the share

The share is an essential part of an academic workshop. We share our work in many different ways in Kindergarten; sharing with the whole group, sharing with a partner, sharing with a teacher, going on a museum walk, and displaying student work in our classroom. When the children engage in whole and small group shares they are developing speaking and listening skills while inspiring and encouraging. I view the sharing of work as formative assessment; Was the child able to read their own writing? Did they provide careful and organized work? Did they use pictures and words? Can they talk about their work? Can they explain or show how they solved a problem? 

Here are a few examples of the essential share in Kindergarten- and a few stories highlighting growth and the meeting of speaking and listening expectations.

Academic Choice

Lily shared her love for a friend, Oliver, and his family by writing a little teaching book about the people in Oliver's family. She used pictures and words to tell the names of Oliver's brother, mom, and dad. She asked to share her little book and took initiative by preparing for her share during rest. 

Lily's share is part of her story of growth, social and emotional learning. At the beginning of the year Lily would sometimes pass when her name was called during whole group instruction or shares. We all have the option to pass and it is okay to feel more comfortable sharing with one peer or in a small group. As the year has progressed Lily has asked to share more and more- and to share on her own. 

In this powerful moment Lily asked to read her book to the whole class, practiced and prepared for her share, and then wanted to have five peers give her stars. We usually have one or two friends give stars, but Lily suggested five. She then said we could keep her book on the shelf for 10 days, in case we wanted to read it again. 

The Family

Birthdays

In Kindergarten we celebrate each child's story by inviting them to share pictures from birth-now. They work with their family to choose pictures they want to share and talk about. Some families share pictures digitally and some decorate a poster with pictures, drawings, and words. 

In the past, families came into the classroom and helped their child share and celebrate their story. Families were unable to come into the classroom this year. But, in this disappointing change, I noticed something powerful; independence! The Kindergarteners had to share their pictures on their own. Many practiced at home, prepared with their family, and then bravely shared their pictures and stories with their peers.

Our birthday celebrations have been some of the richest experiences this year. Children share about their families, favorite experiences and adventures, and make connections. We continue to learn new things about our friends.

Another story of growth is Maia's story. Maia is a powerful artist and often shares her drawings and little books with her peers. As her birthday celebration neared she asked if I could stand in the front and repeat what she said, in case her friends couldn't hear her from behind her mask. On the day of her celebration I asked Maia if she would still like help or if she wanted to try on her own. I can do it, she said. Maia projected her voice and all of her peers could hear about her many adventures! Maia's birthday poster continues to be a favorite to look at during snack and choice.

Small Group Work

As we near the end of some of our small group work, it's important we celebrate the learning of our peers. One way to celebrate is for a small group to use what they learned to create a final piece; highlighting their knowledge of a specific strategy or skill. Ms. Marissa (our SLP) has worked with a small group on reinforcing the ending sounds in words; the rhyme. 

This week the children presented and shared a rhyming game they made, using their skill of hearing the ending sounds in words. It's a find-the-rhyming-match game! They explained their game and how to play. 

We then used their game pieces the next day for our "find your match" greeting during morning meeting. Their rhyming game lives on our shelf of literacy puzzles as one of our new academic choices.

Rhyme Time!