Looking to incorporate more inquiry into your English classroom? Here are some easy ways to add some elements of inquiry into your lessons.
Fun and engaging grammar games for your secondary ELA classroom! These grammar games will get your students collaborating, moving, and discussing those critical sentence structure and grammar skills! Bring fun to grammar instruction!
As I enter into my seventh year as an educator in Kindergarten and my fourth year in the same classroom, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on the changes to our learning environment over the years and share some of my thoughts as to why these changes have been made. To help with this comparison, I will use photos from the first year classroom layout and our current classroom setup. September 2014 September 2017 This is our whole group learning space. In the past, this space has been used to gather for whole group activities and sharing. When we are not all together in the space, it was sometimes used for extending building or playing math games. More often than not, it was left empty and took up a large space that was unused during thinking and learning time. This year, we decided to move the carpet to the corner of the room and incorporate it into the reading and calming space. As we are challenged to consider organizing the space to accommodate for multiple purposes, such as brief group meetings and opportunities for small-group and individual work (The Kindergarten Program, 2016), we wanted to make use of this large space during thinking and learning time. We can now briefly meet as a large group when needed and provide alternative seating (i.e., logs, mats), use the space for yoga and meditation, book browsing, listen to reading on the computers, and exploring our feelings and emotions. September 2014 September 2017 September 2017 Our creative area originally began on the opposite side of the classroom, but was moved closer to the sinks and art supply cupboards in more recent years. We always appreciated the large space for students to create on, and that has remained a staple in our classroom. This year however, we removed one of the four tables from the creative art area, and placed another two tables together for more focused small-group work. We are working with a new prep coverage model, whereby one teacher covers all kindergarten preps to support minimizing the number of adult transitions for our youngest learners (YRDSB, 2017). This teacher will be helping to build literacy behaviours with small groups of children as well as support them in play based learning experiences (YRDSB, 2017). With this in mind, we created a space close to our literacy materials to support this learning. It currently has a provocation (invitation to learn) which invites students to make their name using magnetic letters or window writers on mirrors. September 2014 September 2017 September 2017 The math area has evolved over the years. In the beginning, we had it placed in a corner but found that students were using the materials all the way on the other side of the classroom in the drama area. We then moved it beside drama and building so that the materials could be used interchangeably in all areas. This year, it remains in the same space but we added a carpet to the area, as we found students would sometimes use the larger carpet to explore math materials in the past. We didn't want to remove the table entirely, so we placed one beside the carpet for provocations and small-group work. We also started with an invitation that was available to explore during Welcome To Kindergarten in the spring, so that new students feel a sense of familiarity with the environment and materials when they enter on their first day. September 2014 September 2017 The building area has always been a favourite in the classroom and requires a big space for planning, creating, and constructing. During the first year, we had the building materials facing the large carpet. The space was nice and big, however we often found ourselves having to break down structures when transitioning to prep coverage, which in turn would interrupt the children's play. Having an area where they can save their work throughout the day was very important to us, so we used a smaller carpet to define this area. We also moved it closer to the drama and math areas, again to extend play and use materials interchangeably. This year we also added a table for various reasons and opportunities including planning, building on another surface/level, and to display provocations. September 2014 September 2017 The drama area has been an area that often ends up being too crowded for the amount of interest it receives from the children. This year, we are very excited for the initial layout of the drama area. Because we gained more space by moving the large carpet to the corner, we were able to open the drama area up to allow movement and creativity. We added bins with pots and pans, scarves, multicultural dolls, and healthy foods to start and can change them as interests change throughout the year. We also added greenery and a mirror for a more home-like feel. September 2014 September 2017 Our self-regulated snack area remains close to the cubbies for easy access and clean-up. In the morning it also serves as a sign-in area, where students can find their names and place it in the basket to show they are here. The same names are later used to show that they have visited the snack table throughout the morning. The cubbies hold picture frames, that will later be filled with pictures of families/children. The framed art work is from my first inquiry with my kindergarten students. These watercolour paintings are close to my heart, as they are a reminder of where I started on my inquiry journey and how far I have come in the last five years. We often keep pieces of past documentation displayed throughout the classroom to spark curiosity, wonder, and interest from our new and returning students. I learned the importance of preserving history through my Kindergarten AQ course that was instructed by Joanne Babalis. September 2015 September 2017 Our science and light exploration area has always been close to a window in order for the children to observe the outdoors from inside. This year, we have opened the space up to include a shelf with loose parts (i.e., feathers, rocks, seashells, and pinecones) and writing materials, a table to explore these materials closely or for provocations, and a light table with mirrors to explore materials on different surfaces and dimensions. My personal favourite addition is a four shelf science cart that comes apart to provide different visual and touch observations. It is also on wheels so that it can easily be taken outside during our outdoor explorations. September 2017 September 2017 Our classroom environment also includes learning in the outdoors. A previous post of mine; Outdoor Learning, will show you a glimpse into our outdoor learning area, which has also been updated this year. I look forward to blogging about it soon! We need to think about creating classroom environments that give children the opportunity for wonder, mystery and discovery; an environment that speaks to young children’s inherent curiosity and innate yearning for exploration is a classroom where children are passionate about learning ... (The Kindergarten Program, 2016, p.29)
Try this shape stamp painting for kids. A fun and easy shape art and craft idea for toddlers and preschoolers.
These 7 fresh ideas for creative projects that students will want to complete are perfect for the end of any novel or unit.
You are currently reading our archived blog. While these older posts may not reflect our current vision and direction, we encourage you to visit our new website at wunderled.com to explore our latest, updated content. There, you'll find a wealth of valuable articles, resources, and insights that align with our current focus and over 60+ Free […]
Provocations can be overwhelming. Let's take a look at some simple ideas for literacy provocations found in a Reggio-Inspired Preschool.
Handwriting has never been easy to teach to kindergartners, but it is in the Common Core Standards that they learn how to print letters correctly. Each year I have tried through the traditional ways of working on fine motor skills the first half and then formal handwriting sheets the second half of the year. It never worked so this year I tried something new... An inquiry about lines! I asked the kids what kind of lines they knew of. At first they drew straight lines, but then started to expand the types of lines they made! We read some books and watched some videos on YouTube that showed us different lines and also gave them names. I put out provocations for them to explore lines in many different ways and see what they noticed and what connections they made. I put out invitations for them to use lines to make letters, shapes, designs, pictures and numbers: They explored! They are doing activities to build strong finger muscles to help with handwriting and explore lines at the same time! Our clay is quite hard and they have to work it to soften it up. Plus, manipulating the pipe cleaners helps work those fine motor skills! Through this simple inquiry, the kids are much more aware of the different types of lines and how to make them. They are recognizing them in letters, shapes, numbers and pictures. So far, I am seeing an improvement compared to previous years in their names as they try to form the letters the correct way. More are pulling down vertical lines rather than pulling up when making letters but for some this is a hard habit to break! We will keep working on it in developmentally appropriate ways and we will see as the year goes on if this knowledge of lines will help them with the common core standard of writing letters correctly! Here are some other things the kids have been doing in our room during this inquiry! Dots! We celebrated International Dot Day and celebrated creativity! Ken Robinson said that creativity is as important as literacy and I cannot stress enough how true that is! Employers want creative and critical thinkers so these skills need to be emphasized! Here are some pictures of some invitations to be creative and our final display of creativity! In Literacy, we have been focusing on letters and letter sounds. They have been using their names and the names of their friends to help them to recognize letters and their sounds. The invitations at the beginning of the year focused mostly on exploring letters and names. Working lavender into this play-dough also made this a great sensory experience as they used it to explore letters and try to spell their name and friends names. They have been working on the concepts of print as they learn letters and sounds through letter books. They have been practicing starting in the right place, pointing to the words and going in the right direction when they read. When they partner read, one is the reader, the other is the helper so they have to listen and watch closely, then they switch roles. In math we have been exploring numbers counting objects and matching them to the number. We also have been exploring measurement. In math we are also exploring shapes and their properties. In science, they have been working on looking closer, wondering and documenting what they notice. I set out invitations for them to explore and practice these skills. It has been a very full first month! It is amazing how far the kids have come! Stay tuned to find out what the kids are creating for our math area!
Lesson plans, activities and ideas for kindergarten classrooms, including math problem-solving, reading workshop, writer's workshop, inquiry-based science journals, literacy centers and more!
Handwriting has never been easy to teach to kindergartners, but it is in the Common Core Standards that they learn how to print letters correctly. Each year I have tried through the traditional ways of working on fine motor skills the first half and then formal handwriting sheets the second half of the year. It never worked so this year I tried something new... An inquiry about lines! I asked the kids what kind of lines they knew of. At first they drew straight lines, but then started to expand the types of lines they made! We read some books and watched some videos on YouTube that showed us different lines and also gave them names. I put out provocations for them to explore lines in many different ways and see what they noticed and what connections they made. I put out invitations for them to use lines to make letters, shapes, designs, pictures and numbers: They explored! They are doing activities to build strong finger muscles to help with handwriting and explore lines at the same time! Our clay is quite hard and they have to work it to soften it up. Plus, manipulating the pipe cleaners helps work those fine motor skills! Through this simple inquiry, the kids are much more aware of the different types of lines and how to make them. They are recognizing them in letters, shapes, numbers and pictures. So far, I am seeing an improvement compared to previous years in their names as they try to form the letters the correct way. More are pulling down vertical lines rather than pulling up when making letters but for some this is a hard habit to break! We will keep working on it in developmentally appropriate ways and we will see as the year goes on if this knowledge of lines will help them with the common core standard of writing letters correctly! Here are some other things the kids have been doing in our room during this inquiry! Dots! We celebrated International Dot Day and celebrated creativity! Ken Robinson said that creativity is as important as literacy and I cannot stress enough how true that is! Employers want creative and critical thinkers so these skills need to be emphasized! Here are some pictures of some invitations to be creative and our final display of creativity! In Literacy, we have been focusing on letters and letter sounds. They have been using their names and the names of their friends to help them to recognize letters and their sounds. The invitations at the beginning of the year focused mostly on exploring letters and names. Working lavender into this play-dough also made this a great sensory experience as they used it to explore letters and try to spell their name and friends names. They have been working on the concepts of print as they learn letters and sounds through letter books. They have been practicing starting in the right place, pointing to the words and going in the right direction when they read. When they partner read, one is the reader, the other is the helper so they have to listen and watch closely, then they switch roles. In math we have been exploring numbers counting objects and matching them to the number. We also have been exploring measurement. In math we are also exploring shapes and their properties. In science, they have been working on looking closer, wondering and documenting what they notice. I set out invitations for them to explore and practice these skills. It has been a very full first month! It is amazing how far the kids have come! Stay tuned to find out what the kids are creating for our math area!
Differentiation Station Creations educational ideas
Passion projects have changed my relationships with my students forever.
Research based teaching strategies you can use today with a free printable chart.
OMG. I don't know why but this "little" became my "biggie"! My brain was going nuts trying to figure this space out. I ended up making the paper rack in the middle of the pegboard because I just couldn't afford the plastic bins. So I used "hobby board" strips from Home Depot. I plan to make another one for the forward facing book display on another wall. The baskets are attached with pegboard hooks and were from the thrift store (yay!). My favorite part is the thimble display case (thrift store again!) holding the alphabet stamps. LOVE it. Left to right, top to bottom: Dry erase lined strips, letter and list paper, writing books, basket with cards and faux stamps (a freebie from a fundraising group) and envelopes, dry erase pens/crayons and wipe, stamp pads, key vocabulary cards, story papers, dry erase pages from HWT (thanks Mariah!) alphabet stencils and dry erase letter and number books. HWT chalkboards (great!), dry erase alphabet book, HWT chalkboard supplies, rock crayons and art caddy. To the right is the thimble display case with alphabet stamps. Below the desk is a file for work in progress. UGH. My head hurts. The kids are literally fighting over this space and squeeze all three in at once. It has been a very exciting addition. Thanks for the motivation and wonderful ideas. :)
Architecture has been the theme for many of my lessons this quarter. My first graders reviewed what an architect is. We looked at Frank Lloyd Wright's "Falling Water," and as with most art works that we look at and discuss, the kids were blown away with this design. During that lesson, the kids looked at the many parts that make up the exterior of a house and then designed their own. We also discussed that architect considers the land where a building will be built and so the kids drew their landscapes as well. This lesson was an extension of the Falling Waters lesson. They designed a 3D model of a house using a paper bag. It was fun seeing the extra goodies they added that made the house their own. ***Here is another architecture related lesson from my TeachersPayTeachers shop. It is based on the paintings and painted buildings by pop artist, James Rizzi. Though it says "art sub lesson," it is written so that anyone can teach it. Here are other architecture related lessons that are completely ready to be taught. All a student needs is paper, pencil and crayons. A Treehouse for Me and Captivating Castles
A blog for Preschool, Special Education and Autism for Behavior Management, Classroom ideas and Resources
You are currently reading our archived blog. While these older posts may not reflect our current vision and direction, we encourage you to visit our new website at wunderled.com to explore our latest, updated content. There, you'll find a wealth of valuable articles, resources, and insights that align with our current focus and over 60+ Free […]
Have a chatty class? Do your talkative students get louder and louder during small groups until it feels like chaos? Do they talk when you'r...
September 15th was National Dot Day! It is based around Peter Reynolds wonderful book called "The Dot." My friend Mrs. K joined us and we dr...
I have worked very hard to create an environment that beckons kids to explore. I love the Reggio Emilia philosophy of the environment being the third teacher. Here is a little tour of our room. Our Listening Station Our Meeting Area From the back by the cubbies From the front of the room looking back In my effort to create a calming environment for all of us, I took down anything that was commercially made and replaced it with things made by the children. No more "store bought" alphabet or anchor charts. I have found that the kids make things that are much more pleasing to the eye than anything I could buy! It also gives them ownership of their environment and pride in using something they had a part in making! Here are some examples: Our Color Chart The Letters for our Word Wall Our Class Rules Our Number Line Tools for kids to refer to when writing and reading. I also use items from nature and loose parts for art, science and math. Again, things like pine cones, buckeyes, sweet gum balls, acorns, rocks, pebbles, etc. are fun for the kids to use and they are free!! The kids can measure or weigh things with buckeyes just as easily as anything I could buy at the teacher store. Natural Materials at the Building Area (Paper blocks have been replaced by wood blocks). Small Sample of our Loose Parts Collection We use art a lot in our projects, for fun, and to document our learning. Tempra paint, water colors, oil pastels, collage, clay and many other mediums are used in our art studio! Part of our Art Studio- Lots of important work goes on here! This is our sand table. I have a lot of natural materials such as shells, rocks and pebbles, but not as much sand as I would like. The kids have not complained though and are enjoying it as is! I put an old balance scale underneath for them to explore weight using the sand and natural items. Documentation of the children's learning can be found all over our room! This gives the kids a chance to reflect and remember past inquiries! Documentation of patterns we found in our shell collection. Documentation on a project celebrating our differences Music Inquiry Documentation Our Exploration table sometimes explores, science, sometimes explores art, and sometimes explores both at the same time! Exploration Table Here are our exploration shelves. We keep tools that we may use for exploration (Microscope, Magnifying glasses) and materials to explore. This is our Math Area. I would love to replace the trays with more natural materials. Someday! Math Stations This is our Writing Area. It holds anything we may need to write and make books such as writing paper, construction paper for covers, scrap paper, colored pencils, markers, crayons, scissors and glue. Sometimes this becomes an art area also. Writing paper and materials for making books Any art that decorates our room is also made by the kids! Here are some samples: Working together to create art. They named these Fall Nature and Friendship Creating beauty while strengthening our fine motor skills I hope you enjoyed this little tour of our room!
Need to help your students get more hands on practice for their vocabulary words? I've got 5 fun vocabulary games you can use right away!
Read about eleven different ways to meaningfully incorporate art in ELA class. Keep the focus on students' learning, not their artistic abilities.
Kindergarten learning environment, play-based learning ideas
If you are in education, it’s likely you encounter terms and abbreviations for just about everything possible, everyday. One of the more common ‘buzzwords’ in education today is the idea of project-based learning, or PBL. Today we’re going to discuss how to bring together Google apps and project based learning. What exactly is project-based learning? It […]
Photo Source: Sonja Photography No, this isn't a bulletin board, but it would make an adorable classroom border/display and a fabulous project for your kiddos to help you with! We found the idea on Pinterest - the photo collage/idea can be credited to Sonja Photography - and just had to post it! All you need is a little time, a digital camera, and some willing kiddos to help you create! [NOTE: If you're going to do all the work anyway, these prints can be used for much more than just a classroom decoration... Print two sets of wallet-size pictures, laminate and have your kiddos use the cards test their memory with a game of concentration. Laminate regular sized prints, punch a hole in the top left corner, and use a binder ring to create an ABC flip book. The list of possibilities goes on and on!]
It's the end of our American Contributors Unit {tear}. But the end of this unit also means the start of Spring Break for me this week {happy face!}
