Target Dollar Spot for your Classroom

Today I had to hop on the blog to share some of the awesome finds I saw in the Target dollar spot.  I'm not in the classroom anymore, but I am planning to start a "Tot School" in the Fall at home with my sweet girl.  She is more than ready.  Only 2 and she can identify all her letters, shapes, colors and some of her numbers.  I'm not sure where she gets it... I'm guessing her dad.  I have never had book smarts.  I am the creative type.  Anyway, I picked up a few things I thought would be fun to use with her, and thought I'd share what I found with you guys.

Big Dice!

I used these all the time for Math Centers in Kindergarten.  These are the perfect size for Sara.  I won't have to worry about her putting them in her mouth.  She doesn't do it often, but I'm not taking any chances.

These are small shapes (triangle, heart, circle, square, etc..)

You could ID shapes, graph them, sort them, use as counters, addition, the list goes on!

I can't wait to use these when practicing letters.  I know she will love them!

We didn't buy this, but I had to share.  In my classroom we had a kitchen with hardly any food, but I never really wanted to spend much money on it bc we rarely played in it.. 

What teacher doesn't love some Mod Podge?!?! Only a $1 at Target. Yahoo!!

I hope you all are having a fabulous summer!!!

PS- I had to share this video, because it's so me when I go to Target without my girl.

SDE Pre-K Conference!!!

I had the best time at the SDE Pre-K Conference.  I was incredibly humbled to be able to present alongside some amazing, and incredibly famous teachers!

 

One of whom I have admired for years!!

 

Yes, Kim Adsit!

 

I have sat in on so many of her sessions and I never get tired of her enthusiasm for helping other teachers.  She is so inspiring!

 

 

Since many of you weren't there to hear my session, I thought I might share with you some of my slides and briefly mention what I discussed... 

 

Drum roll please...

 

Interactive Notebooks for Little Learners with me!

 

During my session I mentioned that Interactive Notebooks/Journals can be used a variety of ways with a variety of ages.  In my opinion they can be used from age 2-college age.  However, they are used very differently at each age range.  Here is my definition of an interactive journal for ages 2-7.

 



Then, I discussed some reasons why you should be using them in your classroom!

 



 

Then, we discussed how to get started!

 

 

I also gave a couple Management Tips.  These will look different in every classroom and at every age.  You know your kiddos and you know what they can and cannot handle!

 

 

I highly recommend checking out Lucky Little Learner's series on Interactive Notebooks.  She has some great ideas on how to manage interactive notebooks.

 

 

Even though I was incredibly nervous about presenting at SDE, I highly recommend it.  I felt like I was able to mark off a huge item from my bucket list!!!  Not sure if I will ever get this opportunity again, but I am very thankful for it.  I also hope some of my 51 attendees took something away from my session.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

26 Ways to Teach the Alphabet

There is something exciting about introducing and teaching the letters of the alphabet.  As years go by, we (teachers) tend to get into the same teaching patterns, and we forget to incorporate something new and fresh ideas in our teaching.

Some of these ideas have been around for a while, but I wanted to compile a list of fun and engaging activities you can use to teach the letters throughout the year.

Here are 26 ways to teach the Alphabet:

1.  Letter Find

Click here to check them out.

2.  Letter Songs by Have Fun Teaching

My kiddos LOVED these alphabet songs!  It was the perfect way to grab their attention and introduce each letter.  We also listened to these all throughout the year during transitions and as a review.

3.  Letter Practice

After introducing each letter my students would fill in a circle map of everything that starts with that letter and then do some handwriting practice.  Click here to check go the practice pages.

4.  Play-Doh Letters

5.  Circle Maps

These are perfect to do whole group when introducing the letters.

I snagged this from Smedley's Smorgasboard's post on ABC Bootcamp.

6.  Starfall

I loved doing each letter on my Promethean Board or as a review for a quick introduction.  My kiddos also loved going to this site during computer lab.

7.  Letter Poems

These are from Mrs. Jones's Kindergarten.  I couldn't find any pictures of the letter poems we did in my class, but her's are adorable! You can check them out by clicking here.

8.  Craft Projects

Click here to check these out!

9.  Letter and Number Sort

I use this at the very beginning of the year when I need my kinders to do something easy on their own.

10.  Alphabet Chart

Here's a FREE one I found from Maria Manore.

11.  Letters Posted in a print rich classroom!

Excuse the picture.. For some reason I couldn't find a better view of my letters posted.  This was from our Kindergarten Graduation one year.

12.  Alphabet Books

I like to do these books after introducing all letters.  It gives me a great idea of who is still struggling and with what letters.

You can purchase this printable book here.

13.  Art Alphabet Book

I did this art book at the beginning of every year I taught K.

You can find the idea here.

14.  Anchor Charts

Mine did not look this cute!  Click here to check out A cupcake for the Teacher's post on these adorable charts.

15.  Do a Dot Letters

These would be especially good for Pre-k children.  I just LOVE these!!  I am going to print this out ASAP to do with Sara.  

Click here to check them out!

16.  Magnetic Letters

Click here to check out this momma's post and the freebie!

17.  Sensory Alpha Activities

There were so many ideas on Pinterest for "Sensory Alphabet" I couldn't pick just one!  Just remember, every child learns differently, and especially ages 4-6 it is incredibly important to incorporate hands on activities!!!

18.  Interactive Pocket Chart & Anchor Charts

Until I had a Promethean Board (and still some after) I would use magnetic letters and this chart to act out the story Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. 

19.  Dr. Jean Songs

There are so many awesome alphabet songs.  This one is probably one of my favorites!!

20.  RTI Kinder Activities from Abby Mullins

Click here to visit Abby's post about it.

21.  Dry Erase Handwriting Practice

I found these at Target in the dollar spot! Score!!!

These are great for an added Literacy Center, I'm done activity, homeschool or Pre-K fun and so much more!  You can even stick these in your busy bag for church!!

22.  Sound Sorts

You can purchase these here.

23.  Magic Letters

Love this idea from No time for Flashcards.  

Check out her post here!

24.  Literacy Centers

If you're like me and you teach thematically, then incorperating the alphabet in centers is a must!  This simple center is in my February Math and Literacy Center unit.

25.  Chicka Chicka & Other Alpha Books

I ALWAYS do this book at the beginning of the year.  It's definitely one of my favs!  Here's my post about it.

26.  Alphabet Websites and Games

It look's like someone has created a Symbaloo with all kinds of websites for learning the alphabet.  Click the picture to check it out!

I hope you all found some great ideas that you will incorporate next time you plan to teach a letter!

Have a great week!!!