Partner Teaching

Today was the first day of the first graders working together with his/her shoulder buddy on our Mountain Language and Mountain Math.  We have spent the first few weeks working the problems together and today they got with their shoulder buddies to work.  They were soooo excited!  We talked about how we have to talk to one another when we work with our shoulder buddies.  We started out by practicing a couple of problems.  One would start and talk about what he/she thought the answer would be and why.  The other student would have to agree or disagree and explain why they agreed or disagreed.  

They did a WONDERFUL job!  I think I have some future teachers in this classroom.  As I walked around the room, several of them were showing his/her partner how they got the answers.  I was so excited about how well they did for the first time.  Here they are:

I'm excited to see them in action again tomorrow!

Have a great night!

First Full Week of School!

Yay....we made it through the first full week of school!  We had an awesome week and the kiddos are already starting to get into a routine.  Although, I will say that I believe that they were extremely tired along with me yesterday. 

 

I was very excited because we learned our first math game and played it with a partner.  It was our first partner activity so I was a little worried and nervous about how they would do with it.  They did an outstanding job!  They played it just like I would have wanted them to play.  Each student stayed on task and played nicely with his/her partner.  Therefore, I was very happy that they are already able to work with a partner nicely.  Of course, we have such great kindergarten teachers that they train them so well to do all of this stuff already!  Check them out!

 

 

I was also excited because this is the first year that I am trying to incorporate some Whole Brain Teaching.  I have taught a few things to them so far, but by far my favorite one is the Hands and Eyes.  This has so far been such a great way to redirect them if they aren't focused in on what I am teaching.  I am excited to incorporate more Whole Brain Teaching as the year goes on.

 

Next week, I will have a tour of my classroom and will be posting some pictures.  I found some really good ideas on pinterest that I incorporated in my classroom this year to help with some organizing.  It has worked out well for me. 

 

Hope all of you have a great weekend!