Return to Blogging!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin I'm linking up with BlogLovin to get back into sharing some of the things my Kindergarten team and I are doing. Check back soon for some Math and management freebies. Merry Christmas! -Molly Mac

Minute-Win It: Quick Counting Assessment

The end of the year is approaching and my team and I are navigating a long list of assessments for the report cards. As I mentioned, in Kindergarten what we view as developmentally appropriate assessment (testing) is performance-based and in a 1-on-1 or small group setting. 1-on-1 meaning one student and one teacher, and performance-based meaning the student works through a problem or activity. The focus is as much on the process they use as the product, if not more so. More often that not, using manipulatives or some other concrete objects like counters, cubes, popsicle sticks, etc. are part of the "performance." The opposite of performance-based assessment in our classrooms is essentially a written, multiple choice test.
       Time management is crucial. So, I give to you "Minute--Win It." Based very loosely off the the hit NBC game show, to which I am staking no intellectual property or copyright infringement, students perform some math-based counting task in the time of one minute. When introduced like a *fun* game-show like activity, your students get hooked in and nerves dissipate. It is also very easy to differentiate. The grid paper helps evaluate 1:1 correspondence for students with lower number sense skills, so I've found it appropriate for absolutely every student.

Here is Math "Minute--Win It" in a nutshell:

• Materials: Grid paper and pencil, timer
• Another paperless option uses the Showbie app for iPads, stylus optional
• Here is a very simple example to get you started
• Objective: Students work independently to count and write numerals
•  CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A.1 Count to 100 by ones and by tens.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A.2 Count forward beginning from a given number within the known sequence (instead of having to begin at 1).
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A.3 Write numbers from 0 to 20. Represent a number of objects with a written numeral 0-20 (with 0 representing a count of no objects).
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4.A When counting objects, say the number names in the standard order, pairing each object with one and only one number name and each number name with one and only one object.
• Directions: In 1 minute, student write as many numbers in counting order as they can. This is a race only against themselves. (Repeat daily or weekly until goal is met).
• Differentiate!
• Count by ones
• Count by tens, fives, twos
• Start at a number other than one
• Count backwards
• Compare results over time (ONLY against their own work, not among peers)
• Extend time beyond 60 seconds to help all students feel successful
• When beginning, I usually give around 90 seconds but use a time visual to the students so that they can understand the brevity of the game (for fun!) and also feel accomplished once the timer goes off

Can your see Minute--Win it working for you? In other content areas? I'll share some student examples this week as well. Good luck in the homestretch this year teachers! Enjoy this "minute" themed song as you plan this assessment for your class as well!

Blooming into the next school year!

Part of our team's presentation to next year's Kindergarten students and their families includes a link you a youtube.com channel we packed with our favorite readiness songs and videos. Check out what we've got so far below. What favorites are we missing? Our main objectives are for students to be able to, on an introductory level:

• Recognize letter names
• Produce letter sounds
• Sing the alphabet song
• Know colors
• Know shapes
• Count to 10
• Identify body parts
• Know a few common nursery rhymes

Share your favorite tunes to help learn these objectives below. Thanks!

KindeRx : Confusing Numerals 12 and 20

Kinder + Rx = Simple language, simple strategies for common student misunderstandings

Chapter 1: Students commonly confuse numerals 12 and 20 when reading, writing and talking about numbers

Our solution is a song to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat. My lovely students will demonstrate it for you below. Enjoy!



Lyrics:
Count,  count,  count  to  twelve. 
It's  a  one  and  two.
When  you  get  to  twenty,
two  and  zero  will  do.


What world problems such as this one do YOU solve while driving to work or washing your hair? Share songs like this one I made up below!

Prioritizing!

This blog is BACK! Time to return to sharing what works in our classroom, and talk through the rough spots. Is anyone else already planning for next year?? I have to admit that I've already drawn up plans to completely rearrange my classroom for next year...

In just a few words, I am hoping to sort through some of the major procrastination I've justified in my head as to why this poor blog has been so lonely over the past few months! I've certainly prioritized other school-based projects, promised not to be on the computer so long each night and also withheld some uncertainty during our addition and subtraction unit. All excuses aside, I realized that this project is one that I do not share with my Kindergarten teaching teammates. These three other teachers are each so fantastic, and I could gush about them all day. Being part of this team makes me happy, organized and diligent.

We meet at least three times a week to collaborate on lesson plans, units, assessments, field trips, parent communication, special projects and funny things kids say. Time during the school day, as well as before and after as per our changing schedules, is more than essential. It truly helps propel me forward when I get bogged down by the 913 other things I need to do each day. Why mention it? I left my last school district partially because of the lack of collaborative plan time, and the negative, stressful atmosphere among colleagues it seemed to cause. Maybe you are the only teacher at your grade level, in your subject area or department (like I was)....to me, this team means the difference between mission accomplished or not.

If you want more information, check out some of these basic notes on Professional Learning Communities. In the meantime, thanks to the best Kindergarten teaching team ever!! I plan to share more math CCSS and other notes and resources soon.

Math Talk: Counting On

Here's a quick and easy game to practice counting on. It connects to CCSS practice K.CC.2, listed below but I like it mostly because it doesn't require any materials. To practice counting forward, or "counting on" from a number other than one uses several math skills and requires practice. We use this game called "Give Me Three" in our classroom....and beyond! We do it when we're waiting for music class to begin, when we are waiting to get a drink of water after P.E. and when we are changing our gym shoes to snowboots to go home at the end of the day. It's contagious! Here is a quick video on how to play. Any questions? Ask below and my students (or I) will answer them for you!

The standard: CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.A.2 Count forward beginning from a given number within the known sequence (instead of having to begin at 1).

Note: Don't forget (like I did in the video!) that when playing to say the target number and then, "Give me three," to give students some direction. It will sound like, "8, give me three," for example.

100 Day in Kindergarten!

This year, we focused on some challenge-based collaborative activities instead of making books or coloring as I've done previously on the 100th day of school. By the way, the 100th Day of School is a HUGE, fun, special celebration day in the world that is Kindergarten. We count school days all year for many reasons, all tied to different math reasoning and skills. This culminates in a big ol' bash on 100 Day. Here is a peek at some of our activities:

I challenged my kiddos to 3 tasks before earning their "treat." By the way, their treat was to measure and mix a "trail mix" that contained 100 pieces of healthy snacks: popcorn, pretzels, raisins, chex and fish crackers. They used little cups to measure 20 pieces of each, and poured them into a decorated lunch bag. I had a parent volunteer helping, which I'd recommend in your classroom for this too.

Ok, onto the challenges. First challenge: Aim to review measurement and accurate counting skills

Materials: Small groups, Paperclips (about 100-110 in a baggie)

Conclusion: 100 paperclips are 32 clips longer than the teacher

To complete, I ended up laying on the ground and we talked about measuring end to end (head to toe), much to the chagrin of my students who graciously volunteered to stand on chairs and tables to get the measurement.

Second challenge: Penny Hunt

Materials: 100 pennies (Hidden randomly yet conspicuously around the room)

Conclusion: 89 of 100 pennies were found! My guess is that this one will continue tomorrow....

Challenge 3: Runaway 100 Chart!

Materials: Blank 100 chart 

We used our iPads to complete it in the Showbie app, but paper and pencil would be fantastic too.

Conclusion: 100 numbers is a LOT to write, but is easier when we use the 100 chart. (Paraphrased from students)

We also made 100 Day glasses, like these from Scholastic, ate our trailmix, wrote about what we'd do if we had $100 and OF COURSE built a 100 cup structure. This idea was borrow from Melissa at joyfullearninginkc.blogspot.com.

Happy 100 Day of School to you and Kindergarteners! What other collaborative activities are you planning?