Polar Express Pajama Day!

Forgot to post these!

Polar Express Day was crazy , but I did manage to snap a few pictures ! We read the book before watching the movie , and nearly every child preferred the book.  We talked about how the movie added some parts (like the the scene on too of the train) that weren't in the book. Isn't it funny ? The book is better than the movie, even in kindergarten! :)

We drank hot chocolate in fancy cups, too :)

My dad also stopped in (wearing pajamas. That my grandmother made. In the 90's.) to read a book, bring doughnuts, and give the kids gifts (twistables ).  Here are some pictures- 

They were pretty excited for the twistables :)

I loved my job today!

Today was awesome. Our classroom family had missed each other! They were all so happy to be together. January is such a fun time to be a kindergarten teacher. It's as if the kids come back from break more mature and ready to learn. It's awesome. They were also being so kind and sweet to each other. It did my heart good. Love my job! 

I am posting some student writing from today! I was excited to see how hard they all worked, it was great! This week in Writer's Workshop, we are working on personal narratives.  My focus in writing is on developing their skills as a writer, and helping them to see themselves as writers. We use inventive ("sounded out") spelling because the focus is on content and the writing process. We do practice spelling- just not in this space. Also, as students become more advanced in reading, their spelling will improve as well.

For Writer's Workshop, I begin by teaching a 10-15 minute mini lesson. Then the children are given an opportunity to write (and hopefully practice using the topic of the mini lesson!)

I love using all the new supplies donated from the gift tree! I am so excited and appreciative! I used the giant pad of paper to create some anchor charts for Writer's Workshop. Anchor charts are used to illustrate the concept or topic being taught. After the lesson, I post it to the wall and it serves as a physical/visual reminder of the topic.

Here's the anchor chart we used today. The lesson was about writing small moments instead of general sentences.  Don't judge the pictures.  My intended audience is 5-6 :)

(Now if your child starts talking about a "watermelon seed story," you'll sort of understand) :)

I asked them to write about something they did over the break. They did a terrific job! Here are some samples of student work from today (with translations!) :) Can you spot your child's work ? 

I danced with my family at home. It was fun.

I woj (watched)  (the ) nowz (news ). 

I went to ice skating. I went downtown. It was fun (with) mom.

I went to the Thunder game. It was loud. I went with my babysitter.

I watched the magic school bus .

I went to the Thunder game (with) my family and friends.

I played with the toys with my dad.

I went to the park. I loved to play lots. I played with my friend.

I went to ice skating with my  sister and my mom and my friend.

I went to my mom's friend's house. I watched Elf.

Over break, I went swimming. It was fun. I love it. I hope I get to go again.

Now if your child starts talking about a "watermelon seed story," you'll sort of understand :)

Here are some anchor charts for lessons we will be doing this week: