Book Review: This is NOT a Pumpkin by Bob Staake

This Is NOT a Pumpkin by Bob Staake
I absolutely love this book. I got it last year to help my pre-k class understand the difference between pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns. It got them so riled up when I read this for the first time. They kept yelling, "Yes it is! It's a pumpkin." It was hard to keep from laughing. They were hilarious. I read it to a small group this year while working with play dough to make pumpkins. They loved it as well, but figured it out much faster. :)

5/5

Pumpkins!

With the end of our first grading period comes a new unit. FALL. My absolute favorite thing is my Pumpkins Unit. So many areas can be integrated into learning about pumpkins-math, science, language arts, etc.

In our math center, I will place a pumpkin and some black shape cut outs (squares, circles, triangles) with tape on the back for the kids to make different jack o lantern faces. Absolute favorite of the kids.

Do you have any favorite pumpkin lessons?

Already October!

This year's class has turned out to be a bit of a challenge. They are definitely keeping us busy. So busy I haven't had much time to document much of the beginning of this year. We are beginning parent conferences already this coming week and report cards go home the following week. These past 9 weeks have passed by quite quickly.

Anyway, I co-teach with a special education teacher and have four kids with special needs in our class of 14. It is definitely rewarding working with them, but also challenging. The previous three years we had been getting high functioning kids. This year we are getting kids at all levels.

I am enjoying it. I love each and everyone of the kids in my class. The general ed kids are so great-helpful and caring. It is amazing to see. This is the reason I love teaching pre-kindergarten and love having kids with special needs in my class as well. The growth these kids make is absolutely amazing.

The First 20 Days

I have been quite busy with the First 20 Days of School. Getting kids comfortable and in a routine, creating a classroom environment/community ready to start learning. I think we are there despite the challenges. And there are some this year.

We have a great group of kids- a couple with some behaviour issues, one with some developmental and language delays. We have our hands full this year.  

Now that we have made it through the first 20 days, it is time to focus on more than their socio-emotional growth. This month is ALL ABOUT ME. And we are starting off this coming week discussing feelings. 

What lessons/activities do you use for your All About Me Unit? Also, books! I would love some recommendations on some good books to read during this month.

Back to Work

My first day back at work today went pretty well.

1. Our meetings lasted only 3 hours. Yay!
2. Great to catch up with coworkers/friends.
3. Lunch off campus.
4. New Co-teacher seems really nice. I think we are going to work well together.
5. Furniture is all in place.

Tomorrow we have a district-wide meeting. Wondering what that is all about.