Ways To Make Five

We have been working so hard in math on number concepts up to 5. One of the fun things we recently did was explore the different ways to create a specific number.  In the examples below I called out a number and then we made that number  with unifix cubes on our fingers in several different ways.  We discussed that regardless of the configuration, or where you place them on your fingers the result will always be the same .  We also thought about the smaller parts that make up the number I called out. For example, if I said 3 it could be made with 2 and 1, or 1 and 2 etc.   Check out our little mathematicians at work below.

Every one at this table found a different way to create the number 3. 

Here we are showing ways to make 4 

This was a very fun and interactive way  for everyone to express their ideas.  Look at these smarties! 

Making Lists

Over the last few weeks we have been, exploring reasons why people write lists, making list as a class, and reading books that have examples of lists in them.  Here is some of their ideas in action. Thanks so much to everyone who brought in all of the great advertisements! 

We made grocery lists

We created lists of toys we thought were cool

We made lists of possible Halloween costumes

Here are some friends finding things for our list of electronics

Busy Fun in Kindergarten

Wow! We have been so busy learning lots of things over the last few weeks.  There is so much learning going on in all subject areas. I thought I would share a few fun moments with you! I am really enjoying this year so far.  We have a class of sweet, smart, and creative kids! I can't wait to see them grow throughout the year!

In Science we observed different types of Science Equipment that we would be using throughout the year.  We had lots of fun exploring everything. 

In math we have been reviewing properties of shapes.  We had friends create a variety of shapes with some ribbon.  

We have been working really hard to learn all about literacy centers.  This is our pocket chart station where two of our friends are creating sentences based upon our Pete the Cat book.  They can also practice writing the words that go into the sentences.

Mrs. Smith 

P.S.  Don't forget to check out the Friday Comments page each week. Also, Next week I hope to put up information about the kindergarten curriculum.  

Welcome To Kindergarten!! I’ve been waiting all summer to meet you!!

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the wonderful world of Kindergarten!! My name is Becky Smith and I will be your son or daughter’s teacher this year. The whole kindergarten team has been working hard on developing lessons that will inspire and develop your child’s learning abilities. We also hope that they have a lot of fun while they are here as well.

This is my ninth year teaching here at Valley Oaks Elementary. I graduated from the University of Houston in May of 2005 with a degree in early childhood education.  I have a wonderful husband named Tom, and two adorable children. Tommy will be 3 in November, and Mackenzie just turned 1 in July!  Our other family members are our dog Yuna, and our very sweet cat named Buttons. When I have free time I enjoy cooking, biking, sewing and taking walks around our neighborhood.

I am so excited to be teaching your child this year. I have a real passion for leaning and I hope to pass that on to your child.  During the year I hope that we can work together to help your child reach their learning capabilities. 

I'm so excited that you were able to visit my class blog. My hope is that this will give you a snapshot into the fun things we are learning and doing, Please feel free to leave comments or ask questions.  I show the blog to students regularly, and post videos, pictures, and projects that we have been working on.  they are so excited to share their world with you!  

Once again, I want to express how excited I am to be teaching your child.  I can think of no other profession out there that I would rather be doing.  Please feel free to contact me through out the year with any questions or concerns that you may have.  My e-mail is

Becky.smith@springbranchisd.com

Here is to a wonderful fun filled year,

Mrs. Becky Smith 

Parts of a Seed

We have been learning recently a lot about the things that plants need such as food, water, sun, and air. This week we started looking to see what happens when a seed starts to grow. We soaked some lima beans in water overnight. After they had soaked we were able to easily open the seed and find the baby plant, and stored food. We had a lot of fun exploring our seeds.

Class Dojo

Hi all, 
Over the last few weeks we have been trying out a new behavior management system in my class. Class Dojo!!! http://www.classdojo.com/ It has been really working wonderfully in our class. Each students gets their own monster avatar, and they earn Dojo points throughout the day.  In the morning, I give them a goal to reach (usually 5 or 6)  if they reach the goal they get a reward.  Their points can go up and down as the day progresses based upon their behavior.  I usually let them see how many points they have a few times a day, which is really good way to keep them motivated about the goal for the day.  When I add or take away points it will make a sound on my computer which really gets their attention.  They want to know if they were the one who got the point. 
Another great feature that I haven't explored yet is the ability for parents to log on with a code so they can check their child's progress over the day or week.  I did however give the students a code so they could change their avatar. (Aren't they so cute!!!)  
 Mrs. Smith 

Field Trip and Rodeo Fun

This week was so busy and fun! First, we went on our field trip to the Edith Moore Nature Sanctuary and Terry Hershey Park. We had so much fun exploring in the park, watching the ducks, and playing with our friends.  At the Nature Sanctuary we learned  that a sanctuary was a special place for plants and animals to live. We toured a real log cabin and tried our best to fish with nets in the small pond.  We were so lucky that the rain left us early that morning so we could enjoy the beautiful day! Thanks to the parent volunteers that came along with us! 

On Friday we held or first ever Kindergarten Rodeo! It was a wonderful way to top off our learning about ranching and rodeo life.  We ate cattle drive food, had barrel and stick horse races. Practiced our aim as we through bean bags into cowboy boots and even panned for gold. 

A special thanks to all of the parents who came out to take pictures, set up, clean up and supervise during our rodeo! We couldn't have made it such a success without your help!! 

Boot throw

Covered Wagon Golf

Stick Horse Races

Information Station

Ready, Set,GO!!!!! 

A few of our awesome parent who helped us out!