Trick or treat? Well today you get both! My classroom "trick" is very simple. When my students come in to the classroom in the morning they have specific things they need to do. This routine helps keep the mornings running smoothly. We eat breakfast in our rooms and I am struggling to help 21 kids open cereal, clean up spilled milk, find a spoon etc..
The first thing that my students do is sign in. This is great name writing practice, at the beginning of the year they trace their name and the letter of the week. By the end of the year they write their first and last name and a sight word.
The second thing that my students do when they come in is "flip their card" they turn over a picture of themselves this helps with attendance because my students leave my class during our reading block.
The third thing that my students do is turn in their reading bags. We have 5th grade buddies who come and read with my students. If my students read their book successfully they get a new book to take home and practice, if they struggle they have to take the same book home and work on it some more.
The fourth and final thing that my students do is get a morning work paper. They work on this while others are reading with a buddy, eating breakfast or signing in.
I know that it may seem like a lot for kindergarteners to do, but it has worked for me for 6 years! In the morning my room runs like a well oiled machine, I'm not sure I can say that about the rest of the day!!
Now the "treat" part! I made this fun math game for my math tubs next week. Grab it now for FREE!
Love your morning routines. And your freebie is too stinkin' cute! Thanks
ReplyDeleteMrs. Plemons' Kindergarten
I love your morning routines, too! I also have 5th grade buddies and may need to incorporate a little buddy reading incentives! Great way to get them together!
ReplyDeleteWhen I taught both Pre-K and Kindergarten, I also had my students sign in every day. I really think it helps! I have first graders who still have no idea of how to spell their last name!
ReplyDeleteI snagged your freebie monster mat! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCarol
Teachers Are Terrific!
I need to do a morning sign in! I had intended to, but then there was turning in their lunch sticks, unpacking their bags, putting folders in the bin, morning work etc and it was so many things (like you mentioned there are a lot of routines!)- but I think now they could totally handle a sign in and it is a fabulous idea!! Plus... I could keep some copies as assessments for progress monitoring! Glad I found your blog - fun to connect!
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