The Buzz

J. Cagle's First Grade Classroom or the "Hive", as she refers to it as, is the place to visit for a wealth of information for ideas in Reading, Spelling, and  Mathematics, as well as, accommodating technology standards into the curriculum.  She  provides websites that assist children in the core areas and presents it in a format of enjoyable education. This first grade classroom exemplifies how room arrangement reflects a teacher's philosophical viewpoint to learning and how children respond.  Ms. Cagle allows us to peek inside her "hive" and demonstrates through short videos how children respond when allowed to discover answer for themselves through hands on activities. This teacher exhibits her philosophy style with room arrangement, activities available for the students, and her interaction with the children.  Clearly, she has developed a safe haven for her students to explore which is conducive to their learning.  It truly is a must visit site!  

Take a Tour to the First Grade Hive

Kindergarten Kindergarten:

Kathryn Warner - Classroom Management

Ms. Warner has demonstrated a very ingenious way of teaching students rules and expectations in the classroom.  On the first day of school, her shelves are completely empty.  She does not put anything out until they have gone over the expectations for it.  I would never have thought to have no supplies set in place at the beginning of school.  This method provides the child with the knowledge of how to care for these items but also allows the children to be responsible for setting up the classroom as well.  She spaces out each learning experience daily so they become accustomed to how to treat one item before going on to the next.

She mentioned jokingly, that all teachers borrow from other teachers it is how we become so knowledgeable and effective.  So in the tradition of good teachers everywhere, I plan to borrow some of her wonderful ideas especially “how to save a book.”  An abundance of information is offered to all who seek it, there are printouts, math games and idea sheets, reading workshops and links to other teacher’s blogs and classrooms and links to websites which assist children in their desire to learn.

Loved this site and learned and borrowed many ideas.

http://www.kindergartenkindergarten.com/classroom-management/

Teachable Moments

by Deborah Stewart (Preschool)

 Teachable moments are very special; they are subtle reminders that children have much to learn.

Ms. Stewart takes those teachable moments that occur more than once and compiles them into mini lessons.  These lessons can range from discipline issues as in fighting and arguing to throwing paper on the floor.  Taking advantage of the small little reminders of how we become responsible and respectful are excellent ways for children to become aware of their own behavior.

Ms. Stewart’s website also presents a variety of ideas, mini lessons and in some fashion touches every subject  area for preschool teachers.   It is a learning experience and fun place to visit to be inspired.  I recommend it highly. 

Preschool; Teachable Moments 

Safari Fun: Mrs. Zider’s First Grade 

“Wild” Learning Adventures!

Mrs. Zider’s site provides an opportunity to explore techniques and ideas designed for teachers, parents, children and parent volunteers.  She provides an original section where she lists “Educational Quotes” which I found to be most interesting.  There are links for spelling/phonics, reading and math and much more.  The most favorable of these links is “Take a Trip Down Memory Lane” this recaps for children all the work they have accomplished. It is like a portfolio of accomplishments.  Mrs. Zider is a hand on teacher whose philosophy reflects the teacher as a facilitator. Through center explorations that are carefully designed, children learn by doing things for themselves.  Her room arrangement is conducive to this type of learning style and is working very well as the class pictures would indicate. I recommend a trip through the adventures of Mrs. Zider’s classroom you will definitely pick up a few ideas along the journey.

Mrs. Zider's Safari Adventures