This is my eighth (and final!) post about implementing reading workshop in the primary classroom. In my last post, click HERE to read, I explained how I use English Language Arts checklists (for the Common Core State Standards) as the main way that I assess my students during reading workshop. Today, I will specifically talk […]
This idea is actually a gem that one of my students thought of years ago! This fun trick will get students as young as Kindergarten to stop chatting! It's one of my favorite classroom management tricks!
I have plans to do a few sets of printable packs based on social concepts. I've already done two on feelings and emotions, but I wanted to get into other realms as well. So, to
One teacher chose to show her students how to treat others is a truly unforgettable way, and I'll be passing it on to my kids for sure.
If there's one thing the world needs more of - it's kindness! Spread some good ol' TLC with your students by implementing this engaging activity!
View from front door Computer Station Guided reading table...this is also where I have my mailboxes for kids and guided reading s...
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Have you considered a Eric Carle classroom theme inspired by the books, but you are having trouble figuring out how to put all of the pieces altogether?
I'm Sharing My Kindergarten Lesson Plans for Week One Of School! Including Freebies: Insta-Portrait and Build Your Name Printable Activities!
13 absolutely necessary things to do in Madrid - a guide for new auxiliares! Welcome to Madrid, go explore the city and have the time of your life!
One teacher chose to show her students how to treat others is a truly unforgettable way, and I'll be passing it on to my kids for sure.
Primary colors are one of the first art concepts. Experience olor mixing first hand with this coffee filter crafts that requires only washable markers!
These FREE Printables and Unit Studies for Eric Carle's Books will help you expand on what your kids are learning through these beloved books.
7 free resources to help you take an informative and fun assessment on students Pre-K to 1st grade. Perfect for homeschool or summer supplemental learning.
Do you need a hands-on, sensory lesson to teach about kind words? You will love this! Perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and even older kids! Also part of the Virtual Book Club for Kids!
Is your child ready for Kindergarten? This post will help you decide plus free worksheets focused on kindergarten readiness skills like...
Hi friends! I'm super excited to share with you how I made graphing in Kindergarten fun and independent this year! Every year my kids find graphing super fun and engaging but teaching JK/SK (that’s Pre-K/K for my American friends) it was always hard to make this an independent centre. This year I found a solution that worked well! Here is how I taught it: Day 1: Learning Goals & Success Criteria First I introduce the learning goal "We are learning to make graphs". Then we start by talking about the first step in the success criteria: I know I can do this when I can make a question. I give them a few examples first then have the kids share and added their questions to a chart. Then I typed up the questions and laminated a couple copies to keep in our question folder so that the students can reference them if they need help coming up with a question. Day 2: Make a Question and Collect & Graph the Data On the second day, I introduce the rest of the success criteria I can collect and record data on my graph. Data=information Sidenote: I followed some of the kids around as they graphed the first couple of days and asked them questions like "What do you need to do first?" and "How do we record _____'s answer?" etc. to uncover some student thinking. I took pictures and notes as I followed along and then printed a couple out as exemplars for the success criteria "I can collect and record the data on my graph." I can answer questions about my graph using the words most, least and the same. Then we practiced making our graph. I was going to start with a concrete graph (in theory that might be better) but I have a higher group of kiddos than usual this year and I wanted to introduce the graphing papers that we they would be using at the graphing centre so I could open it that day. So I put this graphing paper up on the smart board and we went through the steps together. First we read the question together and I showed them how to trace the question. Then we picked three colours for the choices. We talked about we could do a small scribble with crayon to indicate our colour choices if copying colour words from the word wall was too tricky. I also told them that even if they can copy the colour word to do a small dash of the colour with crayon underneath to help them remember what is what. Then I modelled how to ask the question to each student in the class and add the data to the graph. At the end we talked about which colour was the most popular, least popular and if any were the same. I left out this paper with clipboard, pencils and crayons for the kids to try. Here is an example of a completed "What is your favourite colour?" page. I told the kids that if there were no colours that were the same they could either put an X or write "none". The kids also used these "Photo Class List"'s to keep track of who they've asked. As they asked their question and graphed their data, they crossed out the person they asked. On the third day we made our first concrete graph. First we reviewed that the first step was to make a question. I told them that the question we are going to answer and graph today is "What is your favourite animal?" I then quickly taped 5 different animal pictures around the room. Then I had the students move to the picture of their choice. Then we called 1 group at a time and graphed the kids on the carpet. We have the perfect carpet for this as our carpet is a grid! We had the person at the front hold the animal picture, took a picture with the iPad and showed the image on the SMARTBoard. Then we talked about which one was the most, the least and the same. Here is a sample of an favourite animal graph they could complete at centre time: On the fourth day we made another concrete graph. This time we graphed siblings in our class! We followed the same steps as favourite animal but I taped the signs for "sisters only", "brothers only", "brothers and sisters" and "no siblings" instead. The rest was the same as the third day :) On the fifth day we created our birthday graph! First I had some of my kiddos write the months of the year for me. Then I put them up on the bulletin board. Then I printed out a square picture of each of my kiddos and mounted it on black construction paper. Then we added the pictures during whole group math time and we talked about which month has the most birthdays, which month has the least birthdays and if any of the months have the same. Next time I would have the students write their birth date on a whiteboard and hold it in from of them when I take the picture so that I could easily get that information from this graph. I also used this graph on my graphing wall and put it under "I can answer questions about my graph using the words most, least and the same." Then I put a velcro dot on top of each column and the words most, least and same on a velcro strip underneath. This way, the kids can come and practice identifying which month has the most, which month has the least and which months are the same number of birthdays on the graphing wall. If you would like to try the pre-filled favourite animal graphing sheets click on the button below to download them for free :) All of the printables above can be found in my newest product, Graphing for Little Learners! You can click on the image below to check it out in my TPT store :) My kids are still loving graphing and it is a popular centre every day. How do you teach graphing in Kindergarten? I would love to hear your fun ideas!
This is my eighth (and final!) post about implementing reading workshop in the primary classroom. In my last post, click HERE to read, I explained how I use English Language Arts checklists (for the Common Core State Standards) as the main way that I assess my students during reading workshop. Today, I will specifically talk […]
You’ve probably tried all the commonly recommended ways to quiet a chatty class, only to be left frustrated by the lack of results. If you’re anything like me, you’ve tried everyt…
Growth Mindset: The Power of Yet Recently my 1st grade classroom has morphed into a K/1 combination classroom and then resulted in HUGE gaps (academically, socially, & emotionally) between my s…
From teaching tips and parental strategies, to anti-bullying activities and games, these ideas offer great inspiration to help kids stand up to bullying!
If you're looking for a quaint city filled with charm, Franklin, TN is it! From historical landmarks to local treasures, here is a list of 11 one of a kind things to do in Franklin, TN! #franklintn
This PDF has two pages. One handout with examples of 20 different kinds of lines and a blank one for students to create their own kinds of line! I like to provide examples for my students but then prefer to give them a space where they can try their own. This year, I used this worksheet with my Kind...
One of our learning objectives is studying Lines and the Elements of Art. I wanted a simple line project that incorporated many different types of lines while also reinforcing landscapes, the othe…
Hi everyone! We are back to school here in California. I am done with my first week of Kindergarten. Only one more week to go until my students are somewhat independent. I don't know about you, but it seems like the first two weeks just get harder every year! Once the first two weeks are over I can get down to some real teaching. I have started using the DeeDee Wills and Deanna Jump Guided Math units. I LOVE them! I mean it. I LOVE them. If you have time, check out what they are on TpT. They are an excellent supplement to any Kindergarten math program. My students love them too. Math time is their favorite part of the day (except for dress-up.....)! Here are somethings we did this week, along with some pics of my classroom this year. I like to change it up every year. Keeps it fresh for me. Capital letter name page This our capital letter name page. Each child gets their own personal capital letter. I don't know about you, but I have many students coming to Kindergarten writing their names in all caps. It drives me crazy, so I try and emphasize that we have 1 capital letter in our name (most of the time anyway). This year I had students put small stickers inside their letter. I had a million left over from last year and I thought it would be a nice way to use them. You could also have them glue tissue paper in the letter, small objects like sequins or beads. I wasn't ready to break out the white glue, so we used stickers. Big Head Self-Portraits Aren't these adorable? These are self-portraits! Yep, this is how they see themselves. Amazing every time! Each child made one and practiced writing their name. I like to use a highlighter and have them trace it. In the beginning it is hard to trace on dotted lines. I also like to attach name writing practice to bigger activities. I think it makes it more meaningful. You can grab this cute template here so your students can make their own self-portraits. Below are some pictures of my classroom this year. I thought I would share. Rug area As seen from the back of the room. Objectives Board My math board. I hang the cards from the Wills and Jump Guided Math units so I have them handy. I always lose things right as I need them. This way I have everything at my fingertips. My reading board. The left has my Focus Board. This is for letter fluency. We read the letters (left to right, top to bottom) as quickly and correctly as we can. I have our alphafriend and how to write the letter of the week. The red rectangle will hold our weekly sight words. That is some of the classroom. I also have a writing wall (It has nothing on it yet) and an "Amazing Artists" wall (also, nothing on it yet). I will post pics of those soon.
5 ideas for better activity transitions in middle and high school classes
This is a digital file. You will NOT receive anything by mail. Make the sweetest flowers ever with your little ones handprints (or footprints) for Grandparents Day! This is a digital download in 8.5x11. Handprints are not in downloaded file. This Grandparents Day printable is a project that allows kids to add their own handprints and/or footprints to the page. Makes a great keepsake for grandparents. Great for use at home or in a classroom! *I am a former childcare teacher turned stay at home mom of a toddler. I have 14 years of experience in writing lesson plans and planning activities for the toddler age range. These are the same activities I do at home with my daughter! Follow us on Instagram for tutorials and more toddler ideas! Search growing_upwith_grace. *This printable is for private use only either at home or in a classroom. NOT TO BE RESOLD.
I remember being a kid and making my own shrinky dink handprint keychains. See how to make one of a kind keychains in this easy tutorial!
8 Anti-Bias Activities for the Home & Classroom
I've heard of lapbooks for homeschooling before and they looked interesting. I hesitated before to try to make one because they just seemed like tons of work and I worried that they might be too
Make practicing counting, shapes, alphabet letters, what comes next, and more fun with these super cute, FREE Apple Worksheets for Preschoolers!
Kids and young adults need to be able to problem-solve on their own. Every day, kids are faced with a huge number of social situations and challenges. Whether they are just having a conversation with a peer, working with a group on a project, or dealing with an ethical dilemma, kids must use their s
Communicating with families is often the most difficult and overwhelming part of teaching. There's no handbook for teachers to use to improve communication with parents, but we know how valuable positive home-school relationships are to student success. Developing these relationships makes dealing with behavior and academic concerns much easier. This list is a few of […]
Help kids who struggle with b d letter reversals with these tips and free printable posters!
Skills Building: I Am Enough (PK-2) Written by Grace Byers and Illustrated by Keturah A. BoboTEKS: Reading K.5(E); 1.6(E); 2.6(E); 3.6(E); 4.6(E); 5.6(E)Pre Reading QuestionsHave you ever felt like you weren’t good enough or felt bad about yourself?Is there anything you can do to make yourself feel better when you think this way?Think of one
Yarn: 3 (3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins -- HiKoo Sueno, 80% Merino Superwash, 20% viscose from bamboo, 100 gram/255 yards. Needles: US #6 (4.0 mm) or US #7 (4.5 mm) or size to obtain gauge – 16” and 24” circular; one set of double point needles in same size. Optional: Double point needles in same size to complete the sleeves in smaller sizes. Notions: 5 split ring markers; 8 ring markers (may be yarn markers); ruler and tape measure; bent tip yarn needle; crochet cotton or a lightweight yarn for lifelines. Optional: Eucalan wool wash. Designer’s Note: Who wouldn’t like to have a simple sweater in their wardrobe – something basic that could be knit on circular needles without a lot of fuss? I have been imagining such a sweater with raglan shaping. It would have a face framing ballet neckline. The increasing would be a classic with yarn overs forming an openwork pattern along the raglan seam. The sleeves would be short and the body would be a tube with little or no shaping. Length would be high hip or mid hip, long enough to wear with jeans and a good length to wear under a jacket. Lightweight yarn seemed like a good idea, so I chose a DK weight yarn and gauge. The knit fabric would be soft and comfortable to wear. Investing time in such a garment would mean, for me, that the resulting sweater would be hand washable. For me, there would be two considerations for choosing a color. First, I’d go with a neutral, probably gray since I wear a lot of black. Or I might consider a favorite shade of red or red violet, kind of magenta, one of the punchy colors that I like to wear. A basic sweater t-shirt – that’s what this pattern is all about. I’m calling it the Throwback Tee and I hope that you will join me in knitting your very own t-shirt sweater.
Happy December, Y'all! This is Chandra from Teaching with Crayons and Curls! This year my firsties have LOVED LOVED LOVED spending the day with a stuffed animal. Our class uses a classroom economy similar to this one from True Life I'm a Teacher and they use their money to purchase coupons. The 'Furry Friend' (spending a day with a stuffed animal) coupon is one of their favorites, so I knew I had to use this to my advantage! Meet our class Behavior Buddies- Listening Lion, Happy Hippo and Positive Pig! Aren't they adorable!? Students earn these Behavior Buddies when they are showing positive behavior! I usually choose one student per day to spend the day with each stuffed animal. Usually, they are chosen at the end of the day and they get to spend the next school day with that Behavior Buddy. The furry friend stays with them throughout the day in OUR classroom. They don't go to recess, specials, or lunch. Just makes things a little easier (and cleaner!). We've been using them for a few weeks now, and my students have started nominating each other to spend the day with a Behavior Buddy! I mean, how adorable and KIND is that!? It all started with one sweet little firstie saying, "Mrs. Dills, I think Sarah should get Listening Lion because she has been such a great listener today!" Yep, I made a HUGE deal about that! When students earn a Behavior Buddy for showing positive behavior, I also want to make sure that this is communicated to their families! So, I created certificates that the student can bring home to show their family! It's a great way to build that positive school-to-home relationship! I ordered all of my furry friends off Amazon. But, you can grab stuffed animals anywhere! Wal-Mart, Target, and the Dollar Store. There are many different animal options in my pack! Since it's so close to Christmas, I thought it would be fun to introduce holiday themed Behavior Buddies. You can grab this pack for FREE in my Teachers Pay Teachers store! Just click here or on the image below! I hope these cute little friends help promote positive behavior in YOUR classroom!
