I can also say a class of 25 kindergartners as opposed to a class of 13 is even more draining. I knew it was going to be an adjustment and I tried to prepare as much as I could for it. It's amazing how much longer it takes me at the copier and how much construction paper I'm already going through too.
Our first 2 days went by in a blur- especially with the first day being a half day. I like easing in to the school year, but it's hard too because you can't jump right in to daily routines. The next day was much better. We started our first math unit and the kids did great! I'm using Deanna Jump and DeeDee Wills Guiding Kinders math and I know I'm going to love it. Monday my students find out who their math buddy is and whether they are going to be in the peanut butter and jelly group or the ketchup and mustard group. I love their set up! If you're interested in the units, click on the picture below.
We also began our Work Stations time (or centers time). I divided the children up in to 5 groups which will rotate through 5 different activities. These groups are called "Families," as Kim Adsit calls them and they stay together for the whole year. We practiced only for a few minutes by reading in each area focusing on staying with their family in their area and not wandering. The kids did great!
To keep things straight in the beginning, the children wear these name tag from Lakeshore Learning. I slip a paper in their with the family they belong in so my assistant and I can redirect those who may wander. I use different color shapes to name the families- we keep everyone organized and practice our shapes!
Finally we practiced coming to the rug with our reading buddy for Reader's Workshop. I'm using Kim Adist's units again this year. I fell in love with this program last year, especially having reading buddies. It was so much fun to hear them read to each other. If you're interested in those units, click on the picture below.
Finally we did our first painting activity of the year. I love this project and it is a real keepsake! I traced the kids on the first day of school and on the second day they paint. With so many kids this year, I asked for parent volunteers. I had several come and help with passing out paint and cleaning up- it was wonderful! I was so appreciative of their help- it made the project run so smoothly with the extra hands. Here are some of the masterpieces that were created that day...so cute!
And now after a restful weekend, I'm ready for our first full week of kindergarten...I hope! :)
