Every year while we are still in northern WI, I go on a search for the "FIRST" tree that I spot that has done the dance-with-color. I am always amazed to spot one tree that is by FAR more colorful than all of the neighboring trees. Our last day up north was two days back, August 30th and there she stood towering in splendor -- while every other tree on the peninsula is still 99.9% summer green.
I marvel over that one gifted and talented "early adopter" who leads the way. Right there on Old Stage Road. In front of the ye ol' Moravian church. In all her glory. What's that all about? How is that possible? What starts the charge to seasonal change?
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| Fall Leaves RoundUP of Art Projects over at RainbowsWithinReach {click pic for link} |
Some of our school friends have already been back and have their routines established by now. Others follow the traditional agrarian rhythm and begin next week after Labor Day. Early adopters. Other hemispheres on the planet are on their own plan.
Where ever you fall in your back-to-school process, I know the excitement and preparation required to launch a brand new year. Congratulations on all that you have done to get the year underway with greatest promise. There is so much potential in all those new boxes of crayons!
I grabbed those two decorated classroom doors from this UBBER popular "Back-to-School Bulletin Boards" Roundup on my personal blog. Over 200 bulletin board ideas and a few decorated doors thrown in for good measure!
When I think of launching the new year, I think of the recent conversation I had with a Colorado Kindergarten teacher, already at the helm for the last couple weeks. As we were discussing the details for my upcoming school visit, she shared that in all of her decades of teaching, this year's incoming Kinder class is by far the LEAST developed in Fine Motor Skills that she has ever seen.
We talked at length about the skills missing as children become more and more adept at manipulating the world through a screen and less and less capable of maneuvering a pencil.
This seems like the perfect time to share this RoundUP of FIFTY articles detailing the connection between
Fine Motor and Fine Arts!
Even more specific for Fine Motor Development is to start with a 'sign in' process.
Here are 9 different styles that I have documented in my classroom school visits.
WHY YES!
I do have two YouTube videos for supporting Fine Motor.
They were commissioned by Zaner-Bloser and are housed over at YouTube.
This may be as close as I get to being "Sesame Street" quality.
LUV LUV LUV them and I know that you will, too!
The first is "Top to Bottom" and is all about print directionality.
Needs to be on your daily September play list!
The second is entitled "Sky Writing" and is all about using your imagination to 'see' shapes and letters before writing them on your paper.
Did you see Carolyn's article last month on name writing and her FREEBIE? It was the most read article of the entire month! Check it out if you missed it.
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Do you always start the year off with a great unit on APPLES?
How's this for a piggy-back song?
Get the tune for "B-I-N-G-O" into your head.
I have DOZENS of ideas and inspiration for Apples over in this article.
There's a great portion dedicated to non-standard estimation!
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Let me gather some other perfect for LAUNCHING RoundUPs.
Just click the picture.
Did you get all of your continuing education accomplished during your summer break? My webinar for Frog Street Press has now been archived and you can receive an 'hour' for your files by watching the broadcast version and taking a four question quiz.
And the very best part? IT IS FREEEEEE!
All you have to do is register to become a member of the Early Childhood Community and voila! You're in and earning credit. Mary Jo Huff, my long time friend and supporter just gave her SECOND webinar. Once you get into the archives, you'll find that Dr. Jean, Dr. Pam Schiller and Dr. Becky Bailey each have segments as well! Thank you Frog Street for such an amazing support of our ECE community!
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TODAY IS TUESDAY! That means Twitter Chat with your #TeacherFriends!
Tonight's topic is one that every reader here will especially appreciate:
"Music in the Classroom."
To support your Twitter experience,
we are now using an "open-chat" format and sharing our Questions ahead of time.
This allows your thoughtful consideration and ease in participation.
You're even welcome to schedule your answers!
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My goal for last month was to get a little 'movie' together of these incredible, amazing Wobble Seats that we distribute. The interest continues to increase as we have added the ability for schools to order using their Purchase Order forms. My sweet husband processes those and keeps track of all of the specifics. Pop over to YouTube to see these beauties at 'work' in the classroom {and family room} setting.
Why yes. I did write and record a "Wobble Song" for the Wobble Seat company.
We have also been approved as a "Special Request" vendor over at Donors Choose.
We've supplied several completed projects now!
Again, my husband Allen takes care of all of those details.
If you have questions, by all means #AskAllen!
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