September 17

Building a Strong Foundation in Reading

We are eight days into our new school year, and Reading Centers have officially begun! Early in the year, we spend at least fifteen minutes a day building phonological awareness to provide students with the solid foundation they need to become strong readers. Here is a great post from last year that offers more information on phonological awareness.

Phonological Awareness

Like in years past, the current kindergartners absolutely delighted in listening to the story The Hungry Thing 

The students quickly realized that the Hungry Thing was changing the initial sound in each word when he told the townspeople what he wanted to eat. Not shmancakes….pancakes!

Students drew items to feed our classroom Hungry Thing.

Fandy=Candy!

They also illustrated their very own Hungry Things eating a food item they chose. Do you know what they are eating?

  

In addition to manipulating the beginning sounds in words, another phonological awareness skill we are working on is counting the number of words in sentences. We practiced doing this using acrylic jewels and pop its

Watch us in action:

You will notice that we also used the same tools to practice identifying the number of syllables in words, which is another phonological awareness skill. These are quick and easy activities that you can do at home with your child to ensure they have a solid foundation in pre-reading skills!

September 4

First Day, Hooray!

Our first day of Kindergarten was filled with magic and friendships. When students arrived, I quickly snapped their picture.

Next, after a quick welcome, I read the following poem:

Students then went to their tables to make magic BEAD bracelets.

I couldn’t believe how quiet and focused the kindergartners were! After the bracelets were completed, we took a walk outside to see if, in fact, we would have a magical year…

And guess what?! All signs point to yes!

We assembled back in the classroom where we chose our Lucky Duck (aka line leader) for the day, and then I read aloud the book, Butterflies on the First Day of School

We discussed some of our first day feelings, and then students colored their very own butterfly…that we later had fly away!

Next, we listened to How to Grow a Friend

and played a little get-to-know-you game. We found out who ate tacos this summer, who petted a cat, who went camping, and who even ate broccoli!

 

After snack and recess, I enjoyed reading aloud Pencils on Strike, a silly story that shows students how pencils should be treated.

Students then practiced tracing their names using their new PENCILS!

And the students were just as excited about these PENCILS! as I was! ( and they are even on sale now on Amazon!)

They also colored their special cloud for their rainbow activity.

In addition to all of this, the kindergartners enjoyed Choice Time, where they had a chance to play with the new BRIO WORLD DELUXE TRAIN SET and CALICO CRITTERS! They also had Music, PE, and Spanish classes today! I bet there were a lot of tired kiddos after school today!

September 2

New Learning Tools for 2025-2026!

It’s that time of the year when I have completed my back-to-school shopping for supplies for our classroom, and I can’t wait to share my newest purchases with you! But first, here I am unpacking all these goodies!

Pencils

I found these PERFECTLY-sized pencils. Little hands need little pencils, right!? I am excited for the students to use them!

Cube Fidgit.

These are a great fidget for those who need to keep their hands busy.

Spaceman

A student first introduced these Spacemen to me. They make learning to leave a finger space between words more fun!

Bright Colored Mini Pompoms

I am excited for the students to use these brightly colored mini pompoms for fine motor strengthening activities that will be integrated into language arts and math centers!

Safari/Paleontologist Hats

We’re ready for Dino Day, and each of my paleontologists will have a special hat to wear.

Ocean Animal Cookie Cutters

Elmer’s Glitter Glue

How cute are these? We will fill them with glitter glue, let the glue dry, and make a mobile for a Friday Fun activity during our Ocean Unit!

Translucent Magnetic Chips

I ordered these for students to use during light board activities. I also purchased clear tape for my label maker and plan to type the letters of the alphabet onto the clear tape and then adhere each letter to a translucent magnetic chip! Students will use these to play phonological awareness games, spell words, and more!

Mr. Potato Head. Ms. Potato Head

I thought students would enjoy playing with Mr. and Ms. Potato Head during our Five Senses Unit. These will be a Choice Time Activity during this unit.

Ticonderoga Neon Tri-Write Pencils

I HAD to order these because I LOVE everything Neon!

I am refreshing my Choice Time bins, so I purchased a new set of Magna-Tiles and…

Classic Magna-Tiles Set

some new Calico Critters, as the ones I have are very well-loved! I ordered:

Calico Critters Cat Family

Calico Critters Kangaroo Family

Calico Critters Bunk Beds

Calico Critter Poodle Family

The supplies are unpacked and put away! All I need now are some students!