This week, we introduced stations. Stations are a time for the students to work with partners on specific tasks. As the year progresses, we will have both reading and math stations. Presently, our goals are to be able to take care of our tools, work kindly with our partner and to be able to work independently. During station time, I will often work with small groups, work with individual students and do testing. It is important for the students to be able to work on engaging tasks and to be able to do them independently.
When we first begin learning how to use stations, the tasks are simple, yet fun. As we learn the procedures, the complexity of the tasks will increase. In addition, the tasks in each station will be differentiated, so students can work on their level or even challenge themselves.
Roll a Letter
We practiced rolling a cube with letters printed on the side. Then we had to find the matching letter and practice tracing it. We will play this game in many different ways with numbers, sounds and even sight words.
Play-dough
Play-dough is a class favorite. Right now we are learning how to take care of the play-dough. We are building hand strength as we manipulate the dough to build shapes. Soon we will be adding cookie cutters and other tools. Eventually we will use the play-dough to practice many spelling and math skills. A HUGE thank you to Drake for our play-dough!
Puzzles
We will explore with many different puzzles. Right now we are building the alphabet with a puzzle with letters and pictures. We even have puzzles about our colors we have learned. We will have puzzles for many of our science concepts and will also get to use puzzles with 100 pieces!
Dry Erase Boards
Dry Erase boards will be used in many different ways in the classroom. Currently we are drawing pictures, practicing our names and the names of our friends. Thank you for sending in the dry erase markers with your child's school supplies. They LOVE them!
Cutting Practice
To provide practice with using scissors, we have a station where we get to practice straight lines, curved lines and circles.
Alphabet Practice
We are playing a fun spinner game. The students have a wheel where they get to spin and land on a letter. They have to find that letter on the coconut tree page and color it in. We are getting really good at recognizing our letters. 
Math Practice
We are working on number representation. Using counting bears, we are showing that we know the correct quantity for numbers 0-10. 
We are already building responsible sharks! They are working great with their partners, taking care of the tools, sharing and feeling such a sense of accomplishment! Soon, we will be adding our Chrome books into the station rotation.
Shark Tank
Make sure to ask your child about Shark Tank. The kids love our weekly video announcements!
