I was volunteering in a kindergarten class last week and a child I was helping was having trouble writing his numbers. I found myself saying, "remember, curve around and slide to the right." He didn't remember because he didn't know Dr. Jean's number song ?!?! I was so surprised because I can't imagine teaching without her. Without question, she is the person who has most influenced my teaching. Each and every day we sing at least 2 of her songs. When my students get to pick a song, they always choose Tooty-ta. I teach reading by routinely referring to what "good readers do." When I taught in Chester, the students choreographed the greatest dance to "The Tools of Good Readers."
In addition to music, there are so many other ideas that I routinely use that came from Dr. Jean. My children (in both Chester and Swarthmore) love Oreo Words. I learned about them (and "kiss your brain," and letter vests, and pinching e, and sight word cheers, and....the list goes on and on) at a Dr. Jean conference I attended in South Carolina. (My daughter was in college down there...talk about a perfect weekend - Kiera and Dr. Jean!)
I know that most people who read blogs know about Dr. Jean... I guess I just wanted to send her an open love letter to thank her for all she does for teachers. Dr. Jean, you're the best!!
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| Kids playing with Oreo Words during Free Play! |
I love her too, Lyn. My kids are going to be singing one of her songs for our Mother's Day program called A Box for Mommy. It's really sweet. I was lucky enough to attend an all-day workshop with her a couple of years ago. She was great!! I even got a picture with her. I'm a huge fan of her blog, too.
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Connie, We would so be friends if we lived near each other! I think we should do a joint 100 follower giveaway when we each get close to 50 followers. I have at least $25 worth of Starbucks gift cards that we could use.
DeleteI just introduced my student teacher to Dr. Jean songs! My kids love them of course!
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The Daily Cupcake…A Kindergarten Blog