Mrs. Wagoners Class Blog

21st Century Classroom

2010-05-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was in elementary school and we were a "test" school for computers in the classroom....oh how the times have changed!!! Our school recently purchased a class set of I Touches. So, while we were studying Fairy Tales, we had the stories downloaded so the children could listen to the stories on the I Touches. I have NEVER seen the children SO focused! It was funny because I asked the kiddos before we started who had ever played games on an I Phone and I think EVERY kid raised their hand! Most of them did not need help at all, they knew exactly where to go and what to do! Just a glimpse of the 21st Century Classroom....

Fairy Tale Ball Sneak Peek!!

2010-04-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

I thought you might want to see a little preview of what is to come next week! We have only been practicing for a short time and already, they kiddos are doing such a WONDERFUL job!! I am very IMPRESSED! I cannot wait for next Friday, I hope you all are able to join us for the fun!

Spring Fling Field Trip!

2010-04-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the PERFECT day for a field trip!! We had such a good time, I just love seeing the kiddos out of the classroom. They really cut loose and had the best time at the park. The egg hunt was over in about 3 minutes and the tire swing seemed to be the activity of choice for K1! Overall, the kiddos where exhausted at the end of the day, so to me, that says they had a great time! Thank you Debbie and Gretchen for coming and helping me ALL day! I could not have done it without your help!

Baby Chicks!!

2010-04-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

The Chicks are here!!! When we arrived at school yesterday, we had one lonely chick that had hatched a day early! Then, two more friends joined him yesterday. Today is the official hatch day and we are up to 7, so hopefully we will have some more hatch before the day is over!! We love those baby chicks!!!

Pop Top Weigh In

2010-04-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

Well...the totals are in and K1 was not the big winner :(
However, we collected 18 pounds of pop tops!! Way to go K1!!!! I am very proud of the kiddos for all of their hard work and for understanding the REAL reason for the collection. Keep collecting though, I'm sure Lakeside will be doing this again next year!

Kildee baby birds are born!!

2010-04-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Last week, we took a "mini" field trip out to see the mother Kildee bird sitting on her eggs. As I was coming in today, I noticed that the baby birds had hatched!! So, this afternoon we went outside to take a peek at the new babies and the mother bird did not like this at all! Finally, as we moved further away from her, she let her babies run around and show off! There are 4 baby birds that are just precious. You can notice in the first picture that one of the babies is underneath her and to the right a little. What a great Science lesson and learning opportunity right in our front yard!

Mystery Reader!!!

2010-04-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

We had probably the most over the top mystery reader I have ever seen!! Mr. Dontos did an EXCELLENT job reading to the kids as "Thing One" from Dr. Seuss.

Sammy Smith-Teacher for the Day!!!

2010-04-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

At the Lakeside Carnival, Sammy won the prize to be "Teacher for the Day!!"

He did a GREAT job taking over for me!!

Wood and Water

2010-04-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

We did a fun experiment last month with wood and water. The children each got a sample fo 5 different types of wood. They used droppers to drop water onto the wood. They were trying to see what happened when the wood got wet. Some absorb the water, some rolled right off. They had a blast doing this activity!!

Long time no see...

2010-04-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well, since I officially have not blogged in two months, I thought I would post some pictures for you to see! Here are some pics from Tangles Salon....

Let it snow!!!

2010-02-11T07:32:00.001-08:00

Blogging...

2010-02-09T13:14:00.000-08:00

I've noticed, that I haven't posted anything in a MONTH on our Kinder blog! I just wanted to ask for your patience right now. My "have to, everyday, focus" right now is Guided Reading. I think this is such a crucial time in your child's reading development. That being said, I'm also just trying to make it through the day without getting sick in front of the kiddos :) So, if I am going to take something off my plate, it is going to have to be blogging, temporarily. But, feel FREE to email me anytime to see what we are doing in K1, I would be happy to share. This is also where the newsletter is pretty handy in taking a peak into our classroom. THANK YOU in advance for your patience and please continue to check the blog just in case (ESPECIALLY in 4 weeks)...I will try to add Dalmatian pictures soon....

Temperature

2010-01-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

While discussing temperature today, we took a mini Field Trip down to the freezer in the cafeteria. WOW, was it cold!!!! The children were discussing before we left that they didn't need their coats and wondered why I made them put their coats on. I think they knew why once we stepped into the freezer and Ms. Robin closed the door behind us. Make sure and ask your child what the temp was in the freezer and what they know about Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Bus Ride home.....

2010-01-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

Whew, we were tired!!! I just had to share these cute little sleeping pictures with you. Just precious!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!!!

2010-01-05T09:05:00.001-08:00

We had a fabulous time in Ft. Worth at Casa Manana! Here are a few pics of the little cuties getting ready for the play to begin!

K1 Hair Salon Grand Opening 2010!

2009-12-15T08:39:00.000-08:00

We have not had as much Dramatic Play as I had wanted this year in Kinder. Soo, one of my little darling girls (Thanks O.L.) :), asked if we could have a Hair Salon as a Free Choice Center. So, I said, "I would think about it". As I was thinking about it (a.k.a. 2 minutes later), she had already made a sign for the Salon, a list of things we could have at the salon and my personal favorite, a Circle Map brainstorming all the ideas of what we could do at the salon. So needless to say, I'm a sucker and couldn't say no!! I was thinking since the boys have blocks, legos and all the fun boy stuff, it was time for something a little girlie in K1. Along with all the fun of doing hair and makeup, we will be learning as well!! We will have an appointment book so they can practice telling time, phenominal fine motor practice and they will have pretend money to pay for their hair services of course!! If you have anything you would like to donate to the K1 Hair Salon, I would gladly take it off your hands!! Walk-Ins Welcome Moms! :)

St. Joseph's Village

2009-12-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

I'm always a little anxious about this field trip every year, but this group of kiddos never seizes to amaze me! They were SO polite, kind and very friendly to the people of St. Josephs. I was so proud of them and just loved listening to the children interact with the elderly. They did an EXCELLENT job on their first field trip and we are looking forward to Thursday's field trip!

Project Linus

2009-12-14T10:39:00.000-08:00

In Kindergarten, we are making quilts to give to needy children through the Project Linus organization. The children did a great job cutting and tying knots on the quilt. Thank you Mrs. Azhari for helping us and being very patient with us! :)

Ms. Frizzle!

2009-12-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus is one our favorite indoor recess friends AND she came to visit K1 just a few weeks ago! WOW! Amy was a hit last year in K1 when she came as Ms. Frizzle, so we decided she should make another appearance this year! Surprise surprise, the children LOVED her! Thanks for doing such a great job with the kiddos Amy, you're a natural!

Gobble, Gobble

2009-11-20T12:40:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Wagoner is Thankful....

2009-11-20T12:25:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for so many things in life. First, I am thankful for your children that I get to spend 8 hours a day with. What joy they bring to my life! I am thankful that each child is so different in their own special way. For Lakeside parents and faculty. What a great environment to work in everyday. I am thankful for my Mom and Dad. I am thankful that my Daddy calls me every morning on my way to school and Mom on the way home from school. I am thankful for my sweet husband that makes my life so incredible easy. I am thankful for my Kindergarten teammates. I have to say that I am blessed to be able to work with my good friends everyday. Lastly, I am thankful for God and the life he has provided for me!

Thank you parents for all of your hard work today. I could not have done it without you. The feast was perfect and stress free! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and if you're traveling, be safe!

Ready, Set, Teach!

2009-11-18T07:13:00.000-08:00

This year I signed up to have a "Ready, Set, Teach" student come into my class from Coppell High School. This is a program for Senior students that are thinking about being a teacher. Her name is Miss Lauren. She comes 3 days a week and is in the classroom for about 30 minutes. She occasionally will be doing crafts and activities with the children but mainly she is here to observe me teaching in the Kindergarten environment.

Pilgrim Symmetry

2009-11-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

We have had such a good time talking about Thanksgiving, Pilgrims, Native Americans, The Mayflower and MANY other topics. The Pilgrim activity (above), has to be one of my very favorite activities. Thanks to our stellar technology in Coppell, I used my document camera to set this activity up. When the children receive their paper, the only thing showing is half of the pilgrim outlined in black. We talked a lot about what symmetry is and I showed the children how I would draw the top portion, starting with pencil. After finishing the drawings, the children decorated their Pilgrims with markers. Whew, was this a challenging activity!! But, they did a fantastic job! They are hanging in our classroom right now and will be coming home soon! Ask your child if they can tell you what "Symmetry" means!

Space Cowboy??

2009-11-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

You might of heard the term "Space Cowboy" or "Space Cowgirl" around your house lately. Last year, we decorated a craft stick and called it a "Space Man". This year, to go along with our cowboy theme in K1, I decided to rename them. The purpose of the Space Cowboy is to focus on putting spaces in between words when writing. This is REALLY helpful during Journal writing. Feel free to make your own at home!

Guided Reading

2009-11-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

If you're wondering what Guided Reading looks like....this is it! Right now, I've been pulling children in smaller groups, either indivdually or 2 to 3 children. We work on a variety of skills during this time. Some are working on concepts of print, comprehension skills or phonemic awareness. I typically do Guided Reading during or Workstation time.

Veteran Reading

2009-11-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

Mr. Wagoner came and read to the whole Kindergarten about the Naval Academy (book above). The children were very attentive to him and very interested in what he had to say. He talked about what his job was in the Navy, graduation from the Academy, the school mascot and various other facts. If you hear your children talking about a goat today, you will know that is the school mascot for the Naval Academy. Thanks Mr. Wagoner for coming and sharing your experience with us!

K1 Family Veterans

2009-11-11T07:36:00.000-08:00

We had many special guests from our K1 family today. Mrs. L was here (pictured above), she served in the United States Navy. Mr. W (pictured above), served in the United States Navy as well. We had two other Veteran guests from our K1 family at the ceremony this morning.

Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T07:32:00.001-08:00

Our Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts did such a fabulous job today! Our fearless Room Mom did such a great job with the Boy Scouts as well!

Estimation and Measurement

2009-11-10T07:21:00.001-08:00

In Math yesterday we were discussing "estimation and measurement". We drew our feet, cut them out and then this morning we measured them. We had a wonderful time, estimating who would be the longest, and comparing feet to each other and things in the classroom that were the same length.

Christmas in November???

2009-11-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

Yes, those are Christmas cards you see! I received an email from my sister in law that lives in Michigan about a little boy with Neuroblastoma Cancer that he has been battling the illness for 2 1/2 years. The family is celebrating Christmas next week and Noahs request is to get lots of Christmas cards. So....I told the children we had a sick friend that lives in Michigan that gets to celebrate Christmas early. We decided it would be a good idea to send him cards today. We decided to write "Have a great Christmas", but when one of my sweet kiddos wrote "I hope you feel better soon", on his own....I had a hard time holding it together. These kiddos have such good hearts and it makes me so proud!

50th Day of School...Guys and Dolls

2009-11-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share with you how cute...and tough my K1 friends are! They had so much fun posing for these pictures! I can't believe they have already been in Kindergarten for 50+ days! Where does the time go!??

Canned Food Drive

2009-11-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

We were ask to make a design out of our cans we collected during Red Ribbon Week. Our class voted on the shape of Texas. I thought this was a great idea! Whew, little did I know this was going to be harder than I imagined! So, we battled through it and I thought our Texas turned out REALLY well! I just knew we were going to win, but we didn't. Oh well though, the children had fun and brought in lots of cans for a good cause. Thank you parents for your donations!

DEA Helicopter

2009-11-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

During Red Ribbon Week, we had a special visitor to our school, the DEA Helicopter! I was trying to get out of our Spirit Assembly in time for our K1 friends to see the helicopter land, but I don't think most of them saw it. It was really neat to hear the DEA officers speak and especially neat to see the helicopter up close!

The Squash Family

2009-11-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your squash family donations, we really enjoyed observing the different types. Science HAS to be our favorite subject around here! Take a look as we use our five senses to observe the similarities and differences.

Growing Patterns

2009-11-09T10:19:00.000-08:00

Growing patterns are the new fad in K1 this year. We've made our patterns, extended them and now we are on to growing patterns. I have never introduced this concept so early in a school year before, but I could tell some of these kiddos were itching for something different! Some of them even made growing patterns on their "Thanksgiving Feast" mats. They amaze me more everyday!

Apple Weighing

2009-11-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

During our study on apples, we had a great discussion on the weight of an apple. We made our predictions, drew a picture of our apple and then notated in our Science Journals how much the apple weighed and its measurements as well. Next time your in K1 feel free to take a peek at our Science Journals. We definitely have some future Scientists on our hands!

One Apple Up On Top!

2009-10-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

To go along with our Apple theme this week, we read the book, "Ten Apples Up On Top." What a great book, the children just loved it! Each child drew a picture of themselves with "10 apples up on top". We couldn't quite get 10 apples to stay on our friend in the picture, so we just did one! :)

Sorting!!

2009-10-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

In Math, we sort EVERYTHING, even our shoes!! We had such a fun time during our lesson on Friday discussing different ways we could sort our class. In this particular picture, we were sorting by "oldest" and "not oldest." If you notice, one child has a shoe on both sides! That is because she is the "middle" child. This brought on great conversation about where she should put her shoes! We had a lot of fun with this activity. You may have heard your child talking about sorting by different "attributes." This was a little confusing because we would sort beads and they would put all the purple together, all the little ones together and all the square ones together...all at the same time. What I are looking for is sorting by ONE attribute. Therefore, they would sort the entire junk box of beads by color OR by shape, etc. This has been a little tricky, but it has started to make more sense for the children. :)

Pop Tops Galore!

2009-09-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you have heard about the "Pop Top" craze in K1! As you might have read in the Newsletter, we are collecting pop tops for the Ronald McDonald house as our Service Learning Project this year. This is something that is very near and dear to my heart. I think it is fun for the children to collect pop tops and yes we all want to "win" the competition, but it goes so much further than winning a party. I love being able to collect something that is beneficial for needy children that are sick. I think that this is really important to stress the importance of "why" we are collecting pop tops to the children. And, when you're collecting for something that is worthwile, it just makes it more fun!! Thank you for your contributions!

Trees!

2009-09-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

Trees! Along with our Fall unit, we have been talking about Trees as well. We have been discussing what animals live in trees, how we use trees, where trees grow and different types of trees. Last week, we took a peek (with our magnifying glasses), at the tree "cookie." This is a slice of the tree trunk. We were able to identify and count the rings on our particular piece.

I can spell owl!!

2009-09-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

I just love Fall! What a great time of the year with great learning opportunities for our little ones. In Science we have had numerous discussions about Fall and more specifically, Owls. Last week, we talked about Nocturnal and Diurnal animals. This was probably one of my favorite discussions yet. Ask your child to identify a Nocturnal and Diurnal animal.

Leaves are falling!

2009-09-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Friday is Grandparents and Special Friends Day at Lakeside. As a class, K1 decided that since some Grandparents and/or Special Friends will not be able to attend, we would record ourselves singing! This is actually one of our poems for the week and we wanted to not only sing it......but sign it as well! I hope you enjoy our wonderful singing and our excellent sign language skills! Please share this with your family members who are not able to attend.

Problem Solving

2009-09-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

One of the MANY things we like to teach our kiddos in Kindergarten is "Problem Solving." We had a very interesting Class Meeting today concerning strikes, what causes strikes and how we should address them. So, to factor in our wonderful Thinking Maps, we decided to make a "Multi-Flow Map" to break down the Strike System (see above). We talked about the various things that can "cause" you to get a strike and then the "effect" of getting a strike. A few of my favorite "Effects" were no t.v. and not getting to order school lunch. Oh, the things that are inportant to our little ones! :) I just want to say THANK YOU parents for providing a Effect (consequence) at home! Losing priviledges and taking things away may seem harsh, but in the end it is helping to develop good character in your child. It shows them that yes, there are consequences to bad behavior. This to me, is just as important as learning to read. Thank you again!

2009-09-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

We were just enjoying Mrs. Smith read "Junie B. Jones" to us. What a fun way to end the night. :)

2009-09-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten Lock In

2009-09-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

Wow! Always one of my favorite nights ever and it gets better every year! Just to see these kiddos with pure joy on their faces...it really is priceless!

2009-09-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Circle Map.

We created a circle map for each of our 5 senses. These are the things we could "see" in K1.

2009-09-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

Brace Map.

In Science, we have been talking about our 5 senses.

2009-09-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

Tree Map.

How many claps (syllables) are in your name? Ask your child to tell you!

2009-09-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of our Thinking Maps that we use daily in K1. Ask your child if they know what a Bubble Map is or what a Tree Map looks like! We LOVE Thinking Maps in K1, I'll show you a few examples above!

2009-09-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

Art Station. Need I say more!?? It looks a little boring from this picture, but is a VERY fun, popular station. Right now the children are asked to draw their favorite "Nursery Rhyme" while at Art Station. There is an assortment of stickers, markers, paper, and hole punchers they can use. So, if you see tons of free "Art" projects coming home in your child's folder, they probably chose to go here during Free Choice time!

2009-09-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

123 Station. The boys here were working on Peg Boards or Geo Boards. There are a TON of manipulatives at this station that the children use to count, sort and make patterns! 123 is always a big hit in K1! One of my favorites!

2009-09-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here is our ABC Station. I do not have the children shown in this one. This station familarizes the children with the alphabet in all kinds of ways. We have letter stickers, alphabet games, magnetic letters, alphabet stamps, "Popcorn" words and tons more! Ask your child to tell you about "Chica Chica Boom Boom!"

2009-09-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

Science Station. Probably one of our favorite stations. There are TONS of fun things like magnets, stethescopes, magnifying glasses, reptiles, etc. And we are just getting started! Right now the children are mainly exploring all the cool things!

2009-09-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

Listening Station. Typically I have headphones for the children to wear as they are listening to the story. Somehow these might have been damaged during all the construction this summer so I am going to have to work on them. Right now the children will still be able to listen to the story it will just be outloud coming from the stereo.

2009-09-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

This is our Writing Station. At Writing Station the children have the option of sitting at the writing table or on the floor with lap desks. There is loads of paper, markers, crayons, envelopes, dictionaries, you name it! We love writing in Kindergarten!

2009-09-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

Library Station! Look at these cuties enjoying themselves! This is what Library Station is all about: Relaxing and enjoying a good book! I wish I could join them!

2009-09-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here is some of our wonderful K1 friends at Computer Station. This week we have started "practicing" going to Workstations. We do not have any jobs to complete while at the staion just yet. We are still practicing the routine and cleaning up after ourselves. So far so good! They are doing a great job and looking forward to doing Workstations everyday!

2009-08-27T15:07:00.001-07:00

Hello Wonderful Parents!
The first days of Kindergarten have been very successful! I believe one of our biggest challenges this week is perfecting the "cafeteria routine." This has been and will be a little bit of a journey. We are still learning that when a teacher is on the microphone we cannot continue to visit with our friends. :) Things should start to calm down before too long though.

As you know, we have had half days due to Kinder and 1st grade Assessments. Please do not be concerned or "drill" your little ones before they come see me. :) I am just needing to see where your child is so I can address their needs individually. We (as teachers), like to call this "Differentiated Instruction." Trust me, this is a good thing, because every child does not come in to Kindergarten on the same level, therefore we "differentiate" what we teach each child. So...Relax! There is no need to stress over your child's assessment results. :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Enjoy these last few weeks of Summer!!

First Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Happy first day of Kindergarten!! We had such an AMAZING day today! I feel like we are already ahead of the game in K1. We started the day with a little "song and dance." Afterwards, I shared my "All About Me" board with the class. Every child will have a chance to be on the "All About Me" board this year! Next, we practiced going to the restroom as a class and headed out to our first recess! We learned when a teacher blows one whistle, we freeze. Two whistles, we unfreeze. Three whistles....it is time to line up!!! :) Then, its off to lunch.....yes, at 10:30 in the morning! We did such an awesome job! We learned that we have to stay in our seats and to use our "inside voices." Up next....MORE RECESS! WOW! After our second recess, we came in for our much needed "R and R" time." We drew a "self portait of ourselves" and before we know it, it is time to go home!! I am so proud of each and every one of our K1 friends! The manners in our class are already AMAZING! Please excuse any typos on this post....my brain is a little tired!
Enjoy!

2009-07-21T15:20:00.001-07:00

I ran across a preschool teacher's blog with some ideas about helping children get ready to learn to read. I liked her list of 15 ideas. Here are the first 10 items on her list:

1. Read to your child. Everyday. It should be an enjoyable activity.

2. It is a wonderful thing when a child wants to hear the same story over and over again. Read it until you have it memorized, and then read it many times more.

3. Talk to your child. Ask your child questions, even when they are too young to answer. (Always pause and give them time to answer.) Tell your child what your are doing. Provide a running commentary as you go about your day. Talk, talk, talk!

4. What difference can following numbers 1,2 and 3 make? Tens of thousands of words! Children are a blank slate, capable of learning ANY language in the world. Just imagine the vocabulary you can teach your child.

5. Sing songs that rhyme. If you can’t sing, then chant nursery rhymes. Rhyming is so important for hearing the ending sounds of words. Many children love silly songs and poems, and may create some of their own.

6. Alliteration is the beginning sounds of words. Find songs or poems with alliteration. Teach them to your children. “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” Children will learn to hear (and feel with their mouth) the beginning sounds of words.

7. Sing the ABC song over and over again. Everyday. You can even use a small chart and point to each letter as you sing it. You would be amazed how many children think that “LMNOP” is one giant letter. Many children think that there is an “N” between Y and Z.

8. While reading a story to your child, ask questions about the story. “What color is the dog? Do you think the dog will ever get home? What will the dog do next? Did you like the story?” This builds comprehension and vocabulary.

9. If you think your child might not know a word, give it a definition. “Do you know what a spade is?” (Wait a little while for a response, even for non-talkers.) “Spade is another word for shovel. Do you see the spade?” Then point to the picture.

10. When reading a story follow the words with your finger. Left to right, return sweep, top to bottom, front to back. Let your child help to turn the page.

Hints 11 to 15 can be found at her blog post called "Reading Readiness."