Checking In
How we all doing, friends? If you’re like me, you are probably still a bit like a deer in headlights. I threw some stuff together for my kids when I found out I wouldn’t be seeing them for three weeks on Friday, and I’ve been in contact with them, uploading videos onto my Classtag of stories and activities and challenges, but it’s not the same, though. I know that, and I know you do, too.
What I Did For My Students
I did send a packet of printables home with my kindergarteners when I left them last week. It was my First Grade Here I Come packet and it’s what I had available in the 3 hours of prep time that I had to put something together. But I made it very clear to them and to parents that I do not want my students sitting at home all day doing worksheets. I don’t want that for my own boys, and I certainly wouldn’t want it for anyone else’s child. I also do not want them online all day. I’m not opposed to a bit of online learning, but for 5-year-olds, they need something more!

Something For You
So I put together these WORKSHEET-FREE activity mats for students to work through during the break. These are all ideas, games, and activities that they can do right at home. I know for parents, it’s hard to find activities that will keep kids busy without them being online all day. These are things that little people will enjoy and that will also keep them learning during break. They are developmentally appropriate and FUN. These are activities and games that I have played with my own children, and that they still remember and enjoyed doing. (They were my consultants on this one.)

There are several mats divided by topic area: create it, build it, read it, math fun, word work fun, move it and so on.

So for my students, I would suggest coloring in a couple of boxes from two sheets of their choice each day. But it’s really just a way to limit them from doing everything all on one day and then running out of things to do.

The hope is that it will spread out these good, hands-on activities throughout the entire break period so they don’t get bored or end up on-line playing Fortnight for 10 hours a day.

How To Get It
Oh and this item is completely FREE, of course! I can not in good conscience make money off from my fellow classroom teachers in regard to this international crisis. Yes, I will continue to make products, finish up bundles that need to be completed and blog. But in regards to the national shutdown of our schools, I’m not making a product to profit off from other teachers’ and students’ unfortunate circumstances. I’m not judging anyone else. Other business owners, teacherpreneurs and bloggers need to do what they need to do during this time, I’m just letting you know what my heart directs me to do. So this one is FREE friends. Just click on any pictures on this post or HERE and it will take you to my blog store where you can stick it in your cart and download it for free. YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY FREE TO SEND THESE TO YOUR PARENTS IF Y0U CAN NOT PRINT IT OUT. YOU HAVE MY PERMISSION. Or send a link to my blog store for them to download it themselves. It doesn’t matter to me. Just use it.
Please know that I’m lifting all of you up in prayer. Stay safe, stay at home and be good to yourselves.
Thank you for sharing from the heart! It has been overwhelming and frustrating to have SO many co-teachers post their support to my inbox, only to find out their charging me for it. And, I very much appreciate your effort to go paperless. We have been directed to NOT ask parents to print things. So thank you!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!!
Sorry for my delayed reply to your comment. I truly appreciate your sweet words.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity!!! It is such an unsettling period of time. Your thoughtfulness is truly appreciated!
You are so very welcome.
You are AMAZING!!! I’ve used so many of your products over the 6 years I’ve taught kinders but I love that you are so giving in this time of need! I’m in Kansas and all of our school buildings have closed for the remainder of the year so we are scrambling trying to think of ways to still be “with” our kids! THANK YOU!
Awwww thanks so much Rhonda. Your kind words mean the world to me.
M
These are wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing this great idea. We have been on spring break this week, so actually start our school closure next week. We’ll be meeting with our administrator for directions on what we should provide to our students. Thank you for letting us share this resource with others. Hopefully other staff and parents will like the idea as much as I do.
I hope they liked it.
This is wonderful! I’m sitting on my couch stressing out about all of the things you mentioned. And to make it Free? You are amazing.
You are very welcome. I hope you enjoyed using it.
Lord bless you and keep you. May his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May His presence be upon you for a thousand generations, and your family and your children and their children alas their children❤️ Love this song and wish a blessing on you. Thanks
Tired sheltered in place kinder teacher
And you
What a blessing! Thank you so much for this free download. I enjoy following your blog. I will recommend you to all my teacher friends.
Susan Stover
Susan, thanks for your kind words.
M