I is for Ice Cream Day!
While the summer months are still only creeping up on us, the summer weather has surely (and finally) begun to show its beautiful, warm, sun-shiny face. In that spirit, it really only seemed right that Ice Cream was somehow incorporated into this countdown. I mean, what better way is there to usher in the summer than to have ice cream with your friends? Answer: there IS no better way!
In a perfect and ideal world (a.k.a. the one in envisioned when planning this countdown), the kids would have all made their own shaken ice cream in plastic bags. It would have been messy and cold and delicious. The thing is, I did this with the 3rd graders last year during our science unit on matter, and it was nothing if not time consuming. So the harsh reality of having lots of academics left still to cover and very few days to accomplish it in forced us into eating Drumsticks during snack time. Bummer, huh?
But really, the kids loved it and thought it was such a treat. Since Mike and I were the only ones to know my original plan, I was the only disappointed one in the room. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy the ice cream, because I did...obviously.
In a perfect and ideal world (a.k.a. the one in envisioned when planning this countdown), the kids would have all made their own shaken ice cream in plastic bags. It would have been messy and cold and delicious. The thing is, I did this with the 3rd graders last year during our science unit on matter, and it was nothing if not time consuming. So the harsh reality of having lots of academics left still to cover and very few days to accomplish it in forced us into eating Drumsticks during snack time. Bummer, huh?
But really, the kids loved it and thought it was such a treat. Since Mike and I were the only ones to know my original plan, I was the only disappointed one in the room. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy the ice cream, because I did...obviously.
H is for Hero Day! (of the Super variety...)
This kindergarten class is completely and utterly obsessed with 2 things. 1) Star Wars, and 2) Superheroes.
These two things are discussed during every snack, reenacted during every morning work or free choice time, debated during every lunch, and read about during every D5. Seriously. It's been this way since day 1. We're on day 166 now, folks.
I think it's a safe to say that Hero Day was one of the first ideas I came up with when planning the calendar for these 26 days. There was no way it wouldn't be involved in the countdown. It's been permeating my brain for 9 months. And, most importantly, I knew the kids would love it.
Per the kids' request, they were allowed to bring in their superhero figurines, dolls, and stuffies for morning work time. I made sure to have the blocks out in the morning, and I'm glad I did. They created lairs, fortresses, towers, ships, cars, shields, and battlegrounds. It definitely started off the morning with a happy buzz.
These two things are discussed during every snack, reenacted during every morning work or free choice time, debated during every lunch, and read about during every D5. Seriously. It's been this way since day 1. We're on day 166 now, folks.
I think it's a safe to say that Hero Day was one of the first ideas I came up with when planning the calendar for these 26 days. There was no way it wouldn't be involved in the countdown. It's been permeating my brain for 9 months. And, most importantly, I knew the kids would love it.
Per the kids' request, they were allowed to bring in their superhero figurines, dolls, and stuffies for morning work time. I made sure to have the blocks out in the morning, and I'm glad I did. They created lairs, fortresses, towers, ships, cars, shields, and battlegrounds. It definitely started off the morning with a happy buzz.
Superman, BigHero 6, Power Rangers, Batman, the Avengers, Superhero Barbie...you name it, the Kinder Crew had it.
The kiddos were also encouraged to bring in any of their superhero books to read during D5. As it turns out, we also had some time as the kids were finishing up their writing for the day that they got to read these books, too. Lucky for us though, Nolan brought in 18 superhero books that the kids got to read and trade as their classmates completed the day's writing goal. Thanks, Nolan!
Before the announcements come on, the kiddos are always waiting patiently in the classroom with their filled backpacks, chitchatting and having fun on the rug. Today, I decided to take advantage of this empty time in the day and put a little superhero spin on it! So, I made a bean bag toss game, taped it to the wall, and let the kids take some shots until prayer started. It was a fun way to wrap up the day, and definitely a change from the usual!
Before the announcements come on, the kiddos are always waiting patiently in the classroom with their filled backpacks, chitchatting and having fun on the rug. Today, I decided to take advantage of this empty time in the day and put a little superhero spin on it! So, I made a bean bag toss game, taped it to the wall, and let the kids take some shots until prayer started. It was a fun way to wrap up the day, and definitely a change from the usual!
G is for Glitter!
For me, Glitter could have easily been taken out of control. Much like Mrs. C, I have an affinity for all things shiny, blingy, and glittery. And why not throw in a couple sequins for good measure while we're at it!
But for the sake of allowing actual learning to take place, I kept it relatively low key. I think Mr. Ploof and Miss Sharron appreciated this choice, too!
Our first activity was in math. After we continued our unit on shapes, I took out the tangrams and Play-Doh for some sensory math play time! While we had already glitter-ified our entire stock of Play-Doh earlier in the year, I thought I'd take it over the top and add some more! Each kiddo got a pile of Doh that I came around to add a little extra sparkle to. They used the tangrams to make impressions, or to cut around.
But for the sake of allowing actual learning to take place, I kept it relatively low key. I think Mr. Ploof and Miss Sharron appreciated this choice, too!
Our first activity was in math. After we continued our unit on shapes, I took out the tangrams and Play-Doh for some sensory math play time! While we had already glitter-ified our entire stock of Play-Doh earlier in the year, I thought I'd take it over the top and add some more! Each kiddo got a pile of Doh that I came around to add a little extra sparkle to. They used the tangrams to make impressions, or to cut around.
Then, during activity time, we decorated some paper plate butterflies. And those butterflies got a good dose of glitter on them, too!
Glitter Day was a little understated for my taste. Expect a glitter cannon next year...
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The following day was Spring Challenge, which I think warrants its own post of many, many adorable pictures. Keep an eye out!
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The following day was Spring Challenge, which I think warrants its own post of many, many adorable pictures. Keep an eye out!