I’m a firm believer in celebrating successes. We celebrate whenever goals are met by cheering, high five-ing, hugging and dancing. But some occasions call for a little more. Lately, those occasions have been coming fast and furious. It all started with Top Bananas. When all of my kiddos had mastered their letter naming fluently. Then we moved on to Ball Words (otherwise known as Dolch Word Lists). I promised these kiddos that any time the entire class is able to pass a level, I would celebrate
We have celebrated Baseball Words. That’s the first 20.
Then we celebrated Soccer Ball Words. That meant at least 40 for each student.
Then Basketball Words (if you’re counting that means 60 for each student).
Now I had some tough decisions to make regarding this last party. In the last month, I have had two new students move into my class. What would I do about Ball Words?
Would I have to hold the rest of the class back to get these two students up to speed? What is the fairest thing to do? I get alot of questions specifically about this, and quite honestly, I always tell teachers they have to do what is fair for their students and what they think is right for their class. That being said, fair does not always mean equal. In my own case, I didn’t think it was fair that I penalize my entire class that had been with me from the beginning working on their ball words everyday for the last year just because we had welcomed two new students into our classroom. This was beyond their control. Instead, I made some separate goals for those two new students that needed to be met, so that when we celebrated Football Words, they would be celebrating their own goals met right along with us.
It is a fantastic thing to see my kinders working with each other to meet their goals. My students who have mastered all 220 Dolch words (over half my class of 26 now) take it upon themselves to sit right down with students who are working on other levels to help them along. It’s an amazing scene.
Do they love getting their certificates of achievement? Yep. Do they love the little trinket they get when they go to the treasure box? You bet. Do they love our Ball Parties? Of course. But I truly think that the greater satisfaction for them comes in know they ‘met their goal.’
Yes, we talk about setting goals even in kindergarten. It started at the beginning of the year when we talked about building stamina and working towards the goal of reading for 20 minutes. It has developed into personal goals of learning ‘ball’ words. We’ve come a long way, and with my school going until June 11th, I have a feeling we may have a couple more parties still in us.
Marsha, I just love how you do your ball words and am thinking of doing something similar in my classroom next year, but I was wondering about a couple of things. First, how do you introduce your ball words? When do you start…at the beginning of the year, a month into? This is something I have not yet figured out in my own classroom how to do smoothly!
Thanks for all the amazing ideas!
Hey Alley I’m sure Marsha will but I am awake so I thought I might try first. If you do a search on her blog she has lots of post about ball words. Just type in ball words. Then go to the bottom of a post and it will link you to three more. I just started doing ball words this year. I think the first post I read was in August 2012. You might try starting in that month. Actually M has lots of great how to post. You really should just start browsing with July 2012 and go all year. She explains how she runs her Centers too. Okay this is probably more than you wanted. Sorry. I love how Marsha runs her class.
Thanks Tracy! I will start there and see what I can find out!
Alley, if you still have questions or can’t find what you’re looking for here, please feel free to email me at mmmoffitm@gmail.com I’m happy to explain whatever isn’t clear.
Marsha
I love your ball words! They are amazing and the celebrations that you have look like fun! My kids love to party as well!
Karmen
Karmens Kinders
Thanks Karmen. We do love a good party.
Marsha
I want to be in your classroom!!! Oh my goodness….your kids must love you to pieces!!! I love you to pieces!! 🙂
You’re too nice Annie. Love you too friend.
Marsha
I’m in with Annie on that one too! I want to be in your room!!!!
Alley – I started ball words this year too and my kiddos LOVE them!!! They are a wonderful motivator to learn their sight words. I love hearing their conversations about which set they are on and which ones they are champions of!
Ahh Sherry, you always have the nicest things to say. Thanks for your support. I’m so glad you’re kiddos are enjoying finding success.
Marsha
I love your ball word parties! I was wondering what types of games/activities do you do at your ball parties? How long are your parties? I started something similar and its amazing to see what kinders can accomplish!