There are only days left before the school year is over. On one hand it feels like we need to hurry to get everything in before they leave. And on the other hand, it’s time to plan for those fun, end of the year events, that celebrate the completion to another successful year. (Yes, I have another Ball Party to plan before schools out — hopefully two but more on that next week.)
Dinosaurs have wound up for the year…bitter sweet for me because it’s one of my favorite units.
I waver over whether it should be a beginning of the year or end of the year unit, but I just love how much writing we can do and math work that can be done with them when it’s in the spring.
We took a break from writing about a dinosaur one day and went outside. What was left looked like an invasion of mini dinosaurs all over my room.
Even now when it’s been how many weeks of having these little guys around…my kinders beg me not to change this theme…
I swear they would dig for dinosaurs all day long in those Plaster of Paris rocks if I let them.
Missing Addend Dinosaur Math Station
Luckily, they have enjoyed the math and literacy work as well as the learning centers that let them explore dinosaurs as well.
Dinosaur Math Stations Galore
But whether I like it or not, it’s time to start thinking about summer. Seven more days of school left. All the assessments are done, assemblies, field days and award ceremonies are planned. . . it’s time. So while I’m winding down the school year, I’m gearing up for summer. Time to start getting my things together for summer reading, time to start thinking about all those things I’ve been wanting to blog about but haven’t had the time, time to start playing with my own boys and planning all our own family fun . . . and believe it or not…time to start thinking about Back to School and all the things I’d like to do next year . . . But…not quite yet!
First, it’s time to enjoy the sun and anticipation of summer just a little bit.
I just can’t send my kinders off without a little fun in the sun I-spy. If you want to check it out, just click on the picture. I’ve started doing more and more black and white copies because even after my kinders have used the colored picture mats with different response sheets, they love having that black and white copy to complete, color and take home and to show their parents. Who would have guessed I could get so many uses out of it?
With nearly 20 years of experience as a full-time kindergarten teacher, I’m committed to creating a classroom where learning is joyful, engaging, challenging, and fun. Each day, I work to ensure that my students feel successful through instruction that considers their unique interests, learning profiles, and readiness levels. I believe that students should be excited to come to class and enjoy a myriad of hands-on activities that encourage exploration and discovery.
While I continue to teach full-time, I find so much joy in connecting and building friendships with teachers worldwide. It’s why I started this blog back in 2012. My hope has become a reality as I have been able to forge relationships with teachers, sharing ideas and building friendships beyond my little neck of the woods through professional development sessions and this blog.
So by all means, take some time to look around and explore A Differentiated Kindergarten. Gather some new ideas, fun tips, and most importantly, don’t forget to reach out and say, ‘Hi!’
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