Goldie Blox Coding for Girls

Coding and 1:1 technology in the classroom go hand in hand. There is even an event for coding called the Hour of Code. Last year, was the first year I got my Kinders into coding with both the Scratch Jr. and Lightbot apps. We even documented our coding on a FREE Hour of Code log.

The boys LOVED Lightbot and Scratch, but my girls weren't so into it.  Everyone loved Puzzlets (read more here), but I just couldn't get my girls to actively CHOOSE a coding game on the iPad.

Then I found Goldie Blox...

First I thought it was just an app, but they have a whole slew of toys inspiring girl engineers. 

The app is called the Rocket Cupcake and it is TOTALLY girly.

Kids start out with simple coding. They drag and drop arrows to get the avatar to move. Each level increases with difficulty, adding a step of code each time.

There is also the Sandbox area where kids can explore and solve more advanced coding puzzles.

As much as I would love to buy a set of toys for the classroom, we'll only be able to use the app. I CANNOT wait so show my old Kinders and introduce it to the new class when they are ready. 

If you haven't tried coding with kids before you should.  Many of the coding toys and apps teach sequential steps - "If I put a left facing arrow, my avatar will move left."

I usually play the coding game with a whole group and project it onto the SMART Board. They get to tell me what to do and we see if it works - trial and error.

A few years ago NONE of this stuff was available to the classroom, much less appropriate for five and six year olds. Now, however, you can access coding with one app and really dive deep into some higher level processing!

What coding toys and apps do you use in your class? What am I missing out on?!

Oriental Trading Summer Stock Up

When Jill from Chevron and Centers let me know that Oriental Trading was looking to support some teachers this summer, she didn't have to ask twice to get me on board!

There are SO many things from Oriental Trading to use in your classroom. I was actually really surprised, in a good way, that they had so much! OT has definitely focused on education lately it looks like.

After narrowing by $400 cart down to under $100, here's what I had to grab for the new year:

Letter Bean Bags

I have been wanting these for YEARS but I am frugal and can never spend over like $10 on one thing for my room. But I am so glad that I FINALLY got my hands on these! There are a million ways to use these fun, kinesthetic toys to teach letters.

I pulled out my chalkboard table cloth and some chalk and made a toss game.  Students grab a bean bag and have to toss it right right so that it lands on the corresponding letter.

Money Math

This is a fun center game to help students develop number sense.  Numbers to 20 are included, with the numeral represented by the number word, number, dice, and tallys. Students link together the matching monkeys to prove their number sense!

And isn't this link nice?

It's a little different, and I think easier for my little ones!

Transportation Manipulatives and Going Buggy Tongs

Counters are a Kindergartner's best friend and I usually pick them up in the dollar spot.  I am always scouting for counters to engage my boys and these are PERFECT!  I am sure the intent of the tongs is not to pick up manipulatives, but I use it as an option for my students when they are working in math. You could also use them for a dice shaker!

Dry Erase Crayons
Who doesn't love a class set of crayons? Better yet - dry erase crayons! I haven't debuted them yet but I know my Kinders will LOVE these crayons as an alternative to our black Expos.

What have you used from Oriental Trading in your classroom? Have any ideas for me to use these materials differently?

Oriental Trading provided me with the aforementioned materials in exchange for sharing how I use their materials. Looking for a deal at Oriental Trading? Visit their coupon page for the latest in sales!

Hair Gel Letters

Little ones love all things gooey. 

I love tactile letter practice. 

Put them together and you get hair gel letters. So easy.  

I got all my supplies from the Dollar Store and paired the center with letter cards that match my classroom decor because I am OCD like that. 

All you need is a bottle or two or hair gel (I chose blue because it also matches my classroom decor - so annoying right?), large plastic bags, and letter flash cards. 

Open the bag, and squeeze enough hair gel in the cover the size of the card that you are going to use.  Zipper the bag closed - because we all know what will happen if its not.

 

Then place one of the flash cards on the table and put the bag over the flash card.  Smooth out the gel so it covers the card.

Then trace! My kiddos love the feel of the gel moving under their fingers, and work spaces can stay clean!

When you are done tracing, switch cards and play again! Chevron letter cards are here for FREE!

If you are like me and like to have your kiddos use response sheets in your center, print off these babies and put in a clear write and wipe pocket or let each kiddos choose her/his own.

Besides gel, we also use shaving cream or soap in these bags. What do you like to do tactile letter practice with?