Using a “question of the day” in kindergarten is a great way to get students sharing a little about themselves all year long. They can be included in your day in a number of ways and can give students a chance to tell others about their interests and favorites. These are some of my favorite ways to use “question of the day” in kindergarten.
#1 When Taking Attendance
One way to use “question of the day” is when taking attendance. As students are entering the classroom, I already have my question cards displayed in a pocket chart, as well as the choices. For example, if my question is, “What is your favorite color?”, I have different color choices listed below the question.
Students can either use their prepared name card or write their name on an index card as they come in. Then, they place their name under the color that is their favorite. Afterwards, I can quickly scan the chart to see who is present for the day.
#2 Circle Time
Another way the “question of day” can be used is during circle time. Students can either go around the circle and share their response to the question, or they can share their answer as they place their name under their choice in the chart.
You can even give students a sentence starter, so they can practice answering questions with complete sentences. For the earlier example of favorite color, you might tell students to begin with the sentence starter, “My favorite color is…”, before saying the name of their favorite color. Using this activity as part of circle time is a great way for students to practice sharing and work on their oral language skills.
#3 For Math
After talking about “question of the day” in earlier parts of your day, you can also revisit it during your math and literacy blocks. In math, you can use it as a math warm-up. At the beginning of the year, students can look at the “question of the day” pocket chart to practice counting and comparing quantities. You can look at the color the students liked the most, the color the students liked the least, and even see how many more some groups have than others.
Later in the year, you can use it to practice graphing. You can create a graph or students can use the data collected in the “question of the day” to create their own graphs. They can then make comparisons with the graph like they did when just looking at the question in the pocket chart.
#4 For Literacy
Much like with math, you can repurpose your “question of the day” for your literacy block! Many times, my question is about what students like the most out of different food choices, activities, or other favorites. They are already sharing their opinions, so why not let it transfer to a writing activity?
Earlier in the year, you can choose days when this will be your kindergarteners’ only writing task. They can write a simple sentence about which item was their choice. Later in the year, you may focus your writing on “question of the day” and have students also write about why that was their choice. You could even choose to use it as a journal entry or writing warm-up. Either way, students get practice at sharing their opinions through writing, just as they share them with their choice on the “question of the day” pocket chart.
Overall, having a “question of the day” is a great way to get students to share more about themselves. You can have seasonal questions, questions about their favorite things, or even questions about what they are wearing. Regardless of what the “question of the day” is, you can use the activity throughout the day and year to reinforce important kindergarten skills and give students an opportunity to share.
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