Read and Write the Room and Name Graph

READ AND WRITE THE ROOM
An fun idea that has been around for a long time is Read the Room. I like to have some accountability with it and make it Read and Write the room. I also like to put some structure with it and place certain words around the room  for the students to find. Our word family this week is the -an family so I put -an words around for them to find. I also throw in my 4 spelling words for the week. My spelling words are sight words. Here is my recording sheet and an example of the cards.

NAME GRAPH
The graphing was so fun on Friday! It was a little hard for some but they got the hang of it. Here is the graph I'm doing this Friday. We've already talked about our names and counted out the letters. Now we'll gather data and put it into a graph.

Click on the picture to download a PDF.

Spotlights

I wanted my spotlights of the kids to be different than kindergarten. The kinder teachers have the kids bring a poster of pictures. So I made a little book for the kiddos to color and fill out. Then on their special day, they bring the book to share with the class along with 10 items to show and tell. I do a spotlight twice a week until everyone has had a turn. This year with such a big class it will take until January to get everyone done. Some parents like to come and watch many with video cameras. I allow live pets but mom or dad has to bring it and take it home. We have had everything from a llama in a horse trailer in the parking lot to dogs, cats, fish, frogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, lizards and so on. Some kids like to bring their favorite candy to share but it's not required. I let the child sit in my 'big' teacher chair and use my wireless microphone. They think it is pretty special. When each child is finished sharing we have a questions and answer time. It turns out to be a fun way to get to know each child.
The clipart is by DJ Inkers. They are one of my favorites!

Click HERE to download a PDF

Smiley Frowny Game

Here is a game I made for my kids to practice sight words. It's very simple. I print it on different colors of card stock, cut the cards apart and place in baggies. They love playing it! I've made different ones through out the year to practice other sight words or skill words like blends, digraphs, contractions, compound words and so on. Click on the picture for a PDF.

Weekly Graphs

I've been working on a graph of the week this summer. I'm going to do one each Friday with the whole class. Here is the one for this week. Click picture to download a PDF.

Here I Go!

Here I go at my first attempt at blogging. I've been an avid blog reader for years and love reading other teachers blogs. I've gotten so many great ideas to help my teaching. So I guess it's time to give back.

I've been in the business of teaching for so many years. But my philosophy has always been to not get set in my ways. I am constantly learning and trying new things. I get really bored if I don't. I like to create on my computer new ways for teaching some of the old and new ideas.

I have had numerous friends share their ideas with me over the years. I couldn't have done it without them. And now I'd like to share with you some of the things I have tweeted to fit my style or ideas of my own. We are all in this together- the art of teaching these precious little children. So help yourself and enjoy the art of teaching!

Each week my kiddos choose a book nook. I have 14 places around the room with pillows or chairs where they can read during reader's workshop. I write their name on the tag and then laminate it. I put some Velcro on the back and they are ready to go. Here is the tag I use.