Free Storytelling Cards - Three Pigs

I am so excited to share a free set of storytelling cards for the story of The Three Pigs.  This set includes word cards as well.  To access this free set - go to the Fairy Dust Teaching Facebook page!

Enjoy!

5 Great "Where the Wild Things Are" Ideas

Who doesn't just love "Where the Wild Things Are"? This is a wonderful book to bring a good dose of art. Just watch the story come alive in your classroom. . .

IDEA #1:  Wild Things Cardboard Tube Puppets

For more information go to: Funderberg 

IDEA #2:  Have a Wild Rumpus! Make Costumes!

This is such a fun thing to do!  I did only once but wow! It was the best to have 24 kids going for the wild rumpus!  (Okay - so it is an insane idea but fun. . .). 

For directions go to: Red Ted Art

 IDEA #3:  Wild Thing Paper Plate Mask

This is so cute!  Another choice for making costumes for that rumpus!

You could use construction paper instead of yarn as well.

For directions:  Spins and Needles

IDEA #4:  Brown Bag Puppets

This to adorable!  Designed by Underneath Photos

IDEA #5:  Wild Things Guided Drawing/Watercolor

I believe guided drawings are one of the most important parts of my kinder day.  There is so much gained in this little activity!  This is adorable!

For directions go to: Elementary Artist

IDEA #6:  Printable Wild Things to make 3-D Picture (okay so much for 5 ideas!!)

Directions at: Story Time Crafts

A few extra bits of inspiration:

From Esty: 

For more ideas: check Crafty Crow's fantastic list of ideas HERE

5 Great Puppets to Make

 

PUPPET #1:  Paper/Cloth Rod Puppets

 These are wonderful for retelling fairy tales. 

For more details go to:  We Bloom Here

PUPPET #2:  Popsicle Paper Puppets

This is one of my favorite ways to make puppets - let the children draw them!  They always turn out so adorable and the children are so proud!

For more details go to:  Mrs. Brown's Art Class

PUPPET #3:  Peepers!

Peepers are too much fun and super simple to make a bunch!  I like to buy knit gloves at the Dollar Store to wear with the peepers.  You can make hair and all sorts of things.  

For basic instructions go to: Fave Crafts

PUPPET #4: Good Ole Sock Puppet

Some years, I have every child in the class design and make their own sock puppet.  It is such hit!  And then, there is making your own to go with favorite storybooks.  The potential is endless!

For how to make this swell guy go to:  Craft Jr.

PUPPET #5:  The Envelope Puppet

There are many variations on this method - and all are so dang easy peasy!  And super inexpensive!

For directions on this sweet puppy go to:  Twiggle Magazine

Watch for deals on my online Puppetry Class - starts in October!

5 Great Math Ideas

IDEA #1:  King and Queen of Measuring

This is so cool!  There are many ways to present this to meet specific ages.  I love the idea of the crowns and even doing non-standard measuring!

For more details go to: Deceptively Educational

IDEA #2: Measuring Playdough Worms

Any math that involves playdough is a winner in my books.  I love this idea and how individual the results will be.  So much you can do with this great idea!

For more details go to:  Teach Preschool

IDEA #3:  Alligator Mouth Math

I have always loved using an alligator "mouth" as a tool for teaching greater than and less than. Living Montessori Now has taken it to the next level!  I love this!  What a great work station!

For more details go to: Pre-k and K Sharing

IDEA #4:  Plastic Plates and Dots for Counting

I think it is the simple ideas that grab me.  And this is such a cheap and simple way of making a counting work station.  The link goes to a whole pages of excellent math ideas.  Love this site.

For more details go to: Pre-Kinders

IDEA #5:  Lego Counting Cards

This is a brilliant idea!  I love it!  Again, a great work station for math.

For more details go to:  Rockabyebutterfly

Classroom is Open!

I have opened the classroom for my workshop on the Arts in Teaching! 

This e-workshop has a few surprises!  Bonus gifts!  Give-aways!

$25 gift cards!

Free e-books! (This is huge!)
sneak preview:

Free Lesson Plans to download!  

How to Integrate the Arts 

Without Giving Up Your Curriculum!

Learn the 5 Simple Steps that will:

•  give you access to integrating any arts based idea into your existing curriculum
• let you design a dynamic learning environment
• increase student engagement powerfully
• differentiate your curriculum with EASE

HOW TO REGISTER!


Go to my Fairy Dust Teaching Facebook Page
Click on the NOTE button at the top.
I will be using this NOTE button for more freebies in the coming weeks!



If you do not have a Facebook page? No worries, click here.

The Never Ending Story. . . .

Here is a little gold nugget I use in my classroom.  I tell an ongoing story that lasts all year long.  It is a simple tale about a Mother, a Father, a Sister, a Brother, a Cat and a Dog.  I do not use names - just Mother, Mom, Father, Dad, etc. - as using these terms allows room for the children to inject their own experiences.  They may even imagine their own family.

I will use this to bring things that have happen in the classroom, in student's lives, the school, the playyard, my life -- and I make it up as I go!  If I weave in something that happen in the life of a classmate - I change enough details that it is not directly identified.  BUT it is close enough the children's eyes widen with recognition.  This is a great way to deal with tattling, lying, mean comments, leaving messes, etc.  You will be stunned at how effective storytelling is in resolving classroom issues.  You can give solutions indirectly with the story.

Each time I tell another "chapter" of the story - these ingredients are present:

-something happens - there is a problem
-a journey unfolds
-a solution is found

I end with a cliffhanger.  This has the children wanting more.  They will ask for "The Mother story or Brother story."

The tale involves everyday happenings.  Here is a little bit of a sample:

Have fun! It is true Fairy Dust Magic!!!

Getting Your Groove On! Dance!

Dancing is one of my most powerful weapons against the lack of recess. We dance and everything works better. Yesterday I shared my "Dance Off" technique. Today I want to share my "Dance Circle."

Dance Circle Instructions 

Gather everyone onto the carpet standing on the edge of your circle time carpet or in a circle. Put on some jamming tunes. I have a very specific sequence I build upon:

• Dance 1: Do what I do. (Teacher leads)  I keep the beat and make a move. Jump, stomp, clap, nod my head, turn around, touch my toes, hands on hips, hands up in the air, squat, stand on tiptoes, etc. I might do an AB pattern of clap, jump, clap, jump. This session is all about teaching the children to echo what the leader is doing. My intention is to build the children's capacity to move their bodies in new ways and to the beat.  I also want everyone doing the same thing. No talking - just dancing. 
• Dance 2:  Follow the Leader (Student leads).  Each child is given the opportunity to make up the dance move we do.  We do it for 30 seconds and the next child does a move.  Each child has the right to pass. My intention is to build the children's confidence in sharing.  They now have a palette of moves.  We are still standing in a circle so no one has too much attention on them.
• Dance 3:  Two in the Middle!  (2 Students demonstrate their moves).  This is a departure from the first two sessions.  I call out two names and those students go to the middle of the circle and dance!  They jam out while we cheer them on.  It is electric and children love it!  The moves you will see are stunning!  Warning - Shy children will pass the first few sessions - but eventually - everyone wants to be center stage and dance!  Sometimes we clap as the dancers let loose - sometimes we hoot and holler - it is full blown jamming!  
• Dance 4:  One in the Middle (1 student leads).  This is a return to the follow the leader model.  But this time the leader goes to the middle.  We do what they do.  I have found it takes Dance 3 to open this up.  

I use all four methods interchangably depending on what the children need.  It is fun and gets our wiggles out.

USING COLOR SCARVES :
Later - I will add color scarves (you can make them cheaply by buying tulle at the fabric store and cutting it).  Each child gets a scarf.   I will call out "Only blue dance!"  "Only Yellow"  "Red girls dance!" and so forth.   We will use the scarves to move above our heads, below, beside, on top (using positional vocabulary). 

 "Put your scarf on your face."

Using scarves in dance can be a powerful method of teaching positional words.

Dance provides important skills besides release of energy:

1.  It teaches rhythm.  Rhythm is an important concept in math and literacy.
2.  It teaches beat.  Beat is found in nursery rhymes.  It is also used in syllable finding.
3.  It teaches positional language (math) in a dynamic way.
4.  It teaches attentive focus.  The children must watch and repeat what the leader has demonstrated.
5.  It teaches self-control.  Each participant moves their body in a very specific way.
6.  It provides community building as we celebrate each individual's unique and special dance moves.  All moves are equal.

Dance Breaking! Move it!

One of my favorite movement tricks is what I call "Dance Off."  At some point during the day - during table work, maybe centers, walking down the hall - who knows when this special moment will come. . . .

We break into dance! 

Yup! I turn off the light and say "Dance off!!"  Everyone immediately stops what they are doing and finds a spot to dance.  I put on some dance music and we jam out!  I let the children free dance some and then I will call out "Shake your hands above your head!" demonstrating as I do it.  "Stomp your feet!"  and so forth.  I love using my Pottery Barn CD "Party of the Century." It is perfect (I do select the tracks I use that most appropriate).  Here is one of the songs from this CD.  This is a beloved moment. I don't do it every day. It appears several times a week (more if we are working way too hard). The children cheer!  It lasts for just 60 seconds.  Maybe two minutes if we have sat way too long or it has been a rainy week.

Rules - no voices or touching friends. We move our bodies. This is so important for health and well-being. We do not get near enough recess so we dance! And dance some more! Tomorrow I will share my other favorite dance secret!

WARNING:  This activity will cause great ripples of joy for both students and teacher.  It has been known to make everyone smile.  Be careful!

Porridge Playdough for Baby Bear!

It took several years to master this playdough.  The traditional recipes for oatmeal playdough are sticky and - honesty - a mess to deal with.   I adapted my basic playdough recipe and have created a perfect porridge playdough!  This dough has a hint of vanilla and cinnamon and is sure to give hours of wonderful play!

For a FREE download of this recipe - go to the bottom of this post!

My Porridge Playdough Recipe

2 cups flour

1 cup salt

2 rounded tablespoons cream of tarter

2 rounded tablespoons of cinnamon

1 1/2 cup of water

2 tablespoons of vanilla

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Step One

Heat liquid ingredients over medium high heat in a large pan.

Step Two

While liquids are heating, mix dry ingredients in a bowl.

IMPORTANT TIP:  I do not add oats to the cooked dough! 

Step Three

When liquids are beginning to boil, dump in dry ingredients.  Mix in while stirring.  It may seem like you have a big mess on your hands.  Keep stirring and folding in the dough as it cooks.  I like to use a spatula for stirring (one that is heat resistant).  Do not overcook.  It will begin to darken.  I take my spatula and press the dough down to cook it quickly.  (Less than 3 minutes) Remove from heat.

Step Four

 Dump dough on to countertop or cutting board.

Knead it like bread dough - folding it in and punching it down.  Do this until it is silky smooth.

Your dough will be smooth.

Step Five

Put out 2 cups of old fashioned oats.   This is very important.  DO NOT USE quick oats.  This will result in sticky, yucky dough.  Use the slow cooking old fashion oats.

Let the children work the oats into the cooked dough.

Baby Bear says it is just right!!

DOWNLOAD of this recipe for your Teacher's Notebook!

Fictional Bears vs. Real Bears

One of the strong impulses of the Common Core Standards is the use of non-fiction reading.  When I work with the fairy tales like the Three Bears - I think it is a wonderful opportunity to compare real bears vs. the three bears.  We research bears by reading non-fiction books from the school library.  This integrates science into the curriculum in such a powerful way.

We make two habitats:  Real bears and The Three Bear's home out of paper bags


These sweet paper bag houses are from www.charlottesfancy.com.

Each child will make a Three Bear's house. To make the paper bag houses:

• Fill the lunch bags with newspaper. 
• Fold down the top.
• Pick a scrapbook or construction paper for roof.
• Fold over top and staple.
• Cut out windows, doors and other details from various papers.
• Use markers and crayons to add features.

How to make paper bag bear habitats:

• Method One: Teacher Prepared
• Method Two: Child made

We discuss the life cycle of the brown bear and important facts.  Again, to translate what we discuss and create - I provide a graph to document the children's understandings of fictional and real bears:


Click on graph to download both papers.



Another way of looking at the differences between real and fictional bears is with a sentence graph:


Click to download graph.
 
I like to put this on the smart board and fill it out with the class.  I use these graphs all year long. ( I eventually have the children writing sentences from them in the second semester. )   I read each sentence out loud after we are done filling it out.  ""Bears can hunt.  Bears can climb." etc.

Here is an example of one filled out:



I will fill the same graph out with the three bears to compare the differences.



Here is another little poster I made to help discuss the differences between real bears and their lives and the Three Bears fairy tale.