Learning Independently and In Community

In last week's post I highlighted the concentration and focus that students were bringing to their work- the time was right to  introduce IN SCHOOL book packs much like the leveled books that I send home for practice. The new routine involves students finding a solo space, working their way though on-level books using all their superpowers (see previous post), and logging the titles of books they have read in a reader's notebook. At other times during the day (Quiet Time and Explore) I pull children aside to check in on their fluency and comprehension and add a little note in their log. We are building independence each day!

You've seen what the children are doing independently and now you can have a look at the class meeting "The Marble Challenge" with their big buddies.  This was a hands on experiment connected to our Force and Motion unit in science.  Check out the ways in which children are making the marble: move without using their hands to push it, turn a corner, hit a target and move an object.

Lastly, I wanted to share the lesson on handwashing that Nurse Casani brought to our class.  Through the use of a special lotion and a black light, we were able to practice handwashing techniques that will insure the germs are scrubbed away!

Shining Stars

I think this happens at this point in the year every year but it always amazes me!  Truly, I feel so fortunate to witness this kind of development- I think it's one of the reasons I love Kindergarten so much.  This post is dedicated to children "taking that leap"- seeing themselves as capable and recognizing their own strengths and achievements.  Here you can get a glimpse if one student co-leading the intro to the bowling unit in P.E.

Next, have a look at students self monitoring their popcorn words with word rings- words they are confident with on one side and challenge words on the other.

Here you can see a glimpse of whole group handwriting instruction.

And lastly, some future female mathematicians!  Look at the concentration and focus.