Cherry Tree Elementary

Why a Favorites List?

Every kindergarten teacher at Cherry Tree Elementary knows that a child's enthusiasm for learning can be sparked by just the right resource. A curated favorites list helps teachers quickly locate trusted books, toys, classroom apps, and handson materials that support early literacy, numeracy, socialemotional growth, and creativity.

Top 5 Books Recommended by Teachers

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eric Carle

This classic introduces counting, days of the week, and the lifecycle in a simple, colorful format. Teachers love the predictable structure for readalouds and the tactile feel of the diecut pages.

2. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle

Repetition and a rhythmic pattern reinforce color and animal vocabulary while encouraging predictive listening.

3. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes James Dean & Eric Litwin

A fun story about resilience and making the best of a sticky situation. Perfect for discussions about feelings and problemsolving.

4. Goodnight Moon Margaret Wise Brown

A bedtime classic that introduces soothing language and a gentle rhythm, ideal for calming transition periods.

5. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault

Alphabet familiarity through a lively, rhyming tale that gets kids clapping and chanting.

HandsOn Materials Teachers Swear By

• Pattern Blocks (12piece sets) Great for shape recognition, symmetry, and early geometry.
• Magnetic Letters & Numbers Allow for interactive spelling and counting on the whiteboard.
• PlayDough & Sensory Bins Encourage finemotor development and science exploration.
• Manipulatives: Counting Bears, Unifix Cubes Perfect for twodigit addition and subtraction.
• Storytelling Puppets Boost imagination and oral language while making daily circle time lively.

Favorite Classroom Apps & Digital Tools

All recommended apps are compatible with the schools iPad fleet and are aligned with the State Early Learning Standards.

• Epic! Digital library with readtoself and readaloud options; teachers can create reading lists and track progress.
• ABCmouse Structured curriculum covering literacy, math, art, and music for ages 25.
• ClassDojo Parentteacher communication platform that also offers classroom behavior tracking and simple studentled celebrations.
• Starfall ABCs Interactive phonics games that reinforce letter sounds through animation.
• Seesaw Digital portfolio tool where children can upload drawings, voice recordings, and short videos of their work.

SocialEmotional Learning (SEL) Resources

Kindergarten teachers at Cherry Tree place a high priority on SEL because it forms the foundation for academic success.

• Feelings Flashcards Visual cards that help children name and discuss emotions.
• Kindness Tree A classroom display where students add leaves describing kind acts they performed or witnessed.
• CalmDown Corner Equipped with a sensory bottle, soft lighting, and a short breathingguide poster.
• Circle Time Scripts Readymade prompts for sharing, listening, and problemsolving.

TeacherPreferred Classroom Organization Tips

Consistent organization reduces transition time and helps students develop independence.

1. Label Everything Use picture labels at a childs eye level on bins, shelves, and cubbies.
2. ColorCode Centers Assign specific colors to each activity center (e.g., blue for reading, green for math) and keep corresponding supplies in matching bins.
3. Rotate Materials Weekly Keeps the environment fresh while allowing teachers to assess which resources are most engaging.
4. Use Simple Routines A visual schedule posted at the front of the room clarifies daily expectations.
5. Maintain a Missing Item Box A dedicated spot for items that need to be returned, encouraging responsibility.

How to Contribute Your Own Favorites

Cherry Tree Elementary encourages collaboration. If you have a beloved resource that isnt on this list, follow these steps to add it:

1. Complete the short Favorites Submission Form.
2. Include a brief description (max 150 words), the age range it supports, and any relevant purchase information.
3. Attach a clear photo of the item (if applicable).
4. The curriculum coordinator will review and post the suggestion within one week.

Bottom Line

The Cherry Tree Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Favorites List is a living resource built for teachers, by teachers. It highlights proven books, handson materials, digital tools, and SEL supports that make the first school year both joyful and effective. By using a shared list, educators can spend more time teaching and less time searching for the right supplies.