It is said, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. I love that motto. So on the second day of school, despite my inner ‘self’ telling “don’t do it,” I jumped right in and started math stations. I figured, why not. I have a student teacher, a returning student who knows my math station routines . . . I thought the other three stations were independent enough that we could give it a whirl with a little modeling and practice.
I was a little too busy to take many pictures, but I was able to grab a couple and I survived to say . . . ‘it can only get better from here.’ In all actuality, everyone stayed at their station, everyone was engaged and working and no one cried or lost an eye in the process. I say that’s a WIN in my book.
It’s so hard not to compare these students and stations with the ones you end the year with in the spring, but I always have to remember, these initial stations are about building familiarity, exploration and developing routines that will be a strong foundation for the future.
So am I the only crazy one, or does anyone else start stations on the second day of school?
What packet do the sorting cards come in? I need those for my class!
Lishelle
It’s from my Back To School Math Stations Galore pack Lishelle. Click on the picture and it will take you there.
Marsha
Found it. Thanks so much!
Good for you! Such postitivity! ( new word)
I need them too! But yes I start them on the 2nd day too! and this year I feel the same way and I am in the 3rd week and still struggling to get them to understand the concept!
Heather, when and how are you modeling and introducing the activities? I’d love to help you out.
Marsha
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Marsha, I began my first day with some activities from your Back to School Galore pack. The kids love, love, love the “Lost Lunch” one and we used the links, and the counting with friends cards (x2). In one station, they used the “bear manipulatives” to show their number. Then today, we added the play-doh mats and count the Supplies. That being said, I only had my seniors the last todays (like regular kindergartens) and my juniors (pre-k) join us tomorrow. Thanks for all your hard work! I bought two licenses and my teaching partner and I are loving the stations!
Awww thanks for the kind words. I am so delighted they are working out for you.
Marsha
Hi Marsha,
I start group rotations in the first week, too. I know I’m going to be exhausted anyway, so why not jump in boots and all? 🙂 I’ll have to check out your Back to School pack.
Lauren
Love, Laughter and Learning in Prep!
I am not in K this year but I just started a blog and would love you to follow! 🙂
http://kickinitwholebrainintexas.blogspot.com
Chelsea (one of your BIGGEST fans!!)
I do! And I used some of YOUR Math Stations Galore- they worked like a charm! Thank you for making my first few days just a little bit easier! 🙂
How long do you have your kids work at the stations and how many do they do in a day? That’s where I struggle! They are all engaged at first, but then my early finishers get loud,etc. Also, my transitions aren’t smooth and seem too stressful! Any suggestions?
I love your colored pasta as a sensory bin! What a great idea!
Me too!! Where do you get that or how do you color your pasta?