Kindergarten Student Led Conference

 Student Led Conferences

At our school, we have the students lead their conferences.  For October conferences, we just want to "break the ice" with the kindergartners and have them practice how to talk to a group of adults (their parents/guardians and teacher).  I made this simple form for them to draw to have something easy to share with their family. It worked out great.

If you would like a copy, download it for free here. 

Easy Fall Magnet Craft

 

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:

Hedgehog Leaf Magnet

Nerdy Fall Critter Magnet

Beary Happy Fall Y'All Magnet

September Kindergarten Journals

 

About a week after school starts, I implement daily journal writing for my kindergartners.  For the first two months, it is very directed and intentional as they build their writing skills and letter sound knowledge.

Some things we do in September:

• We build the word wall slowly and implement those words in their journal writing. 
• I have a photo on the board and usually have a simple clipart to go with it to help them draw, or I walk them through how to draw the picture using simple shapes.
• We count the words and I write the words in different colors. We discuss "Meatball and spaghetti spacing."  Meatball spaces between each word/spaghetti noodle spaces in a word. 
• We tap out the sounds of any word not on the word wall and write it together.
• We use other resources in the room like color words to help us write. 
• We reread our writing (sometimes with silly voices).  
• We identify words (below I asked them to find "the" and circle it). 
• I use Mr. Sketch smelly markers to check work as I give feedback.  Or stamps.  Or stickers.  👌
• At the end, they get up and read their writing and share their pictures with a partner.

Stay tuned for October writing soon!