Letter Sounds & Sweets

This week we are learning a lot about letter sounds.  Some of the activities that we have completed include using blue boards (plastic plates purchased at The Dollar Tree) and dry erase markers to sound out words and use them to begin to write sentences.

We also used m&ms to find a letter or a sound.  You could use any edible treat like marshmallows, gum drops, and goldfish crackers.  You can find this ABC chart here.

Then we used a treat to find where they hear a particular sound either at the beginning, middle or end of a word.  For example, this smartie found the Xx sound at the end of the word.  

I used Deanna Jump's Stretchy the Snake from this packet.

Stay warm!  We have been inside with no recess for the past week!  

Writing

Today during center time I had the kids working with words and writing sentences. The building sentences comes from Lakeshore. The students manipulate the words into sentences and then write their sentences down. For a copy of the sheet, click HERE.

Center Chart

Here is the our center chart that I promised to post. Each day children rotate to two centers. During that time I am working with guided reading groups.

Center Labels

Ahhhh, centers! This is everyone's favorite time of the day! Here is a copy of the center signs I use. When I get back to school I will post the picture of our center board.

Pin of the day

I am a Pinterst addict. Seriously! I don't watch tv anymore. Instead when the kids go to bed at night, I get out my iPad and I search though all the fun ideas on Pinterst. I haven't watched the news in forever. In fact, I had no idea that today was supposed to be bitterly cold. I was quite surprised last night when my phone rang to find out that school was going to be 2 hours late. Yeah! So what did I do? I stayed up really late looking for GREAT ideas. Here is one that I found and am going to try.

This idea comes from here check out her blog. It has some great word work ideas.

Dramatic Play/Literacy Center

During the month of January I always convert the dramatic play center into the post office. Students mailboxes are made out of one and a half paper plates and stapled together and then stapled to the wall. TheY love giving and getting mail. I also have a supply of paper, stationary, and envelopes.

Writing Center

Here is what my writing center looks like. It is filled with chalk boards, blank paper, envelopes, notepads, doodle boards, crayons, markets, twistables, color pencils, stickers, and catalogs. This is one of the most popular centers.