11.16.2010

Celebration!

Today something big happened… I mean really huge. We completed our first sight-word list. Forty words. That’s a lot of words for mid-November in kindergarten. Last year, my class only learned forty words by the end of the school year… this year, thanks to The Three Habits of Highly Successful Reading Teachers (I swear – I don’t get a cut of the sales…), our sprouts have learned that many already and we’re not done… we’ve got an entire new list of words to begin soon.

As part of our celebration, Mrs. D. and I decided to whip out the ol’ Pajama Day card. Oh yes, like a master poker playing saving his ace, the Pajama Day announcement is a sight to behold.

Picture in your head announcing to a group of kindergartners you are taking them all to Disney World. There will be candy, soda, and lots of cartoons on the plane ride there. Children will have Mickey Mouse (or their favorite character) as their personal tour guide for the visit.

That’s the reaction we got just from announcing our Pajama Day… a day where you… where your pajamas to school.

Oh how I love kindergarten.



12 comments:

Anonymous said...

that is quite an accomplishment...our reading series has us at....7 so far! I know my kids could handle more but I dont know how to do it in addition to an already in place curriculum!

J Oddo said...

I am in need of more info about this book! Does it give specific activities/lessons? It is more of a "theory" book or does it give practical application ideas?

Mr. Halpern said...

@Anonymous - I have a 'set' curriculum too. I just use THIS for sight words and not the programs way... this has ALL the sight words from the program PLUS about 40 more. :)

@J Oddo - it DOES have lessons and charts and lots of examples... it's a THIN and easy book to follow.

Carol said...

Seriously?? All of them know 40? I've introduced that many, too, but most kids know about 2/3 of them. That's amazing.

Sara said...

It is a THIN book.
I just got mine, because of you.
And, I was SOOOO relieved how thin it was! I was expecting a text book.
Whew.

Now, honestly, have they ALL learned ALL the words?

Mr. Halpern said...

Let's see - we're in the process of assessing how many kids know ALL the words - so far most of them know MOST of them. The last five or six words are spotty because they're new, but within a few weeks they should know all of them. This method really does work!

Shannon said...

On a topic different than that of your previous comments...I hope that you get to see some footed pajamas on your Pajama Day! We had a school-wide (K-8) PJ day today, and I was nearly bowled over by how precious the little one in her fuzzy footed pajamas looked...I agree that you just have to love Kindergarten!

Mandy's Memories said...

I have taught an advanced Kindergarten for 3 years now and this year I am teaching regular K. I made my own list and have my kids learn about 200 words by teh end of the year. We are on week 14 and have learned 85 words so far! I am also so proud of my studnets. Out of 21 kids, I have about 17 that know all 85 words too! Love how their little minds are like sponges! Congrats to you and your class!

Sara said...

I hope you didn't think I am challenging you :)
I 100% trust you...I mean, I did order the book because of you!
I am just curious. I have the week off for thanksgiving (!), and that book is my homework!

Mr. Halpern said...

@Sara - not at all... trust me, I was skeptical at first too. And also - I WANT folks to challenge me... it keeps me on my toes. :)

Sarah said...

Wow! This book is on my wishlist!

RootsAndWingsCo said...

Thanks, I just purchased this book as well! My Son is in Kindergarten and they are at about 12 site words! hmmm. Makes me think.... I can't wait to get the book and try it out on my Son! ;)