Where does the time go...??

Hi Friends!
Long time... no blog!  Ugh.... I am STILL trying to get a handle on this blogging world.  Time has been flying by in Kindergarten!  We have been so busy.... learning to read especially.  The light bulbs went off and we are on the reading train!  I am so proud!

On a different note... my school has implemented Thinking Maps into our curriculum.  And can I say I L*O*V*E using them with my kinder friends.  I don't want to say that they are similar to traditional graphic organizers, but Thinking Maps are BETTER than graphic organizers.  The biggest reason why they are better is there are only 8 maps to use in every subject area.  My kinder friends know the names and uses for 6 out of the 8 and we are learning the last 2 now!

I use this map every week for learning word families.  My kinder friends really "get" it when making new words using this Multi-Flow Map.

We also add color to help see the connection between the left side and the right side.

The Circle Map is wonderful for all the {brainstorming} we do together.  This map is second nature to my friends now!  It is a definite staple to our word work center. So many ideas... so little time.

This is my favorite map to use because it really makes my friends THINK.  This is the Bridge Map... it is used for showing relationships.... and I make my friends tell ME what the relationship is between the top and the bottom pictures.  Plus, my friends feel so smart when they figure out the answer!  And that makes us all feel good!

I could go on and on showing what we do... and I know so many of you wonderful teachers use them in your classes!  Go Thinking Maps!!

Have a happy week friends!