Partner Reading

We had an introduction to partner reading on Friday.  I chose the partners for this time but in the future, they will be choosing their own partners. We talked about EEKK- elbow to elbow and knee to knee allowing the room to get quiet.  A lesson on just right books was given last week and after seeing some of the book picks I know that we will be reviewing that next week.  Many kids are just picking their favorite picture books, not ones they can read independently.  Here are a few pictures of  Friday's reading.

A Look At Our Seats!

So far it has been an enormous success. The kids love bouncing and I hardly notice it anymore.  They are productive and active and safe!  I thought you might like to take a peek in and see what it looks like.  I usually see more bouncing after specials.  This was taken after sitting in the computer lab for 40 minutes.

They're here!

Our box arrived yesterday from Donor's Choose.org.  This morning I had some helpers and we blew up the seat balls.  Now everyone has one!  People kept stopping in because they saw all of my chairs in the hallway.  We had some rules for ball use and I am happy to report that only one student lost their seat for a few minutes as a reminder of how to be safe.  There were lots of happy faces as we bounced our way through the day.  We still have some practice to do but it is so exciting to have these in the room!

What we have been up to....

We wrote about our summer vacation.

Everyone loves the book No David!  We brainstormed our own things that David would say in the classroom.

First Day Photo Booth

We had a bit of fun on the first day with a photo booth

Welcome Back!

I would like to take this time to welcome the newest members of our class and say welcome back to those who are carrying on for another year with me. 

Up until today, we had 23 students: 18 returning Kindergarten students who were with me last year and 5 new students (2 that are new to the school).  Everyone took some time on Wednesday to play a get to know you game. We found out who had brothers and sisters, who likes to cook, and who plays sports.  It was a great time and I even learned some new things about kids I had last year. Unfortunately, one of our returning students is moving to a new town and today was her last day.  At least we got to see her this week. Best of luck to her in her new school.

We did some work, learned some new routines and checked out our newly designed classroom (pictures to follow soon!)  Some of the kids wondered where all of the toys went!  Other people commented on just how big the room looks now- that's what happens when Housekeeping and Blocks disappear.

I disappeared on Thursday because of the Jewish Holidays, but reappeared today and we got right back to things. 

The most exciting thing is that my first project through DonorsChoose.org, was completely funded!!!  What that means is that we will be receiving 23 yoga balls to replace our traditional chairs in the classroom.  Here are some of the benefits:

• Encourages better posture
• Helps students to concentrate and pay attention
• Incorporates “exercise” into the school day
• Helps the flow of blood to the brain
• Develops “core” muscles
• Improves balance and coordination

We are practicing with the 2 balls we have right now on the right way to sit and how to take care of them.  Everyone will have a turn until the new ones are delivered.  I am very excited about this.

I will be updating the site with pictures, but have to go through and check permission slips for photographs.  If you haven't done that please send it back as soon as possible.

Have a super weekend and I will see everyone Monday.

Mrs. Hewitt