Helping parents get ready for Kindergarten

Sending your little one off to kindergarten can be emotional. Parents want to make sure their child's teacher will protect, love, and care for their child the way that they do. Our new students are someone's little one all grown up and off starting to have personal rather than familial experiences. 

Parents will eagerly await for their child to stories about school, their new friends, and the new things that they learned. And...our students will often answer, "Nothing" or "I don't know" leaving parents asking, "What DO they do all day."

Preparing parents and new kindergartners for school is equally important.  Teachers know how special each member of their new class will be and it's our job to help all children learn in a safe, exciting, educational environment.

Each year, our district hosts a Bloom Into Kindergarten event for incoming kindergarten parents in May. We meet our new class members and discuss with the parents the expectations for incoming kindergartners keeping in mind developmentally appropriate goals and tasks. Parents and students make letter activities and we discuss the expectations and discuss all the wonders that kindergarten holds. 

We developed a Welcome to Kindergarten packet to hand out to parents during Bloom into Kindergarten, which we go through with them.

Included on the front page is all of our contact information and the first day of school information.  

The following pages discuss:

-Academic expectations and goals

-They way that we teach

-What a day in kindergarten looks like

-All first day of school information

-The kindergarten supply list 

-Apps that we use in school (we are 1:1 iPads)

-Resource pages including proper letter formation, our sight word list, a writing practice page, 2D and 3D shapes, and number flash cards. 

This has been tremendously helpful for our parents that are sending their little ones off to school. The packet gives us a lot of talking points. Many parents are surprised to see what kindergartners are expected to know, but probably more surprised when they know it all at the end of the year! Here is a FREE literacy night presentation that you can use to help keep parents updated on student progress.

I really love this packet because all the information is out there for our parents and we have most of their support at home. 

I made the packet editable (English, Spanish and for TK) for you to use and I hope it is equally as helpful in your classroom! There may be pages that you don't want to use, and you can just delete those out of the PowerPoint. If there is something you would like to see added, I will gladly do so - just shoot me an email! 

What kinds of parent information sheets do you give out? What has been the most successful for you?

What's a Chirbit?

I have been dreaming of an EASY way to link voice recording to QR codes for a LONG time. And finally, I have found it! Seriously Chirbit, where have you been hiding?

Chirbit allows you to create audio files right on your computer and seamlessly convert them into QR code or another output. 

Follow these few quick steps and your kids will be using the QRs in no time!

 

Inno time, you can have QRs that link to voice. Now my kiddos just scan the QR and can hear me read the number to them. We use these cards in centers, as flash cards, and for take home!

Chirbit is SUPER easy to use and kid friendly too! I just used it to create this fun center for tricky teen numbers. And why not for numbers 1-10 too?

If you want to learn more about how I use these centers, just scan the QR code in the lower left! 

How excited are you to use Chirbit in your own classroom?! Don't have iPads or tablets? Just save the link to a word document! I know my kids LOVE hearing my voice...even though I would object! I am sure the would love to hear yours too! 

Have fun learning!

Easy QRs

Want some instant engagement?! QR codes get kids movin' and groovin'. They give my students an opportunity to make choices during centers and work on their iPads - which is always a welcomed activity to them. 

Engagement is key but it isn't the only component that matters in centers.  I look for my students to develop responsibility and motivation to complete their work, so I always include a way students can record work in addition to enjoying their work!

Making QR codes is EASY to do, and you can add them to anything you use in your classroom! They can link to videos, websites, plain text, audio - anything!!

Here is how to make a QR and add it to a document! Follow these easy steps and you will be set in NO time! 

1. Find the video or link you want the QR to go to:

My link is this ABC Mouse "Z" video. So I just click in web address bar and copy the link. 

2. Once your link is copied, open up a new tab, and go to safeyoutube.net (or another safe sharing website). I do this so that my QRs don't link to You Tube, and so I have a little more control of the content my kiddos can access. You can skip this step if you don't need to create a safe link. 

3. Paste your link into the safe sharing generator, and click "generate link." Then copy this link. 

Now you are ready to go to QRstuff.com! 

If you are not using a link, you can post plain text like I have done below. When my kiddo scans this QR, the word "can" will pop up. If you are using a link move on...

4. Paste your link in the box by the #2. Your QR will be created automatically. Done! Not so fast...let's get the QR into a document. 

5. I DO NOT download the QR. I just drag it with my mouse from the website browser into a Powerpoint file. See how I have my Powerpoint document under my web browser? Just click the QR, drag it until you are hovering over the white page of your Powerpoint and let go, or drop it into the Powerpoint. Voila! 

6. Now that it is in your document, you can make it larger, smaller, crop the sides... Just click on the Qr and you will be able to change it to how you like.

As you can see I have cropped mine to fit next to the animals on my QR Scan and Record task cards. 

Here, I am working on cropping the QR to fit. 

Now you have your QR codes and you are set to print!

  

As I mentioned, my kiddos record their work after using these QR codes.  I put their recording sheet into the Showbie app on their iPads and they go to town!! You can print the recording sheets easily too and there are a few options that your kids can choose from. 

My kiddos are totally into scanning these QRs that link to ABC Mouse videos. Then they write or color the letter/sound that they watched.  Its great for morning work or earlier finishers! Post each kiddo's response sheet on the wall, or in their folder and they can work on it say after day until complete! Or maybe send it home over the weekend? Just some thoughts.... :o)

Enjoy QRing! Check out my FREE Getting Started with iPads pack if you are just getting started with QRs and/or iPads or you are looking to streamline your classroom management with your tech!

Here are a few other QR resources you may like too!

Thanks for stopping by!

My Tool Book Student Resource Folder

Hi there!

Anyone else have a love/hate relationship with the take home folder?

The daily drama of:
-My mom said...
-Here's a note from my pocket
-Where's the field trip form?
-I don't have it
-I don't have numbers/an alphabet at home
-No one helps me

It's too much! I am asking my kiddos to take this thing home every night for their parents and they have no reason to OWN it. It's not theirs. Which I needed to change.

The folder may be going to your parents my lovlies, but I need YOU to know whats inside, why it's important and why your parents need it too. Enter My Tool Book...

....It's a tool box folder style! There are plenty of resources for parents AND kids. I want my kiddos to use their folder daily for homework help. It is going to be their best friend throughout the year.

After they get the hang of taking it home, I will add project pages and special directions for using the resource pages - i.e. cover half the letters and play memory with an adult.

We're implementing Standards Based Grading this year and part of that movement is helping kids OWN what they are doing in school and understand the purpose of what we are learning. This system mirrors these views - help kids OWN it. The more ownership, the more dedication we have, and the more learning we are enabled to do!

Plus, having everything all in one place streamlines and simplifies things - work smarter not harder folks.

Do you use something like this is your classroom? How has it worked for you?

New Alphabet!

As all good teachers do, I started this summer with a LONG list of things I wanted to improve for next year. Don't ask how much I accomplished....because its less than you I am sure. BUT I did get to this!

My classroom alphabet just was not working. The kids weren't using it, I thought it was ugly...etc. So I decided to change it around a little and created this.  I couldn't decide which form I liked best and I know that you love options, so I made a few different options - 6 to be exact - available. 

     

There is a full set of half page alphabet card/posters for each style as well as letter-picture matching cards.  Use one or both in your room for reinforcement, center activities, etc.

I also did a line and unlined version for those of you that have a preference. Anyone want to weigh in on which is better? I have no clue :op

     

 Each set also has matching word wall cards so if you are a matching freak like me, your word wall and classroom alphabet will match. Because if it didn't lord knows what we would do. 

    

 If white and black are too boring, go ahead and print yourself one of the colored options.  "Cool" colors or "warm" colors options await you!

Last little goodie in this mega pack is a handy mini anchor chart for each of your students.  I love to shrink these way down and place them in CD pocket holders attached to my kids tables.  It gives them a quick reference and hey- it matches the rest of the room too.

Maybe include it on the back of your newsletters, in a take home folder, or in the kiddos writing journals.

So if I accomplished nothing else this summer, at least my alphabet is matching now, right? Just gotta get this baby laminated and hung in the room....and that's for another day.

How are you using your class alphabet in your room? Are you a coordinating / matching freak like me?

Liebster Award!

How exciting! When I first started blogging, I had no idea the blogging community could be so supportive of each other. I am so glad I met Marie at Once Upon a Classroom, who nominated me for the Liebster Award this week.  I linked up with her for her weekly Tech Tuesday and am excited to continue collaborating with Marie - as she has a whole lotta talent! 

In case you aren't familiar, the Liebster Award is passed from one beginning blogger to another in order to get to know each other better and spread the love. It provides a path to discover new and upcoming blogs as well as make connections with other bloggers! I have found a number of upcoming bloggers I would love to recognize as well! They are listed at the bottom of this post. Happy reading! :o)

1.            Why and how long ago did you start blogging?

 I started blogging 3 years ago as a way to visually appeal to my student's parents and create a classroom website essentially. However, I have since transitioned to a district that has fully integrated technology and now my focus is on providing a lens into our classroom, the ways we integrate tech, and the various other hilarious things that happen in K. 

2.         What one word sums up the heart of your blog and why?

Dynamic. I reflective to a flaw. This blog, my purpose on it, what my goal for it has changed and probably will change in the future. I am constantly looking to improve, make adjustments, and make the most meaningful experience for myself and my students. 

3.         Is there something you learned late in your blogging journey you wished you knew before?

How to make purposeful connections with other bloggers. I am still definitely learning this. You see a lot of bloggers with a TON of followers, great link ups, and who are part of meet-ups - I would love to get there! I feel like the blogging world is SO huge and I am definitely working on finding my niche and bloggers who I could work with collaboratively on a continuous basis. So, if you have any tips let me know... or if you just want to be my blogging friend ...you know that's cool too ;o) 

4.         What is your favorite pastime other than blogging?

Right now, being outside. I LOVE the outdoors and in Chicago, you only get a few great months, so bring it on! But, I have horrible allergies which is like a sick joke right now.

5.         How many hours a week do you dedicate to your blog/TPT?

Marie's response to this question was incredibly accurate. It is really hard to find the time during the year because my first passion is my students. And I can NEVER sell them short. All my TPT things are present in my own classroom, so I would say the majority of my effort goes there because those are products that are actually benefiting my students. I usually blog whenever I get a chance - stopping and going until a post is through. And I always make it about what is relevant to our class right now so its super organic. Or so I hope. 

6.         What category of blog posts do you enjoy most?

I love new stuff on technology - specifically iPads because that is what I am putting a lot of effort into in my room. Making it meaningful for me and other teachers who are exploring tech in primary.

7.          Where does your blog inspiration come from?

My 20 lovely faces that drive me both up and wall and make my day. My inspiration comes from their needs and my ever changing desire to be the best teacher I can for them. A lot of this is my professional journey, what I have learned, where I am going...trying to humbly learn from the littlest, most brilliant 20 minds each year.

8.         Which post that you’ve written are you most proud of?

I think my latest post on the purpose of technology in K/the reason I do what I am doing. It provoked more ideas I have and made me reflect on what I am really doing for each and every of my students, and what I can improve upon. 

9.         Is there a post you have been planning to do but have been postponing it for a while now?

Not really because honestly my mind goes a million thoughts a minute so I pretty much just go with what's the current need and my reflections after the school day. So all those really great fantastic ideas I had in the shower this a.m. are gone, gone, goneeee. Ha!

10.     What is your favorite aspect of blogging?

Hearing feedback that what I type has made sense or has helped spark an idea of someone else's. I love collaborating - there are so many fantastically creative people out there! Like I said above...who wants to be friends?! :o) 

11.         Which idea from a blog would you like to try yourself?

I would LOVE to implement more of the ideas from Technology Erintegration. She has a great blog about teaching with technology, tools for personal technology development and more. When I need a little reassurance I go to her!

So, blogging has definitely been a joy, and I cannot wait to see the developments I have over the next year. It will be fun to look back on the post and compare my journey at that time. 

I would love to nominate the following teacher-bloggers:

1. Ms. Spethmann @ Lacquer Teach Repeat

2. Andrea @ Always Kindergarten

3. Chrissie @ The Undercover Classroom

4. Erin @ Very Perry Classroom
5. Kellee @ Stomping Through First
6. Jessica @ For the Love of Fifth
7. Beth @ Morrow in the Middle
8. Peggy @ Primary Flourish
9. Nicole @ Why Pencils Have Erasers (LOVE the name!)
10. Amber @ The Pirate Queen Teacher

The Rules to Receiving this Award are:

-Link back to the blog that nominated you

-Answer the 11 questions posted by the nominator

-Nominate 5-11 people (blogs with followers less than 200 followers) and link to them in your post

-Contact the nominees and let them know they have been nominated

Thanks for stoppin' by!

Unofficial Easter Sale

Hi there! Ready for spring break? 'Cause I am. :o) Mostly because I can start eating dessert in large quantities on Sunday. Hooray!

Speaking of Sunday - I am teaming up with Glitter Meets Glue for her annual unofficial Easter sale on TPT. The sale takes place this Sunday and it is good for 20% off my entire store!

Some of the new things I have going on over there are my Spring Bundle for math and literacy, QR Sight Word Scramble, which the kiddos LOVE, and an UPDATED sight word pages pack!

If you find nothing you like, let me know! I am always looking for new ideas and ways I can expand my creations. Thanks for stopping by - hope you have a wonderful weekend!

iPad Platforms for K

Last week, I posted on organizing iPads for kindergarten to make them most useful day to day.  One of those things is the Showbie app, which I use for my classroom platform. I could NOT be truly effective using iPads without it!

What is it?
Showbie is an app that allows you to upload any PDF, picture, video, or voice memo and send to all of your students. It is a way to send home homework, notes, help students self-monitor improvement, use for center responses, in guided reading, etc.

Why use it?
It streamlines the work you are giving students, cuts down on issues at the copier, reduces paper waste, and provides for both differentiation and immediate student feedback.  The parents also have constant access to student progress and can message you questions, concerns, etc.

Disclaimer: I do understand the need for developing fine motor skills, so we are definitely not completely paper free in my class. The kids also use stylus's to help develop fine motor.


Here is what my Showbie looks like from the teacher perspective.

If you click on an assignment such as "Monday Homework" it brings you here.



Now you can see my last three Monday homework assignments. It can be a document or an uploaded video of you reading. This is what the kids see on their iPads. They can edit each document, send me a note, upload a video, etc. When they make edits it goes directly to me and no one sees their edits.  When I edit the document though, everyone gets it.

Think of it this way - You are virtually passing out papers, and getting them back to grade. Then editing them and handing them back to the students. But, it is SO FAST this way!

Ok, so how do I see the assignments? Just click on "Shared Folder" and then the little people sign in the upper right. Then you can see a list of the kiddos and who has completed the assignment, Just click on the name to grade.  After you press "done" they get the edit.

Want to change an assignment? Just click the tool sign.

Ok here's where it gets fun - uploading documents. Click this little plus sign in the corner. Here is where you add pictures, comments, voice notes, etc. If you want to add a PDF or other file we have to go through Google Drive.

You can actually upload PDFs or other documents two ways, but this is the Google Drive way. If you don't already have Google Drive on your iPad, download the app - l.i.f.e. saver.

Open Google Drive > open your document > click "i" in corner

Click "open in."

 Click "open in" again.

Click "Open in Showbie"

Here it will tell you what folder you are putting the document into. If it is not the right folder, you can exit out, open the folder in your Showbie app, and repeat the process.

Once you click "Add File" it is in and ready to go!

What is really nice, is that you can differentiate work for each student. You can click on a student and upload things only for them, which is fabulous.

Next time, I can go through that process and I will also do a tutorial on uploading from your computer. Uploading files can be a little confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, this process makes like so much easier! Plus, you cut down on copy time, paper usage, and copier problems - hip hooray!