My Magical Classroom in Photo’s!

When I walk into my classroom, I feel like I am in a fairy tale! I love reading, books and fairy tales and I want my own children and students to love reading as well. Surrounding them with stories and reminders to read is my tactic- haha!

Shown in the picture above is my reading corner. I found those cute and comfy chairs, both from Target – for under $30! The letters that say READ are chipboard letters that are covered in rhinestones. My daughter and I had fun creating them! The little brown rug is a gem that I found at Ross for $11. I love great deals! The castle turret on top of the book shelf is a simple box that I cut and sponge painted with 44 cent gray acrylic paint.

Small Group Learning Area – This is where I do most of my teaching. The blue table behind the semi-circle table, holds all of my supplies for the day and week. Prior to school starting, the table was black and white polka-dotted. It was screaming to be painted! The bulletin board is covered in simple burlap and is the Reading Word Wall. I add “words/skills” as we cover them.

This Dragon is “Hot for Learning!” – I actually drew this little guy out from a paper box and then painted him with 44 cent acrylic paint from Wal-Mart. The pennant banner is simple scrap book paper, from Wal-Mart and is stapled to thin satin ribbon. I found the “Reading Word Wall” caption letters at Michael’s!

My Teacher Pad – I made a min-pennant banner with the same scrapbook paper. Actually, these are the same pennant banners that I used in my classroom last year. Last year, I used the same color scheme. I made my name sign with a chip board sign and acrylic paint. The frames on my desk are from Micheal’s and were just $1. I was too worn out to paint my filing cabinets, so I just hot-glued my left over material to the side of one! It is the same material that I used for the bulletin board behind my desk.

“The Mystery Word of the Day” – I place the definition of a word on this bulletin board and the students have to use their resources (ask an adult, use the internet or a dictionary) to find the correct vocabulary word. Anyone with the correct answer earns $5 in classroom cash!This lovely material is from Hobby Lobby.

Computer Corner – So, the backpack hooks are above the computers. I didn’t want to rearrange the furniture, so I added extra material to jazz up the wall above the computers. I’m still not loving it 100%, but it will do for now!

Entrance Area – This is not very fancy, yet! The door to enter my classroom is to the left of my schedule.

Learning Goals Chart – Each flower has a students’ name on it, and (now) I have target skills beside the names.

Math Corner – I made these with “No Sew Glue” from Wal-Mart. It was fun! The table below is covered with a lime green table cloth from Dollar General and the room divider contains the Math Word Wall. This is a quiet area where children work in partners.

Front and Center – This chalkboard was formerly green and dull. I painted it with chalkboard paint from Ace Hardware (which was half the price of Michael’s). Below the Smart Board is a shelf that contains Language and Math materials. I changed the desk arrangement from what is displayed in the picture. The desks are now back to pack so that the students are not facing each other.

Clouds of Inspiration – I absolutely cannot make those cute tissue paper flowers that hang from classroom ceilings. So, I used white felt, hot glued 2 pieces together and stuffed them with whatever I had lying around (paper towels, scrap felt, etc…). I painted the letters with acrylic paint after I wrote it with a sharpie first. I hung 5 cloud from the light fixtures, using see through ribbon.

Mirror, Mirror – I have this hanging for all to read, upon entering the classroom. I made it with a silver colored tray from Dollar Tree. I painted gold acrylic paint around the edges (about 3 coats).

Curtains, Again! – I used these in my classroom last year. I created them by stapling the green material down at the top and then hot gluing blue ribbon over the staples.

Before Pictures!

Special Education in Kindergarten…Curriculum, Easy Readers and Lesson Plans Galore!

Introducing my Kindergarten Special Education Lesson Plans!!!!! These plans are also Common Core state standards aligned and they are developmentally appropriate for special needs children ages 5-7. I created these lesson plans last year, while teaching Kindergarten Special Education. I had 9 students ranging in various exceptionalities such as: Autism, Downs Syndrome, developmental delays, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, and ADD. Although these plans are standards-based, I also show teachers how to organize Learning Stations for Math and Literacy and teach small whole group lessons as well. The full curriculum is 210 pages long, which I have also bundled together.

For a limited time, I would like to give you a FREE week of these Special Ed Kindergarten plans! You can download it here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Special-Ed-FULL-WEEK-of-Lesson-Plans-or-Sub-Plans-by-GBK-1006586

Kinder Special Education FULL YEAR Lesson Plan Bundle:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kinder-Special-Ed-FULL-YEAR-Lesson-Plans-and-Curriculum-by-GBK-1318584

Easy Reader Books that come with the bundle!

All of my huge bundles (in PDF and zip files) are on TpT. However, if I made available a paypal store, here on my website, would you rather download/buy from my website? Or, is TpT sufficient? It’s just an idea that I am rolling around in my head. I’d love your feedback. Thanks! “Summer is not over yet!” -Andrea

All You NEED to know about Learning Stations, Centers and Workstations

Hey friends! You know a published author now! Now you can prove it! My book “Early Childhood Learning Stations 101” by Andrea Chouhan is now available at TpT!!!!!!!! Below is the full description of this 211 page book:

What makes this book special?

1-It contains tons of full color photographs of Learning Stations for Math, Literacy, Social Studies, Science, Dramatic Play and Poetry.
2- Every learning station in this book is aligned with Kindergarten standards (Common Core State Standards and either TX and/or AL Social Studies and Science Standards).
3-I also explain how to rotate between learning stations, and even free choice stations.

Kid and teacher tested!

If you have wondered how to incorporate Stations or Centers, that are academic based into your classroom, then this is the book you need. All of the activities are kid-tested and teacher approved…..and they are FUN!

Will this help my students and my teaching?

This is a great book for veteran or first year teachers and all of those in between! This is like a Pinterest board for learning stations, in a book! However, it is a major time saver, as all the information of “how? what? and why?” are listed in the book and all in one place!

Will I need anything else?

While these stations promote manipulative materials (cheap ones!), you will not find any worksheets in this book. However, I do have some of the printable stations at my TpT store, that can simply be laminated and ready to go! Also, “Early Childhood Learning Stations 101” goes great with my “Kindergarten Lesson Plans – Common Core Aligned” and “Special Education Modified Kindergarten Lesson Plans – Common Core Aligned.” These are also available in my TpT store. Within these lesson plans, I reference many of these stations. This book provides the visual of those stations! My lesson plans are available by the month, or yearly bundle.

Note from ME!

Thank you for taking the time to read the details of this book and for following my blog. It is the compilation of my 10+ years of teaching and it took much time and dedication! I am sure you will love this book and I look forward to hearing what you think! Have a wonderful school year! –Andrea Chouhan

Here is the TpT book link: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Early-Childhood-Learning-Stations-101-211-pg-book-1329176

The paperback version can be purchased at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1491222417/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

Introducing….My Newly Published Book!!!!

I am so excited to formally announce that my book is finished! All, while being full-time mom, full-time teacher and working on this late nights and weekends for the past four years. Yes, of course, I took tons of breaks in between! “Early Childhood Learning Stations 101” is about how I blended Centers and Workstations into Learning Stations. Learning Stations are explained more in detail in my book, but to put it in a nutshell, they are academic and developmentally based AND they are FUN, FUN, FUN

To celebrate Summer, I am offering my book for sale at 40% off the list price! This celebration sale will end on July 4! (To take advantage of this sale, you must purchase the book from my secure CreateSpace e-store. No code is needed.)

Follow this link to purchase your paperback copy book of “Early Childhood Learning Stations 101” from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/1491222417/ref=rdr_ext_tmb or follow this link from CreateSpace (my publisher-this is the link for the celebration sale! Once you add the book to your cart, the price automatically drops like magic!) http://www.createspace.com/4381168

Follow this link to purchase your Kindle copy of “Early Childhood Learning Stations 101” by Andrea Chouhan http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LC4LZYI

Why you will love this book:

1. Every Learning Station in this book is aligned with the US Common Core State Standards in Literacy and Math. Science and Social Studies stations are academically aligned with Texas TEKS and/or Alabama College and Career Ready learning standards.

2. Each Literacy, Math, Science and Social Studies station features pictures from my classroom!

3. Each Learning Station outlines the aligned standard, activity and needed materials.

4. Needed materials for these Learning Stations are common classroom items or Dollar Store items!

5. It is 212 pages full of ideas that I and other teachers have used in our classrooms!

* This is the books 2nd edition, as it was originally printed with only Texas learning standards in 2013. It is now completely aligned with the US Common Core State Standards, as well as Alabama learning standards. It also has tons of more NEW pictures of learning stations and activities. The 1st edition had 157 pages – so much has been added! The Kindle edition, is optimized for Kindle. It may also be read on the iPad and iPhone, but will not be viewed as optimally. Text will appear mis-aligned. I have done my best to ensure that all grammatical errors are eliminated, however, I am only human, so errors may still exist. That’s the price I pay for being my own editor! I welcome your feedback and support! Happy teaching!

Facebook Fan Giveaway!

Please join us on facebook! You may be the 200th “like” and win something really cool from me! Find me on facebook: green bean kindergarten

https://www.facebook.com/GreenBeanKindergarten?hc_location=timeline

Hands First! Fine Motor fun

green bean kindergarten

UPDATE! I love this fine motor curriculum! Why?

1. First of all, it is written by specialist who work in the field with children. These ladies are not just theorists who research what may work best. They actually use these fine motor activities during Occupational Therapy sessions and they oversee teachers who are using them in their Kindergarten classrooms.

2. Next, each fine motor activity in their book is detailed, yet to the point. There is not too much reading and you can easily visualize the activity.

3. Also, beginner, intermediate and advanced activities are presented. This curriculum is perfect for helping students who may not be special education students, but who need extra fine motor help. They may not qualify for Occupational Therapy, but they need some! On the other hand, the activities WILL benefit students who are already receiving OT services! Everyone wins!

4. The Hands First curriculum…

View original post 165 more words

Hands First! Fine Motor fun

UPDATE! I love this fine motor curriculum! Why?

2. Next, each fine motor activity in their book is detailed, yet to the point. There is not too much reading and you can easily visualize the activity.

4. The Hands First curriculum is teacher friendly and teacher tested!

5. It is kid approved and is fun for children (and teachers)!

I give it 5 out of 5 high fives!

*Disclaimer – I receive no payment for my promotion of this super duper curriculum. I met Allison, via Linkedin and she asked me to review “Hands First,” which I did. I just looooove reading new curriculums and offering my feedback, both constructive and positive. If you see recommendations on my blog, it is because I LIKE or LOVE them! It is is simple as that!

————————————————————————————

(original post – May 30, 2014)

I just received the Hands First Fine Motor Curriculum! I am so excited that their is a level 1 RTI program for fine motor skills that is aligned with the common core standards! Check out their website! www.handsfirst1.com Stay tuned, as I share more! Special thanks to Alison for mailing me a copy of this break through curriculum that is designed to help kindergarten age children!

Mother’s Day Ideas

We made mini-muffins for mom and the kids had so much fun cooking! This was also a great sequencing activity which helps sharpen story retelling skills.

Minecraft Birthday – Teacher/Mom Style!

I put my teacher skills and extra school supplies into my son’s Minecraft birthday party! It turned out super fun and my whole family had fun creating everything. The best part…the decorations were all very inexpensive, Pinterest and blog inspired! I am also not a baking type of mom-and I somehow managed to make the cupcakes resemble a “creeper!”

I made the bags, below with black electrical tape. I just snipped squares and put them together.

I made this photo booth back-drop with that big butcher paper on a roll. Then I cut out squares of the other colors to make the clouds, tree, sun and inverted grass block. I then taped it to the wall.

This little piggy was made with pink construction paper. We used green streamer for the tail, for the game “pin the tail on the minecraft pig.” That was what I just happened to have lying around, nearby! Haha!

A few weeks ago, my dad and husband trimmed the crepe myrtle trees and saved the branches. The kids found the piles and took it upon themselves to “craft” teepee’s. Our little ones are just so creative. Look-its girls against boys! The branches actually held up with electrical tape. I just sat back and watch their creativity and team work!

Here is our fun little food table. I found the food tents at: printables.com (or maybe it was printable.com)….for free! We used strawberries for “red stone,” green m&m’s for “slime balls,” oreo cookies for “coal,” rolo chocolates for “gold” and yellow apples for “golden apples.”

The kids ended up entertaining themselves with nerf gun games outside, outdoor chalk, bike riding, teepee building and stick gathering. I am glad that I didn’t plan too many activities – they ended up being better party planners than me!

Project Based learning “Pizza Hut” Style

Pretend Play with Pizza Hut is a fun way to add pizazz to your classroom! Some of my students still had trouble learning the letter “P” and it’s sound. So, with Spring around the corner, I decided to spruce up our classroom Kitchen and transform it into Pizza Hut!

This goes along great with our shapes lesson, as well -and- it encourages good social skills and peer interaction!

During the first week, I invited other school staff to pop into our classroom and “place their pizza order.” They modeled correct and complete sentences for the students. It is so meaningful (and cute!): The child who takes the order, must ask “What would you like to order?” Then, he has to use the paper ingredients to remember and make what the customer ordered. This is a great way to build story sequencing skills!!!!!

I made this Center using the big red roll paper for the Pizza Hut roof. For the wall menu, I simply printed signs that I made from google images of each Pizza type.

The Pizza’s are just paper plates with a red construction paper circle taped on top. The pizza toppings are cut paper, sorted into bowls (rectangle green bell peppers, cheese, pepperoni).

Next, they will get to practice their counting skills with the money I have added!

My students also had fun making pizza in class. This was a great lesson in sequencing and I think it helped a great deal in sharpening story retelling skills. As a whole group we worked together to put these cards in order as we discussed the steps in making real pizza. Then, we made real pizza, beginning with making pizza dough and all the way to flattening the dough, placing toppings, baking it and then eating it! Afterwards, the children cut apart the picture cards below and glued them in the correct sequence.