a couple science favorites

These two items have really enhanced my classroom science instruction and the classroom science station:


A simple reminder that scientists' drawings should be ABCD.


Instead of a science word wall, make a science OBJECT wall. At the beginning of each unit, I select 5 target vocab words - must be concrete and meaningful! Then, we start the unit with a mini-lesson in which we create the object wall as a class and share where we've seen these objects before, what we observe about them, what we think they might be used for, etc.
  
I love my kinder scientists! 

What is a scientist?

Student-generated responses after read-alouds and discussion. Love this anchor chart!

Book of the week: Plaidypus Lost

I love "beefing up" our curriculum book of the week with themed lessons. When done right, themed lessons can integrate authentic reading, writing, critical thinking, math, etc. in a meaningful way. I love the way the lessons flow together when we have a great book of the week.

This week was one of my favorites: Plaidypus Lost by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel.



A few themed lessons from the week...



We were very interested in what a real platypus was like. So, we read a couple books, searched the web, and even watched a couple short video clips. Then, we made a Venn diagram comparing a real platypus with the character, Plaidypus.



We discussed all the settings where Plaidypus was lost. Then, we made a list of our own ideas - I was so impressed with their creativity!



Then, we used our list to create a class book - always a favorite in my classroom. Here are few of the pages (aren't they awesome?!)







Next week brings another of my favorite "books of the week" - Miss Bindergarten Takes a Field Trip with Kindergarten. And to celebrate... we're off to the fire station! Should be another great week. :)

birthday party dramatic play

It's a hit so far! I absolutely love the authentic writing, reading, math, and language being used. The kids are writing each other's names on a "party list," looking up their friends' numbers in the "phone book," typing the correct phone number on the phone, and "calling" their friends to invite them.



Next week, I'm adding materials to make birthday cards and thank you cards.
   
One thing that made me smile this week... every kid so far has put my name on their birthday party list. Seriously SO cute to hear them "call me" and ask me to come to their party. Darling :)

better every year.

There's no better way to put it. I'm simply falling in love with my class this year. They are joyful, enthusiastic, wide-eyed, and insanely eager to please. They are wonderful - and I am simply in love.
This feeling got me thinking about how each year is different. How every class has a "theme." Most importantly, how every class shapes who I am as a teacher... and makes me better.

Evidence:

Year 1 - my first class. Will always hold a special place in my heart. Walked in the first day and I immediately panicked (see My Very First Day). Taught me humility, taught me what it meant to be a role model, taught me that college really tells you *nothing* about what teaching is REALLY like. My first taste of success... my first inclination that I will love my career.
  
Year 2 - the class that taught me about classroom community - and classroom culture. Taught me about building rapport, trust, and respect. By the end of the year, I truly felt like we were a family. In the end, I learned that if you create a warm, empowering classroom community, everyday will be success. 
  
Year 3 - the class that challenged me. Everyday. Most likely due to the large size of the class, but this class had me pulling out every trick I had. And in turn, my collection of tricks grew immensely. This class taught me the importance of love - and turned me into a big softie. Being the teacher who usually stayed behind my professional wall, I found myself pushing swings, holding little ones on my lap, and getting my "hair done" when assemblies became too boring. It wasn't until 3/4 through the year that I realized just how much I had learned through this year. They may have challenged me everyday... but more importantly, they made me BETTER everyday. And I will forever be a more effective teacher because of this year.
  
Year 4 - I am still getting to know my students, and my class as a whole, but I can already tell some of the overarching themes for this year... easy, natural, loving, and eager. Everyday feels easy-going. And as much as I attribute it to my easy-going, darling students... I know part of it is because I am now a better teacher. 
  
I hope to never stop learning... to never stop reflecting. And I promise to NEVER stop loving what I do.

'braska?

Student 1: "Do you live in Omaha?"
Student 2: "Yeah."
Student 1: "Whoa! So do I!"
Student 2: "Really? You live in Omaha, Nebraska?"
Student 1: "No, Omaha."
Student 2: "Yeah. Omaha. Like Omaha, Nebraska."
Student 1: "Just Omaha. Not 'braska."
Student 2: "I don't know."

*10 minute* fish tacos

I love this meal. Definitely in my "Top 10." Why? Well, let me count the ways I love this fish taco recipe:

• It's light -- perfect for a summer dinner. 
• It's FAST -- 10 minutes.
• It's easy -- only a few affordable ingredients.
• You don't feel guilty after eating it. I never knew Mexican food could taste good without cheese! 

My hubby and I love these. You will too. Make them. Now. :)
Keep reading below for the full recipe and photo tutorial.