It is shocking to see kindergarteners’ growth! For example, they enter the classroom maybe knowing how to write a few letters and leave writing simple sentences. This means they are working hard on handwriting lessons throughout the entire year. However, there is simply no time for isolated kindergarten handwriting lessons. There are too many standards […]
When kindergarteners enter the classroom, they begin building the foundation for the rest of their lives. So, teachers often get started on a skill essential for all learning: handwriting! This includes teaching a good handwriting grip and name-writing. These skills take lots of practice, so getting started during the first weeks of school is key! […]
Kindergarten friends, we want to learn the word “because” so we can write big compound sentences that answer the question “Why?”: I love my dog because he plays with me.
Settling-In Time Sets the Emotional Tone for the Day: Developing Friendship, Responsibility, Self-Motivation, and Collaboration Skills
The Science of Reading Supports a Comprehensive Approach to Early Literacy. The science of reading supports more than systematic phonics mastery, it includes building vocabulary, comprehension, and oral language fluency. This is especially critical for emergent bilingual students who need more practice using language with Total Emotional Body Response to Language (TEBRL) strategies.
Families’ first visit to kindergarten is organized, purposeful, and inviting “Sunflower Children” and warm-hearted Katie Nelson welcome each family as they arrive. The environment is carefully prepared to introduce literacy routines and involve Parents as Partners. Children sign in on their first “Name Ticket” with guided help from Mom or Dad. They put their finished […]
Parents: Where Do You Think Your Child Is Right Now as a Writer? 1. Share kindergarten writing samples and rubrics with parents: Where do you think your child is as a writer right now? Help parents notice and appreciate how their child will grow as a writer in kindergarten. (See September 23, 2020 blog for […]
Settling-In Time Sets the Emotional Tone for the Day: Developing Friendship, Responsibility, Self-Motivation, and Collaboration Skills
Glimpses of kindergarten life with retired teacher Laura Flocker from September through May: An Oregon Model of Excellence (last printed in 2020) This is what we know for sure: Provide explicit, systematic instruction in seeing and drawing like an artist. Introduce children to lines and rich vocabulary the first week of school with crayons and […]
We focus on good handwriting skills in kindergarten all year long. In January, students practice letter formation for their first and last names. Send home free printable Name Ticket books so families can help their children practice. Build short authentic practices into morning work activities and continue sight word sentences.
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