Honorary Kindergarten Literacy Awards: We Love These Sites!We value these next sites so much we have created this honorary Excellence in Kindergarten Literacy Award just for them. Mentor kindergarten teacher chatboard We encourage everyone to visit this chatboard! Many wise National Board Certified kindergarten teachers, such as Jacque Verrall, Julie Lay a.k.a. “Hedgie Haven”, and “KinderJane” post on this board. You can listen in to topics of interest, or direct questions to these amazing teachers from across the country who generously support each other with teaching tips and thoughtful dialog. Michigan State University ASL (American Sign Language) Browser Mr. Kindergarten, Dan Gurney Mr. Kindergarten, teacher Dan Gurney from California, understands how to build a community of learners and nurture emotional intelligence. We enjoy reading his interesting blogs. Meet his puppet Popular Guy and check out his children’s Important Book. Mrs. Pohlmeyer’s Kindergarten Mrs. Bonthuis' Kindergarten Class Mrs. Buchels' Kindergarten Class Kinder by Kim National Kindergarten Alliance Choice Literacy and The Big Fresh Nellie Edge Excellence in Kindergarten and Early Literacy Wendy Manninen’s Kindergarten and La Petite ChoraleWe were delighted to share “The Magic of Signing Songs” Seminar with this gifted teacher-musician who flew out from Boston. See her kindergartners perform America the Beautiful and The Pledge of Allegiance. Our Other Favorite Early Literacy Sites: Engaging Curriculum ResourcesAnne LaBoon's Kindergarten Camp This lovely site is filled with poetry and thoughtful teaching quotes. See first day celebration photos and Anne LaBoon's extensive kindergarten Parent Handbook A-Z. Mrs. Schilb's site is wonderful. We especially appreciate the apple science experiments in this first and second grade, multi-age, classroom. Her photo gallery is easy for parents to use and she has a great weekly newsletter. Calico Cookie Kindergarten See Terry Tunkels Valentine's Day themes for teachers and the snowy day art in this language-rich kindergarten. Though this website is in transition, the photo archives reflect a wise and playful teacher who honors childhood. Terry is a past recipient of our literacy award. Green Gables Kindergarten Martha Shehan has created an attractive site that parents are sure to appreciate and teachers will find useful. Be sure to check out her ongoing math curriculum—celebrations with “Zero the Hero”, internet projects with traveling buddies, and enjoy her monthly themes. Hubbard's Cupboard Web mistress Michelle, former kindergarten teacher (now a stay-at-home mom), is keeping this helpful site current. See her monthly family involvement resources; “The Tail of the Kite”. Also check out the great free printable sight word books for emergent readers. (Scroll way down!) Kelly Bear Leah Davies generously shares some excellent articles for parents and teachers. See “Too much violence on TV? What can you do?” and “Emotional Intelligence: An Essential Component to Education”. Thank you Leah! Kidscount 1234, Shari Sloane This delightful teacher and well-loved national consultant shares a wealth of resources for joyful kindergarten literacy. Don't miss "photos of my classroom," "literacy centers," and "dramatic play centers." (You must use their site navigation to access interior pages.) Kinderfriends Jill Davies has created a helpful resource for early childhood educators and families. She is a National Board Certified teacher and a past recipient of our Excellence in Kindergarten Literacy Award. Check out her free resources including rebus nursery rhyme pages and Our Class Photos. Please note that this site is closing in October. Visit now to save resources and ideas. You can also bookmark the Kinderfriends blog. Kindergarten Consultants Joanne Sleightholm, an award-winning kindergarten teacher and trainer from Toronto, has playfully designed a very useful website. We especially love the ideas section. The accompanying photos make this long scroll of ideas a great resource. We also appreciate her helpful free downloads. Kindergarten-lessons.com The goal of kindergarten teacher Patricia Bentham’s delightful and informative site is to help teachers make their classrooms a place of exploration, problem solving, and creative thought processes. We especially enjoy exploring Environmental Science, Science Centers, and Show and Tell – a springboard for math and science education. Kinderteacher.com Linda Critchell is a retired kindergarten teacher, whose joyful site reflects her love of kindergarten and her special passion for integrating curriculum with creative craft projects. The helpful site map makes it easy to navigate her wealth of teaching ideas. Start with the first day of school, and gingerbread man. Kinder Themes Mrs. Fischer’s Kinder Themes reflects 18 years of teaching kindergarten and first grade in Missouri. We get to learn about her favorite poems and creative curriculum ideas. Check out her apples unit and tips for teachers. We also appreciated her helpful collection of children’s literature linked thematically. Mrs. Jackson's Class Here is a great resource for almost every imaginable theme from A to Z! Don’t miss best of the bats and butterflies. Mrs. Jones' free printable books Wow! Here are up-to-date links to hundreds of free printable emergent reader and leveled books on the internet! This is such a valuable resource. Mrs. Keenan’s Kindergarten Website We love this kindergarten blog and the awesome fitness and literacy project exemplified in the photo stories: Kindergartners measured their steps with pedometers to collectively walk 875 miles (from New York to Tennessee) for an imaginative journey—Wow! What a way to teach life fitness skills. Mrs. Meacham's Kindergarten Check out the name games on Jessica Meacham’s first grade website and the emergent readers for holidays and themes (Start with Valentines Day). Mrs. Mikesell's Classroom This very professional and organized site has helpful teaching strategies. Don’t miss the literacy center ideas and see her advice on building a website for extra income. Consider signing up for her free monthly newsletter. Mrs. Powell's Kindergarten See story bits from Scooter Mouse, the imaginary animal who lives in Kelley Powell’s engaging kindergarten classroom. View helpful family resources. Also check out her cast of playful puppets. Kelley Powell is NBPTS certified and it shows! Mrs. Reber's Kindergarten Mrs. Reber’s kindergarten-2nd grade physical support classroom is one happy and authentic learning environment. Check out the patriot’s store. We love the great school motto: Our purpose…with passion…from love…expecting excellence…All children deserve joyful and meaning-centered learning. Teaching Heart The best way to navigate this mega site is to start with what's new. Check out the mini offices. The bear unit is one example of her wonderful detailed units. The K Crew Don't miss these literacy centers – especially the drama center – used for children to build projects as a response to literature. See buzz books, ideas for morning messages. These kindergarten teachers embrace a balanced approach to literacy and joyful teaching strategies with clear objectives for Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. The Virtual Vine Cindy has been a special education teacher for 23 years. You will find a long vine of detailed activities, themes, favorite children’s books, and a wealth of literacy ideas for preK to second grade. See Literacy Connections (Under work stations) Book Box Station and use of Pocket Charts. For the Love of Children’s LiteratureSwimming in Literary Soup Professional Resources
AIMS (Activities Integrating Math and Science) Author SitesJan Brett Music is Magic in Developing LiteracyCharlotte Diamond |
