Loose Parts Play Ideas for K-2

  

Out of all the new things I implemented this past year, loose parts play was my favorite!

Kindergarten Handwriting Practice

When I started teaching Kindergarten, I knew I wanted to  have my student's track growth like my 5th graders did in their data binders.

Controlling the Volume in the Classroom

Updated for 2022 with a new look!

I am not a silent person, pretty much ever. I have always been a bit of a chatterbox, and that is probably the reason why I do not mind a chatty classroom. I could not make it through the day without talking to the people in my life, and I certainly do not expect them to be silent throughout the majority of the day.

Kindergarten Morning Routine

Our mornings, like most classrooms, is a bit hectic! Our kids arrive between 8:15-8:45, depending on how they are dropped off in the morning. I like to change up our morning routine each day, just to keep it interesting for everyone - including myself!

One staple in our routine is the Would You Rather questions.

No Work Weekends Planning Schedule

It took about a year to figure my system out, but I now have a planning schedule that allows me to take each weekend off from school completely.

Using a TV in the Classroom - ELA and Math

Having a TV in your classroom can seem overwhelming at first, but it really is an amazing way to increase learning. Click here to read about how I incorporate it into our morning meeting.

Building Number Sense in K-1

As you know, number sense and mastering the 100's chart are important skills for K-1 students.

Teaching Sight Words in Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten students are required to learn 50 sight words. I spent a lot of time thinking about how I wanted to incorporate them in my routine.

 

Kindergarten Classroom Decor - An Unconventional Word Wall

When I found out three years ago that I was headed to K, I knew that I wanted my students to have access to all the words that would help them to decode and write with ease.

Using Contact Paper in the Classroom

I love my classroom, but the tables are not in the best shape.

 

Time Saving Tips - Organizing Copies and Originals

Any teacher knows that copy time is precious.

 

Using a TV in the Classroom - Morning Meeting

Last year our amazing PTG bought us all a TV for our classroom. I decided to purchase an Apple Tv to use with mine and it was the best decision I ever made!

At first I was a bit overwhelmed with how I would incorporate the TV into our routine, but it was actually quite easy! These days it stays on for pretty much the entire time we are in our classroom. In morning meeting alone, it allows me to incorporate math and science!

Cookie Monster Subtraction Craft

We have been focusing on subtraction this month, so I knew the time had come for a math art project to show what they have learned.

Subtraction is always harder to demonstrate visually. I spent a lot of time thinking about how we could do this and then it occurred to me...Cookie Monster! Who doesn't love Cookie Monster? And he is the perfect subtracting tool!


I hopped over to Sesame Street's website and found a directed drawing. He was actually a lot easier to draw that I expected!

Kindergarten Math Centers - 100's Activities Tuesdays Part 3

When I returned to Kindergarten last  year, I knew that I wanted to focus on mastering the 100's. Not just counting to 100, but truly understanding the 100's chart and how it works.

Kindergarten Math Centers - Motor Skills Monday Part 2

When I created the names for our math centers, I never anticipated how much my class would embrace them!