Peek at My Week~Visual Plans

Hello, bloggy friends and visitors!  I have watched this visual lesson plan linky series for months.  I've always thought...I wish my lesson plans looked like Deedee's from Mrs. Wills Kindergarten Blog!  This week, I made it happen people!   

 

Click to see:  My Visual Plans

This week, I'm entering a giveaway from Mrs. Thompson from Adventures in Teaching blog.  Please click on the previous link (because I haven't learned how to do the pic/link cool bloggy trick).  Just by blogging about this giveaway, I increased my entries by 2.  I have several things on my wish list on TPT and have my eye on the $25 TPT gift certificate.  {Wish me luck!}

 Lesson Plan Activity Credits:  

LMR--Little Miss Reggio

FFL-Fantastic and Fun Learning

DB--Danya Banya

Hey, guess what another snow day was just announced for my school!  Who knows, maybe I'll do the following week's lesson plans tomorrow?

XOXO,

Mrs. Cowan

 

 

Long Term Investigations--Caretaking Unit

Let me first warn you, I'm new to this Reggio inspired business.  Our school uses a lot of different philosophies to round out our instuction and approaches with our students.  Some of the other approaches we implement are Waldorf, Conscious Discipline and Love & Logic.  I personally like to sprinkle a lot of Great Expectations, too.  However, while I'm really familiar with all the other approaches, so I'm trying to learn more about why we do the Reggio things we do at our school.  IT. HAS. BEEN. A. PROCESS.  (Big props to my Pre-K Team, I could not have done this without their help!)

 

So, in my path to understanding long term investigations, I have been doing A LOT of reading.  I found this awesome article about long term investigations on NAEYC's website.  I loved how the teacher made the learning process visible and communicated with the parents, which is a big emphasis in the Reggio world. 

 

Now, you can't rush a long term investigation.  I started my year out doing all those get to know you things we do as teachers to bond with our class and that are so neccessary to build a classroom community.

 

A big part of discovering the long term interests is to sit back and let the classroom environment inspire the children.  Then I watch, like a stalker, observing them, recording conversations and seeing what they are interested in.  Through my observations, I quickly discovered three themes/investigation possibilities.  My students were pretending to cook and build stores in blocks, pretending to be monsters (this was mid-October) and pretending to dogs/cats on the playground.  My assistant and I talked about their interests and decided to ask the students in morning meeting what they would like to investigate further.   I was quite shocked at the results.  Hands down, I thought they would choose something else...

However, my students choose to investigate pets. 
Side note: For simplicity's sake, I just wrote one word on the smartboard so we could sound out the onset sounds.  Also, during the vote, I was surprised when one of my students said, "Remember, I can write my name."  So some of the names are written by me and others are written by the students. 

Now our class is exploding with interest and engagement.  Not to say they weren't engaged before, but now it's so much more purposeful and it's so student driven!  I'm amazed, I really am.  Just look at my little caterpillars here in our block center.  They decided our reading buddy Valentine needed a house.  On their own, they built him this structure and began discussing how many blocks and then they added a door for him. 

I just can't wait to see where this investigation goes next!  Have you ever worked with an emergent curriculum?  What kind of long term investigations have your students explored?

As always, love the comments!  Keep 'em coming!

Happy Hump Day!
Christina

Classroom Tour!

 

Hello, all! I'm happy to report that my classroom is officially set up and my home computer is fixed! {insert standing ovation to my computer expert, Kevin} I really thought my computer and all my pics were gone forever! But thankfully, my computer just had some corrupt memory cards. :)

This week, I'm joining Swimming into Second's linky party,show off your space and Flying High in First Grade's Classroom Tour Linky.  If you have a blog, check out these fabulous bloggers, their respective linky parties and join us!

Whew!
Loads of stuff!

My almost classroom

Now, for my new readers out there. I taught 3rd grade last year, but I asked my principal if I could move to Pre-k the following school year. So at the end of the school year, I moved all of my personal belongings into the Pre-K trailer. Then I was offered an amazing opportunity with a new district.  This is what I arrived to when I saw my classroom full of ALL of the Pre-K materials.  We have four Pre-K classrooms in a brand new wing of the existing building. 

So after sorting through all the materials, I began arranging my room.My daughter and husband helped me several days.  Inspired by my roomie teacher to use an old chest of drawers, my daughter painted the door pulls black which instantly gave this little beaut a make-over.  Then I turned it into our parent sign in area.  Every morning, our students' parents need to walk them into their classroom and sign them in.  This lets me talk to almost every parent at the beginning and end of class. 



Old Block Center

I made changes the third day of school (we are on our second week now) because the students needed more room in the block center.  Well, you know how it is with room arrangement. You move one center and then you need to move everything else to make it work.  Yeah, it was like that!  So here is our old block area which sounds weird considering that we've only been in school for 2 weeks now. Part of the issue was that hot mess of blocks after clean up.  My students helped brain storm what would make our block area easier to clean.

1. We needed a bigger block area.



New Block Center

2. We needed to move the train and doll house (which you can't see from this angle) to a separate area.

3. We needed to label where everything goes!

So...drumroll please.  Here is a pic of my students enjoying the rearranged block center.  As you can see, they are enjoying a variety of non-traditional materials, right along side those trustie unifix cubes (I swear, those unifix cubes breed in my teacher cabinet). 

When I moved the block area by the front door of my classroom, some of art materials were stored on the back of the block cabinet.  Thus, when I moved the block area, I had to move the art materials.  On the back of that block cabinet, I put the light table materials which I will talk about in a few. 

In the original atelier, I had a table by the art materials which I envisioned students sitting and creating collages with the natural materials provided. 

The wooden stools are for students to sit and paint on the stand up easels.  Of course, they could still choose to stand as well.

 So now the students can do collage, paint and create all in the same area.  As you can see, our big easel needs some repair. 

Next area of our class is the light table.  With the old arrangement, the light table was on the right.

This is side view of the white cabinet by the light table.  Now, here's what that area looks like.

 What you see behind my students is the back of the block cabinet, where I store all the light table materials. 

As you can see, this light table is more inviting!  During our first week, we read "Butterfly Alphabet" and my wonderful assistant brought in a butterfly for students to find letters in the wings.  In the picture above, the students are looking for letters in the wings of the butterfly.

 

 

Well, friends, I will post more later this week...I am just worn out tonight!  Please leave a comment or any questions below. :) I <3 comments!!

 

 

See you soon,

 

Christina



Currently 5 for Fri~Linky Postie Partay

Hello, my fellow blog-o-philes!  I am just busting with happiness!  WHY?  Well, I saw my classroom for the first time yesterday.  I've started with a new district this school year and the whole Pre-K is getting brand spanking new classrooms!  I'm completely geeked out.

Now, I can't reveal a pic in this post because the moment I saw the new classrooms, my phone battery was dead. :(  However, I solemnly pledge to post a pic in my next few posts, so like me/follow me/stalk me and come back. 

Ok, so here's my latest Currently pic.  If you'd like to participate in Farley's infamous linky party click here.

Listening to my favorite boy group, well technically MEN, of all time.  Something about that harmony and I must confess, "Mama" gets me everytime!

LOVING tax free weekend here in Oklahoma!  I'm a mama that likes to save money and I raked in some deals at a local plus size consignment store called Jamie's Exclusively Plus.  I picked 4 shirts, a jacket and 3 pairs of slacks for $35!  Not only was it tax free, but the store is having a 50% off sale all weekend.  Not too shabby and my husband was THRILLED with the deals.  When I showed him the slacks, he said, "Thirty a piece?"  When I told him the price, he said, "Those pants retail for $50 each at Lane Bryant."  (He's right, btw)  I'm so happy, he understood how big of a deal this was!

Thinking about new teacher induction with my new district.  I found out that my teacher co-hort is doing some of the curriculum training and I'm thrilled.  I had a feeling she was a super star, but now I know for sure!  Also, I get to move all my boxes into my new classroom on Wednesday!  Did I tell you that I'm excited??

Wanting a maid.  It's nice to have a nice, clean, organized house...a maid sure would make my day!  If I won the lottery tomorrow (which I won't because I don't play), I would hire a maid and perhaps a professional organizer.  I would come back home each day knowing my house was pristine.  {Sigh} 

Needing to sort through the things I thought I couldn't live without...I have boxes of materials.  My daughter says that teachers make the best hoarders.  So I try to use the rule, if I haven't used it in a year that I need to gift it on. 

Back to School (B2s) I love colorful pens.  I don't anticipate grading a lot of papers, I just love colorful pens.  Also, a fresh new outfit with some new kicks just screams back to school!  If I look good, I feel good. :)

Ok,  here's my Five for Friday linky entry hosted by Doodle Bugs Teaching. 

#1.  I'm starting at a school that is Reggio Inspired.  I've always loved reggio, but the things I'm used to doing before school aren't applicable.  When I toured the building, I noticed that there weren't bulletin boards or art hanging on those bulletin boards.  Everything was made out of materials that aren't traditionally thought of as 4 year old art supplies.  So, the question is...what do I do to prepare?  I'll be figuring this out and more in the coming week.  Our meet the teacher night is August 15th.  So if you have any tips for me, please leave a comment below...

#2.  I've had a busy week, running around town, finishing up paperwork and learning how to move boxes really quickly.

#3. According to Mrs. Allen's Teaching Files, who has so humorously posted a teacher's year in gifs.  I am here...



I think we all are...Mrs. Allen says, "I'm confident and full of fresh ideas..."

#4.  Ok, this link is going to take you to the funniest blog about inservice meetings by Marvelous Teacher Musings.  Now, this isn't every class for me, but I've had them before.  Also, for the record...I HATE it when people read the powerpoint word for word!!!  I learned in college that if people can read your powerpoint and know what you were going to say~then you've failed as a presenter.  So, beware this post will have you sneezing your drink as you laugh and nod at its honest raw humor!

#5.  Laundry.  Does it ever stop?  Well, I'm off to do that now!

Happy Friday friends!

Christina




 

Currently in this Mild July (so far...dun, dun, duuuuun)

I am so happy to see some of my other bloggin' buddies posted their Currently in July link up today, so now I won't be the only one tardy for the party!  If you would like to join in on the fun, click to Farley's blog to learn the details!

I saved my currently picture as a powerpoint slide show and then saved it as a pdf, which has worked in the past.  However, this time it just didn't work!  Does anyone have any hints or tips for me on this?

Ok, despite my tech flub, I'm still participating.  So, please imagine with me that I have inserted the cute graphic page that our buddy Farley created. ; ) (thanks!)

Listening:  To the sweet sound of the a/c
I'm so thankful that althought the temperatures are mild here in Oklahoma that our air conditioning is working.  I love a/c.  I get grumpy when I get hot and let me tell you, it's just not pretty with the sweat and attitude flinging in the air.  So around this time of year, I always say a THANK YOU to whoever invented modern air conditioning.

Loving:  My Last Real Month of Summer
I feel like this is really my last month of real summer.  I know my non-teaching friends think I have the whole summer to frolic and play, but in reality I spent the first month of my summer in professional development.  Some of it was good and some was eh.  Next week, I will be a camp counselor at ol' Camp Egan where I cannot even get a wifi signal, I will be able to totally relax and just hang with the kids.  It will be nice, sigh.  So I will be praying that a/c is working at Camp Egan~don't even imply camping with a/c is cheating~and the temperature in Oklahoma is mild!

Wanting:  A Garden
I have a hankering to plant my own garden at home.  We have a garden at school, but I am really motivated to plant my home garden where the produce aisle will always be open.  I'm going to try some friend planting this year, so my tomatoes will be chemical free!  I pinned a lot of fun garden stuff on my pinterest, so hopefully I'll actually do some of it!

Needing:  To Learn How to Make Cute TPT Products
I need to learn how to apply all those cute graphics and make my own TPT products!  I also just need to make some to give away~I must give back, I've downloaded so many freebies this year!

Tips:  Enjoy Your Children!
I officially have a high school kiddo in the house!  I can't believe she will off to college in 4 short years!  Enjoy those babies, ladies!

Today:
I went to observe my new building and to see my teammates' classes do transitions from morning arrival.  I found so many cool things, that I simply must share with you!

This is a school wide rainbow project that all the 3 year old classrooms are working on to decorate the front of our school.  The pre-k (four year old) rooms are currently under construction and I will be moving in soon!  This chandelier is just so beautiful and is just made from everyday object that parents/families donated to the school.

 

In my previous post, I talked about the identity panels that are present in Reggio inspired schools.  Here's an explanation (see below) along with another example for me to ponder.

 I also promised in my last post to show some examples of traditions in a Reggio class room.  This first example is a family chandilier to celebrate families.  The teacher had each child decorate a wire with beads and objects at home with their families.  Then she added them to to the home decor piece to make this beautiful art piece that each child had a hand in making.  Isn't it gorgeous?

 The next tradition is the birthday tradition chandelier.  The teacher in this room, hand made all these glorious globes for each child.  At the top of each globe is the child's name and birthday.  On the student's birthday, he/she picks a buddy to help them plan their birthday globe.  As you can see, they are all so precious!  Then when the children are done, the teacher lights a battery operated candle inside the globe.  How special is that?  I personally have always hated the mini birthday parties in my classroom, some students celebrate and others don't bring anything.  Then all day, you hear the chorus of "cupcakes, cupcakes" as you try to teach a math/literacy lesson.  When I taught 3rd grade last year, I learned to make the celebration something small and meaningful.  We did a class book, but this year will be different.  I don't know how, but it will be different, meaningful and definitely respectly to each child!

 Last pic from today, I swear!  I just had to share my teacher friends, little friends at work in the art center.  Aren't they precious?  Have a Happy 4th of July and if you like what you saw, please follow my page on bloglovin! ~Christina

 

Hello Reggio! (Also Back to School Picture Book Linky Party)

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I'm so excited to be moving to a Reggio inspired school in August!  For those of you unfamiliar with Reggio Emilia approach, it's based on approaching young children in a developmentally appropriate way through natural materials.  My principal gave me a hand out of Reggio-Emilia values.  In the hand-out, I learned that Reggio values the child as a protagonist, a collaborator and a communicator.  Reggio requires that the teacher is a partner, guide, nurturer, researcher and that the environment is a third teacher.  Most importantly, Reggio requires that parents are partners. 
I found a great source that goes into more detail at:Reggio Kids. 

My co-teachers are more versed in the Reggio approach, so I look forward to collaborating and learning more as time goes on.  However, my first year I was told that I need to have an Identity Panel and a planned Birthday Tradition.  I learned that an Identity Panel contains a child's picture along with their self portrait.  I love this idea and can't wait to implement this! (Reggio Identity Panel)

A birthday tradition is something a child creates in the classroom to celebrate the day of their birth.  I toured many classrooms and each room varied in their tradition.  Some classes had letters that students decorated with a friend, some classes created globes and so many more.  I will update with pictures soon!  I think my class will have a caterpillar portion to decorate.  I can just picture this little caterpillar inching along our classroom and with each month another little friend will add to it.  I did notice that teachers didn't add to the birthday tradition (or I didn't see it), but I will have my own caterpillar link too!

Click Here to Join!

I've been reading all the teacher bloggers ideas on DeAnne's Picture Book Linky at First Grade and Fabulous and I thought I'd join in on the fun! 

This year I'm planning to jump right into letter recognition with one of my favorite letter books Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!

 

I also have a ton of ideas pinned on Pinterest to go along with this favorite!

 

Another great one that I use EVERY year, no matter what grade I teach is The Crayon Box That Talked.This is just such a beautiful book about acceptance and appreciation for every gift each student or "crayon" brings to the classroom.



I found a great writing paper exercise that would work with each student on The Bubbly Blonde Teacher's blog.  She has this as a freebie on her TPT site. 

Can you believe that the google reader on blogger is retiring?  Well, it was pretty surprising to me too.  If you follow google reader it's the newsfeed that pops up when you sign into blogger.  I like to keep up with all my favorite bloggies out there.  If you're like me, follow me on over to bloglovin.com.  I have a link just to the right over there.

Well, I'm told my brand new spanking classroom will be open in early August, so I cannot wait to start implementing all the Reggio ideas and reading those back to school books.  I know from the linky party that I will be adding some to my collection this year!

~Christina

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