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June 29, 2016

Building Character Through Books

Good morning!  I hope you are having a wonderful summer.  I have teamed up with some amazing teachers all over the country to discuss different books we love each week that align to a certain topic or genre.  This week is all about building character through books! 
Believe me, it was very hard to narrow this down to only five books.  I organize my "teacher books" based on genres and holidays, and my building character section is definitely the largest! 

 "Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun" by Maria Dismondy:  "Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun" is a new book that I have bought this past year.  It's an amazing story that discusses how each child is different and how you will be happiest by accepting everyone.  The main character grew so much as a person throughout the story in a wonderful way.  My students absolutely loved the illustrations while learning. I was so happy that I bought this book!

"Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes:  Chrysanthemum is a wonderful story that takes me back to my first year of teaching Kindergarten.  I was extremely nervous about the first few days after teaching fifth grade.  My partner told me to start my days with Chrysanthemum.  We taught a mini unit about names (perfect in early K) and being kind to everyone.  Children can really relate to this book and feel empathetic for Chrysanthemum as the story progresses.  It really is the perfect story to use at the beginning of the year!
 
 "Peanut Butter and Cupcake" by Terry Border: "Peanut Butter and Cupcake" is a new story that I received this year from a student and her family at our Book Fair.  It was so sweet for them to purchase this book for our classroom, and it was a GREAT gift!  This story had the students laughing the entire time, as different type of foods were acting as people.  However, there is an underlying purpose in the story about being kind.  It's a great new story to add to your classroom!

 "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister:  Here is a classic story surely makes me feel nostalgic!  It was a favorite book of mine as a little girl and I still use it to teach kindness and sharing in my classroom.  If you haven't read this book before, please, find it at your local bookstore or library!  It's a fantastic story about learning what it means to be kind and sharing.  It's a great story for early in your school year!




"It's Okay to Be Different" by Todd Parr:  I absolutely love all books by Todd Parr.  Students gravitate towards his writing style and illustrations.  As I read this book to my Kindergarten class, you hear them chiming in "Yeah, it's okay to look like that!" or "It's okay to have glasses like I do!" They absolutely love it and truly understand what Todd is describing to them! I'm sure your students will love it, too!


I hope these stories help build character in your classroom.  Check back every Wednesday now through August 3rd to learn about even more fantastic stories in various genres. 

Hop back to Katie at Minute Mommy by clicking her button. Enjoy your Wednesday!
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June 21, 2016

Are you Ready to ROCK?

Today is June 21, 2016 and about a week ago I finished my fourth year of teaching!  For the past three years in a Kindergarten position, I have always had my room decorated in a circus theme because of my love for elephants.  For this upcoming school year I decided to change it to a ROCK STAR theme. I actually noticed that I use the phrase "you're a rock star!" often so it fits!  I'm excited to buy inflatable instruments and hang them around the room to really amplify (no pun intended) the decorations.  It took me a week, but I finally finished my classroom decor pack!  I'll give you a sneak peak, since I am so excited to use it when we get back to school!


Included in the pack are two different bunting signs.  There is a welcome sign as well as a smaller sized Word Wall bunting sign. I just love the combo of black, white and gold! Check the welcome sign out! :)






Included in the Rock Star Classroom Decor product are many things to use for daily calendar/morning meeting.  There are Yesterday was, Today is, and Tomorrow will be signs along with the days of the week and months of the year.  There are also the numbers 1-31 in black, white and gold glitter as well! Practice weather with your students daily with "The weather today is..." and the provided options.


 Today's Playlist includes 30 different schedule cards that can be used each day.  Below is a sneak preview of two of the pages :)
 

There are very glittery classroom rules signs!  I love all of the glitter frames thanks to Glitter Meets Glue Designs!


 


One of my favorite parts of the rock and roll pack is the classroom jobs.  I coordinated them to match professions within the Rock and Roll industry.  I thought it really tied the whole theme together and the kids would love it!  The regular option is also available for titles such as "line leader" and "caboose."

There is a rock and roll behavior clip chart with editable behavior calendars to promote parent-teacher daily communication.  Students will come in on "Ready to Rock" and move up for good choices and down for poor choices.  The behavior calendar comes in all 12 months that can be edited year after year because you get to put in the days of each month.  There is also a space for a teacher personal note!  The rock star behavior chart and editable calendar can be sold separately here.


There are also editable name tags and two variations of tags that can be used at cubbies, supply bins, name tags for trips, etc.  They are shown below!
**Glitter alphabet charts and number posters 1-10 are included as well.  The alphabet chart has two pictures for the vowels and the number posters are special because they include numbers, number words, pictures to demonstrate numbers, tally marks, ten frames and dominoes!

Finally, there are other odds and ends like shape posters, punch cards to promote positive behavior, bulletin board signs, cards for table names and certificates that can be used year round!
  Find all of these and more at my TpT store Lovin' Little Learners!

  Enjoy!! I hope every one is having a ROCKIN' summer!!!