This time of year just kicks my bootie . . . I feel like I’m running 100 miles an hour and can’t catch up. Somehow, everything gets done, but it is definitely a whirlwind. So in honor of my whirlwind, here’s a whirlwind peek at my week in pictures.
In the class . . .
My sensory table is decked out with a little Christmas Spirit. Yes I always like to put a little academic activity and such in there, but I also hide some other goodies in there for when they finish their ‘work.’ I had these miniature lights and Christmas erasers that kept their interest for sure.
We also did a little gingerbread science thanks to the brilliant, Little Miss Hypothesis. I have her Five Senses Reports packet that is awesome. We did the pumpkin and the bubble gum reports, and I knew I wanted to do something with gingerbread men.
So I sent her a quick note asking her to consider adding gingerbread, and . . . ta-da . . . she did it just like that. (Click on the picture if you are interested in seeing the rest of her packet.)
After my own 5 year old gave it the stamp of approval,
we were able to do a little Christmas I-Spy math . . . one morning as well. It’s a freebie. So if you haven’t grabbed it already, please do by clicking on the picture below.
And we even got our ‘craftiness’ on by finishing up these adorable snow people for outside our classroom hall window.
Aren’t they sweet. They come straight from another one of my Freebie-girls, Jennifer, from 1st Grade Blue Skies. (You can click on the picture to check them out.)
And finally, much to my relief, there is only a coat of Modge Podge that stands between me and these parent gifts being ready to wrap and go home . . . This is like my fourth year of painting kindergarten feet, and it is just as funny this year as it was the first when you get a ticklish one.
Next door . . .
One of the best parts of being a mom in the school where your own kids attend is that you can always sneak next door and see what kinds of fun your own kiddos are having in their classes too. This week my own kindergartener, came over during one of my prep times to ask me to come see what his kinder class was doing in science.
I was able to snap a few pictures of his class and their super fun science lesson. His class made a hypothesis and prediction and finally completed a results sheet when they put baking soda, vinegar, food coloring and glitter in their Christmas cookie cutters.
I hated having to go back to my own class. It was so much fun, and they were SO into being scientists. Way to go Mrs. R.
Our family . . .
We have been neck deep in our 25 days of Kindness.
Sneaking into a hospital and putting dollar bills on vending machines is sneaky spy stuff. The boys are great at it. They actually have been awesome at all our kindness tasks…even ringing bells in 10 degree weather yesterday. YIKES.
When you have the pleasure of enjoying breakfast with Santa, it makes it all worth while for sure.
And in the middle of all the crazy running around, I was even able to finish a new packet. No Fuss-No Muss Printable I Spy January Math Activities in black and white, aligned and differentiated.
These are going to be great for those teachers that have limitations with color printing and laminating.
I like them because when all the numbers are found and the response sheet completed, my kiddos love having the chance to color the picture.
If you would like more information on this pack, just click on the pictures.
And finally, yes finally, I have a winner for our Jo-Totes Camera bag giveaway.
Janet Anderson Black
You get the gift certificate for one of those amazing camera bags of your choosing. Congratulations.
See . . . a whirlwind . . . I told you so. And with that, I’m off to Modge Podge the last of my reindeer tiles so I can get them wrapped before Friday.
Whirlwind….a very apt expression indeed. In Australia this season is also our year wrap up as we get our new intake of kids in late January Early February. I’d just like to report that we made it and are now officially on Summer holidays…yay! Thanks for your links and sharing ideas. I too have enjoyed popping over to my kids rooms as a teacher mum. Happy days ahead.
Julie 🙂
Mrs Stowe’s Kinder Cottage
Thanks for checking in Julie. Enjoy your holiday. I assume you are in a whirlwind of planning for the new year.
Marsha
Hi Marsha,
I love your ‘I Spy’ pack. My kidlets this year loved that activity (part of your Word Families Bundle – best money I’ve ever spent!!) so I might have to grab this pack, too! Our Winter doesn’t quite get as cold as yours, and our January is actually Summer… but I’m sure I can find the right part of the year to use it in. 🙂
Lauren
Love, Laughter and Learning in Prep!
Do all of your kindergarten classes do the same lessons? All grades at our school have to do the same lessons and activities. What a neat idea, getting the whole family involved in doing acts of kindness. My 20 yr. old daughter bought the guy who pumped our gas the other night some hot chocolate as he was working out in below zero temps. She has always loved to do acts of kindness for others.
Your reindeer feet are so cute! What size tiles did you use? I am always in search of the perfect gift for the kids to give to their parents, I may have to try these next year.
Have a very Merry Christmas!!
~Kathy
Just the cheapest 12×12 tiles you can get at Home Depot.
Marsha
Super, thanks! :0)
Hi there! I love all your products and my kids really enjoyed the I Spy activities at the begining of the year. However, now that we are in January, we are working with bigger numbers – (Adding and subtracting within 20, ordering numbers up to 120, compose and decompose numbers up to 120, etc.) Do you have any plans to make this same pack with larger numbers?? I know some first grade teachers who would love you forever. Ha! Thanks for thinking about it,
Heather
Kickin’ It With Class