MATH WORKSHOPS in Kindergarten: For our math curriculum, we set up daily math stations. During this time, children rotate freely between various math activities. On average, three new math activities are introduced each week. Lately, we have been working on numerals and creating a set. We have done this with several different activities. One of these is called “Roll and Record.” Children roll either one or two dice and count the number of dots. They fill in the corresponding number graph. Another game is called “Grab and Count.” The students grab a handful of math manipulatives and show that many on their paper. This helps to reinforce one-to-one correspondence when counting. The children also really like the “Inventory Bags.” They are able to select a paper bag filled with various materials and they need to show on their paper how many were inside. The bags contain anywhere from 8-15 objects. This week, we introduced our “Counting Books.” On each page, children are given a number. They must write the number, fill in the appropriate number of circles, and draw that many objects. This will be our ongoing project for at least this week.

This is just a small sample of some of the math activities we have on a daily basis. The activities are always changing and expanding. The idea is to provide real and meaningful ways to explore numbers and math. The children really enjoy the stations because they can rotate to the tables as they wish, choose their activity, and work at their own developmental level. Throughout all of these activities, I am able to personalize the instruction for each child. This helps the children feel comfortable with the appropriate amount of challenging activities.

DRAMA: Why have a “Drama” Center in the classroom? What benefit does it provide for a kindergarten student? At Pembroke, we subscribe to a play-based learning approach. We provide our students with many opportunities to grow and learn. In the drama center, we have recently set up a doctor’s office. This began with my observations of the children’s play in the classroom. We expanded on this with a doctor theme, and learning to take care of each other. We had a classroom meeting about what we expect to see at a doctor’s office. This included many candid stories of our own personal experiences. We made a web listing all of these ideas. Then we spent one afternoon, as a class, creating our doctor’s office. The children figured out how to have a waiting room, reception desk, and space to care for patients. Then, I found many ways to incorporate math and literacy. I added math by having the doctor record the height and weight of each patient. They also played several games dealing with time and matching an analog clock to the appointment time in digital. Then we added literacy by creating patient charts. The children filled in papers listing the patients name and the reason for their visit. The reason’s ranged from a broken bone, a cut needing stitches, to a whole broken body! This center has helped to develop our math, literacy, and most importantly our social skills. We are working on turn taking and being considerate of the needs of our peers. It has truly been an amazing experience to witness thus far.

SMALL GROUPS: As part of our literacy work stations, we have added in Small Group work over the past week. Right now, the children meet with me once a week to read books and play games based on their own developmental level.

FIELD TRIP: Make sure to turn in your paperwork for the field trip next week to Burnham Orchards. We will be touring the facility together as a class. Please remember that there is no school that day.

WEEKLY READERS: We have ordered Weekly Readers for our kindergarten class. This cost has been added to your tuition.