As teachers, we understand the importance of fostering a positive and calm learning environment for our young learners. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help kindergarten students develop focus, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. So, let’s really talk about ways we can explore the concept of mindfulness and share creative writing prompts that promote mindfulness…
Embarking on the journey of teaching writing to beginners is a rewarding challenge for educators. Among the myriad strategies available, one powerful tool stands out—the use of writing prompts for beginners. These prompts are a way to help young minds through the maze of ideas and inspire them to create wonderful writing pieces that we…
Kindergarten writing journals are more than just pages bound together; they’re little doors to a world of imagination, creativity, and learning for young students. These personalized writing spaces hold a special place in kindergarten teachers and their students’ hearts. The benefits of incorporating kindergarten writing journals seem endless, and they are a great addition to…
The kindergarten journey is an important time in a child’s development, especially when it comes to writing skills. Encouraging them to embrace words, letters, and creativity from the get-go sets the stage for a lifetime of enjoyable learning. I’ve used a range of activities inside my classroom that make writing fun and enhance fine motor…
Are you a kindergarten teacher searching for effective and enjoyable ways to help your students develop their writing skills and fine motor abilities? Look no further! I’ve always struggled with fitting writing activities into our already-packed schedule. I know it is super important, and my students must do at least a little writing each day….
The writing process is a lot of work in kindergarten. Students are just learning how to write, and we are now asking them not just to write words but full sentences and even put those sentences together to write a story or an informational piece. It can all be overwhelming, but giving students the opportunity…
One of the first things Kindergarten teachers add to a school supplies list after crayons is often folders. We start teaching organization early and try to set our little learners up for success wherever possible. We’ll ask for 3 different colors and often use them for reading, writing, and math. Students will put their worksheets,…
Does any of this sound familiar? Kindergarten writing feels overwhelming. You aren’t sure where to get started. Some of your kids struggle with letter formation, and others are writing words. You aren’t sure how to teach your students to hold a pencil. You’re seeking fresh mini-lesson ideas and routines to get you through the year….
Teaching writing in kindergarten is such an adventure. Students arrive with a wide range of skills. Then, as you teach different writing skills, students grasp and take off with them at different rates. Throughout the year it can be difficult to target each student’s individual needs, while staying on pace with your curriculum. Today, I…
Learning how to write is a huge part of kindergarten. Your students will master everything from proper pencil grip to letter formation to simple sentence writing…all in one year! The job of a kindergarten teacher is huge. Today, I have some ideas for you on introducing writing workshop in your classroom! Who is a writer?…
I have shared in posts like this one about how much I enjoy our writing time in Kindergarten. I’ve also talked a few times about my printable Writing Office, and how it has saved me so much instructional time by giving my students the power to answer their own spelling questions while they are writing!…
In my opinion, writing is one of the more difficult subjects we teach our students. We know what a strong writer looks like, but getting our students to that point isn’t as formulaic as teaching them math or how to read. It can feel overwhelming when you have a variety of writing abilities in your…
After winter break is over, we enter into what I called the ‘sweet spot’ of kindergarten. This is when things start to click. Behavior and social relationships start to level out. Reading scores begin to rise. Math concepts start to make sense. And writing skills seem to develop more quickly. It’s like the lightbulb came…
If you were to ask me my favorite time of the school day, I would hands down tell you it’s our writing time, and particularly our writing workshop time. I just love the format of that block of time where I have the opportunity to teach a mini-lesson and then my students have the chance…
Hello, this post will be extremely brief. I just wanted to share that I have a new post up on our collaborative blog The Primary Punchbowl. Be sure to check it out, it has some ideas to use for introducing how-to writing and a chance to win two of my how-to writing packets. Thanks for…
Good Morning! This blog post is extra special for me because not only am I sharing the news that I blogged on our collaborative blog Primary Punchbowl for the first time, but it is also my 100th post on this blog! I have loved this adventure from the moment I decided to do it and…
Summer break is just around the corner, and while kids are excited for sunny days and fun adventures, as primary-level teachers, we know the importance of keeping their young minds engaged and active during the break. The dreaded “summer slide” can be a concern, but fear not! With some creative planning, engaging resources, and a…
Establishing a strong sense of community within the classroom is super important when it comes to creating a positive and productive learning environment. When students feel connected to their peers and teachers, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and ultimately succeed academically. Furthermore, a supportive classroom community can help your classroom management, leading…
As St. Patrick’s Day draws near, the air fills with excitement and anticipation, especially in kindergarten classrooms where young minds are eager to explore the magic of this festive holiday. From tales of mischievous leprechauns to the allure of hidden pots of gold, there’s something enchanting about St. Patrick’s Day that captivates the imagination. When…
The holiday season brings with it a beloved character – the gingerbread man! This timeless figure has captured the hearts of children for generations, making gingerbread books a fantastic addition to your English Language Arts lesson plans. In this amazing list, we’ve gathered ten different versions of the classic story, each offering a unique twist…
The leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, the air has a crisp chill, and the smell of fall is present. It’s time to gather ’round and celebrate the season with the best “turkey books for kindergarten.” These delightful tales are perfect for young readers. Let’s dive into this bountiful collection of turkey-themed picture…
Building strong bridges between the classroom and the homes of our young learners is crucial. Effective communication with parents is a cornerstone of successful education and a powerful tool for creating a supportive learning community. One of the most impactful ways to initiate this connection is through well-crafted parent letters, newsletters, quick app updates, etc….
As we approach that time of year when the air gets a little crisper and the leaves start to change to their vibrant autumn tones, it can only mean one thing – it’s nearly time for our classroom Halloween party! That means I have to start coming up with some classroom Halloween party ideas. Last…
Being a kindergarten teacher is a whirlwind of excitement and energy! One aspect that can sometimes be tricky to manage is what to do when some students complete tasks ahead of others. That’s where early finisher activities come in. There are many different early finisher activities, ways to organize these activities and present the choices….
