Every October, we read Go Away, Bug Green Monster by Ed Emberly. It is always such a hit with kindergartners. After reading it, I model making my own monster and then give them the paper to make it. They need very little guidance and it turns out great. The beauty of this project is all level of learners can produce a great monster and it makes a great hallway display!
In October, I take journal writing up to a little more challenging level.
In September, I guide students word by word, using our word wall and short, phonetic words, to write a simple sentence. They learn so much in September from capitals, to periods, to spacing, to counting words.
In October, I give them a sentence starter (with word wall words) and then they have to write the last word on their own. I pick words in which we have learned at least the beginning and ending sounds for. Some kids stop after the initial consonant. Some kids have beginning and ending sounds, and some kids can do all sounds.
I circulate giving feedback, and of course using Mr. Sketch scented markers to give a smiley face or star when I check it with specific feedback. The daily practice and feedback is crucial to helping our emerging writers feel confident!
After about ten minutes, students share with a partner and give compliments to each other. It's one of my favorite times of the school day.
The past two years of Covid, I was in survival for the most part, even after 20 years in the classroom. This year, I have made a point of planning out fun projects for my kindergartners (in advance-not morning of!). Most don't cost much money, but this one I did buy.
I ordered the hedgehog magnets from Oriental trading and they were a HIT! I modeled the whole process then sent them on their way. They did so well. The only thing a few of them needed help on was attaching the magnet the right way. They were so excited all week to do this.
Some kids were done in less than five minutes so I had fall coloring sheets for them. Overall, I would estimate it took ten minutes once they started.
At the time of this post, the price was $8.29 per dozen. I am fortunate that our school gives us $200 to spend on whatever we need each year and then we get fundraising money later. Maybe you don't get classroom money, but you could try asking parents to donate, or even collecting $1.00 per student to help offset costs. I worked at a low income school in the past, and was still able to get donations to help out, so it wasn't all on me. Sometimes we just need to ask!
Happy Fall!
Some other cute Fall Oriental Trading links: