When teaching in an inquiry-based program, kindergarten science can be challenging in one way (no planning ahead) and incredibly freeing (following the interests of my students). I have to be constantly attuned to what my students are questioning and wondering about and then act on what I hear. To learn more about running an inquiry-based …
Figuring out your classroom management strategy in kindergarten can take time. I am offering you my best advice for developing your strategy to use with your students. Classroom management is one of the things that I struggled with the most. I truly believe that better classroom management just comes with experience. You add tools to …
One of the aspects of my kindergarten classroom that I want to improve this next school year is incorporating more outdoor learning into the day. I’m not just talking about recess, but time for my students to explore and learn about the natural environment. Part of having an inquiry-based program is allowing students the time …
Reinforce important math skills with these digital kindergarten counting activities. In addition, students will have fun practicing one-to-one correspondence! Learning how to count and using one-to-one correspondence skills is the foundation for future math skills that your students will need. However, it is a jump from being able to rote count to be being able …
Want to plan and implement effective kindergarten math lessons for your students? Try these ideas and tips! I’ve written about the literacy routine that I follow in my classroom in the past. I also wanted to write about how I teach different math skills. You can also listen to me talk about math in kindergarten …
Having clear and predictable classroom routines will help you stay organized and help your students be successful in their own learning! Setting up routines at the beginning of the school year is important not only for your students but also for yourself. If your students know what they have to do and when, they won’t …
Switching up the traditional alphabet posters in your kindergarten classroom to a sound wall can greatly impact your students’ reading skills! This year, I am switching from using a word wall in my classroom to having a sound wall. I’ve done quite a bit of research lately on how to teach students fundamental reading skills. …
Plan and implement an effective kindergarten phonics routine to build the foundation of reading and writing skills for your students. I have learned over the years that my students need direct, explicit instruction in phonics. Without it, some of my students would not be able to connect the written symbol (the letter) and its spoken …
Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate program for literacy in kindergarten. Read about everything you need to know for this school year. Our young learners need planned, extensive and developmentally appropriate literacy instruction to become readers and writers. This is coupled with opportunities to use these skills through play during the school day. I recently …
Are you looking for back-to-school books for your kindergarten classroom library? I have a great list of great books to share with you! Last year, I wrote some blog posts about literacy and math books that are perfect for the beginning of the school year. Recently, I acquired some new picture books that I think …
