Engage your math students right from the start! In this post, I share five engaging lesson hooks for math, including resource links to get started.
All about teaching preschool! Great ideas for preschool activities, standards-based curriculum, preschool assessments, and documentation.
Make multiplication practice fun with this multiplication arrays worksheet alternative, Array City. Students will practice their multiplication facts and repeated addition with these array hands on activities. Differentiate this multiplication art craftivity by having student show multiplication in your choice of repeated addition, multiplication equations or even division equations! Click the ✅ PREVIEW ✅ button above to get a close-up look. Array topics include: repeated addition only repeated addition WITH multiplication multiplication only multiplication with division division only ⭐ Save by buying the BUNDLE ⭐ Multiplication Arrays are included in: ✅ Math Crafts Complete BUNDLE for the WHOLE YEAR ✅ Classroom Decor | 3rd Grade Math Crafts for Bulletin Board What's Included? ⭐ Step by step directions sheet perfect for a sub day ⭐ Craftivity Components 22 buildings easy to cut "windows” recording sheets for equation (multiplication, repeated addition & division options ⭐ Bulletin Board Components “Array City” letters (b&w and color) Pre-made Array Buildings (b&w and color) ⭐ Worksheet Components 4 draw & color your own array worksheets 2 pre-made array worksheets for students to record the equation Allow for creativity by letting your students pick the shape and color of their building and adding their own flair to each building. Just print and go! Differentiation is easy with this project. This Resource is Perfect for: ⭐ sub plans ⭐ whole class or small groups ⭐ independent practice or collaborative work ⭐ party day ⭐ morning work ⭐ hallway or classroom display ⭐ quiet work while you individually assess students ⭐ interventions, enrichment and more! ✂️ Click here to see ALL the MATH CRAFTIVITIES available. ✂️ _________________________________________________________________ ➽ Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches ➽ ▶️ Follow Amber from TGIF on TpT ▶️ Follow Amber from TGIF on Facebook _________________________________________________________________ ** Don't forget that leaving feedback earns you points toward FREE TPT purchases. ** _________________________________________________________________ Copyright ©Amber from TGIF Permission to copy for single classroom use only. Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.
After watching a One Channel session on Explicit Teaching, I ordered this book and I am so glad I did. I have just finished reading it and it makes so much sense to me. This text offers a proven method for better teaching and better learning. It presents a step-by-step approach for implementing the
This Monster in My Closet art lesson has been one of my students' absolute favorites over the years! A perfect lesson for drawing creativity out of even the most hesitant young artists. With a focus on line, shape, and texture your students will be engaged the entire time they are creating!
Unlock elementary & middle school art teacher resources! Join my free library: games, handouts, posters & more. Elevate your art curriculum!
This product is curriculum map templates that you can use to create your own curriculum maps for your classroom. Included are example curriculum maps for Math, ELA, Science, Social Studies, Art, and Health. All maps are based on fourth grade Common Core standards. Thestandards and information can easily be changed and edited. The maps are made in Microsoft Word using Tables. You can easily merge or split cells to make your own map, along with changing the standard numbers, ideas, etc. If you want detailed directions on how I create my own curriculummap for each subject I teach, check out our blog post – https://continuallylearning.com/how-to-create-a-curriculum-map/
These all about me, back to school art activities for kids are engaging icebreakers. Encourage creativity and build community during the first week back
Here are some of my favorites STEM books for kids that you can add to your collection today! Before starting a STEM or building challenge, I always read a book with my class. I love connecting literacy, sitting together on the carpet, and engaging my students in discussions. There are so many amazing books that ... Read more
Hey, friends! I'm coming to you today with my very favorite fiber arts projects! Teaching fiber arts is one of my very favorite things to teach, along with clay. This summer and fall, I put in HOURS creating THIS BOOK which will be due out this coming summer: You can preorder yourself a copy here if you are interested! But if you just can't wait, I thought I'd share some of my very favorite fibers projects right here today. Be sure and follow the links to the lessons as nearly all of them have how-to videos that are perfect for you and your students. Let's start with sewing! 1. These GIANT pizza pillows were such a hit last year with my students that I knew I had to do it again. Because I was wrapping my fibers book this past fall, I decided to kick off the school year with fibers. Usually, I'm all about fiber projects in the spring. This is how we displayed the pillows at last year's art show! This year, we also made both emoji and donut pillows (size: HUGE) but for details on those, you'll have to scoop up my book. 2. If you are looking for a beginner sewing project on a smaller scale, you might wanna try these stitched monsters on for size. My kids used Smart Fab fabric for the bodies but felt would work just fine. If you are curious what types of needles and thread I recommend, be sure and check out this blog post as well as the others where I break it down for you. 3. I learned embroidery from my grandma when I was in elementary school and I LOVED it. It felt so good to learn something so "adult" in my mind: creating a picture with needle and thread. I love sharing this experience with my students now too. You can read all about this Our School Has Heart fiber art's experience right here. This year, I decided to live dangerously and introduce embroidery to my second graders at the start of the school year...when they are still first graders, really. It was a bumpy start but they got it and loved it. This lesson can be found in my book but I did create this video a while back to help you troubleshoot stitching with kids: Actually, the above video was created for AOE during one of their online conferences! This is a couple years old but does walk you thru a lot of important details of all things fiber arts and kids. And here is my troubleshooting embroidery with kiddos video. I hope you find them helpful! 4. For even MORE details on sewing and embroidery, along with a book I strongly recommend, visit here! 5. Needle felting with kiddos is not something I do very often...but I do enjoy doing it! If you attempt needle felting with children, I'd make certain it's with a group of kids that understand the dangers of the needle felting tool and are responsible enough to handle it. As y'all know, I LOVE needle felting and have put in countless hours stabbing stuff. If you are interested in learning more about needle felting, start here. 6. One of the most popular lessons on this blog has been my string art lesson. This is based on a project I did in 5th grade and LOVED. My students have loved it just as much. I've created videos to walk you and your kids through this lesson so be sure and check out this blog post AND this blog post! 7. Paper weaving is a must when you introduce weaving to your students. But what to do with the paper weaving when finished? Last year, we made these woven owls and the kids loved them! Both this blog post and the one mentioned above have A TON of videos on teaching first graders (and up!) how to make a paper loom and weave. 8. Circle Loom Weaving has always been a huge hit! I normally do with my second graders in the spring but this year, I did it with third grade in the fall. I can't tell you how many videos I have on this! Be sure and check this blog post out if you have any questions about getting started. 9. Have you ever tried CD or Embroidery Hoop weaving? So fun and easy! Last year, my second graders tackled CD weaving instead of plate weaving. It was a great way to upcycle those stacks of CD's I'd been accumulating. This type of weaving takes less time than plate weaving as you don't have to spend two art classes painting the plates. They also look super pretty in the window when light hits the CD. Video and lesson details here! 10. Whenever I get stumped for a lesson, I just think back to the things I enjoyed creating as a kid. I remember the summer I spent at a vacation bible school learning straw weaving. So fun! My kids love this one too. Details and video here! 11. Want a lesson that packs a huge punch? Tree weaving teaches landscape painting, weaving and so much more! This lesson of mine has been another huge hit on my blog. I have many videos to walk you and your kids through this fun technique. You can find it here. 12. I have yet to meet a kid who didn't love making Ojos de Dios. Why not try expanding on that love by making BIG God's eyes?! We did that here! 13. Pouch Weaving used to be one of my all time favorite things to teach. Because it is complex, I created an entire series of weaving videos for you and your students, including how to create that cool cord. You can find the beginning of the series here. 14. Got yarn? Then you and your kiddos can yarn bomb! What a great activity for your early finishers too. 15. Shibori! I love shibori dying and so do my students. I created a video that explains EVERY one of these folding techniques and you can see it here. So, truth be told: I've been blogging for seven years and teaching for twenty. I KNOW I've left some great lesson links and videos off this list accidentally. So, you are wanting more, give my name and whatever type of fiber project you are interested in a google search...or search in the bar on the side of this blog. Because there are just so many fun fibers lessons out there. AND stay tuned for my book where there are even more!
Handy free printable leif erikson for kids worksheet and coloring pages to make into readers to learn about famous early explorer!
PRIMARY SCIENCE UNIT 1 - THE HUMAN BODY We are so excited to dig into Unit 1 in our science sequence! We kick off science this year with My Body and My Five Senses . It is the perfect place to start science with our primary kiddos. This year we are going to explore and learn about the
Hispanic Heritage History Month Art Lessons - 11 Great Hispanic Artists and Ideas for Art Lessons About Them.
Joseph preschool Bible lesson. Learn about how God uses everything for good.. Games, Crafts, Activities, songs, lesson, worksheets and more.
These are my best Color Theory art lessons for kids ages 4-14. They focus on multiple art elements and principles, and embrace the magic of the rainbow.
This post may contain affiliate links. You pay the same and I get a small commission. Yay! (Please see my/our full disclosure for further information.) Looking for simple and fun music lessons? These movement activities for 2-3 grade elementary music class are just the ticket! These lessons are for second and third grade. They will… Continue reading The Best Movement Activities for 2-3 Grade Elementary Music Class
Where should we begin? It's the age-old question we ask ourselves when we sit down with a new (beginning) student for the first time. What should we talk about first? Hand position? Finger numbers? Letter names? Where's Middle C? I like to get the student playing as quickly as possible. We explor
I had seen this lesson on various school blogs using Nick Rowland's explosive volcano artwork as inspiration for students to produce their own using some of his techniques. LEARNING INTENTIONS: To respond to a volcano artwork by UK artist Nick Rowland. To make an artwork of a volcano using techniques explored in Nick Rowland's work.
An object lesson is a surefire way to grab the attention of everyone involved. Here's 21 LDS object lesson ideas that will help you out.
Please Note: All images seen below are of my students artwork only. These photos/lessons are not posted in any particular order regarding the flow of my curriculum. Abstract Self-Portrait Paintin…
8th Grade students studied Van Gogh’s art works and his specific painting technique. We specifically examined The Starry Night, one of the most famous painting of Van Gogh. First every student to…
Join the STEM Teachers Club and get this STEM Challenge and 500+ more ready to use lessons today! Earlier this fall we experienced multiple hurricanes in and around the United States. As a teacher in Indiana, my students are not very familiar with hurricanes. I wanted a fun and hands on
Need a Reformation Day party idea? How about a round of Martin Luther bingo? Kids will enjoy playing this game to review the events of Martin Luther's life and the Reformation. This activity includes 40 different bingo cards and 71 questions/answers. A teacher's/leader's call sheet lists the 71 questions and answers. The bingo cards contain the answers. The questions are generally written in chronological order. A great game to play at school, church, youth group, or with your homeschool group! It is helpful if players have previous knowledge of Luther and the Reformation. Note: this resource is not about Martin Luther King, Jr. Check out this Martin Luther and the Reformation Skit/Script. You may be interested in other resources in my store: Christian resources: Bible Story Bingo, Martin Luther and the Reformation, Holy Week script, Fruit of the Spirit awards/devotions/posters, Miracles of Jesus readers' theater scripts Christmas resources: Christmas Story Bingo, Christmas Agamograph, Secret Angel Gift Exchange, Advent mini-lessons
springtime, math, freebie
SZABLONY DO POBRANIA (RÓŻNE) -CZYLI WIOSENNE PORZĄDKI W WIRTUALNEJ BIBLIOTECZCE.... :)
Keep all of your lesson plans for the whole school year in one streamlined easy-to-access place with a Google Sheets Lesson Plan Template!
Hello to my Preschool People! I’m sharing a lesson on friendship today through the story of David and Jonathan. This is a great lesson if you are a weekday preschool teacher to integrate with a “friendship” theme in your classroom. […]
In my taste finding expedition, I’ve found myself being drawn to more complex and narrative pieces which juggle multiple elements. I’ve always loved looking for structure in whatever I’m loo…
Grab our free, clickable Mega List of Themes and Skills for Pre-K & Kindergarten Lesson Plans to see what themes/skills I cover in my classroom all year!
Nehemiah was an Israelite leader in the days following the Babylonian exile. He was instrumental in the project of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. These activities are related to Nehemiah.
Dale Chihuly is one of my favorite glass artist. You see his work a lot here in the Northwest. He even had a piece on the Frasier TV show. But not all of us can do blown glass. I really like wh…
Here's a great idea I spotted on Pinterest.... I tried this lesson with my middle school students and they had so much fun with it! I originally used a copy machine to enlarge students' fingerprints. It was cumbersome and time-consuming. But then I figured out a faster, easier, and better way! For detailed instructions with photos, tips, writing prompts, a student gallery, and fascinating fingerprint facts, check out my fun resource on TPT! My pdf also comes with 3 ready-to-use fingerprint enlargements in case you don't have time to take students' actual fingerprints. This can also be helpful for students who arrive late or miss the first day when you work on these. Optional... use colored pencils to lightly add some designs in the background before tracing over your writing with Sharpie. This will personalize your self-portrait even more!
Two Points: This is MY method, and not necessarily right for you, your teaching or care philosophy, your set-up, or your students. Curriculum participation by my students is VOLUNTARY. I invite them to participate, but if they choose not to, then that is fine. I usually offer them a choice of a few of the activities and let them decide where we start and where we go. An engaged child learns, a dis-engaged child rebels. The 3-year rotating curriculum is theme based. Some times we stick to the plan, but usually I observe what they are interested in learning about, what they are asking questions about, and suggest up to three different themes they can choose from for us to study. I make my own 3-year rotating curriculum for many reasons: Packaged curriculum is often only one year. Since I teach for 3 years, this would be redundant. Most packaged curriculum focuses on skills my students master early. My 2s count to 20, know 11 colors, know most of their phonics, uppercase and lowercase letters, 10 shapes and some of their numbers and I still have 3 years of curriculum to teach them. They often are worksheet intensive. My students usually are cognitively advanced from their fine motor skills. I have 4 year olds that still can't write well. If I had relied on worksheets for the last 2 years, there is no way they would have the skill sets they have. Worksheets are also not considered Developmentally Appropriate Practice [DAP] for children under the age of 8. We use them here for writing practice starting at age 4. [Yes, worksheet-intensive public schools are not using DAP for kindy through 3rd grade!] They can be expensive. If you are purchasing worksheets, why would you spend even $1 a week/$52 a year when you can purchase a 400 page Scholastic preschool workbook from Sam's Club for $8 that covers probably more material, is most likely aligned with the public school expectations, and is colorful. Colored copies are NOT affordable to make from packaged curriculum. Most [ALL!] preschool learning should be interactive. Pinterest is a better source for ideas. My students change every time I do a theme. I have to be able to tweak it to the interests and capabilities of those currently in my care. Plus, I'll find more interesting activities on Pinterest, have an idea for a new game, etc. It's a constant evolution to keep my curriculum relevant to our current group, situation and resources. However, curriculum planning and creation is very time consuming. Even with older curriculum I spend several hours going over it prior to teaching - updating, creating new materials, purchasing and setting new classroom decorations. While I have had my 3 year curriculum, this year I found myself wanting a more specific schedule to focus on specific skill sets for this particular group of children. Most of these skills can be incorporated into our themed curriculum, or they take 5 minute sessions to pop into our day. I have two groups, the younger preschoolers are 2-3 years old and the older ones are 4-5 years old, all at the same developmental and skill set level within their group. This makes it easier, as I can tailor everything to just 2 groups. If I were to have additional levels of children, then it would be tailored to each level. Children here are taught at their developmental level, not age. Asychronastic development is normal, so I may be teaching a child at various levels depending upon the subject matter. For the younger preschoolers, I came up with this structure. For the older pre-k students, I came up with this one. For instance, both of them have Measurement & Comparison on Friday for Reasoning. However, for the younger students, this would be a more/less, longer/shorter, big/little, etc. activity, while the older students would be measuring with rulers, yardsticks, tape measures, measuring cups, unit blocks, foot steps or themed units, and graphing the measurements to compare. Same skill set, differentiated at vastly different levels. Even this needs conditional tweaking. All the pre-k's know how to spell their last names now, so that is no longer a relevant skill activity for music and will be changed out. In another post I'll get into the curriculum components and the importance of each. For instance, how counting on Friday teaches 1-to-1 correspondence and creating method processes for counting groups of objects. CLICK PICTURES TO VIEW LARGER I use this MS Word template, available for FREE on TPT, for curriculum planning. Often, the daily skill sets above are either already incorporated, or can easily be incorporated, into the theme planning. For an example of a completed curriculum unit, check out our Owls Theme. Each monthly theme is broken down into 4 sub-themes. For instance: SPACE Astronauts & Rockets The Universe Our Solar System Aliens & Robots We also have a musical component, often classical, and an art component, often a master, and Spanish vocabulary component that we incorporate. This planning form may not include all games, file folder games, manipulatives, room-set up, etc. that I utilize. For those of you trained in curriculum creation, I do NOT do a full curriculum development for each activity. With having these children usually from infant to school-age, I keep an internal evaluation of progression and plan out only weekly learning objectives. Since I am creating the activities for my personal use, I do not need to create written procedures and evaluations. My curriculum is stored currently in file folders in a large office bookcase unit. I would like to get it into boxes so that I could have EVERY theme-related item, including dress-up, room set-up, manipulatives, etc. together for an easy pull. File boxes will most likely be the easiest, but they do take up a lot of space. In each file some of the things I probably have: Completed planning sheets All the books I own for that theme Flannel board Sentence and word walls File folder games Samples of previous crafts DVDs CDs Coloring pages Mini-book(s) Build-a-[theme item] game Curriculum creation is one of my great joys. I love the research and compilation, the creativity and excitement of bringing something fun and educational to my students. Learning is rarely linear. Children take developmental leaps, sometimes in odd directions. As a teacher, it is important that I keep each one challenged without pushing or inhibiting their growth, and that takes constant evaluation and a good eye for when those leaps happen so that we can move on to a higher level of instruction. When we do an activity, I constantly question if they WANT to do another round, another activity, and I usually cut them off while they are still engaged. I want them wanting more, and they will usually ask if they can continue. One of the most important desires and abilities I can instill in them is that of self-directed learning. So as they choose to go off with their rulers after we've spent several minutes doing a measuring activity, conferring between themselves as to procedures and what to measure next, I step back and let them. They know I am here as a resource, rather than an intrusive director. It is my job to ensure that when I invite my students to learn, they glow with excitement and anticipation of a fun, interactive, playful time. The results, so far, have been astounding. A few of my complete curriculum units are available through my TPT store. Apples Dental Ice Cream Penguins Rainbows St. Patrick's Day Valentine's Follow Connie -'s board Classroom on Pinterest. Tags: preschool, child care, pre-k, curriculum, development, teaching, education, homeschooling, homeschool, home, school, preschool curriculum development, planning
Kids will have fun learning about the parts of their body and what it is called with this easy-to-make, FREE My Body Mini Book.
