Seesaw Plus

If you are anything like me, you have been ooh-ing and aah-ing over Seesaw for the past year.  I have loved how the app has allowed my students to take charge of their learning and really show their thinking in unique ways.  It has been eye-opening for many parents and I couldn't pick a better app to use with my Kinders.

That being said, I am super stoked about Seesaw PLUS because now I really feel like the app is helpful for ME as a teacher in many new ways!

A few highlights for Seesaw PLUS:

• Add skills - I can attach standards or skills to the items my kids upload, allowing parents to see exactly what the task was focusing on!
• Rating system - I can rate students work on a scale of 1 - 4.  
• Private notes - I can type in private notes for my teacher eyes only that I can pull up at conferences or use during PLTs with my grade level!

 

So I know you are wondering how to get Seesaw PLUS for yourself!  Well I have great news for you - you can get up to a 90 day FREE trial of Seesaw PLUS (Seesaw will always be free, PLUS has features you typically have to pay for).  Here is how:

1. Update your app if you have not done so yet.
2. Tap your profile icon. 
3. Click the gear icon.
4. Go to account Settings
5. "Activate FREE 60 Day Trial!"
6. Scan the code or click the link below for an ADDITIONAL 30 days!!!

 Scan above or CLICK HERE for an additional 30 days FREE on Seesaw Plus!

You will not be charged for Seesaw Plus when your time runs out and you will not lose any work that was saved using Seesaw Plus.  I am telling you folks, this is a game changer!

Let me know if you have ANY questions!!

Dollar Deals!

[Dollar Deals!]  I can't believe it is already July!  Where has time gone?  I have pulled together some of my favorite back-to-school products and I am bringing them to you for just $1!  Over $20 in savings are coming your way this month!  6 of my "must-haves" for my kiddos are being marked down to $1.  I will mark a product down every 3 days.  This is your chance to save big & get things ready before the hectic start of the school year!  Dollar Deals will run from July 6 - July 23!

[Give-Away] Head over to facebook, llike this post & tag a friend or two!  Comment with the dollar deal product you are most eager to get your hands on.  I will pick a winner tomorrow at noon.  You and your friend(s) will get the product for FREE.

Here is a glimpse at the deals!

Guided Reading Sorts: Set 1 - 9 different sorts covering many of the early literacy skills for kindergarten.  I use these sets during guided reading (which is great, because not all my kiddos come in as readers) and then put them in my Daily 5 stations for the kiddos to use independently.

Humpty Dumpty Activity Pack -  Reader's Theater is HUGE in my room, especially at the beginning of the school year.  It gives kiddos the confidence that they can read (even when they can't) and focuses on so many of the early literacy skills.  It also gets my kiddos up and talking in front of their peers!  This contains a reader's theater play for your class along with many other activities centered around Humpty Dumpty!

All About the Letters - ABC's are so important!  We want to figure out those letters early on so we can build off of it!  I love this pack for my kiddos.

Reading Comprehension Pack: Set 1 - Another must have in my classroom.  Some kids come in reading, others don't, regardless, many are still confusing letters and words or they can read but are not processing any of the content.  This SIMPLE comprehension pack hits on many of those early skills.  We do these together on the smart board and we also do these during guided reading.  Great practice!

Sound Houses BUNDLE - Letter sounds are so important.  We need them to read and write.  This hands on pack has kiddos sorting pictures based on their beginning sound.  Add velcro to tie in fine motor skills.  Worksheets are also completed so students can show what they have learned in a variety of ways.

Math Centers - Math by Myself: Unit 1 - My math block would not be the same without math centers.  These allow kids to independently practice the skills that we have worked on as a whole class.  So many hands on ways of practicing & I laminate everything to eliminate the "paper mess".

Get your deals now!! July 6 - July 22!

Luv Chicken Seats - Flexible Seating Option

Walking in to my classroom, you will find few children sitting in chairs and many children sitting in multiple other places - yoga balls, wobble stools, all over the floor, and more.  I LOVE flexible seating and feel like my kids really do their best when they pick the place that they can work best.

I just heard about Luv Chicken Booster Seats for kids and got one to try out in my classroom.  I have some photos & thoughts to share with you all!

I even have a PROMO CODE that will get you $15 OFF a Luv Chicken Cushion!!!!

So what is Luv Chicken?  "Luv Chicken Booster Cushions are fabulous booster seats for kids ages 2 - 7 years. The cushions are very stylish. They are created with colorful prints that are both fun and modern. Kids really love them! They are constructed of kid-safe (phthalate-free) coated cotton which makes them easy to wipe clean. They stay put with a grippy, non-slip bottom eliminating the need for clumsy buckles or ties. They also have a handle so kids can carry them anywhere - restaurants, theaters and grandma's house! They work great as floor cushions too!"

How did I like it?  I loved it.  I love anything that the kids can move with them and that they can clean up.  Here are some specific things I loved:

• You can wipe them right up!  We are often eating in our classroom and kindergarten kiddos can be very messy - these can be wiped right off.  I am also thinking that would be fabulous for craft time!  The kids are able to wipe these off - anytime the kids can clean up is a plus for me!
• The kids can carry them!  I stored my cushion in my library.  Kiddos know they can go over there and grab it if it is the option they would like to use.  It is lightweight and has an awesome handle - it makes carrying crayons and glue and books and everything else they shove in their hands SIMPLE!  A handle - so fabulous!'

• Its a comfy cushion and provides a little boost.  Our floors have been through many learners - not necessarily where I would like to sit.  Sitting on a cushion, yes please.  This is also great for my smaller kiddos who need to be a little higher to write at the table or see the board.  I love that it really does provide a boost - the kiddos don't sink down!

The good stuff - You can get $15 off with the promo code "KGREAT15".   The best place to purchase these fabulous cushions would be on Amazon.  You can't beat that deal!  Special discounts for orders of 6 or more.  Contact info@luv.chicken.com for more information!

Imagination Writing Station

This writing station has been a HUGE hit in my classroom.  Let me tell you a little bit about how I do writing in my classroom before I introduce you to this game changing product!

I do whole group writing and then I have writing during ELA in a center format (Daily 5 for those of you who are familiar with it!).  My writing station during our Daily 5 time is always a free writing center.  The kids can write about WHATEVER they want.  When we finish up a whole group unit, say "How To Writing", then I introduce basic writing papers where the kids can make their own How To stories.  After we have learned about informational writing, I introduce informational writing papers.  You can get my whole pack of "generic" writing papers here!  It includes blank pages, how-to, informational writing, letter writing, list writing, opinion writing, and more.  Just place it at your station and the kids can write away!

So...the kids have choice to write whatever they want.  I believe that choice is powerful and the kids really write some great stories.

Well, my kids this year have taken off with writing.  I know a have a future author in my current class.  I wanted to provide them with fun topics to write about if they chose to do so - and wah-la!  I created my writing station packs!

I just recently put out the Imagination Writing Station for my kids!  Creative writing is not a kindergarten standard, but five year olds have amazing imaginations.  I knew they would still be practicing important skills while creating imaginative stories about far away places.  They blew me away with their writing!

All of my Writing Station packs come with the following:

Posters to display on your writing wall or at your station

Sentence starters to help the kids come up with ideas and start their stories

Pictures and words that match the theme so kids can use them in their story

A variety of papers to use at your writing station - pick the one that works best for your kids!

 

 

My kids really loved this.  I can't wait to put the Ocean Writing Station out for the next couple weeks.  Check out some of their "work in progress" below.

Click here to see all of my Writing Station packets!

Ideas for Seesaw in a Kindergarten Classroom!

I. am. obsessed! To say the least.

I was introduced to Seesaw this year during one of our "Wonderful Wednesday" optional professional development sessions.  An amazing teacher in our school who knows all the new happenings in the technology/education world was holding an info session on Seesaw - an interactive learning journal that you can use in your classroom.

"It even works for kindergarten!"  Is it just me, or do we hear that ALL. THE. TIME. and it never actually works for us.  Let's face it.  Kindergarten is different *in the best way possible*.

So I went.  And I told myself I would walk on out if I didn't think it would work for my kids.  Not all apps are good for 5 and 6 year olds who can't quite read yet.  Well, I stayed, the whole time.

Trust me. This app works with Kinders!  It is super easy to use.  There are endless ways to use it.  It is just FABULOUS! 

(By the way, you can get a free month of Seesaw plus right here!  It has some really awesome features to help you communicate with parents, prepare for conferences, and track student progress!)

 

Here is a list of ways to use Seesaw with your kindergarten students:

(V = video P = photo D = draw)  I often have my students record over any drawings & photos so that they can explain what is going on.

Math:

• Write numbers! (D)
• Draw a picture to represent a number (D)
• Compare two sets of objects & orally explain which is more or less (P)
• Demonstrate 1 to 1 counting & state the number counted (V)
• Count from 1 - 100 by 1's and 10's (V)
• Represent & explain teen numbers by using a group of ten and some ones (P)
• Draw 2-D shapes and record what they are (D)
• Find 2-D and 3-D shapes in the classroom. Name the shape! (P) (V)
• Compare two different shapes & orally explain how they are alike and how they are different (P)
• Place an object somewhere and use positional words to describe where it is (P)
• Solve an equation in a variety of ways (D)
• Explain how they solved an equation (V)
• Show partners of any given number (P)

ELA:

• Finish a sentence.  Give them a starter & have them expand it (V)
• Retell a book (V)
• Draw the characters in a story (D)
• Draw the setting of a story (D)
• Explain how two books are alike and different (V)
• Answer a question by showing evidence from the book (P)
• Read a piece of writing (P)
• Practice writing & reading sight words (D)
• Read a book (V)
• Practice fluency (V)

Other:

• Give weather reports (V)
• Send a message to parents on Valentine's Day (V)
• Tell parents something new they learned that week (V)

I am sure there are 100's of other ways!  How have you used SeeSaw in your classroom?

Reader's Theater in Kindergarten!

So many of the standards that we are required to assess are language standards - can the student speak audibly and clearly?  Can our students form complete thoughts? And so on...

One way that I promote speaking and listening in my classroom is through using Reader's Theater skits!  Stick with me for a few minutes before you think this idea is crazy (and feel free to think it is still crazy at the end of this..but at least get through it!)

 WHAT:  Reader's Theater in my room consists of simple scripts based off of books that children know.  The students get a part (usually just a line) and a prop/character (usually a picture they wear as a necklace) and they recite their line.  The scripts are retelling the popular story you have read a couple times to your kids!

 WHO: The kids are the stars!  Each play features around 10 students. Each student has 1 line.  It makes it quick to get the whole class involved and allows students the chance to participate in a variety of parts!

WHERE: You don't need a stage to use Reader's Theater!  Just use your carpet space!  Go outside!  Any space works!

WHEN: I start with Reader's Theater at the beginning of the school year (YES, when my kids ARE NOT READING!).  Why?  The skits are simple enough, come from familiar stories, have a pattern to them, and include visuals to help the students.  They can do these the first weeks of school!  They are very kindergarten friendly.

WHY: Students need practice "presenting" in front of one another.  Reader's theater covers so many skills that are fabulous for our little learners: Retelling, Listening Skills, Print Concepts, Reading Behaviors, Characters and Setting, Speaking Skills, Following Directions, Expression and A Love for Reading!

HOW:  It is simple!  Find a book you love! Think about the main ideas and create a simple script.  I include a pattern in my scripts as well as images so that all the kids can succeed!  Read the book to the kids (I like to spend a day or two on the book) and then spend the next day (or two) implementing reader's theater!  If you don't want to spend time creating scripts, check out the ones that I already have made!

I Love My Shoes - Based off the popular Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

I Love My Pants - A twist on the popular Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

Pig & Pancake - Based off of the book If You Give a Pig a Pancake 

Mouse & Cookie - Based off of the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Dog & Donut - Based off the book If You Give a Dog a Donut

Moose & Muffin - Based off the book If You Give a Moose a Muffin

(You can get all the Mouse & Friend Packs in a BUNDLE here!)

The Itsy Bitsy Spider - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme

Hickory Dickory Dock - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme

Humpty Dumpty - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme

Jack and Jill - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme

Hey Diddle, Diddle - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme

Little Miss Muffet - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme

(You can get all the Nursery Rhyme packs in a BUNDLE here!)

Help Your Child

Do you want to help your child (or students) to become a better reader?  Great!  We all have the same goal!  This can be a tricky, and sometimes frustrating, process.  Here are a few tricks, tips, and resources to help your child become a better reader!

Tips & Tricks:

• Don't make them do all the work.  There is a lot of pressure put on kids to read.  If they are the ones forced to read all the time they will learn to hate reading!  We want them to enjoy it!  Continue to read stories to your child!  They are still a kid afterall!
• Take turns!  I read, You Read.  This makes reading more enjoyable. You read a page, then have them read a page.
• Celebrate the little things! Whether your child is reading only a sight word or is guessing words based on pictures, CELEBRATE IT!  We want to raise confident little readers!
• Let them pick!  Kids will love reading if they are reading about topics they enjoy!
• Expose your child to a variety of texts - cereal boxes, cook books, road signs, postcards, magazines, newspapers - text is everywhere - exposure is always good!
• Read every day. Studies show positive correlations between kids academics and exposure to books at home.

Looking for resources?  Check out this packet - Help Your Child Become a Better Reader.

The packet contains:

• Sight word activities
• CVC word activities
• Comprehension Retelling Sheets
• Easy to use resources
• Simple directions for activities
• Kid and Parent Friendly Activities

All of these activities can easily be implemented at home!  I give this to parents in my class and they absolutely love it.  They find it to be great guidance for how to help their child at home.  It is easy to support materials I send home as a teacher (books and sight words) because they have an abundance of resources to help them!

People have said:
"It is a great resources to give to parents." -K.I.
"The parents really appreciate the page about helping their child become better readers." -C.H.

100th Day of School - T-Shirt Ideas

Looking for some inspiration for the 100th day of school?  Here are some 100th day of School T-shirt Ideas for you, your students, or your child!

 1.  Bugs!  "We've Bugged ____ for 100 days!"

 2. Popcorn! "100 Days Popped on By!"

 3. Monster - use 100 wiggle eyes!

 4. Gumballs! "100 Sweet Days"

 5. Hearts "Loving every day of school"

 6. HundRED Days (the blue dots spell "100")

 7. Animals - Use stickers, pawprints, anything animal like "100 Grrreat Days!"

 8. Facts about 100

9. Sports Theme "100 Days have been a Ball!"

 10.  A Tree (use your handprint as the tree)

Bonus: Looking for something a little different - try a hat!

Read more about our 100th Day of School!

18 Flexible Seating Ideas for your Classroom!

Have you tried flexible seating in your classroom yet?  I am sure you have something in your room that would already work as an option!  Flexible seating is all about giving your students a choice where they sit & providing them with alternative seating options that aren't those boring metal chairs!

(affiliate links included)

Here are 18 alternative seating ideas for your classroom!

1. Floor Pillows - I got these through Donors Choose - they came from LakeShore.  Here is another great option that you could cover any way you please! 
   
   
2.  Bath Mats
3. Carpet Squares*
   
4. Futon*
5. Yoga Balls
6. Loveseats or couches*
7. Wobble Chairs - I got these through Donors Choose as well!
   
8. Crate Seats - Super easy to make - I brought one to Lowe's and they cut the wood the exact size for me! How kind of them!  Get a pack of six here!
   
   
9. Body Pillows*
10. Scoop Rockers - I got mine from OverStock but I heard you can find them at Walmart if you are lucky!
    
11. Benches - I bought bookshelves from walmart & put them horizontal to make a bench!
    
12. Clipboards
13. Yoga mats
14. Lap Desks - I found mine at Hobby Lobby (you can call and request specific colors when ordering online)
    
15. Standing Tables*
16. Floor Tables*
17. Sit Spots 
    
18. Lounge Pillows* 
    

[BONUS] 19.  Luv Chicken Seats - these cushions are super light weight, making it easy for kids to carry them from place to place.  They are covered in a material that can be wiped off - perfect for all the germs, glitter, and glue that goes around the classroom!  Purchase yours on Amazon today!

*These ideas can be done FOR FREE!  Carpet Squares - ask a local interior designer or carpet store if they have any extras you can have.  I had a good friend give me her prints that were no longer in stock.  Futon, Loveseats, Couches, Pillows - Ask your parents!  You will be surprised how many people need to get rid of furniture and would love to donate to your classroom!  Standing Tables/Floor Tables - Just adjust the legs on the tables/desk you already have in your classroom - no need to purchase the fancy "standing" desks, you already have them!

What other ideas do you have?  How do you use flexible seating in your classroom?