Math Everyday At PBS Parents

Games, milestones, and activities we can do to bring math into the world of each child: 


http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/math/

Kids Love StoryPlace!

All preschoolers or perhaps our favorite Kindergartners will have a wonderful time at StoryPlace!

http://www.storyplace.org/preschool/preschool.asp?themeid=21

Free Lunchbox Notes

http://www.itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com/p/freebies.html

Helping Kids Become Bird Lovers

Cornell Lab of Ornithology helps us all learn more about birds.  Why not share with a friend?

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1a3O9DAkp8&utm_source=Cornell+Lab+eNews&utm_campaign=560cba5427-2012_year_end_match_launch&utm_medium=email

Kids Activities Blog

Learning for everyone from the age of toddlers to elementary school youngsters.  You can follow this blog via Facebook, Email, and Twitter.  With Thanksgiving this week, they share ideas for games to enjoy with young ones.

http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/thanksgiving-games/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TipsForMomsActivitiesForKidsByQuirkyMommas+%28Tips+for+Moms
%2C+Activities+for+kids+by+Quirky+Mommas%29

Perfect Reading Site- LOVE It!

http://teachers.cr.k12.de.us/~galgano/dibel2.htm

This is our recommended URL for every PreK & Kindergartener, with games youngsters  play to help them build and practice essential reading skills.  We thank 4th grade educator Mrs. Cara Atteberry for sharing it with the Parkside staff!

That Important Start for Kindergarten Readers

Knowing letters and their sounds is an essential skill that enables kids to become fluent readers.

http://www.readingrockets.org/blog/52965/

Look Us Up at "The Reading Room!"

You can follow "Let's Go" PreK & Kindergarten blog on Pinterst.

We're now a part of "The Reading Room," at Parkside Elementary.
Please tell a friend.....we are ALL about nurturing young learners!

"Let's Go" is on the Finds for KINDERGARTEN board.

http://pinterest.com/pkselemrdgroom/

Excellent Resources from Illinois Parents

How can we improve learning at Parkside?  The series from Illinois Parents has
ideas and solutions that help families and schools continue to reach new heights together.

http://www.illinoisparents.org/Toolbox.htm

App for Shapes, Numbers, and Colors? YES!

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2012/01/alien-buddies-ipad-app-for-learning.html#.UINaaIbh_To

Letter & Sound Games from PBS

Learning letters of the alphabet & their sounds is fun and easy with help from Public Broadcasting. 

http://pbskids.org/games/letters.html

100+ Ideas for Halloween

HALLOWEEN......Around the World, from "Small Potatoes."  I just LOVE this site, a place where imagination and nurturing take center stage!

http://mysmallpotatoes.com/2012/10/10/100-spooktacular-halloween-ideas-for-kids-a-halloween-round-up-from-bloggers-around-the-world/

Cando's Helper Page

This site is for anyone needing activities focused upon practicing and improving primary reading skills.

http://www.candohelperpage.com/

Skip Counting with Counting Collections

THE TEACHING CHANNEL:  Kindergartners practice and master different ways to account for objects. We can differentiate for children; watch the video to see how Ms. Latimer helps her students account for their discoveries.  

https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/skip-counting-with-kindergarteners/?utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=post10081202&utm_campaign=twt%2F

Playing With Words 365

This site helps us expand speech and language skills for youngsters.  You can follow "Playing With Words" on Facebook, Pinterest,and get information via Email.  Don't forget to check out the free downloads.

http://www.playingwithwords365.com/

Excellent Instructional Practice

From the Minnesota Public Schools, recommendations and examples of instruction that "beats the odds" while creating learning success for youngsters.   Movies include lessons on phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, oral comprehension & vocabulary development, writing, and resources.

 http://rea.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/teachers_who_beat_the_odds.pdf

50 Ways to Learn the ABC's

"Too much of a good thing is wonderful."  ~Mae West

http://handsonaswegrow.com/2012/08/50-ways-for-preschoolers-to-learn-their-abcs/

Websites for Youngsters

There's a little bit of something out there for everyone.

http://www.readingresource.net/websitesforkids.html

Practice Makes Perfect

You can't go wrong when encouraging learners to practice new words in different, sensory-rich ways!

http://www.readingresource.net/support-files/spellingpractice.pdf

Shining Moments

Creating and Celebrating Learning Potential Everyday at Parkside!

http://parksidekids.blogspot.com/

GAME: "Rhyme Time"

Fun for one-to-six B-I-N-G-O players who will identify rhyming words and establish essential pre-reading skills.  Why?  Phonemic awareness skills are crucial for reading success.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/readingresourcekatieuploads/rhymetimebingo.pdf

GAME: "Hickety Pickey Bumblebee"

Help young readers by using this easy-to-remember rhyming game.  Let's play "Hickety Pickety Bumblebee" & emphasize the phonemes (sounds) in words.....familiar ones like student names!
Once they master them, the possibilities are endless.

http://www.readingresource.net/support-files/hicketypickety.pdf

GAME: Let's Play "Sound Boxes"

Young readers need to be able to recognize the distinct sounds that make up a word. 
This colorful game will give them the chance to distinguish from two to five sounds
in different words. 

https://s3.amazonaws.com/readingresourcekatieuploads/soundboxes.pdf

Phonemic Awareness Activities

Activities & games galore for learners who are developing phonemic awareness  skills- right here!

http://www.readingresource.net/phonemicawarenessactivities.html

All About Fall

Look no further for ideas and books that help young children celebrate fall!

http://site.lotstolearn.com/blog/?p=2590&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Foster Language Skills Today

Developing language skills for reading success just got easier with activities from Scholastic.  

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/bll/index.htm

The Child Entering Kindergarten

What K-students should know

First and last name and parent's first and last name.

Follow instructions from teachers and parents.

Recognize letters (both lowercase and uppercase) and numbers (up to 10).

Communicate wants and needs (like hunger, pain, happiness) through words.

Know basic colors and shapes.

Be able to be apart from parents during the day.

Use the bathroom independently, dress and undress, and wash hands.

Sit quietly for short periods of time.

Solve problems without hitting, biting or yelling.

Show curiosity and enthusiasm for activities like story or art time.

Source: The Urban Child Institute
Read more:
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/28/maturity-key-for-kindergarten/

Maturity Matters the Most

The debate of "when" to enroll a child in Kindergarten is faced continually.  Hold them back, or enroll them?  The research is clear:  AGE does not matter as much as DEVELOPMENT.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/28/maturity-key-for-kindergarten/

Make Reading Fun for Everyone!

Between the Lions

http://pbskids.org/lions/games/

GAME	DIFFICULTY	SKILL	NOTES
“The Quiet Machine”	Matching letters to pictures	*beginning sounds	Phonemic awareness
Leona’s Coloring Pages	Reading and writing	*beginning reader activity	Printable book
“The Messy Attic”	Picture identification	*listen, then follow directions	Pre- reading skill
“Arty’s Smarty Doors”	Rhymes	*rhyming words	Pre-reading skill
“Dub Cubs”	Rhyming words	*word families	Reading skill
“Hopposites”	Opposites	*words with opposite meanings	Reading skill
“Sky Writing”	Letter recognition	*varying styles of the same letter	Reading skill
“Monkey Match”	Match	*letters, sounds, rhymes	Reading skill
“Theo’s Puzzles”	Letter recognition	*consonant puzzles	Puzzles & a video
“Trampolini Game”	Word meanings	*inflectional endings ‘er, ‘est	Reading skill
“Blending Bowl”	Match blends with endings	*-ack, -an, -ap, -ar, -est, -ick, -ig, -ip, -it, -ock, -op, -up, -uck matched up with beginning blends	good for partners
“Synonym Sam’s Lab”	Choose synonyms	*this game is self-checking	good for partners
“ABCD Watermelon”	identify missing letters	*alphabet recognition	Pre-reading skill
“Alphabet Soup”	unscramble letters	*reader uses given letters to find a solution	101 riddles
“Chicken Stacker”	phonemic awareness	*listen and read words with the same short vowel sound	Five sets words
“Flood”	categories	*listen and read book titles	Hints given
“Fuzzy Lion Ears”	phonemic awareness	*letter sounds beginning/middle/ending	Six rounds
“Word Play”	good for partners	*read words and then  “click” to see the action	25 words: three sets
“Talking Gizmo”	recognize parts of a sentence	*readers experiment with sentences and word order	J good for partners
“Pounce”	word matching	*listen, then choose a word	Reading skill
More Literature	Pre-K through fifth graders	http://pbskids.org/lions/stories/	Kids can listen and read along with stories.

Songs and videos:  http://pbskids.org/lions/videos/

Kindergarten Common Core Resources

Teaching Common Core Standards for Kindergarten pupils just got a whole lot easier.  Teachers will find activities, worksheets, and step-by-step research based instructional help to improve learning opportunities for their young learners.


http://corecommonstandards.com/core-curriculum/kindergarten-common-core-workbook/

Teaching and Learning Sight Words

Welcome to "Cando Flashcards," where finding and assessing a child's knowledge of Fry Sight Words just got a whole lot easier.  Why is this important?  Individual reading fluency and comprehension are greatly enhanced when a youngster can automatically recognize these words.

http://w4.nkcsd.k12.mo.us/~kcofer/fry_words_pg.htm#Frys_Lists_Flashcard_with_Graded_Response

Productive Parenting

This site has activities for newborns to children who are five-years-old.  Membership
is free and we can follow Productive Parenting on Facebook. 

http://www.productiveparenting.com/aspx/ActivityLibrary.aspx

2012-13 DIBELS Reading Goals

All Parkside pupils are evaluated using goals from the University of Oregon.  There have been recent increases in state and federal standards calling for stronger literacy skills that yield higher-level comprehension processes.  Goals for Kindergarten through grade six are below:

https://dibels.uoregon.edu/docs/DIBELSNextRecommendedBenchmarkGoals.pdf

Ready to Create?

What do you need to nurture a little artist?  You may be surprised.....

http://blogs.babble.com/toddler-times/2012/08/20/20-art-supplies-every-toddler-needs-and-some-may-surprise-you/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Just for Kids!

Trust me when I say that this site is so much FUN!  Go for it.........

http://www.abcya.com/

Readers Learning Sight Words

Need lists of elementary sight words?  Look no further; this sight has you covered. 

http://www.teachersprintables.net/category/sight_words

Homemade Fun!

Get the creative juices flowing & make some sidewalk chalk; it's very easy.  Let the "pictures" begin......

http://domesticcharm.blogspot.com/2011/05/liquid-sidewalk-chalk.html

ABC's at the Zoo

Invite "vivid imagination" to tag along on your trip to Bembo's Zoo!

http://www.bemboszoo.com/Bembo.swf

"Listen and Read" Stories

These 54 free stories will be the perfect start to develop vocabulary while building interest in learning and reading.  Older children will find something that interests them because the collection is divided into eight categories: social studies, science, plants and flowers, environmental stories, civics and government, animals, American history, and community.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/commclub/index.htm

Too Much of a Good Thing?

You can NEVER have too many good books!  Here's 43 fantastic ABC tales.

http://childrensbooksguide.com/alphabet

Math Talk

Here's some user-friendly ideas on how to easily facilitate the development of math skills.

http://www.naeyc.org/yc/files/yc/file/201205/RockingAndRolling_YC0512.pdf

Parkside's 2012-2013 School-Wide Plan

The Title 1 Plan is here for families to review; it's also available on Parkside's link via the CUSD 20 website:  http://www.cusd20.com

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/86304153/Schoolwide%20Reform%20Strategies%20ADDITIONAL%20NINE%20COMPONENTS%202012-13.docx

Early Learning Areas

A Place of Our Own shares ways for us all to help children acquire cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills, as well as nurture language and literacy development.  It's a TV show and web site all-in-one and their index is a great place to start!

http://aplaceofourown.org/topic.php?id=3#sub30

Hands-On Experiences

Early development blossoms with play; for the young set, it's essential! 

http://schoolsofthought.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/14/my-view-let-preschoolers-kindergartners-play-to-learn/

HE Suggests Great "Read-alouds"

 In honor of Father's day I share what Alex Smith emphatically claims are perfect to read-aloud to young children........what a smart dad!  In honor of my father who was an author, I share the list.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/47819132/ns/today-fathers_day_guide/#.T9vCL_nmU41

PBS Kids Lab

Visit for all-things related to PreK and early learning; it's ideal for parents, caregivers, and educators.  The latest information & research from Public Broadcasting related to social-emotional and academic success is a click away.

http://pbskids.org/lab

Book Look

Children's Books Guide is a complete resource for anyone interested in
children's literature.  An excellent site, it's also on Face Book.  

http://childrensbooksguide.com/

No Time for Flashcards

This is a fantastic site that had dubbed itself as the place for "Learning and play for babies,  toddlers, and kids."  You CAN quote me....just don't miss the opportunity to visit and learn!

http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2012/05/25-alphabet-activities-for-kids.html

Crafts for Kids

"Messy art and crafts for kids..." is how this blogger describes her site.  The ideas found
on this site are perfect for preschool aged youngsters, so enjoy!

http://www.filthwizardry.com/2010/06/tissue-paper-and-glue-window-collage.html

Do You Tweet?

Find out how social networking can improve educational opportunities.  Please join me on TWITTER @rosenelsonwest and see what can happen in your school, for children.

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/twitter-education-parents-joe-mazza

Picture Cards to Practice First Sound Fluency

This resource from the University of Oregon's Reading Clinic helps establish phonemic awareness.
Children need this knowledge to be fluent readers.

http://ctlreadingclinic.uoregon.edu/forms/k-readiness_piccards.pdf

Reading Activities to Prepare for Kindergarten

What can you do to help kids be more prepared to learn how to read?

http://ctlreadingclinic.uoregon.edu/forms/k-readiness_packet.pdf

Talk, Read, Sing, Play, and Write!

It is a fact:  Important interactions with children from birth to when they enter Kindergarten can influence the success ratio for learning to read.
  
http://www.ourmidland.com/opinion/article_dc69b727-39fe-5622-b974-c41cf75ebac7.html

"Ready to Learn" at PBS Kids

Raising Readers is a wonderful PBS resource.  After all, teaching reading skills shouldn't be a chore.

http://pbskids.org/island/activities/stories.html

Keeping Little Ones Busy

Spring is here and summer is not far behind.  Here's 60 activities for kids to enjoy.

http://www.marthastewart.com/274922/60-summer-activities-for-kids/@center/276964/60-days-summer#/337728

Kid Friendly Recipes Here!

 Whether it's science fun, cooking, or arts and crafts, these ideas are sure to please!

http://www.cloroxrecipesforfun.com/recipes-for-fun/?category=3

Kindergarten Readiness

These skills foster learning independence.  Do you see them in your favorite preschooler?  

http://school.familyeducation.com/kindergarten/school-readiness/38491.html?detoured=1

Sight Word Games

Readers developing sight word recognition can gain additional practice with these activities.  


http://www.familylearning.org.uk/sight_word_games.html

Free PreK Math Resources

Familiarize yourself with the Sesame Workshop's "Grow Up Great" program.  The April focus is on math; don't miss the excellent teaching tips and downloadable materials. 

http://www.pncgrowupgreat.com/index.html

A Blog About Nurturing Toddlers....."Perfect!"

This is a gem, honestly and delightfully written!

http://www.oopseydaisyblog.com/2011/03/mommy-school-is-back.html

Playtime & Books

Exposing young learners to books is so beneficial.


http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/early_years/2012/04/playing_with_books_is_important_key_to_early_literacy.html?cmp=SOC-SHR-TW

PBS Invites You to Have Fun!

Arthur and friends invite us to create music, deliver ice cream, read maps, and so much more.   Creative kids are successful learners in their own right. 

http://pbskids.org/arthur/games/crankitup/index.html

Drawing at Shidonni

 Let creative juices flow while children draw and play!  

http://www.primarygames.com/arcade/virtualworlds/shidonni/index.htm

Safe, Trusted On-line Learning For Preschoolers

 You cannot go wrong with these sites!

http://www.preschooluniverse.com/2011/01/best-free-online-games-for-preschoolers/

Information for Guiding Youngsters

 I look to trusted adults along with helpful research--to inform my craft of teaching.  Youngsters deserve our best efforts. 

http://www.education.com/topic/child-developmental-milestones/

Rhyming Made Fun and Inviting

Scholastic.com introduces a friendly character, in Reggie the Rhyming Rhino.  Discover the adventures he has in store and at the same time help develop phonemic awareness that's essential for early readers.   

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/bll/reggie/index.htm

Puzzles? "Yes, please!"

It's creative creating "jigsaw" joy!  Choose a picture, the number of pieces, and it's possible to  create your own from a favorite photograph.  Have fun while building those thinking skills @ JigZone. 

http://www.jigzone.com/  

Starfall

The perfect spot to entice an early reader is just a click away!  Bookmark Starfall.com for many "happy" returns. 

http://www.starfall.com/

Fun Ways to Prep for Reading Success

These tips and activities are perfect for youngsters heading down the road to exploring language.  It's never too late to help young readers recognize letters, sounds, reread stories, and develop fluency.  Congratulations on preparing your favorite boy or girl for adventures with books!

http://www.education.com/video/reading-tips/

Raising a Reader

Art and books are keys to igniting interest in language and reading.

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120325/LIFESTYLE/203250332

Connecting with Books is a Wise Move

I enjoyed seeing this entry on a blog from a parent who'd heard some stats on CNN, about the importance of reading to preschool aged children.  She's got the right idea!

http://blogs.ajc.com/momania/2012/03/22/did-your-child-have-1000-hours-of-one-on-one-reading-by-first-grade/?cxntfid=blogs_momania

Social-Emotional Learning

Promoting social and emotional development of children is so important.   The essential tools parents and educators need, along with valuable information for us all is found at CSEFEL.

http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/