Play in ELA Stations

Is it just "play" or are they learning? To me play is learning if done in the correct way. When I prepare new stations, which most of the time is weekly, I have to ask myself "Are the students reading or writing?" If so, is it meaningful writing or reading. At the beginning of kindergarten it may not look very meaningful to others, but you all know if they are practicing those letters it all pays off later on. 

So how do you encourage kindergarteners to write? Build a ship! 

Yep! Look how enticing this is for a little one. They can't wait to go there to create their treasure maps. 

We worked on map skills and had to add a little fun Friday....

We made "earth" cookies after discussing differences between a globe and a map. Blue frosting water and green sixlets land = one yummy earth!

This week I set up a grocery store to get students excited to read and write.

You know you want to come and play... to be five again, ahhh. First you have to fill out your grocery list before you can "shop". Love making those lists!

The kiddos have asked to keep the grocery store for next week. I also asked them what things they like to work on at other stations. I love their input, makes it more meaningful to them. Do you ask your kids what they want to work on?

Play and learning

Exhausted is the only word I know since school started. We are now into our third week of school and my kiddos are starting to meet my expectations... No turning in scribble scrabble, you need to try, people are not purple, we can't whine or cry to get our way, yes you have to be nice to others and share. I could go on forever but I'm sure you completely understand. I needed some excitement in my room and learning at the same time so as usual I go all out with my stations.

At blocks they are putting stickers on Mine Craft Blocks to build their name. Yes the coolest paper blocks ever according to my kiddos. 

At writing they are learning to write names and use envelopes to mail it off in our mailbox. 

In dramatic play they are optometrist and opticians. This has been the hot station! They have to read the letters to see if they need glasses and then the doctor may also write them a prescription. Ha, ha gotta love it!

At sensory they are bakers and can bake up some letter cookies with the Young Living oil playdough that I made 😍 or they can use the paper chocolate chip cookies above and put their ABCs in order. I love listening to them sing the song and help each other. 

I thought I may keep these stations up for next week since it's a short week, but I'm excited about teaching maps next week and having some new "play" literacy stations. 

Check back to see what I come up with next!