FREE CCSS I Can Statement Cards!

Hi! I am Carolyn Kisloski from Kindergarten: Holding Hands and Sticking Together.  This month I have some freebies that I hope you can use in your classroom!

Last April, I had the honor of meeting Dr. Jean.  Our Family Reading Partnership had a Book Fest, and Dr. Jean was our fabulous guest of honor.

                                   

(I felt like the little girl in the orange and white striped dress. )

What a perfect weekend.  She did a staff development afternoon for our Pre-K and K teachers.  A small group of us went out for a wonderful dinner, and then she put on an amazing concert for the children  at the Book Fest.  

After she left, we talked about creating something together to help teachers with the Common Core requirements. Many districts now require teachers to display a CCSS goal at each center.  We decided to make some simple  "I Can" cards for teachers to  use in the classroom.  We translated each goal into "child friendly" language.   They are FREE here at my TPT store.

You can copy the center cards (2 cards per page) on card stock, and cut them in half.  Hole punch at the top, and secure each strand with a book ring.  Flip through the book, and display the goal you are working on at the learning center.  You can also put magnets on the back to display the cards if that works better for you.  Feel free to adapt these cards so they work best for you and your students. 

Here are some ways that I used a few of the cards.

I put magnets on back of the Speaking and Listening cards, and put them up on my easel for rug time, because that is the time I focus on many of these standards. 

Dr. Jean made FREE center ideas to go with each standard!  She has over 80 activities to go with the Reading Standards posted so far! OVER 80!  You can set up these centers, put out your "I Can" cards, and be good to go!

You can find them HERE at her website. They are amazing!  She has Reading Literature, Information, and Foundations this month. She is going to include Writing and Math in August, so you will be all set for the year.  I just spent an hour at her blog, amazed by all of the great ideas she has.

I just finished updating my  4 different Kindergarten Common Core Math Prezis to go along with the CCSS. The Prezis are Counting and Cardinality and Base Ten, Measurement and Data, Operations and Algebraic Thinking,  and Geometry.  I searched for the best online learning games, videos, anchor charts  and resources to go with each of the 22 math standards. These Prezis have been so useful for me both for teaching a concept and for reviewing. I use them for whole group lessons and brain breaks, as well as for small group RTI. I organized them by standard, so that I can have the standard up on the Smartboard that we are working on, and use those activities throughout the day. That way, we can play a math game if we have a few minutes before lunch or recess, or on the rug as a whole group lesson. I use them for center time- and during free choice time.

The bundle of Prezis is on sale at my TPT store this week.  I was looking forward to updating them, and feel so good to be able to check that off my list!

Finally, we  start of the year with this "I can" poster, to sort of get used to the idea of "I can" statements.

I hope YOU CAN use some of these ideas to make your life in the classroom a little easier!



Thank you for stopping by. I'd love you to visit me at my blog Kindergarten: Holding Hands and Sticking Together and follow me on Facebook!   Have a wonderful day!

A Child's Name as a Bridge to Language and Self-Esteem

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Hello and welcome back to all you champions of children!  It's always a pleasure to share with you concepts and strategies, (that have come from children, teachers, and parents) which you can use to elevate how our next generation lives, learns, and loves.  Hearing the stories from many of you of just how you're using these ideas is always thrilling.  Know that one great place to share your experiences is with the educational group, Living Like a Child, on Facebook, which I moderate.  Enjoy the blog!

Enrique

Founder, F.A.M.E. Foundation

Artist and Composer

We are all most likely very familiar with using a child's name as one of the first words with a child.  The first letter a child most often learns is the first letter of their name.  That's a fantastic, time-proven, way to use a child's name.  In addition to that, what if we asked a child questions about their name?  That's exactly what the teachers at the Benson Head Start Center in Benson, Arizona did.

Here are some of the questions they asked and the responses they received from child and parent.  One of the questions here was, "Why do we have names?"

Another question used looks like it was, "Where did you get your name from?"

An additional question looks to be, 

"Who named you?"

Another question teachers used looks to be, "What does your name mean?"  The responses to this particular question are fascinating.  Does a name absolutely have one specific meaning?  Perhaps, and while this may be true, this question leads us down the road of understanding how the young child sees their own image.  It speaks to how the child thinks of who they are.  In the adult world, one of the words we use to describe this is self-esteem.

Asking these questions of parents, in addition to asking the child, also allows us to connect in a profound manner with the family.  To understand some of the stories behind the choosing of a child's name not only opens a broad door of understanding about that family, but can also literally bring you to tears of joy.  You SEE the parents differently when you understand their story, and they SEE you differently for having asked.

While it wasn't done specific to this project, I have seen teachers engage children and parents in the creation of a family tree…pretty awesome!  I know when I've done just part of my own family tree we end up visiting Russia, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, the Yaqui nation, and my home state of Arizona, specifically, Tucson, Arizona.

Some stories are complex and other simple, and all of them valid, honoring, and critical to how the child sees how they fit in the world, which is a necessary step if they are to contribute to the world.  I know this child well, "Cruz."  His response is simple, yet empowering.  Because the teachers took the time to document, not only the words Cruz spoke, but HOW he spoke them (thus the !), we know that Cruz is excited about who he is.  This may seem like no big deal, but it's a very big deal.  Self-love is hugely important to self-esteem and to the child moving forward in life.

Each story gives you another layer of understanding of how parents choose names and how children accept them and use them as a lens of understanding.

Of course, as you can see, each child has written their own name and this particular set of teachers have done an outstanding job of allowing the young learner emerge as a writer, as opposed to helping too much and having each child's name look very similar or even worse, look exactly the same.

In this case, the family even has an acronym based on Sadie's name which describes her.  Many times, it is the grandparents who provide the inspiration.

There are no ordinary moments if we choose each moment to be one of illumination for ourselves and for those around us.  Thank you to the incredible parents, teachers, and children of Benson Head Start Center.  You are all an inspiration!

Live, Learn, and Love like a Child

Enrique

Independence Day: The Power of Free Will

 

I was working with a child recently as we were preparing to go outside to play.  He was resistant to putting on sunscreen. I had already set an assertive limit that all children must wear sunscreen for their safety.  So, I knew right away that I needed to exercise the Power of Free Will.  The Power of Free Will helps me deliver two positive choices, connect with his need for control and reach our goal of getting outside to play safely!

 

I took a deep breath and said, "You can help me put lotion on your right arm or your left arm.  Where shall we start?"  He paused and looked and me sort of stunned and then said "right!"   Then he proceeded to put out his hand for sunscreen so we could get started.   

 

This Independence Day lets focus on the Power of Free Will.  The Power of Free Will is one of the Seven Skills for Conscious Adults from Dr. Becky Bailey.  This power reminds us that the only person we can make change is ourselves. 

 

Many of us have the belief that if we come up with just the right reward or punishment we can get children to do what we want.  This belief often leads to power struggles and frustration.  It is true that we may be able to use manipulation and coercion to make children behave, but they are doing it out of fear, not by choice.  This type of behavior is driven by external forces.  What happens then when you aren't around to make them behave (or heaven forbid there is a substitute teacher)?  Isn't it our goal to help children develop the internal desire to make helpful choices and reach their goals? 

 

Dr. Bailey teaches us five steps to help us get started empowering children with the skills needed for cooperation, impulse control, and attention.     

 

Delivering two positive choices:

 

1. Breathe deeply.  Think about what you want the child to do.

2. Tell the younger child, "You have a choice!" 

    Tell the older child, "Seems to me you have a couple options."

3. State the two choices.  "You may _____ or _____.  What is your choice?"

4. Ask for the child's commitment.

5. Notice the child's choice.  "You chose _____!"

 

Let's try an example using the picture below.  This was taken in my preschool classroom.  Children love learning about the science behind popcorn!  As you can imagine it could be dangerous unless we set some clear limits for safety.  I put a large quilt on the floor and place carpet circles around the edges for each child to sit on.  If there were any issues with children staying within these limits I could use Two Positive Choices to help them.  It would go something like this...

 



If the child gets off their circle rug I would do the following:

1. Take a deep breath and remember that I want them to sit on their carpet circle.
2. Say, "You have a choice!"
3. "You may sit on your circle on your knees or on your bottom with your legs folded."
4. "How will you sit?"
5. "You chose to sit on your knees so you would be safe.  That was helpful!"

If the child is touching things I would do the following:

1. Take a deep breath and remember that I want them to keep their hands in their space on the rug.

2. Say, "You have a choice!"

3. "You may put your hands on your knees or fold them just like this."

4. "What do you choose to do with your hands?"

5. "You chose to fold your hands so you would be safe.  That was helpful!"

 

Whether you are cleaning up, getting coats on, or listening to a story giving two positive choices  helps you connect with children.  They also feel empowered to make decisions, follow the rules, and be safe at school--by choice!

 

It's difficult when you are faced with a resistant child.  Some days you just wish they would comply and do as you say.  Wouldn't it be nice if there were an easy button?!?  Adults hope to raise children who are cooperative, willing, and respectful.  We  have to accept that  it is not force that creates a respectful child, it is connection!   

 

If you have an especially resistant child that needs special help follow this link over to my blog and learn more about using choices with more resistant children. 

For more about the Seven Powers for Conscious Adults see my blog post Becoming Your Best Self:  Super Powers.  There is even a free printable poster for you to use as a reminder. 
 

 

I wish you well!

Jenny Spencer

Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor--Indiana

Ignite Learning with Conscious Discipline LLC

www.ignitelearningllc.blogspot.com

ignitelearningllc@gmail.com

Happy Fourth of July! Flags and Red, White, and Blue

Happy Summer!!  Happy July!  I hope you are enjoying some warm weather and time off.  I am Terri Izatt from Kinder Kapers and this is a favorite time of year for me.

In the United States July 4th is fireworks and picnics, families and flags.  That's what I wanted to share with you today....fostering patriotism in little ones through a love of history.

How can we get our little ones excited about ideas that are so abstract?

We can start with a flag....flags being a symbol of the country we live in.   Flags where colors are identifiable and easy for kids to see and remember.  Flags that kids like to create and wave.  Flags that tell stories.

This flag was drawn by the wonderful Melonheadz Illustrating.

The first American flag was officially adopted on June 14, 1777.  Of course there were flags before and there were even several different versions after.  But on June 14th, Continental Congress adopted the following: Resolved: that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.
 
Without specifics not all flags looked exactly the same.  Some stars had 5 points, some had six or eight.  The stars also were on that blue field in a variety of arrangements.

 Probably the most recognizable is the circle version, known as the Betsy Ross flag.

Did Betsy Ross sew the 1st American flag?  We do not know that for certain....but we do know that she and George Washington were friends (their family pews were next to each other in Christ's Church in Philadelphia).  We do know she was an excellent seamstress and we know that she did design and sew flags (among other things).   And we know that her grandchildren told of her recounting the family story of George Washington coming and asking her to make him a flag from a sketch that he had drawn.  Whether it be all true or part fiction, children remember things better when there is a story.

Don't forget Francis Hopkinson of New Jersey, he designed the 1777 flag (he sent a bill to congress for his work).

Flags were mostly used for navy ships and the battlefield.  Having a national flag was not a common practice at the time.  Many of our early flags were just loosely based on the resolution of 1777. 

There were several different ways to place the stars and until 1912 it was up to the flag-maker to decide exactly what that would be.

Originally it was thought that there would be a new star and a new stripe for every new state.  The flag that flew over Fort McHenry when our national anthem was written had 15 stars and 15 stripes.

Later it was realized that to continue to add stripes would create a flag whose proportions were all off.  It would be too cumbersome, so the flag code was changed in 1818.  We went back to 13 stripes for the 13 original colonies, and stars were to be added for each new state.   The new flags would become official on July 4th of the year after the state was added.

Most kids love a parade.  They love real things, so I like to get a small flag for each student, put on some great patriotic marching music and have a parade.  You can do this for the 4th of July in school or around the block.  You can also celebrate Flag Day, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, or here in Nevada our statehood day, October 31st.

It is fun to have your students make their own flags too (counting practice, following directions, being observant, beginning to make the abstract concepts of patriotism and country more concrete).

If you use 9x12 white paper you need to cut these parts:
  *red stripes 1/2 or 3/4 inches wide
  *blue canton 6x5 inches

 

If you use 12x18 white paper you need to cut these parts:
  *red stripes 1 inch wide
  *blue canton 8x6 1/2 inches

STEPS:
1.  cut the red stripes and blue field.
2.  Glue 7 red stripes all the way across the flag (spacing won't be exact, but it will be close).

3.  glue the blue field in the upper left corner (gluing on top tof the stripes is so much easier than figuring out what needs to be short and exactly where they need to be).
4.  Stars....you will need 13.  There are several ways to do that.  You could use stickers, but there are also die cuts, painting, stamping, or just a white crayon or chalk.

If you don't want to make a flag, but you want something that flies in the wind, try this windsock.

You will need:
   *one piece of construction paper or cardstock. (I like the 12x18 size)
   *party streamers
   *decorations (stars, paints, flags, markers, and crayons)
   *a spinner/swivel (from the fishing isle at Wal~Mart)
   *clear fishing line (or any string)

Making a windsock is so easy!  Start by decorating your piece of paper.

Then, tape or glue streamers to the bottom inside of your paper.  I also added a strip of tape to the top for reinforcement. 

Next,  staple your paper into a cylinder.

Finally, punch 3 or 4 holes into the top and string the fishing line through the holes.  Tie the spinner to the center of the four strings

TaDa!!!  You have a windsock that spins in the breeze.

Don't forget to add some music and books to your celebration/learning.  This one, from our own Debbie Clement is so good.  You can read more about it here, and you can buy it for your own here.

Another favorite of mine is this book by Peter Spier

I love the inside covers...they are filled with flags!  The words are the words to our National Anthem with pictures to illustrate them.  LOVE his attention to detail!

Hope you will be having a ton of fun tomorrow.  Stop by my blog to see pictures from our friends and family celebration.  We will have all our historical flags up at our spot in the park.  You can't miss us!

Summertime: Teacher Reflections, Inspiration + Support

SUMMERTIME! JULY! Celebrate Summer!
Time marches on. We're fully immersed in summer here in our haven home. All ready for the fireworks on the horizon! What do you have on your summer bucket list? I hope that it includes lots of reflection on all that you contribute to the lives of young children. I hope that you have ample time to recharge your battery! I use this season to cull back through my photo memory cards and create RoundUPs to support and inspire you. {Just click the photos below to go to the full article on my blog: RainbowsWithinReach.}

Here's a RoundUP of all sorts of Arts & Crafts ideas to celebrate your patriotism here in the States. As the author of "Red, White and Blue" I am feted with amazing creativity as I arrive for my school visits. 

As part of supporting your my OUR professional development, 
I am going to do something new. 
I am going to host a Twitter chat series on Tuesday nights! 

Think of it as Twitter-Chat for Newbies! 
We will begin at 9 PM Eastern Standard Time. 
There will be prizes!

We will follow the hashtag (yup, that's the pound sign:) 
#Teacher Friends
for all the fun, learning and growing network of support.
Come give us a try! 
There are happy, helping facilitators in the wings to guide + direct. 

Did you hear me say there would be PRIZES?!?!?!
Bring your friends. 
We'll all hold hands and learn together. 

I have an earlier Twitter Tutorial article if you want to do some preparation.
That article has a directory of 99 K Tweeps already organized! 

 

Headed to the ocean? 
Want to take a virtual-trip there through Arts & Crafrts? 
Look no further for *TONS* of ideas! 

 

Handprints? Handprints you say? 
I have gathered over 137 at last count! 
I have made a valiant effort to organize them 'by-the-season.' 
Click through and you'll see what I mean! 

There must be a TON of 'David' fans. 
This newest RoundUP has had lots of viewers and pins! 
So clever: teacher anchor charts, bulletin boards and student replicas!