Falling in love with Valentine's Day

I absolutely love celebrating Valentine's Day in the classroom, it is such a great time for students to show how much they care for one another.  I love all of the handwritten cards and sweet treats, it is such a happy time!  One of my favorite parts about Valentines Day is candy conversation hearts!  My husband thinks they taste like Tums, but I just LOVE them!

I love these cute little treats because they are yummy and fun, a perfect combo.  They are also a great seasonal tool to use in the classroom, making for a perfect math manipulative!  I created this Valentine's Day numbers FREEBIE which is a great review for this time of year. Students can also use conversation hearts to help them complete the pages.

 

I give each student their own little box of conversation hearts to use, they get so excited to complete their math work when they know these little treats are involved.  This FREE numbers pack has practice pages with numbers up to 20.  Having these sweet little counters makes it easy for students to understand the relationship between numbers and quantities.

Grab this little freebie by clicking on any of the pictures above or by clicking here: 

                         Valentines Day Numbers FREEBIE!

If you are looking for more hands-on ways to use candy conversation hearts in your classroom, check out these fun resources!

          

Valentines Day Subtraction

          

Falling in Love with Science

Have a wonderfully sweet Valentines Day!

A New Year with New Reading Goals

Heading back to school after the holiday break reminds me of how I felt back at the beginning of the school year.  I am filled with a renewed sense of ambition, energy and excitement.  It's amazing how some family time and Christmas cookies can quickly make you forget how nutty the last week of school had been.  

Now is the time to prepare for the long haul toward the end of the year and I am looking forward to hitting the ground running. I love to set goals for the year, both personally and professionally.  Having a clear visual of what I want to accomplish really helps to guide me throughout the year.  I think it is important for our students to have goals as well, especially in the classroom.  

When we return to school this coming week I am looking forward to helping my students set their reading goals for the rest of the school year.  In kindergarten these goals can vary from mastering letter recognition to reading a level G fluently.  Regardless of the child's ability level, we will be setting attainable goals that will help them on their reading journey.

These reading goals recording sheets are a great tool to use with students to help them focus in on a goal that will lead them to reading success.  I like to set goals with my students 1:1 to make sure they have a clear understanding of their goal.  I fill out the form for them and have them write in places they are capable of filling out, such as their name.  I really enjoy this bonding time with each student, we keep it fun and light with a clear focus.  Here are two examples of completed forms:

Once our goals are completed, I send home a parent letter with a copy of each goal plan so that parents are aware of their child’s reading goal and can help them to practice at home.

I review these goals with students several times throughout the year to make sure they are on track.  A good time to meet is after assessments are given and you can update their progress together.  When goals are accomplished, students can create new goals.  I like to reward students for their hard work with recognition in class, a certificate of accomplishment or a letter home to their family.

I hope you have an amazing 2016 and that this resource helps you and your students accomplish great things.  You can find this FREE resource by clicking on any of the pictures above or check it out here: 
FREE Reading Goals Recording Sheets

If you love goal setting with your students, be sure to check out the math and writing versions of these recording sheets.
                                      
                                      

Math Goals Recording Sheets
Writing Goals Recording Sheets