Integrating the Arts (with KookyKinders)

 

 

The arts are a very important part of education. Students should be able to create their own art and enjoy the art of others. Students feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when they are allowed to create. My favorite part of "craftvities" in the classroom is how unique each one is. They really show each students individual personality. 

 We are thankful Pilgrims.

 

Native Americans

Little Witch Craftivity

 

 

 Another way that I integrate the arts into my classroom is through our Monthly Family Project Pack. This allows families to work together and create something as a team.

 

 

 

 

How do you integrate the arts into your classroom?

 

 

Sensational Science with KookyKinders!

.

Science is a fun learning opportunity in kindergarten. Hands on learning is the most effective way to get my students engaged and excited. This year we were lucky enough to have science students from the local college come into our classrooms and assist/teach science lessons. 

One of my favorite activities this year was releasing our butterflies.

.

Our garden in a bag was very successful. I was so happy that I didn't have to drag a bag of dirt to school!

We loved exploring seashells and sand!

What do you do for science in your classroom?

Read Alouds We Love with KookyKinders!

 

Books are a SERIOUS addiction of mine! I spend most Sunday afternoons looking though the books at Goodwill to add to my collection. I can rarely leave Sam's Club without picking up a book and the bargain section of Barnes and Nobel is a happy place!  

These are a few of my newest and most requested read alouds. 

In My Heart is a book about feelings. Its a great way to discuss feeling with younger students who may not fully understand them. The book connects colors and feelings. 

What Do You Do With An Idea is the wonderful story of a child with an idea that's a little different. What do you do with an idea? Hide it? Walk away from it? Pretend it isn't yours? As the child's confidence grows so does the idea and something amazing happens. This is a great book to teach confidence and positive self esteem.

 Ellie is all about an artistic elephant who is trying to save her Zoo. It teaches my students about believing in themselves. 

 My last and very FAVORITE book is Mother Bruce. Its the story of a reluctant, grumpy bear who has to raise some baby geese. This bear reminds me so much of myself, he loves to find fancy recipes on the internet and enjoys supporting local businesses. :)

What are your favorite read alouds?

Don't forget to enter our giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An InLinkz Link-up

New Year, New Procedures with KookyKinders

Hey its Maja from KookyKinders! A new year gives you the chance to try some new things in your classroom! In kindergarten establishing routines is HUGE! I don't want to mess up how far my students have come so I don't add too much at first. We stick close to our regular routines and add new brain breaks, attention getters and center activities.

 

  Each morning my students come into our classroom, they sign in, flip their card for attendance, turn in their folders and reading bags and get their morning work.

 It may seem like so much for a kindergarten student to do, however we started this the first week of school and now they are pros! 

With new school regulations we have to reduce paper use. One of my students favorite things to use are the Boogie Boards! They add something special to simple writing activities.   

What are some new procedures that you are implementing in your classroom?

An InLinkz Link-up

Meet the Teacher with Maja from KookyKinders

.

Hello, Maja here from KookyKinders! I survived my first week of school!! Meet the teacher night is one of my favorite nights because it is a relaxed time to meet my new students and their parents. 

This year I ordered some adorable custom sugar cookies for Meet the Teacher night. It was an adorable treat for my new little ones. I also made "jitter glitter" and included a copy of "The Night Before Kindergarten" in their new student folders. I create a PowerPoint to help better explain my expectations. 

 

Gift that I made for my team that could be easily adapted for a student gift.

Professional Development Books Worth Reading~Maja from KookyKinders

Every summer I try to read some professional development books. The school year is usually too busy for any extra reading. This summer I am focusing on two books, Teach Like a Champion and Making Good Teaching Great. I will be starting my 7th year in kindergarten in the fall, I want to improve some of my techniques and become a better teacher for my students.

Teach Like a Champion gives you techniques and ideas that will put your students on the path to college. Many of the students in my school do not have parents that attended college. I want them to understand from an early age how important it is.

Making Good Teaching Great is co-written by Todd Whitaker, I was lucky to have his wife as a professor at ISU. Mr. Whitaker is also a professor and a motivational speaker. A few years ago he was able to come to our school and do a very small group motivational speech. It really got the school year started on a positive note. The book helps you learn everyday strategies for teaching with impact.

What are some of your favorite professional development books?