WHITEBOARDS FOR ALL!

I admit it!  I'm old as dirt and Facebook is beyond me.

However, some of the materials that teachers post are over the top.

You don't need to buy all that STUFF!!!  Remember the KISS principle.

KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID!

These whiteboards are a perfect example of something that every

child should have.  They encourage each child to be "present," "active,"

 to "participate" and to perform at their own level.

They are reusable and can be adapted to any age level or concept.

As Dr. Jean says, "Children are happy with plain vanilla.

They don't need all the sprinkles and whipped cream."

Individual whiteboards (or wipe off boards) and markers can purchased many different places. (I got my whiteboard and a pack of colored dry erase markers at Walmart for less than the cost of a latte.) Add a butterfly clip at the top and it will double as a clipboard.

Many lumber companies will cut shower board into 9” x 12” pieces that you can use like whiteboards.

Plastic plates or laminated white card stock are also great substitutes for white boards.



Several years ago I asked teachers on Facebook to suggest ways they used whiteboards. Their responses were so creative that I wanted all of you to be able to use them.

SHOW ME! DEBBIE BETTIS HAWTHORNE
My Kinders LOVED the “Show Me” game. They would write the response to my question (keeping it a secret by not showing anyone). When I said “show me” everyone held up their board. We celebrate trying our best- they then check my screen to see if they have it- if not we fix it. Of course, we read/review together. It all happens fairly quickly. I began by randomly calling out letters for them to write. We then moved on to letters to go with a sound, sight words, numbers, etc. Total engagement and a crowd pleaser. Everyone feels successful.

PICTIONARY CARLA GREGORY
Draw one detail of a picture at a time and see if the kids can guess what it is. Keep adding details until they figure it out. You can also give them their own white board and they could draw along with you. They could also draw their own picture and have others guess. We liked to do this activity while waiting on lunch to arrive.

MUSICAL CHAIRS KATE CARSTON PETERSON
I used a white board with the musical chairs game. Every time the music stopped we would sit and complete one part of a directed drawing. Great fun, movement, and working those fine motor skills.

GUIDED DRAWINGS MELISSA KREGLOW GRONENDYKYE
I use white boards for guided drawings (something about them being non-permanent builds their confidence), interactive read-aloud responses, and for fine motor/writing center. My kids LOVE them and anytime I say we are going to get them to begin our work they all get excited!

SECRET LETTER AMBER SMITH
Kindergarteners totally buy into anything if you say “we are going to play a game." Play a game of secret letter. Give clues about the secret letter. The clues could be naming objects that start with this letter or end with this letter. You could give clues such as “it is the letter before m”. As you give clues the students are guessing on their whiteboards. Finally the students show their guesses.

MATH PROBLEMS TARA SANDERS BURNS
Show them a math problem and they have to complete the calculation correctly on their whiteboards.

SHOWER BOARD KATE BOYER
For white boards, I went to Home Depot and bought a piece of shower board. Home Depot cut it for me into squares and I came out with over 40 dry erase boards for $24!! And if you tell them you're a teacher, you might get lucky and they'll cut it for you for free. I'm sure Lowe's could do this too

MORNING MEETING
Use whiteboards to help children practice skills and settle down in the morning. They can practice drawing shapes, letters, or numerals.

TOP TO BOTTOM

Children can have fun as they practice pre-writing strokes and train their eyes to go from the top to the bottom and left to right.

Top to Bottom Song (Dawna Hunter) 
(Tune: “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”) 
Top to bottom, 
Left to right. 
Top to bottom, 
Left to right. 
My mind knows that writing always goes 
Top to bottom, 
Left to right. 

Pencil Stories
Pencil stories using story symbols can help children develop top to bottom and left-to-right orientation. They’re also an engaging way to develop small motor skills. These stories should be told multiple times so children can practice the pre-writing strokes and feel more competent. You might want to do the same story every day for a week as you invite the children to recall what will come next. 

Here's an easy version I would try with the little ones to encourage them to go from left to right and make a few strokes.

Let's go for a walk.  (horizontal)

The sun is shining down.  (vertical)

The wind is blowing.  (slant)

Here come some raindrops.  (circle)

I hear thunder. (X)

Time to run home!  (horizontal)

Hint! Put a green line down the left side to show them where to start and a red line down the right side to indicate where they should stop.

Write Round the Mulberry Bush
Here's another great pre-writing activity for the beginning of the school year called “Writing Round the Mulberry Bush.” I clearly remember where I got this idea. About 20 years ago I was doing a workshop in Huntsville, Texas. A young teacher said, “My mentor needs to tell you how she teaches handwriting. Her kids have the best handwriting in the school.” Well, she grabbed my attention and when I asked the older teacher her secret she smiled and said they practiced “Writing Round the Mulberry Bush” several weeks before introducing letters. 

Basically, you have children make the strokes as shown on a blank piece of paper as they sing the different verses to the song “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.” It makes sense because children need to go from top to bottom and left to right as they learn to master simple strokes.

Here's a link if you're interested.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljSUZWMl9YZVh4UVE/view?usp=sharing

KINDERGARTEN CADENCE AND PLEDGE

These ideas are ones I collected years ago, but they are definitely "keepers."  The Kindergarten Cadence and Class Pledge could easily be adapted to any grade level.

Kindergarten Cadence (Paula Pennell, Lenoir, NC)
(Students repeat each line.)
Kindergarten, kindergarten, what do you say?
We’re gonna have some fun today!
We’re gonna read and write and spell.
We’ll do these things very well.
Sound off. (Students repeat 1-2).
Sound off. (Students repeat 3-4).
Bring it on down, 1-2-3-4 (clap, clap) 3-4.
                                  
Class Pledge (Brenda Stremmel)
Make a class flag from the children’s handprints, and then teach children this pledge:
I pledge to myself on this day
To try to be kind in every way.
To every person big or small
I will help them if they fall.
I will love myself and others, too.
That’s the best that I can do!

SMART Board Contestant (Julie Cunday)
Child’s name come on down.
You’re the next contestant on
Name that number (letter, etc.).

Welcome Collage (Emily Hall, Danville, VA)
Make a poster with “Who is this teacher’s name?” in the middle. Put pictures of your favorite things, places, foods, etc. on the poster. Add personal pictures of friends and family. Display this at Open House. For the first few days of school let each student pick a picture for you to talk about.
                   
Family Photo Sheet (Sherry Lee & Jess McGuire, Concord, NC)
At the beginning of the year send home one sheet of colored construction paper and ask students to cover the page with family pictures. Ask their parents to label the pictures. Put the family photo sheet in a sheet protector and have children keep it in their writing folder. This will inspire them to write about family members and experiences.

Days of School Count  (Catherine Bouwman)
Touch body parts each day as you count during calendar time.
Touch toes for 1/6/11/16…
Touch knees for 2/7/12/17…
Touch hips for 3/8/13/18…
Touch shoulders for 4/9/14/19…
Touch heads for 5/10/15/20…
*Remind children that they should be touching their heads on all 5’s and 10’s. You can also let them shout when they get to the 5’s and 10’s. 

6 vs. 9 (Donna Bell, Magnolia/Woodlands, TX)
Use this rhyme to help children discriminate #6 from #9.
Number 6 is always sick.
Holds his head down, ick, ick, ick! (Bend head down.)
Number 9 is always fine.
Holds his head up all the time! (Hold head up tall.)

Handwriting Warm-Up (Allison Burney, Rowlett, TX)
Buy individual containers of play dough for each child. (These are available where they sell party favors.) Before doing handwriting activities, let the children warm up their fingers by playing with play dough. One day they might make snakes, another day snowballs, and another day free play with the play dough. The children won’t realize that they are building small muscles that will help them write.

Start the Day with a Smile! (Eva Arteaga)
Put a smiley sticker on each child’s right hand when they arrive at school. This will help them learn their right hand and encourage them to be at school on time!
                                                                         
Abracadabra! (Emily Hilbig, Houston, TX)
Close your eyes and pretend to wave a magic wand as you say:
Abracadabra!
I want my friends to make good choices
like sitting on their bottoms
and using inside voices.”
Snap your fingers and open your eyes!

FROG WENT A-COURTING

I'm kind of on a roll with spring animals this week. Here's a new video my webmaster created for "Frog Went A-Courting." Alex May (aka webmaster extraordinaire) is one of those talented people who can draw, paint, cook - you name it - he can do it! I don't think he plays the tuba, though! Anyway, Alex created original artwork for this video and it's adorable!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5hfSnYE5BE
                                  
Frog Went A-Courtin’  (Nursery Rhyme CD)
A frog went a-courtin’, (Pretend to hold reins and ride a horse.)
And he did ride. Hum-hum, hum-hum.
A frog went a-courtin’,
And he did ride,
With his horse right by his side. Hum-hum, hum-hum.

He rode up to Miss Mousie’s den… (Knock on the door.)
Said, “Please, Miss Mousie, let me in…

“Yes, Sir Frog, I sit and spin… (Spin arms around, then motion to come in.)
Please, Mr. Froggie, won’t you come in?”

The frog said, “My dear, I’ve come to see… (Palms together as if begging.)
If, Miss Mousie, you’ll marry me…”

“Oh, yes, Sir Frog, I’ll marry you… (Shake head “yes,” then hold up 2 fingers.)
And we’ll have children two by two…”

The frog and mouse they went to France… (Pretend to hold reins and ride again.)
And that’s the end of my romance…

Activities: Choose different children to be the “Frog” and “Mouse” and act out this song.

Note: There are many variations of this song, but I changed the "sword and pistol" to "his horse right by his side."
Put Your Bottom on the Rug

(Here's a verse to the tune to get children sitting quietly on the rug.)

Put your bottom on the rug, uh-huh, uh-huh.
Put your bottom on the rug, uh-huh, uh-huh.
Put your bottom on the rug.
Give yourself a little hug.
Uh-huh, uh-huh.

Frog Puppet
My students always enjoyed making this hoppy frog. He can be used for "Frog Went A-Courtin'" or for "Five Little Speckled Frogs."
                                            
Here's the pattern:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljaGhWMUd3RGxkb1k/view?usp=sharing

And frog-a-courting reminds me of weddings and weddings remind me of this cool phone cover that a teacher's fiancee had given her! I think she's got a keeper!

TELL A TALE

There’s nothing better than a good story that children beg, “Do it again!  Do it again!”  Melissa Yoder shared this story with us when I was in Austin last week.  All you need is a piece of paper and a marker.  (You could also tell this with a document camera or whiteboard.)

Once there was a man who went walking with his hands behind his back.

Some fast bees swarmed around him.

He saw lake and jumped in, but the bees still chased him.

He ran up a tall hill.

There were two dark caves.

He went up and down a mountain.

A cat jumped out and chased away those bees!

*To make it a Halloween tale you could change the bees to bats and let a black cat scare away the bats.

Pumpkin House Story

I tell this every year and it’s a timeless tale children have always enjoyed.  I like to tear it with my fingers, but you can cut with a pair of scissors if you prefer.  All you need is an orange sheet of paper.

Once there was a little old lady that lived near (your school).

She lived in a funny orange house that was half a circle with a chimney at the bottom.

This lady had a cat named (child’s name) with a long squiggly tail.  The lady had a special door built just for the cat so she could go in and out.

This lady always wore a pointed that.  She had a special door built just for her hat so it wouldn’t fall off.

She also had two pet birds named (two children’s names).  Here’s a special window for the birds so they could fly in and out.

On Halloween eve all the boys and girls from (your school) went to her house and knocked on her door.  (Knock!  Knock!)  She came to the door and said, “Close your eyes.”  (Have all the children close their eyes.  Open and hold it up to your face.)

SURPRISE!  It’s a jack-o-lantern!

*My children loved this story so much I told it every day until they could tell it with me.  Gee, I was doing the Common Core Standards 30 years ago and I didn’t even know it!!!  I also sent a copy of the story home for the parents to do with their children..

READING WITH PURPOSE

RL.K.10  Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding.

Morning Message – Write a message to the children about special activities each morning before they arrive at school. 

Hint!  Children will get a kick out of this message if it is written by a class mascot (aka stuffed animal or puppet).

                        Good morning, friends!

                        Today is Tuesday, September 15.

                        It’s going to be a terrific day!

                        We have P.E. with Ms. Coleman

                        and it’s Joshua’s birthday.

                        I’m so glad you’re here.

                                                Love, Ted E. Bear

Mirror Mini Message – Write a short message each day on a classroom mirror with a dry erase marker.  It might be a “teaser” to interest children in a book you are going to read, it might praise a child for a special accomplishment, or it might be a reminder to whisper in the hall. 

Pocket Chart – Use a pocket chart to list songs, nursery rhymes, or cheers children select each day.

Poems and Songs – Write words to poems, songs, and finger plays on posters and follow along as you sing and chant.

Big Books – Rereads of big books will develop children’s confidence and interest in reading.

PowerPoints – If you have an interactive white board you’ll find some great activities at:

                        kellyskindergarten.com

                        smartexchange.com

                        teachhub.com/free-interactive-whiteboard-resources

Voice Box – Make copies of fluency cards (free on drjean.org) and place them in a small box.  Let children choose a card and then reread books or poems using that “voice.”

GOT A WHITE BOARD?

Here's a little field trip for you this summer.  This website has everything you need if you have a white board, if you are getting a white board, or if you don't have one and want to write a grant for one.

http://www.teachhub.com/free-interactive-whiteboard-resources

I hope you're on vacation or reading a book by the pool.  However, if you're stuck at home you'll have fun discovering all the FREE resources on this site.

TEACHING IN THE DIGITAL AGE - TECHIES AND DINOSAURS!

TEACHING IN THE DIGITAL AGE

By Brian Puerling

Chapter Two

 “Using Photographs and Images to Inspire”

Oh, my goodness!  I haven’t written a book report since high school!  Let’s see if I can remember how to do this!

First, I feel like a kid who just learned to ride her bicycle!  This is a challenge for me, but I want to pat myself on the back for learning something new.  My techie mentor (Vanessa Levin) is an inspiring teacher who is helping me scaffold to a new level.  If you are a dinosaur or a techie, TEACHING IN THE DIGIAL AGE is a great summer adventure.  I’ve even learned how to use the QR scans in the book, which make it come alive.   Here’s your ticket to this amazing journey:

http://preschoolspot.com/teaching-in-the-digital-age-book-study/

Several years ago I purchased a Kitchen Aide stainless steel mixer with all the bells and whistles.  I put it under the sink and it has sat there for 6 years.  I NEVER used it because it was easier to get out my old hand held mixer.   (I finally gave the Kitchen Aide to a friend last week.)  Why am I telling you this?  Well an iPad or interactive white board or any new tool doesn’t do you any good unless you KNOW how to USE it and you USE it to accomplish something.  Author Brian Puerling wants to help you make the most of the technology tools you have to connect with children…open the door to a new world…reinforce learning…capture children’s interest…and take them into the future.

When I saw the chapter “Using Photographs and Images to Inspire” I thought it would be about using children’s photographs to make books, name cards- etc.  Wrong!  It was about the power and opportunities that are instantaneously available through technology.  (A long time ago we had to go to a place called the library and spend hours looking for photographs.)   Puerling gives examples of how photographs can be used to facilitate conversation, encourage desired behaviors, develop schema, create interest in the world and other communities, and enrich all areas of learning.

My favorite vignette  from the book was a video with four-year-old Eddie.  Eddie’s parents have done an outstanding job TEACHING Eddie how to use the iPad as they capture his interest in learning.  I’m afraid too often parents use technology as a baby sitter rather than a one-on-one learning opportunity.

Now, here’s the grandmother teacher in me coming out.  As wonderful and powerful as technology can be, don’t forget to turn it off and sing a song and do a finger play.  Ask children to close their eyes and make pictures in their brains as you read a story.  Imagination is the greatest tool of all!

And, here are a few hands on activities that popped in my head as I read the chapter!

Swiper

Have children hold up their index finger.  Explain that is the finger they use on the iPad to swipe.  It’s called “Swiper.”  Put your index finger behind your back and begin singing the song below to the tune of “Where Is Thumbkin?”

Where is Swiper?  

Where is Swiper?  (Children repeat each line.)

Here I am.             (Bring index finger in front of you and wiggle.)

Here I am.

Ready to swipe.      (Move finger as if swiping.)

Ready to swipe.

Yes, I can!             (Shake finger as if saying, “yes.”)

Yes, I can!

SWOOOSH!  (Make a sound as you move your finger in the air.)

*Let children draw a face on a dot sticker and attach it to their fingernail.

iPads for All

Each child in your classroom can have her own iPad with this project.  Place your iPad on the copy machine and make a color copy.  Glue the photo to the inside of a pocket folder.  Children can practice identifying letters, typing their names, spelling words, etc.

Singing Books

Use children’s photographs to increase print connections and create interest in letters and sounds.

Welcome to Our Room

(Tune:  “Good Night, Ladies”)

Hello, Jason!

Hello, Jason!

Hello, Jason!

We’re glad you’re in our room.

The Alphabet in My Mouth

(Tune:  “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”)

I’ve got A /a/ /a/ in my mouth.

I’ve got A /a/ /a/ in my mouth.

I’ve got A /a/ /a/ in my mouth,

And I can read.

Make new friends, but keep the old.

One is silver and the other is gold.

Brian Puerling’s technology teaches something new,

But Dr. Jean has an old song for you, too!

Matt from Look at My Happy Rainbow (  http://lookatmyhappyrainbow.com/) will be the tour guide next week as we visit Chapter 3 “Rethinking Projectors.”

We hope you’ll share your ideas and comments by linking up!