story that follows a young Santa on his quest for the perfect job. He answers lots of classified ads, but doesn't find the right fit until he meets a group of friendly elves who have an idea of how to use his special talents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust like Santa in the story and adults in the workplace, have your students fill out a job application - to be part of Santa's team of elves! Mrs. Carroll provides an adorable application printable at her blog inviting students to answer important \"elf\" questions...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave you ever played with toys?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo you like toys?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAre you naughty or nice?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnd many more!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave your kiddos sign their finished applications and add their thumbprints at the bottom {for background checks, of course!}.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor further practice, provide students with an envelope to address:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRE: Job Applications Processing\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e Santa Claus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e 1 Reindeer Lane\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e North Pole, 99705\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd a return address, a fun Christmas sticker \"stamp\", and seal the envelopes to send to the North Pole!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBe sure to head over to The First Grade Parade to download and print applications for your kiddos! And take time to browse - there are tons of great ideas to use this holiday season!!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734132989977,"sku":"A3039","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Elf-Application.jpg?v=1522781863"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/collections\/look.jpg?v=1530027862","url":"https:\/\/www.supplyme.com\/collections\/kindergarten-writing-lesson-plans\/skill-color-recognition.oembed","provider":"SupplyMe","version":"1.0","type":"link"}