Let's Review, Shall We?

During the last "full" week of Kindergarten, I did a special review with my kiddos. I pulled out my lesson plan book, and we went through each week of the school year, remembering all the fun activities we did in Kindergarten. I was amazed by how much they remembered about each activity!

As we were doing this, it got me to thinking. I have many pictures and blog entries scattered all over my blog from this past school year. Wouldn't it be neat to find a way to organize them all into ONE blog entry? You know...organizing is my thing :)

This probably benefits me more than it does you because it will be a resource I can easily turn to when I teach Kindergarten again. However, feel free to click on the links and revisit the blog entries I posted of this school year's activities!

Week #1 (August 26 - 29, 2008)

- On the first day of school we had a room scavenger hunt where I showed them pictures of objects in the room and they had to go find them.

- On the first day of school, they put their handprints on posterboard along with the poem "The Kissing Hand" based on the book called The Kissing Hand

- We made our first batch of homemade play dough in the kitchen.

Week #4 (September 15-19)

- We had our first "field trip". We walked to Hess Gas Station and to Dunkin Donuts to get a special snack.

- We made our own applesauce.

Week #5 (September 22-26)

- We painted fall leaves (construction paper with leaf shapes traced on them) with Q-tips and these were then placed on the walls for fall decorations.

Week #6 (September 29 - October 3)

- We went to McDonald's for our second field trip, and had a behind-the-scenes tour! Afterwards we enjoyed a yummy lunch.

Week #7 (October 6 - 10)

- We made "Autumn Spotlights" (peanut butter cookies with Reese's Pieces)

Week #8 (October 13 - 17)

- We made "goop". (cornstarch, water and food coloring)

Week #9 (October 20 - 24)

- We went to Kalmbach Park (my first blog entry of my kiddos!).

- They sang their vowel song.

- They recited one of their favorite poems. (They recited this at Kindergarten graduation also)

Week #10 (October 27 - 31)

- They built unique creations with the interlinking blocks.

Week #11 (November 3 - 7)

- They loved reciting the Pledge of Allegiance!

- We made "Leaf Piles".

- The children wrote their names on the chalkboard.

Week #12 (November 10 - 14)

- We went on a field trip to Roadside America. (Two blog entries for this one...check this out as well!)

- We made cinnamon applesauce ornaments. Later on, we decorated them with glitter. (oh what fun!)

Week #13 (November 17-21)

- We made a Thanksgiving tree.

- The marble run was brought out for the first time, and the children loved them!

Week #14 (November 24-28)

- We made Indian headbands & vests.

- We made Pilgrim hats and played other Thanksgiving games.

Week #15 (December 1-5)

- We painted ornaments and decorated our room for Christmas.

Week #17 (December 15-19)

- We went on a field trip to the Troxell-Steckel house with the rest of the Elementary students. This was our FIRST bus ride field trip!

Week #18 (December 22)

- We decorated Christmas cookies and did a lot more Christmasy things!

Week #20 (January 12-16)

- We made "crunchy snowballs."

- We went on a field trip to the library.

Week #21 (January 19-23)

- We played with chocolate-scented play dough.

Week #22 (January 26-30)

- Emaline (my K-student from last year) came into the classroom and was a "teacher's helper." She did a flashcard review/ball toss game with them.

We made cotton ball snowmen.

Week #23 (February 2-6)

- We made soft pretzels.

Week #24 (February 9-13)

- We did a Valentine's Day art project. (There are a few blog entries for this one: Step 1, Step 2 & 3, Step 4, Step 5)

Week #26 (February 23-27)

- We drew bakers.

- We practiced some of our favorite Bible verse songs.

- We made hot chocolate.

- For science, we did a taste test.

Week #27 (March 2-6)

- We had an "out of the box" painting experience.

Week #28 (March 9-13)

- We played with Insta-Snow.

Week #29 (March 16-20)

- We went to Rita's on the first day of spring for a free ice.....it snowed!

Week #30 (March 23-27)

- The kiddos playing with magnetic pattern blocks.

- The kiddos singing the months of the year, the books of the Bible, and playing outside.

Week #32 (April 13-17)

- Our caterpillars arrived this week. This was a process we definitely enjoyed watching throughout the next month!

- Our ladybugs arrived this week as well. We enjoyed learning a lot about ladybugs.

- We went on a field trip to the Da Vinci Discovery Center.

Week #33 (April 20 - 24)

- We planted flower seeds.

- We went on a field trip to Giant.

Week #35 (May 4-8)

- We went on a field trip to the Daniel Boone Homestead.

Week #36 (May 11-15)

- We went on a field trip to the Fish Hatchery.

Week #38 (May 27-28)

- On our last day of school, we went to my house. We played games, had a picnic lunch, baked brownies, and had lots of fun!

- Thursday, May 28, was Kindergarten graduation!!

Kindergarten Graduation

Last night was Kindergarten graduation. What a night! I was sooooo proud of my kiddos. They did such a great job. :) We did a short program to try to "impress" everyone with what can be learned in just 9 short months!

Every day in school, to help get us focused for what class or activity we were about to do, I had the children pretend to put on a certain "hat". If it was Phonics class, I would say, "Okay, its time to put on our Phonics hats!" So last night, I incorporated that into our program. I made posters for Calendar, Bible, Phonics, Numbers, Social Studies and Poems. I would switch the poster when it was time to put on another "hat".

Ever since we started practicing for Kindergarten graduation, I encouraged the kids to pray about graduation and that we would do our best. Whoever's turn it was to pray at lunch would say something to the effect, "And help us to do good at graduation and not be silly." As time got closer and closer, we started praying even more! Each morning we would all take turns praying about graduation. It is so neat to hear children pray! They are so sincere. :) Last night, before it was time to go upstairs and start our program, we spent a few more minutes in prayer - each one of us taking turns. It was a special moment!

And the Lord definitely answered our prayers!!

At the end of the program, the children were reciting some of their favorite poems. This was the last poem they recited....

When I started kindergarten
I couldn't have felt smaller,
But I've been growing, growing -
And not just growing taller!

I've learned to read and learned to write;
I've learned my numbers, too.
And there are many other things
That I have learned to do.

Kindergarten's over now
But I am not afraid.
Because I know I'm ready
To enter the first grade!

Here is a short video clip of them reciting some of the poem...

When they were done reciting the poem, I then said, "The Kindergartners have indeed worn many hats this year in Kindergarten, but now its time for one last hat.....It's time to put on our graduation hats and graduate to first grade!!!"

The last poster board then showed a bear with a graduation hat holding a sign that said, "Promoted to first grade!"

It was a happy moment for us all. :)

Teacher's House

Yes, I know. It's been a week or so since I posted a blog entry. Do forgive me! I have been *slightly* busy wrapping up the end of the school year, and getting ready for Kindergarten graduation (which is tomorrow...yikes!!)

Today was the last day of Kindergarten. This fact still hasn't hit me. I feel like I keep saying this, but, oh well...I'll say it again. WHERE HAS THE SCHOOL YEAR GONE?! I thought my first year teaching Kindergarten went by fast, but this one zoooooooooomed!

To celebrate the last day of school, I had originally planned on having a picnic at a park near my home. We would eat lunch and then the kiddos would get to play on the playground for awhile. Eventually, we would head to my house for a dessert. However, today ended up being rather drizzily and damp, so the whole playground idea was skipped. Enter Plan B. We went right to my house. I think that was the part they were looking forward to the most - seeing their teacher's house - so it wasn't a big let down to them!

We had lots of fun. We played games, had a "picnic lunch" on the back porch, made brownies, had story time, and enjoyed a brownies n' ice cream treat. Of course, my kiddos enjoyed getting a "grand tour" of their teacher's house, and seeing that she actually lives in a house...not at school! Amazing! :D

Gotta Love English!

Reading these sentences gives me a new respect for the people trying to learn our confusing English language!

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce .

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

4) We must polish the Polish furniture.

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.

15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

A Rather Fishy Field Trip

Today the Kindergarten and Elementary students went on a field trip to the Fish Hatchery. It seems like all we have been doing is going on field trips, but that is just how it worked out this year...all crammed in during the last view weeks of school! :) It was a gorgeous day to be there!

My kiddos and me

I loved hearing their squeals of delight as they threw the fish their food! Like I said before...it's the simple things.

Last Ladybugs

This afternoon we released our last two ladybugs. The first one wasn't very photogenic and refused to stay around for pictures, but I got a few shots of the last one as it crawled around on my jean skirt.

It spread its wings and it was outta there!

Wit's End Corner

This poem was read during the message at church tonight, and I thought it was really good so I decided to pass it along!

Are you standing at Wit's End Corner,
Christian, with troubled brow?
Are you thinking of what is before you
And all you are bearing now?
Does all the world seem against you
And you in the battle alone?
Remember -- at Wit's End Corner
Is just where God's power is shown.

Are you standing at Wit's End Corner,
Your work before you spread
All lying begun, unfinished
And pressing on heart and head
Longing for strength to do it,
Stretching out trembling hands?
Remember -- at Wit's End Corner
The Burden-Bearer stands.

Are you standing at Wit's End Corner?
Then you're just in the very spot
To learn the wondrous resources
Of Him who faileth not;
No doubt to a brighter pathway
Your footsteps will soon be moved
But only at Wit's End Corner
Is the "God who is able" proved.

Outlaw or Villain?

I still like the Robin Hood BBC series even though they are really starting to ruin it and twist the plot around. *Sigh* This is a random quiz I took regarding the show. At first I was happy that my result was Lady Marian, but then I was like....hmmmmmm, she didn't exactly have a happy ending. Do I really want to be her? Oh well, after all, its just a silly lil' quiz! If I believed that the results of every quiz I took were accurate, right now I would be suffering from low self-esteem thinking I was a weed whacker. Seriously, that was the latest result of one of the Facebook quizzes I took!

So if you care to...even if you haven't watched the show...take the quiz and lemme know if you are an outlaw or a villain!

Leaving Ladybug Land?

Today we attempted to release our ladybugs from Ladybug Land...

Only one got the idea....see him on the top right of Ladybug Land slowly crawling out of sight?

The opening is not really large so maybe the others didn't get the general idea, or maybe they are just content to live the rest of their days in their secure little world.

Who could blame them?! :)

So one down....about 9 more to go.

Fun for All Ages

The ants certainly have been busy!

When I got them on Monday, it looked like this...

Now on Friday, it looks like this!!

It's been a fun process to watch. Seriously, I could just sit there all day and stare at them. They are such amazing, busy little creatures! Because of the blue gel, you can easily see how all the tunnels are interwoven. I had it in the Kindergarten classroom for a day, but then I brought it upstairs so the Elementary could see them. Little did I realize how popular they would be with the high school students as well! They find any excuse to go past the teacher's desk just so they can look at them. Who says that there is an age limit on these things?!

Simple Things

Today we had a special treat because all 3 of my kiddos completed their homework papers for the month of April. As we licked our yummy chocolate fudge ice cream cones (yes, the teacher had to have one too!), one of my kiddos loudly declared, "This is the BEST day of my life!"

I think that is one of the reasons why I enjoy teaching young children. It doesn't take much to make them happy. They know how to take pleasure in the simple things.

Goodbye Butterflies!

Today we finally had a beautiful day to release our butterflies. The second we got outside with them, they were flying all around in the pavilion, like they could sense freedom was near. :) The kids were a little sad to let them go, but I think in the long run they were excited because they knew the butterflies were happy to be free!

Daniel Boone Homestead

Today the Kindergarten and Elementary students went to the Daniel Boone Homestead for a field trip. It was a special "hands-on history" day, so it was rather crowded and crazy! Thankfully, it was not raining, but there was mud and puddles EVERYWHERE! Every one's shoes were covered in mud and even little mud spritzes were on the backs of skirts, pants, and coats. So parents definitely got a welcome treat when they saw their messy children :)

The children got to see a bunch of things though. They got to see and touch different Indian gear, feel different kinds of animal fur, watch a sawmill saw wood, dip candles, see a man slice wood into boards, and many other things. Because of the crowds ahead of us, we didn't get to go inside Daniel Boone's house. By that time anyway the children were anxious to get to the gift shop and then go eat their lunch on the bus. The gift shop was very-very-very crowded and it was a rather claustraphobic experience! I think most of the children found things that they wanted though. Gotta love gift shops :)

Here are two videos from the sawmill...my kiddos thought the water looked like chocolate milk :)

Insectarium

I jokingly said the other day that I was going to have to start charging tickets if people wanted to come into my classroom to see my insects! My room is infested with creepy, crawly, flying things...well, perhaps that is a slight exaggeration!

Now THIS is what I call a ladybug...

It's amazing how different they look now!

Their diet consists of raisins cut in half.

My kiddos are really having fun watching the ladybugs now that they look like the *real thing.* I remembered that I had a ladybug magnifying glass stored away, so today I brought it out for them to see the ladybugs better.

Our "insectarium" continues to grow! Today I got an order of live ants in the mail. I really had no intention of doing ants again this year because of the trouble I had last year with them, but Mr. Anger had the kit ready to use, so I figured I'd give it another try. This time its a cool-looking gel kit instead of just regular sand. The gel is actually the ants' food, water and nutrients as well so I don't have to do a thing - except get rid of the dead ants, which I had to do already (one was dead on arrival *sob*). A q-tip did the trick *shudder*.

Right now they are getting used to their new environment, and learning to adjust to a world of blue! The ants that you see going down the sides are not in tunnels, but they found a small section between the blue gel and the container to sneak through. The white stuff on top is actually the gel they have begun to move around, so I am hopeful tunnels will begin soon!

So yes, I am not joking when I say the Kindergarten classroom has turned into an Insectarium! What an exciting last month of school it shall be! (as long as they don't escape....)

Common Caterpillars?

After seatwork time was over this morning, my kiddos were playing over at the table and I was doing some stuff at my desk. I just happened to look over at the butterfly pavilion, and I saw movement in one of the cocoons. I grabbed my camera and shouted, "Quick, everyone, come over to the butterflies!!" I was sooooooo happy that we were able to actually witness one of the butterflies coming out of its cocoon!! That made my day :D

You probably noticed that there was an argument regarding the amount of butterflies left to come out of cocoons :) It is rather tricky because the butterflies basically slip out without really damaging the shape of the cocoon too much. Sometimes it is hard to tell whether or not there is still a butterfly inside! It soon turned into a math lesson...I keep discovering that every moment in Kindergarten is a teachable moment!

Joshua peering at our new butterfly as it crawls up the wall of the pavilion.

One of our pretty butterflies spreading its wings.

Note: The red liquid is not blood but actually something called "meconium", which is made up of the leftover coloring and tissues from the wing formation.

When the first butterfly emerged, I put a paper towel inside that had been saturated with sugar water. Yesterday I was able to get some pink carnations to also add to the floor of the pavilion. I have been sprinkling sugar water on them for the butterflies.

Today during rest time, we watched a movie called Hermie - A Common Caterpillar. It is a story done by Max Lucado. It's about two caterpillars - Hermie and Wormie (featuring the voices of Tim Conway & Don Knotts...gotta love that!). They are wondering why God - their close friend and Creator - chose to make them so common. After all, every other creature they encounter boasts something bold or beautiful that makes it special and unique. Hermie and Wormie do all sorts of stunts to try to be just like the other creatures, but they come up short every time. They keep asking God why He has made them so common and ordinary. God's reply is always, "I am not finished with you yet." Hermie especially gets frustrated with this answer. However, when Hermie finally decides to be content with who he is and how God has made him, that is when a change starts to take place. Of course, in the end Hermie is transformed into a beautiful butterfly and he understands what God had meant when He said, "I am not finished with you yet." Its a cute story filled with lots of humor, but the simple truth you can glean from the story is that God loves you just the way you are and that you are indeed truly special! God is not finished with you yet!

It's amazing how much the whole butterfly process correlates with Biblical truths. Two verses that came to mind today were...

II Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.