Twenty round dots, 3.75 inches in diameter have revolutionized my classroom.
Line ups were always a bit of a gong show, with kids squished, not knowing where to stand (despite me telling them 482, 983 times how to do it!), and generally causing mayhem.
No longer. (well, at least a whole lot better)
At the beginning of school (seems like a REALLY long time ago now), My Happy Rainbow had a post about the 2 favourite things in his new room.
Light bulb time.
How simple is that. Put dots on the floor where the kids are supposed to stand.
Matt's dots are really cute, but the monster theme did not really work with my classroom.
So, I figured that I would make my own. I looked at digital wallpaper, trying to find something that I liked, would work with my class and was within my self-imposed really cheap budget.
Then, the second light bulb moment (I was on a roll!).
Scrapbook paper. My kindergarten teacher buddy had told me that she had lots of scrapbook paper, and that if I ever needed some for a k project to let her know.
We found paper that we liked, printed off the dots. Laminated them. I taped them on the floor with packing tape.
Kids know where to go. Line is more organized. Teacher is happy.
Sometimes it's the little things.
Hate to keep the revolution all to myself.
Click [here] to download your own magic dots. The printable is 6 pages. If you want an ABAB pattern with your dots, the first three pages need to be the same scrapbook paper colour/print and the second 2 pages need to be the same.
Line ups were always a bit of a gong show, with kids squished, not knowing where to stand (despite me telling them 482, 983 times how to do it!), and generally causing mayhem.
No longer. (well, at least a whole lot better)
At the beginning of school (seems like a REALLY long time ago now), My Happy Rainbow had a post about the 2 favourite things in his new room.
Light bulb time.
How simple is that. Put dots on the floor where the kids are supposed to stand.
 |
| the dots keep going - I know that 11 does not follow 6! |
Matt's dots are really cute, but the monster theme did not really work with my classroom.
So, I figured that I would make my own. I looked at digital wallpaper, trying to find something that I liked, would work with my class and was within my self-imposed really cheap budget.
Then, the second light bulb moment (I was on a roll!).
Scrapbook paper. My kindergarten teacher buddy had told me that she had lots of scrapbook paper, and that if I ever needed some for a k project to let her know.
We found paper that we liked, printed off the dots. Laminated them. I taped them on the floor with packing tape.
Kids know where to go. Line is more organized. Teacher is happy.
Sometimes it's the little things.
Hate to keep the revolution all to myself.
Click [here] to download your own magic dots. The printable is 6 pages. If you want an ABAB pattern with your dots, the first three pages need to be the same scrapbook paper colour/print and the second 2 pages need to be the same.
Changing the world one dot at a time.
ReplyDeleteDo you get any grief from custodian about taping them to the floor?
ReplyDeleteI talked to our janitor before I taped them on the floor. He said it was all good.
Deletesandi
I stumbled onto a similar solution when I put a number line on my floor for a math lesson. From that point on I would tell my kindergarteners that they had to be on a number on our number line.
ReplyDeleteLyn
Mrs. Goff's Pre-K Tales
I did something like this, too. I used the die cut machine to cut out numbers and taped them to the floor. I used seasonal colors and used different colors for odd and even numbers. It is a great way to teach odd and even numbers to kindergarteners. I've also seen teachers tape calendar numbers to the floor.
ReplyDeleteI found you through the Manic Monday linky party.
Michelle @ Teach123
great idea!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Math is Elementary
Such a smart idea:)
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers
I love the dots, and thanks for connecting me with Manic Monday Freebies... I have been snoozing on that one!
ReplyDelete- Michele
Multiage Moments
I just found your blog (actually my daughter sent me the link knowing I would love it!) Well she was right- your blog is fabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower. I sure hope you have a chance to stop by my blog soon- something special is going on and I'd love for you to take advantage of it.
Do you have a follow me by email? I really like having my favorites delivered straight to my inbox.
Cindy
Granny Goes to School
I love the dots idea, it's great - thanks for sharing your idea!
ReplyDeleteFor those with young children I would like to recommmend Debutots, Debutots is a unique blend of interactive storytelling and dramatic play for 6 months to 7 years. In exploring our stories vocally and physically we facilitate children's literacy and communication development. They speak, listen, imagine, observe and do. http://www.debutots.co.uk/