This Post is Brought to You by Future Rockstars and the Letter N

Does it ever make you wonder what others would think if they came into your classroom and saw you singing and dancing to some of the most ridiculous ingenious songs? I guess it's like the saying 'fashion over comfort' (because the heels are just too cute NOT to wear to work and walk around in for 10 hours, right?!?), but in this case, it's learning over rhythm and tone...and I think it's safe to say that unless your colleague is Paul Leka, sing your heart out, and watch those 5 year olds join right in!

 Well, ok...maaaaybe I'll keep my singing reserved for 5 year old ears only, since I do want you to come back and check out my blog again sometime soon. ;) On that note, I'll let you fill in your own amazing singing voice here...

I decided this song can be modified perfectly for the letter N. This is how it goes in Room 2:

Instead of "Na na na na, na na na na, we sang the song with /n/. We then manipulated the beginning sound of each student's name, who gets to stand and sing with this mic,

so that it begins with /n/ (for example, Jessica becomes Nessica, Bill becomes Nill). Once students are comfortable singing orally, each student receives his/her own page for the class book. The students fill in the second set of /n/, by writing lowercase n four times, then his/her 'N' name on the bottom line. Bind the book together to make a Rock Star Nn book.

I can't believe that I almost forgot to mention the dancing that goes along with this. While singing, students put out their right arm and wave it to the right, then put out their left arm and wave it to the left, then repeat one more time on each side (here's to hoping that gave you a clear mental image).

If you are a true Rock Star, then head over to my TPT store, or click here, to download the book covers and page.

The Missing Pumpkin

Woo-wee...I had no idea that switching schools and moving from full day kindergarten to half day kindergarten would make me feel like a first year teacher all over again!  Wow!  I've been eating, sleeping, and running Kindergarten since before the school year started.  Lucky for me I LOVE every moment of it!

This poem innovation came to me on one of my evening runs (who needs an i-pod when you're a Kindergarten teacher?!) and I had to take a moment to share it with you.  It seems to get my kids giggling every time it is read.  Here's how it goes...I started the year reading this book

(which is one of the cutest stories to hear the kids ‘rereading’ independently using the voices I used while reading)
and reciting the poem, “Who Took the Cookies from the Cookie Jar.”  I then decided to change it to apples, 

then pumpkins,  

and my kids love it! 

When we changed the poem, we discussed which words we would have to change and why.  It was a great way to discuss the similarities and differences between how/where apples and pumpkins grow.  We also discussed and highlighted the sight words.  

I created a book to go with the pumpkin poem for kids to read at stations.   Boogie on over to my TPT store, by clicking on the pumpkin poem or the TPT button on the side bar, to download the pumpkin poem, and book, for free!