Naptime, Fall things, and EEKK!

     In my 2 years of subbing, I came across something that I didn't think existed in schools anymore--- NAPTIME!  Actually, the teachers at this school refer to it as "rest time."  For about 30 minutes, Kindergarteners have the chance to lay down on their mats and rest.  The students quickly and efficiently got their mats, spread out, and got comfy.  Several even fell asleep.

     Now, I know many administrators would see this as a non-use of instructional time.  However, I really feel the students were more centered and ready for the rest of the afternoon.  A neighboring teacher also pointed out that this is the teacher's time to progress monitor with individual students.  Any Kindergarten teacher will tell you that numerous individual assessments that are required for these youngsters can be overwhelming.  In my opinion, I think this rest time/progress monitoring time is brilliant.

     While I was in this class, I was able to talk about fall things, which is always enjoyable.  I also took a picture of this poster because I loved it:

Kindergarten! Everyday Math

     Today I spent a full day substitute teaching in a Kindergarten class.  I have a special place in my heart for Kindergarten.  I find the grade to be very challenging, yet so very, very fulfilling.  I mean, how can you not be happy when they are just so darn cute?  Anyway, professionally speaking, I am always watching for how material is presented to these youngsters.  Especially now that we are so Common Core driven and the expectations are high, yet they are still 5 & 6 year olds after all.

    The math series used was Everyday Math.  I have heard various opinions on this series.  It closely resembles the series I am most familiar with: Investigations.  It is often criticized by parents for not being "solid" enough.  Like Investigations, I believe it is striving for the students to have a strong number sense.  Parents often get homework that is unrecognizable. When you are in your 30s or 40s and you are not "carrying the one" in addition, you are not in comfortable math territory. 

    As we sat on the ABC rug and discussed the number of the week, we created a number poster for the number 7.  (The teacher had done this for every number sequentially to this point, so the kids were very familiar with the routine.)  I have to admit, I had fun!

     This is not a crazy, new concept to make a number poster I realize.  However, I did like this for a couple of reasons.  1)  I liked how the teacher incorporated money stamps and 2) the Popsicle stick tally marks were a neat idea.