Sunday, January 22, 2012

Thank you, Debbie Diller!

Oh my word. I think I'm in love... with centers work stations! 

I just recently got this book


And it's revolutionizing my work stations. 

This is what I've been looking for! 

I've only had time to skim and read small portions, but I'm getting it going in my room. After Christmas break I had already implemented a work chart as she seems to promote. It's working out pretty well. 
My room is too small to have lots of different spaces, but I just made a cubby organization, which I think will still work nicely with her philosophies. 

This week I'm going to model a little more how to work with a partner on handwriting, and this Thursday the handwriting work station will be introduced! Hooray! :) 

I'm also hoping to get a Science Work station in there too - I love it! Another way to integrate science and social studies!

The best part? 
These stations don't have to be completely changed every week! Less preparation on my part, less confusion for the kids, and more learning and practice to boot! 

Sounds great to me, right? 

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Today in a Nutshell

Beautiful snow is falling outside and what does one of my kinders decide to draw a picture of?
{A blue sky, white crayon snow, and three big yellow circles in the middle of the paper}
"My dogs love to play in the snow." 


An urgent question (read: comment - we haven't all figured out the difference yet...) during calendar time: "You know that 2010 is when the dinosaurs were alive!"

Today after reading Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day my kinders started singing: "So you had a bad day..." 



What tender reminders they bring everyday.