When I first started teaching kindergarten, I had a room full of active boys (I loved it by the way) and two (yes only 2) lovely little girls. These boys were movers and groovers, and I knew that whatever I wanted them to accomplish in that year, I would have to find a way to get their interest and motivate them. What I found was a system that all the kids (boys and girls) LOVED.
What I do is place each level of Ball Words on a different sports ball or equipment. When they master a level such as Baseball (Dolch 1) they get a certificate naming them a Baseball Word Champ and their name goes on my Baseball Word Champ poster. (Or my Top Banana tree for letter master) I also let them go to my treasure chest for a little something for their hard work, but honestly, they care more about the certificate, poster and bragging rights to their parents. (Oh yes, parents like ball words as much as students.)
When EVERYONE in the class has passed a level of ball words, I throw a party. For that first level, baseball, I throw a Baseball party. Kinders wear their favorite baseball hats and jerseys, I play baseball games and I usually have a parent volunteer offer to bring in a treat of some kind. Two years ago, I gladly threw 6 ball parties. Yes, that means that every single kinder in my class master at least 120 sight words. More than half the class mastered all 11 (220) words.
And here is what I love MOST, every year without fail, when that one student (you know the one) is still struggling to pass Baseball words, the other students patiently work with that student on their own time. I often hear, ‘Hey, Mrs. McGuire said we have 5 minutes before lunch, want to practice ball words?’ They work with each other to become better and better. And every year without fail when that one child finally does pass their baseball words . . . somehow THAT is the child who becomes a hero. Everyone cheers (because we’re always cheering in my class) and hoots and hollers and it is one of those things that makes me love being a kindergarten teacher. I love how they love each other.
Top Bananas is the introductory (letter recognition) unit I use before starting Ball Words. The activities and games are very similar so that when they move to Ball Words, their isn’t much reteaching of games and activities. With the leveled Balls and similar activities, it makes differentiating for word work so much easier for me. If they go to the I-Spy drawer for word work, they know what ball word they are working on (oh believe me they KNOW at all times what they are working on, I never have to tell them) and they grab that activity.
Marsha–As a Reading Specialist and 1st grade teacher, I’m trying to figure out which words are in your lists Dolch 1, 2, etc… I know the Dolch lists by pre-primer, primer, 1st grade, etc… Can you clarify your lists for me? I love your packages!
Great question Jude! I break the packages down into lists of 20 just like you find them separated on http://www.theschoolbell.com This has always seemed more easy to manage for my kinders. Taking blocks of 20 gives them the opportunity to find success in smaller increments. The indicate that the words are in order of frequency so think you’ll find them very capable to what you are used to working.
These are wonderful and look like so much fun!! Adding to my wish list!
Heather (heathernnance@yahoo.com)
Wow! This looks absolutely amazing! I will be sure to let my kindergarten friends know about this too. 🙂
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
This is so wonderful! I love the creativity of it all, and I like it better than the rainbow I’m using right now.
I remember reading some research that stated it was better to have flashcards in a circular shape because your eyes don’t gravitate towards the four corners (but then the students have difficulties with orientation. This takes that issue away!)
Sadly, my school district requires we teach an unusual list of words that aren’t in the same order as the Dolch list to match our language arts materials. Is is possible to customize your set and change some of the words up? Just wondering!
Thanks! I’m loving the School Bell Link too!
I love how the kids are motivated and helping each other. Great idea! I enjoyed visiting your blog & I’m your newest follower! I’ve nominated you for a blogging award!
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love this too 🙂
Do you have a award level for Letter Sounds and/or a certificate for mastery of those?
Hi Marsha! I am your newest follower & I absolutely LOVE your blog! I also teach kinder and can’t wait for the new year to start so I can use so many of your great ideas. One that I love, love, love is your Ball Words. My school, and myself, is focusing on differentiating and I can’t wait to use them. I do have a question… I will teach ELA & S.S. this year to kinder & 1st grade & I would love to celebrate their accomplishments with a party once all have mastered their words.
My dilemma is that I will have to do this for 2 classes, which means 2 parties at 2 different times! Any suggestions?
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Do you have this set available on your TpT page. I did not see it?
I have the Ball Words resource and I’m so in love with it! I love the way I can move my kids at their own pace and the progress I see already. I was wondering if one master list could be added to the file as a quick reference?
Thanks a bunch for all your hard work!
I have this resource and totally love the progress I see with my kiddos. I would also be interested in a Ball
champ poster/award for the students that mastered all the lists. Thanks for such a great resource!