Our week learning about cowpoke all led to our Cowboy Day Celebration. The entire school joined in and dressed up like cowgirls and cowboys with the Kindergarteners. The students had a great pretending to be cowpoke from long ago. Throughout the week, the teacher continued to scaffold learning through a variety of sources: books, vidoes, cowboy brain breaks, math and writing lessons. Students continued their research by listening to stories and participating in group discussions. We were able to capture their knowledge through writing samples and group conversations. Engaging Students in Research 1. Group discussion about animals We began the week by learning about the animals cowpoke work with and what tools and equipment they used. As the teacher pulled up pictures of horses, calves, brands, horseshoes and a hammer, she asked a compelling question to begin the process of inquiry of this subject. Teacher: What kinds of ways do you think cowpoke took care of their animals? Studen...
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Cowboys & Cowgirls: Building Knowledge Our Kindergarten class is studying cowboys and cowgirls from the past. The standard achieved through these lessons are from CAS Social Studies History 1.2- Understand that the sequence of events is important when describing the past . We also have been integrated writing and communication standards into our study to solidify learning through labeling and art-related craft projects. Within Kindergarten, Social Studies lessons are integrated throughout the day as a way to slowly build background knowledge. My mentor teacher used many strategies to create inquiry to help familiarize and build student vocabulary. She implemented Dimension 1 of the Inquiry Arc (CLAS Network. (2015. Augst 28) by creating Compelling and Supporting questions during group discussio...
Hello! My name is Anna Krasin. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Education and am working as a Kindergarten Paraprofessional. Last year, I was a long-term substitute teacher and I made the yearbook! Here is my picture! Naturally, I sent a photo to all my family members! Prior to working as a full-time employee, I was a substitute teacher in the LPS district for close to 2 years. My husband and I have two elementary age daughters and a new puppy! This year, I am a Kindergarten Paraprofessional and am completing my practicum while working in the classroom. We have 22 Kindergarteners, ages 5 and 6. More than half of the students went to preschool and arrived knowing their letters and numbers. Lessons are planned for students who need extensions and for those who need additional support. We have one student who is visually impaired, one student who uses a wheelchair and a communication device, and another student who has an IEP for a developmental disorder. The majority of our students...