CVC Journal Activities

CVC Journal Activities

The 2015 TPT conference was a wonderful experience. I not only learned so much from such great teacher-authors, but I gained tons of motivation to get my ideas finally finished, ok at least started. 

One of the things that has been on my mile long "tpt summer list" was redesigning my CVC mini-books, part of a much larger "project" to redesign the entire Phonics Focus Toolkit. I'm not sure if it's because I have a tendency to impulsively change something for no reason (e.g. my blog design, classroom furniture, classroom decor, living room furniture, my entire life) or because I know that I can continuously improve something to make it better. I felt that "mini-books" were getting to be a little tedious. By changing to this format, it leaves much more focus on the students' learning, and less focus on when I'm going to find time to prep 18 sets of -et word books. I begin by cutting around the rectangles for the students (It really doesn't take long doing 6-8 pages at a time). After a few weeks of completing the activity, they will understand how it all works and fits into a journal. At this point, I give the two sheets of paper to my students and let them cut around the boxes. If you're like me and are afraid hesitant of having your kindergarteners cutting during instructional time, then have them cut everything for morning work and keep in a zip lock bag or "word work" container. This way you can honestly say there is no instructional time lost due to cutting.....with scissors...in kindergarten. I'll just get to the pictures. ;)




Another way to use these activities is to complete one slip each day. Students can eventually learn to label the top of the slip with the day of the week or the date. 

My new obsession- community crayons

My new obsession- community crayons




 Happy that my students and I finished our door! This one is taking us all the way until the end of the year!

For about 2 weeks, my students explored ocean animals through books and online. They were allowed to read these books (I had about 30 of them from our school library, whoops #hoarder) anytime that we were doing some kind of reading. I then had them pick their favorite sea animal which they had to write a report on. So much learning going on in these little kinder's minds! I will post some close ups of the writing soon!




Also, I started a new supplies table system. Two words- COMMUNITY CRAYONS. Why have I never done this? Sorted by color and everything! 

Happy teacher --> Happy students --> lots of learning :)

P.S. It took every ounce of self control to not fill these with fresh, new crayons and pencils.. August will be here soon enough... I shouldn't be thinking of August.


The cans are called seed containers and are from the Target dollar spot! Woohoo! I just covered them using scrapbook paper & tape!


Ugh, broken crayons need love too...


I have an ELL student who loves making these during word work. They work great for vocabulary!
Click the picture to see this in my tpt store.

Another fun activity I've been using to help with listening skills. I read a word problem and they have to listen and answer. Easy to differentiate for any level. Click the picture to check it out!


Happy Sunday! Hope everyone has a fantastic week! We have less than 30 days left! How many do you have?!


Spring is here! It's plant time!

Spring is here! It's plant time!

One of my FAVORITE times of year in kindergarten is PLANTS! There are so many fun ways to teach about plants!

Here's one of my favorites!

When you need a little push...

When you need a little push...

It's past the 100th day of school and just about EVERY teacher I know has come to that "ugh, it's that dreadful time of year..." state of mind that happens every single year. Here’s a few quotes to hopefully get you through the next 80 days... :)

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