{Place Value}

So this week has been hectic again. My wee kiddos are struggling with a full school day and keeping up with formal schooling and not playing all day. I have to keep reminding them (and myself) that it will get easier as the year progresses.

This week we have started by looking at tens and units. The whole class found it hard to understanding grouping in tens, so we used unifix cubes and then base ten blocks to explain. We are going to fill in our place value houses tomorrow and move on to counting ten pence and one pence! This is a huge step for them! 

We work through these workbooks nearly every day. Last year I had loads of extension work for the class to do when they finished, but this class is not as interested in learning or working quickly. We are really working on writing our numbers the correct way especially the number nine.. 

 Any ideas to explain place value for my littlies? 

{ First Week }

The first week has come and gone, and I must say that it was a whirlwind!  I can't believe that a short week ago there was lots of midday naps, movies, walks in the sun and general relaxing.  It is a stressful time every year and I'm always thinking "will I remember how to teach, what to do when I stand infront of them, will I remember how to keep them safe and entertained all day long?" and more questions that seem to penetrate into my dreams weeks and weeks before school even begins. It is such a relief when you get in and remember how to do everything. :)

I have to say this week was exhausting and to say it was anything less than crazy would be a lie! Throughout all of the craziness I completly forgot to take photos of what we got up to. I very quickly snapped this picture of my behavious board as we focused A LOT on this (I have a very chatty class). I will try to remember pictures for this week and some of the activities we get up to. 

It is so easy to forget how little my year ones are when they first come in to class and how much they need support in everything they do. Next week will be the start of our independence and stamina building for my little kiddos, fingers crossed! I'm also meeting parents this week to fill them in on procedures, expectations and how well our first week went. Hopefully they are as excited about the year to come as I am.

I'm off to catch up on sleep before the craziness starts again tomorrow. Hope you all had a good first week with your kids.

{ Prep Prep Prep }

Oh my word, I am exhausted! Don't know about everyone else but this week for me so far has been time to prep my class room and have meetings. Meetings, meetings, meetings.

My kiddos came in today. It was chaotic to say the least. I will fill you in in procedures and activities soon, but right now I need to go to sleep. 

How did everyone else's first day go? 

{ Keeping Calm }

This wee dude is keeping me happy and calm today.