Since we have returned to school about two weeks ago, I have been hitting several important concepts hard with my students! It’s January so now I pull out the ‘ole “We are getting ready for 1st grade!” phrase quite often.
I am working with my struggling little ones on many skills that I wish they had coming into the Kindergarten. My old team had a fabulous idea and used to send home packets to parents in January. This year I have decided to send home packets with many helpful pieces of information for the parents.
The packets included:
-a letter about their child’s academic progress
-3 on level paper books from Reading A-Z (LOVE that site!)
-a list of ALL the Kindergarten sight words
-alphabet flash cards with pictures (Or you can use the chart I talk about later. Get it here FREE!)
-a decoding strategies bookmark (Mine is here in this bundle.)
-a packet of activities focusing on letter names and sounds
-a packet of various other letter and number activities that they can easily do at home
It all fit in a large Ziploc baggie and very little of it is time-consuming. All of the activities could be done in about 5 minutes. Sometimes, those 5 extra minutes a day is all that a little one needs to give them that extra push.
I also think that Kindergarten has changed so much since we were there and our parents were there. Kindergarten is now just like 1st grade. Parents don’t always realize that when their first little one is in school. Making them aware and helping them help their child at home I have always felt is part of my job.
My students who have a firm foundation of phonological awareness and numeracy are my students who are on level or above grade level! They are THRIVING!
One activity that I do daily with my struggling little ones is touch each letter of the alphabet, say its name, and say the sound(s) it makes. Here is a chart you can use to do that!
Clipart by Melonheadz Illustrating, DJ Inkers, Whimsy Clips
Fonts by Hello Literacy
Another tool I have been using are pieces from my Kitty Cat Numeration and Ordering work station unit. I created this to use in math work stations as a review, but I also have been using it for my little ones who still can’t remember how to order numbers, the days of the week, and combinations of 5. In kindergarten we focus on many more numbers than just 0-5, but early in the year, this is our main focus.
Want to use the latest research to boost your readers during small groups? This FREE guide is packed with engaging ideas to help them grow!
I’m a K-1 teacher who is passionate about making lessons your students love and that are easy to implement for teachers. Helping teachers like you navigate their way through their literacy block brings me great joy. I am a lifelong learner who loves staying on top of current literacy learning and practices. Here, you’ll find the tools you need to move your K-2 students forward!
3 Responses
Can’t wait to use your great ideas!
Kathy
Love your ideas! Your Kitty Cat numeration pack looks amazing! And I love your Alphabet Chart! Thank you for sharing it! 🙂