Patterns, Patterns, Patterns

Kindergarten's second math unit is all about patterning. Patterning images, colors, shapes, sizes, directionally, in growth is all we do all day without even realizing it!

After many of these terms have been learned we can being to experiment with our knowlegde. Above Leo and his teammates work to make as many patterns are possible with only two colors.
AB, ABB, ABBB, ABBBBB, ABBA, ABBBA are soon discovered and pattern for patterning begins to take shape.
Jonas works on a growth pattern, adding one cube as the rule, soon kindergartners will be patterning with digits and numerical values without the help of their colored cubed friends!

Aidan is working on his boarder pattern, but he does not want us to see until he knows his "box car" will fit all the way around. The building blocks of a pattern are known as 'box cars' do to the fact that they must all be the same (Blueredyellow, blueredyellow) and you can't make a train without box cars!
Suresh shows the class how patterns are displayed in nature... and with that.... we are out of the classroom and ready to collect data!

WHITE BOARDS!!!

I think it is because of its non-permanence, or maybe its just the ease of which the marker glides over the writing surface, but for some unknown reason kindergartners LOVE the white board.
We use them to show work instantaneously during whole group instruction, or after we complete our work and need a little time to erase something.


Here we are writing or drawing words beginning with the digraphs: th, wh, ch, ph, and qu
and the ending blends ck, mb, th, ch...etc.

Pair Share

Writing with authenticity is paramount in literacy training. We write for many reason, but always with purpose.

To reinforce this kindergartners have begun to share their work and answer peer questions about everything from the details of the story, to the strategies used to sound out words.

After 20-30 minutes of independent writing, we are happy to make a little noise when we pair up and share our work.

Harvesting Observations

In an effort to get ready for our feast, we are looking at changes the food we eat undergoes before it reaches our tables. Here, kindergartners observe Indian Corn, report their findings and then wait mystified as Mrs. K leads them to the teacher's lounge for an experiment. What happens when you damped the decor and put it in the microwave?

Racing the Rock Clock

Ever have trouble cleaning up at home? Do what kindergartners do everyday!
Race your favorite Rock and Roll tune to see which will finish first, the song or the clean-up crew?!



(Rock and Roll tracks are chosen for appropriateness and lyrically sound for five-year-old's)

Silent Reading Replaces Rest Time

Many of us were thrilled at the notion of reading during rest time. Now that we all can make it an entire day without nodding off, kindergarten has begun sustained silent reading. For almost ten minutes Room Thirty-One is silent; with the exception of elongated vowels and tricky sight words erupting in an effort to sound out.


During this time students are expected to choose a book they can read to themselves without aide. These books can be found in baskets labeled for reading group levels. Soon, each child will receive a book bin where they are given specific texts to read for proficient practice.

Suresh's Family Culture

Our tradition of celebrating family culture continues with Suresh's drawn depictions of his mom, dad, brother and his cats. Four beautiful pictures of cats to be exact. The class was enthralled with tales of the prized animals. Great conversation was had over the differences between family pets, their role in the household and why, alas, some houses yet remain devoid of furry creatures.