Why is it so important to them to get a stamp???? Because when they get 5 stamps, they get to pick a sucker from our sucker pull bouquet. (Sorry, it’s lookin’ a little bald in this picture!!) I’m really sorry that I don’t remember where I originally saw this idea-but the kids LOVE it!!!
Here’s why it’s sooooo exciting!!!! Some of the suckers are marked with blue on the ends of them. If they get a sucker with a blue tip-we call it a BONUS!!!! They get to go pick an extra treasure from the treasure box:) If there’s no blue tip-no worries:) They still get to eat their sucker:)
So, that’s it. That’s how I get to and go through all of their centers work. It’s all done the same day that the work was completed. I think this immediate feedback for the kiddos is crucial in making your centers run smoothly AND you don’t have any extra work to take home and grade!!! Works out great for everyone:)
I totally agree that grading center work is a must. If we are not checking our students work and holding them accountable, than centers go from purposeful to simply a way to fill time. I also check my student center work immediately. I really like the idea of the star chart though. I don't do any thing like that right now, but thanks to you I plan to start!
I totally agree. It does take extra time, but I want accountability.
Oh my! I love this! Here lately I tend to have papers pile up and on Fridays have a stack of papers to go through and stamp. Where did you get your huge pocket chart? Also, I love love love your sucker tree! I'm tempted to go out right now and buy the materials to make one of my very own!
You're not going to believe this, but the pocket chart was actually a freebie that I got from Highlights one year!!!;)
These are great ideas! I agree- if you just send it home, there's no accountability for the kid, and they could be doing all sorts of crazy stuff (misconceptions) during that time, and you'd never know!
I'm bad about keeping up with things like that, so I'm impressed at your structure and organization. Thanks for inspiring me to think about mine!
Hi Katie!
Love your ideas!!! Just wanted to share with you that I've seen these markers at Michael's craft store. I hope you have one near you! If not let me know, I could always get you some and send them to you. I think they are $.99! Bargain! Again, thanks for sharing all your great ideas! I read them!
Kideducator@comcast.net
Get out of town!!! You found them at Michael's?!? I read on their website that they carried them at Michael's, but when I went to the one in my area-they didn't have them!!!! Guess I'll have to keep searching!!! Thanks for giving me hope:)!!!!!
Cute! My kids have a folder that they put their center work in…I try hard to look at it weekly. Love the markers!
Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
I can't believe someone would not check it! Why even bother to make the copies? I check mine everyday while my kids eat snack. Students who I can tell tried their best get to hang it on our Wow Work board and if it's extra good, they get a smartie pants. They love hanging their work up! Love the pocket chart!
I also think it might send the wrong message to parents if you send home work that might be wrong.
Vickie
Mrs. Plant's Press
I have to say I love your center checking system! The sucker tree is too cute! Great ideas!
Sarah
Funintitlemath.blogspot.com
Such fabulous ideas. Thanks for sharing. I do think it is important to check their work. I have some who shove it in their cubby thinking I won't ask for it, but I always do. I like they reward part of it. Next year when I have 10 less kids I can add that part, just not enough time with 32
I am a second year Kinder teacher, and I really struggle with workshops. This sounds like a great idea that I am going to try. Where did you get your pocket chart?
I have the same pocket chart and I got it FREE from Highlights. If you send in 15 responses you can send off for the pocketchart.
Awesome! I love the idea of the Rock Star Papers and I have seen the idea for the sucker bouquet. Thanks for sharing!
Laura
Kinder Kraziness
I never knew! I just love coming to your blog and seeing what goes on while Jacob's at school with you 🙂 I am also LOVING the story books the kids have written and you have sent home with them. We have read them together and he has a smile beaming across his face because he's soo proud of the work he's done. You are such a fantastic teacher and I'm soo thankful for all you do for the kids. Jacob loves school and you definitely deserve the credit for that! Becky
I just want to second what a OUSTANDING teacher you are Katie! Don't think we can tell you enough how much we appreciate what you do for the kiddos! 🙂 Felicity's Mom
Ooohhh….Katie! I'm going to be on the hunt for these markers now! LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!
I quickly check my kiddos work — if I don't have a ton of time I just scan it to see if they basically got it and then check it more closely later. I don't want papers to go home that are completely wrong – parents will think that I'm not doing my job!! I usually make them correct their work too.
I work with a teacher that grades NONE of her kids work, ever! I don't know how she gets away with it, but she does. Just wanted to share that.
O!M!G! I love the sucker pull! Gonna steal that idea Miss K! Love it!
Those markers are a great idea — and you're smart to not overuse them in the classroom. One question… do you let the kids eat the suckers during class or do they get to take them home with them? Just curious… 🙂
Yes, I let them eat the sucker while they work on their Math journals…but they MUST be busy working:) I have taken suckers before and told them they couldn't have them back until their work was finished:)
Olá Katie, sou brasileira e moro no Nordeste do Brasil. Encontrei seu blog e estou encantada por ele, parabéns. Sou professora de crianças de 4 e 5 anos em uma creche pública na minha cidade e mãe de um menino de 6 anos. Por isso gosto de sempre procurar formas interessantes de meus alunos e filho aprenderem de forma mais facil, divertida e prática. Parabéns pelo belo trabalho.
🙂
Great idea Katie! Love it :0)
Shannon
kinder-pond.blogspot
I LOVE this! My students are getting pretty lax about their center work. This is just the thing to motivate them again! Thank you!
I totally agree that center work must be graded. It gives me a sense of how the kids are learning new work as well as remembering older material. In First Grade I struggle with how to share what they didn't understand with them. They don't look over their corrected work and don't always remember why they got it wrong.
Glad I found you! I'm your newest follower.
Kimberley
First in Maine
Kimberley
First in Maine
I saw these at Michael's for $1 and also at Staples for $2. Just FYI!
Oh…my…word…you have saved my sanity! I ran across your post a few weeks ago and have started using the Rock Star folders and the sucker pull and it is FABULOUS!! The quality of work is better and I don't have 8 million papers added to the mess I call a desk each day! Easy peasy system. My hair thanks you!
Erica
The Eagle's Nest
littlesoaringeagles.blogspot.com
Katie,
I don't even know you and I feel like I owe you so much! My name is Eileen. This is my fourth year teaching pre-kindergarten for a school district on Long Island. However, this is my first year doing literacy centers. I have "stolen" so many of your ideas, and each one has worked out beautifully!! You have been such a MAJOR help to me! I use your Rock Star grid for behavior management, and your lollipop tree (which my kiddos are OBSESSED with!) I just cannot THANK YOU enough lol! Also, I searched all over Long Island and FINALLY found the Scentos markers! My students love when they finish their center work and get a delicious smelling happy face on their paper 🙂 I would be truly honored if you ever took a minute to check out my blog (I just started), but I did mention you in my last post 🙂 http://www.prekinderdelights.blogspot.com Thanks again! <3 Eileen
Don't know if you are still looking for the markers, but I just saw some in a bin at Staples today.