Jobs in the arts are as varied as you can imagine. Use these free printables to encourage your kids to explore career opportunities as creative as they are. Free graphic organizers and printable bulletin board displays help you start the conversation about jobs in the arts!
Students learn about positive character through discussion, reading, writing and performing skits.
Do you play music in the classroom? Here's our classroom playlist of first grade greatest hits!
I received a very nice email from a talented reader in Australia, named Lavinia. She told me that she really liked my book Special Me, but she asked if I minded if she redid it with updated text a…
Active Students? Try Scoot! The game, Scoot, can be played a number of ways for a variety of reasons. Here are the basics of the game, a few suggestions, and a freebie!
Your students will love this sink or float science experiment! You can use everyday items from around the classroom for this experiment!
DIY Bitmoji Classroom Posters Why Am I Late to the Bitmoji Game? Well, friends, I'm back to the classroom for my second year in ...
Have a chatty class? Do your talkative students get louder and louder during small groups until it feels like chaos? Do they talk when you'r...
This model and template will help college, high school, and middle school teachers put together a syllabus that sets you and your students up for a great year.
Check out this fun DIY Lung Model Activity for Kids: Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Fun Learning Experience.
This was a very FUN project that i did for a friend's school. They auctioned these off for their school fundraising event. I photographed each child in the 3 kindergarten classes and then asked them what they wanted to be...
This was our first day using our felt body parts and working on internal organs. The children LOVED it. Teaching Elements for today: We eat food We chew food with our teeth to break it into small pieces Food travels down the esophagus to the stomach The stomach is full of acid The acid breaks down the food The food goes into the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed Then it goes into the large intestine where the water is squeezed out Then the left over food comes out as poop. Beginning Discussion - Focused on discussing our food and stomachs, their importance, our favorite foods, why we need to eat good foods, how those good food nutrients work in our body to make us healthy and strong. Language - We worked our body parts word wall, going over the internal organ names, reviewing beginning and ending sounds. Math - We laid out a "small intestine" to see how long 20 feet was and compared that to a 5 foot large intestine. While creating the number line, we worked on our number order, number identification, and odd/even. Even though they are right around 3, the children were able to complete the number line independently. Of course, we had to measure some other large items as well... Since our number cards are not 12 inches tall, to make it easier to space the numbers the next time I do this unit, I folded up the "intestines" in one foot increments to use as a guide. Science & Fine Motor -How our bodies break down food: Give each child a slice of bread, have them tear it into pieces (teeth), add water and stir (spit), add more water (stomach acid) have them mush it with their hands (stomach muscles mushing), pour onto a towel and roll up (small intestine) and see how the water comes out (nutrients), squeeze the towel (large intestine) and open to find the solid (poop). Gross Motor - For gross motor the children took turns laying down on a cot and placing the body parts. Anatomy Templates $1.00 TPT This was available as a free choice activity throughout the rest of the unit. Song/Finger Play - Again, I couldn't find ANY songs or finger plays that addressed the digestive system, so I made up my own. Digestion [Tune: If You’re Happy and You Know It] Original song by Little Stars Learning If you’re hungry and you know it eat some food If you’re hungry and you know it eat some food If you’re hungry and you know it, then you really ought to do it If you’re hungry and you know it eat some food. Chomp, chomp, chomp it with your teeth Chomp, chomp, chomp it with your teeth Mix it with your spit and send it down your esophagus Soon your stomach won’t feel uncomfortable. Mix it in your stomach with some acid Mix it in your stomach with some acid Then send it on its way so the small intestine may Get all the nutrients your body needs Pull out the water and the nutrients Pull out the water and the nutrients As your food moves along, through intestines small and large The end results create a nice and solid poop. Books -This is the book we read today. Although the book below is above our level, the graphics were wonderful to study and discuss. We've just finished being in potty-training mode, so had this one handy, another good preschool book to go along with this unit. Video - Magic School Bus episode For Lunch YouTube- Digestive System by KidsHealthVideos We really had a fun time on this first day of internal anatomy. We are all excited for tomorrow! Tags: anatomy, preschool, pre-k, childcare, child, care, science, digestion, digestive, stomach, liver, intestine, esophagus, poop, printable, theme, unit, body, parts,
Hi! I'm Marlene a teacher and blogger at I Heart Teaching Elementary. I share classroom tips, ideas and lessons that I do in my classroom.
Too many classroom icebreakers require students to take big social risks with people they barely know. Or they don't really help students get to know each other. Or they are just plain cheesy.
We've found 12 inspiring, wonderful books for graduation gifts, whether you're honoring a new kindergartener or a high school or college grad. (Sniff.)
Free Printable Good Character Traits List. Free Printable Good Character Traits List that you can use to teach your students about Good Character Traits at school. The Good Character Traits List includes the 210 Good Character Traits organized in alphabetical order. Print all Good Character Traits List that you need to hand out to your children at home or students
I love to start the year building classroom community with Peter H. Reynold’s books like The Dot and Ish. They are great read aloud books to begin a growth mindset activity. Both books are great for teaching kids that it is okay to take risks and make mistakes. Those books also go very well […]
Ladies and Gentleman... we officially have the first week down in the books!! And what an AMAZING week it was!! #BestFirstWeekEver!! My kiddos are just awesome. We learned a lot and laughed a lot! My own children also had a great week (aside from a quick bout of a stomach bug that kept one home for a day!). My oldest, Drew, started 1st grade. My middle, Quinn, started Kindergarten. And my toddler twins, Addy and Chase, began two-mornings-a-week preschool. Additionally, Mr. Musings from the Middle School (my husband Dennis), started a new school year, too! Phew!! My head is spinning! Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great weekend and recovering from this busy time of year. This post is mainly a pictorial of some of the goings on in my classroom this week. As we settle into our routine, I'll be back with more "meaty" posts (and hopefully some new videos, too!). One of my favorite activities from the week was this Growth Mindset lesson that I adapted from here. Basically, the kids had to create the image on top using just a piece of paper and scissors. It was NOT easy... but that's exactly the point! As the kids worked, I wrote down some of the comments I heard. Things like, "this is impossible," and "I give up!" After I let them struggle for a while, I brought them back together and discussed the activity with them. It was eye-opening to see their words. They all agreed that their attitude was too negative so of course they would never have been successful. Then we read the Growth Mindset posters hanging in our room and discussed what each one meant. I closed with this video from Khan Academy. It was a fun and powerful lesson. One of the BEST purchases I made from TpT for this school year is the Icebreakers that Rock bundle from Cult of Pedagogy. This product contains three PowerPoint activities that allow students to talk to each other in an easy, comfortable way. What is great about these is that you can use them as one, big activity, or you can break them up, showing just a few slides here and there, as "brain breaks" through out the day. That is how I used them. So, on the first day, I did a big "Find Someone Who" activity with them. This allowed all the kids to learn each other's names. Next, I assigned them all their lockers and we practiced opening the combination locks (super-stressful for these first time locker users)! After that, we did a few slides from Icebreakers that Rock. Then, we went over the syllabus. Next, a few more Icebreakers that Rock slides. After that, I handed out and went over all the paperwork that had to go home and be signed (oh, the paperwork!!!). Then, a few more slides right before lunch. And then a few more right after lunch. Next up, a tour of the building. Then a few more slides before trying our lockers again. Finally, another slide right before dismissal. It was the perfect break/filler/attention-getter/distraction to use throughout the day... actually, I used the slides throughout the whole week! Run to TpT and pick this product up today! Totally worth every penny. (Some of the slides can be done silently. I LOVED these slides!!) Of course, we had to number our notebooks to get ready for ELA next week. I always tell kids that this is the easiest, most difficult task that we do all year :) I really the love smell of a Mr. Sketch anchor poster in the morning! This year, I'm starting with Reading Nonfiction: Notice and Note Stances, Signposts, and Strategies. My thinking is that it will really help with getting started with Article of the Week. Here is one of several of the posters I'll be using to teach these strategies. I'm jumping on the #ObserveMe bandwagon! Read more about it here. I'll keep you updated on how this goes throughout the year! Okay... that is enough for now! The beach is calling my name... nothing beats September here at the Jersey Shore! Hope the back-to-school season is treating you well! I'd love to hear how your school year is going so far. Happy Teaching!!
I'm sharing our multi-age homeschool schedule for preschool, kindergarten and 2nd grade with a total of 7 kids in 2020!
Have you bit the virtual Bitmoji classroom craze? Pop on over to learn some tips & tricks on how to get started & find inspiration on making your own, too!
Too many classroom icebreakers require students to take big social risks with people they barely know. Or they don't really help students get to know each other. Or they are just plain cheesy.
Thousands of teachers have used these tried and true GUARANTEED tups to stop students from blurting out. Chatty Class? YOU NEED TO READ THIS!
Hey all! I hope that you are enjoying your last few days of summer. I've had some questions lately from both new and veteran teachers alike about year-long pacing of curriculum. How can you make sure
Has your classroom turned into a 1:1 Chromebook Classroom and you are unsure of how to utilize these devices each day? Come learn about some meaningful ways to integrate these devices into your elementary classroom!
I spent my weekend working on 2nd Day of 2nd Grade resources! I use to do this back when I taught 2nd grade and then a couple of years ago I started celebrating the 3rd Day of 3rd Grade. Here are some snapshots of some of the activities I created: If you're a 2nd Grade teacher and would like to celebrate as well you can download the 2nd Day of 2nd Grade.
This blog post is full of ideas for the First Week of Kindergarten. Includes book suggestions, activities, and links to accompanying ideas.
Building rapport is one of an umbrella of strategies whose goal is to create a classroom your students love being part of. And why is that important? Because when your students look forward to your class, everything is easier. From behavior to attentiveness to ... Read more
It’s true. I don’t use a clip chart as a behavior system. Are you still reading or did you click out already? I know. I’m such a rebel. So is Jen over at The Teacher’s Cauldron. She recently talked about her behavior system which is not a clip chart either. She inspired me to ... Read More about I Don’t Use a Clip Chart. Please Don’t Throw Rotten Tomatoes.
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!
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
Too many classroom icebreakers require students to take big social risks with people they barely know. Or they don't really help students get to know each other. Or they are just plain cheesy.
Visit the post for more.
Have you thought about having a class pet, but don’t want to add one more thing to take care of in your classroom? Well, I have the perfect solution---a take-home stuffed animal! Kids love it and there is no cage or tank to clean out! Having a traveling class pet was by far the most popular class pet I ever had. Kids couldn’t wait for their week to take home the pet and have it be part of their life for a few days. Of course, I had to include a journal for the kids to write in through the week. Tips for having a take-home class pet. 1. Choosing a stuffed animal is the easy part because kids love them all. But, keep the size of the pet in mind. Too large and it's difficult to transport home and then back to school. Too small and it feels too much like a toy instead of a real pet. 2. Pick a traveling bag for your pet. I like clear plastic bags so everyone can see the adorable pet inside. Make sure it's large enough to hold the pet and the journal. I found this bag on Amazon for under $10. (Search "clear plastic tote" for lots of choices.) 3. Decide on the requirements for the journal. The requirements should be based on the writing level of your students. Kindies can have a drawing journal where they draw a picture or two that shows what they did with the pet. Firsties can write a few sentences along with illustrations. For older students, they can write paragraphs and add illustrations. Make sure all requirements and suggestions are included in the journal, so kids know exactly what is expected. 4. What will you use as a journal? I like using a composition book. It's sturdy and will last the whole year. You can glue on a cover and then glue all instructions and suggestions to the inside cover. Click here to download this freebie from my TpT store. (Click on this image.) 5. Make sure you share the journal on the day it's returned and before it goes home with a new student. 6. A letter home at the beginning of the year, explaining the Take-Home pet is a good idea. That way, parents know what to expect. I also let parents know the take-home schedule a few weeks in advance. That way, the schedule can be adjusted if a family needs to reschedule the pet's visit to their home. Above all, have fun. Just like a live pet, the stuffed animal pet is a great way to teach responsibility.
Whimsical poster perfect for a classroom. Check out all the "see ya later" sayings (see photo). This poster has an additional line at the end - "Our school day now ends. So goodbye, my dear friends." It is designed for a classroom. Note that the margins are slimmer. If framing, take care to buy a frame with narrow edges. It can easily be pinned to a board or wall or hand from a magnetic bar hanger. Dimensions: 18" x 24" Professionally printed on heavy, fuji poster paper with eco-friendly ink that is 90% waterbased. UV protected. Shipped in a tube, packed to protect the edges. This poster is available without the goodbye message at the bottom - https://www.etsy.com/listing/231798854/see-ya-later-alligator-childs-room?ref=shop_home_active_1
Print this I spy graduation game for free and use it for a preschool or kindergarten graduation or for a fun graduation party game.
Hey all! I hope that you are enjoying your last few days of summer. I've had some questions lately from both new and veteran teachers alike about year-long pacing of curriculum. How can you make sure
The first day of school is full of so many things: anticipation, wide-eyes, school supplies, new faces, maybe a few butterflies. And I...
