I'm all about the stress-free part of teaching, and with the holidays, comes the crazies. So making the days before a little less stressful without sacrificing fun is KEY. Thanksgiving activities are included in this mix. So I thought I would share a little bit … [Read more...]
Learning With Watercolor Paints
Using a variety of materials that are engaging to different students is what will keep your math and literacy activities exciting and meaningful for your students. Watercolors paints are a valuable learning tool that can make move learning from mundane to … [Read more...]
Lock and Keys In Kindergarten
I can't remember when I started using locks and keys in my classroom. I just know that my kindergarten friends had an obsession with them that I needed to acknowledge and use that obsession to my advantage. They have since become a favorite instructional tool that provides … [Read more...]
Geoboard Hands-On Fine Motor Fun In Kindergarten
All things fine motor--all the time! It's kind of my motto these days in kindergarten. As we see the continuing trend of students entering kindergarten with little, if any, hand strength, providing meaningful and engaging fine motor experiences and activities is a MUST. Geoboards … [Read more...]
Stress-Free Valentine’s Day Fun Stations
After posting about my Stress-free Halloween Fun Stations, I had a bunch of requests for similar posts for other holidays . . . including Valentine's Day. I know a bunch of teacher friends dislike these days and planning a 'party' is beyond stressful with everything else we do, … [Read more...]
Stress-Free Halloween Fun Station Activities!
I love Halloween, but I honestly feel like sometimes it can be a little over the top and too much for my kindergarten kids. I want them to have a fun day, but I don't want Halloween Station activities to be overwhelming for them or for me. Stree-free is key in kindergarten! So … [Read more...]
Building Blocks Are More Than Just Fun!
Using building blocks (or Legos) to create images and designs is a SUPER popular activity in my kindergarten classroom and an easy one to set up and maintain. My students love the challenge and fun of Legos building blocks, and I love the fact that it promotes fine motor … [Read more...]
Getting Ready for Play Dough
I often hear that parents and teachers can be very reluctant to use dough in their classrooms because let's face it, it can be messy. I say 'it can,' because I really don't think it has to be. I think given time and routines and modeling, play dough can be one of the best tools … [Read more...]
Dot-It Fine Motor Fun and a Freebie
As each class leaves my classroom at the end of the year and I prepare for a new one, I can't help but marvel at how far they have come. In so many areas they grow, but none more than with their fine motor skills. I cringe at the thought of what each fall brings in terms of my … [Read more...]
Morning Work Fun for the Summer Sun
Summer is just around the corner, and I am happy send my little ones off with some summer fun themed Morning Work Stations these last few weeks of school. In case you still have some weeks left like I do, or if you're just looking for summer fun, you can check out all the … [Read more...]
Let Your Kinder Garden Bloom With May Morning Work
Traditionally, April showers bring May flowers, right? Well, April snow showers this last weekend brought me an extra snow day and a day to finish up May Morning Work Stations. Yuck to the snow, but yeah for a day to prep morning work. I know that spring will come . . . … [Read more...]
April Morning Work Stations
April Morning Work Stations have arrived, and I'm ready to give a quick run down of all 43 activities that I included in it. Knowing that April is usually the month of Easter and there are those of you that can and can not celebrate it in your classroom, I added some Easter-ish … [Read more...]
