I'm glad you asked! Talkify is an interactive resource from ABCYa.com that is my new favorite tool for my non-readers.
I have a rule: I do not respond to subtext. This includes guilt tripping, silent treatments, passive aggressive behavior, etc. I see it. I notice it.
When your life is feeling a bit "off," it's not always easy to figure out what, exactly, is going wrong. But there are plenty of explanations worth looking into. Are you're always running late, missing deadlines at work, or flaking out on friends?…
Find out how we are using reflex integration therapy to treat ADHD. My kids are gaining more control over their emotions and improving their focus.
Have you ever really learned how to READ A TAPE MEASURE? I have broken it down for you and given you a visual so you don't have to "count the little lines" any more!
Creative Writing Worksheet – History (PDF) I have another worldbuilding worksheet for you! This one has two pages; the first will prompt you to detail all of the major turning points in your world’s history, and the second will question you closely about how your peoples record, study and interpret history. The nice thing about history is…
What do you do when you learn that your child has dyslexia? Should you hide this diagnosis to protect them from labels and misunderstandings, or should you tell them? If you do decide to tell them, how do you do this? Can you help them to overcome any potential fears or misunderstandings? These are the questions that I will answer in this blog that includes kid-friendly graphics. What are the Benefits of Telling Your Child That He or She Has Dyslexia? Educating your child with dyslexia about the common signs and misconceptions can help them to: understand that they learn in a different way than other kids that don’t have dyslexia. shed negative labels such as stupid, careless, unmotivated and lazy. correct any misunderstandings. identify with other successful people that have or had dyslexia. acquire the needed intervention and instruction in school. learn that many people with dyslexia have strengths that others do not have. Individuals with dyslexia are often: great at communicating their ideas aloud. creative, critical thinkers. good at seeing the big picture. excellent at solving puzzles and building things. If you want to learn more about dyslexia consider reading: The Dyslexic Advantage Overcoming dyslexia Help your Child Understand Dyslexia by Reviewing the Eleven Common Signs Show your child the image below and read the list out loud. Ask them to identify which symptoms describe their difficulties. You have or had trouble with letter reversals (b and d) and words reversals (was and saw). You have or had troubles with reading aloud. You have or had trouble with words problems in math. You have or had trouble understanding jokes, punchlines, sarcasm and inferences. You have or had trouble following a series of written or aural directions. You have or had trouble mispronouncing words. You have or had trouble rhyming words. You have or had trouble telling directions. You have or had trouble recalling names or words. You have or had trouble with spelling You have or had trouble learning how to read. What are Four Myths and Truths about Dyslexia? Show your child the graphic below and read the list of myths and truths out loud. Ask them to respond to each of the myths - "Have you ever felt this way?" Then read the truth and address any questions. Myth #1: People with dyslexia are not smart. Truth #1: Many dyslexic individuals are extremely bright and creative. In fact, many kids with dyslexia are gifted. Watch a video on famous people with dyslexia: Click Here Myth #2: People with dyslexia cannot learn to read or write. Truth #2: With the right intervention and instruction people with dyslexia can become excellent readers and writers. Myth #3: People with dyslexia see things backwards. Truth #3: Dyslexia is not a vision problem. It has to do with how the brain make sense of what is seen. Myth #4: People with dyslexia are lazy and should try harder. Truth #4: Kids with dyslexia learn differently. When they are asked to learn in a way that does not work well for them, it can take more time. Finding Multisensory Remedial Tools for Kids with Dyslexia: If you are looking for fun, creative and multisensory remedial materials, lessons and games created for learners with dyslexia, CLICK HERE. If you would like a free copy of these images CLICK HERE. Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning and Dyslexia Materials. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses. · Blog: https://learningspecialistmaterials.blogspot.com/ · YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/warrenerica1 · Podcast: https://godyslexia.com/ · Store: http://www.Goodsensorylearning.com/ & www.dyslexiamaterials.com · Courses: http://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/ · Newsletter Sign-up: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/69400
Find out how we are using reflex integration therapy to treat ADHD. My kids are gaining more control over their emotions and improving their focus.
In this post, we will provide tips on how to become a product tester and start getting free products to test and
If we're being honest, teaching text structure can get a bit dull. Here are some ways to spice it up and keep your students engaged!
Overcoming emotional abuse caused by a narcissistic personality is a challenge for anyone facing that mountain! What is Abuse? “Abuse” is a word that is thrown around a lot in casual conversations; but what defines
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If you are looking for free online read-aloud websites, I have just the list for you!
Making inferences worksheets and activities aren't always easy for students, but there are fun ways to teach this challenging reading skill.
Have you ever thought about using wordless videos in your speech therapy lessons? It increases engagement! Start with these videos...
This post shares tips and strategies for teaching different learning styles to meet the needs of all learners.
A Note from Lisa Pulliam Founder of More to Be & Stableminded If you’re wondering what happened to MoretoBe.com, you’re in the right place! Lean in, friend, for there is a good story to be told. In the spring of 2024, it became clear that the time has come to wrap up all things More to Be in a gloriously beautiful bow, recognizing that the blessed years spent producing biblically steeped life transformation resources was a worthwhile investment touching thousands […]
Palmistry begins with the obvious and proceeds, by innumerable intricate steps of judgment and interpretation, to extreme details of the palm. Conclusions can be made from a palmistry reading that can provide you with answers to questions you have...
Looking for a new and engaging classroom management system for your classroom? I love Secret Student because all of my students buy into this system...
From detectives to wizards to romance, this list has a little something for everyone!
Every September the American Library Association celebrates the freedom to read with Banned Books Week, happening now, conveniently timed with our next
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Knee pain can be the result of injury, as well as from mechanical imbalances and other problems. Don't let knee pain hold you back! Discover the best shoes for knee pain with our expert tips and tricks. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to comfort!
Understanding characters can be tricky! Learn my favorite strategies for helping students master character traits and changes.
Ready to get better at memorization? By practicing these four steps you can master memorization. Try them out and watch your brain absorb information!
I have frequently been asked and I have seen similar questions posted on Kodaly and Music Ed Facebook groups. "I am interested in learning more about Kodaly. What book resources should I get?" So I thought I would compile a list of ten of my personal favorites. Now, if you know anything about Kodaly teachers, we really are hoarders when it comes to resources. You can absolutely never have too many. Some books might have great pedagogical ideas, sequences, song lists, or folk songs. Some folk songs might have additional verses in other books or they might be a variant (did anyone else have to go collect variants in their levels??) Now, let's be clear on what I am NOT saying. I am NOT telling you that you need to rush out and buy these 10 books if they are not currently on your bookshelf. I am not telling you that these are the top 10 in all of Kodaly world. I am not saying that there are not even better resources out there. I am not telling you that these will replace Kodaly training. Absolutely nothing will. But if you... A) want to learn more about the Kodaly concept B) have taken or are in levels and want to see what books other Kodaly teachers are using or C) are in a Kodaly resource book addicts' club (hellllloooo, you are my people!) then this post is for you! SO, in no particular order: 1) Yearly Plans by Ann Eisen and Lamar Robertson This was so valuable to me when I was going through my Kodaly training before I had made my own yearly plans. It lays out month by month for each grade level what you should be preparing, presenting ,and practicing and includes song suggestions and practice activities. It is meant to be a companion to the American Methodology, so if you get this, I strongly recommend that you also own the American Methodology. 2) 150 American Folk Songs to sing read and play Lovingly referred to as the "150". This book was a required text when I was in level 1 and it is such a great resource for finding folk songs. It organizes them by tone set, which makes it really easy to find songs when you are working on specific concepts. 3) Sail Away 155 American Folk Song to sing read and play The "155" is a collection of EVEN MORE folk songs, because, let's be honest, we can never have too many. Like the 150, this one is organized by tone set. 4) ANYTHING by the New England Dance Masters (a few of my favorites are Chimes of Dunkirk and Sashay the Donut) When I started at my school I was told that they had a tradition of a folk dancing night and that each grade level was to perform a dance on stage. At the time, I hadn't been exposed to much folk dancing, but through Kodaly, our community folk dances at KMEA, and various workshops I have not only come to really enjoy it, but feel comfortable and confident teaching them to my students. Definitely get these books with the CDs and if you can, the DVDs when available. I LOVE watching Peter and Mary Alice Amidon teach the dances. The break it down into steps and a pay really close attention to the little details that really help students be successful in learning them without feeling frustrated. 5) Lullabies to Circle Games by Jo Kirk (I have not found a place to order this online, but if you are interested in it, you can reach Jo Kirk on her website) This has tons of fingerplays, lullabies, and songs for children from before birth through elementary school age. I strongly recommend this book for parents and those who might teach early childhood or preschool music classes, but there are things I pull from it for K/1/2 still. 6) Handy Play Party Book What I love about this is it gives me information about what I can DO with the songs (the singing game or the play party) which maybe I hadn't previously been aware of. 7) The Song Garden (Book 1, 2, 3) by Carol Heath - I believe these are out of print. I couldn't find them on Amazon or Ebay when I looked, but they are a treasure trove. Unfortunately, these three are just collections of songs. There is a book that goes with these that tells what you do with each song and how to teach it, but I don't have my hands on it... yet. 8) An American Methodology by Ann Eisen and Lamar Robertson This was basically our bible in level 3, and that's where I really learned how to utilize it and what the breakdown of physical/aural/visual looked like and countless activities for each during each concept. It also included a variety of ways to practice each concept that are really helpful to me when lesson planning. 9) Kodaly Today by Houlahan and Tacka This book was so incredibly helpful to me after level 1 when I was starting at a new school and trying to implement the Kodaly method which was new for all of my students. This book has a section specifically for older beginners and it has some really great song lists. 10) First, We Sing! Book Two (and Book 1) By Susan Brumfield I love both Book 1 and Book 2 from Susan Brumfield. She was at KMEA and I got to see her present this past year. The books come with CDs that include her students singing the songs and are great models for your students. These recordings are perfect to leave when you have a sub and the students already know the game but that vocal model can help them to sing in an appropriate range while you are away. I like that a lot of the songs in these books were new to me and there are some nice multicultural pieces in them. BONUS 11) Anything by Jill Trinka - I would be remiss if I did not mention Jill Trinka's song collections. They include a huge variety of folk songs and singing games and are definitely worth the purchase! So what are YOUR go to books in your collection? I'd love to hear!
Have you ever thought about using wordless videos in your speech therapy lessons? It increases engagement! Start with these videos...
Writing Worksheet – Who Knows What When (PDF) I’ve covered plot holes before, but this worksheet is to help you specifically with the type of chronological lacuna that I fall into most often: mistakes arising from remembering which characters know what when. These errors are difficult to spot and can have some profound effects on the plot, so…
Are you racking your brain for toys that will work with your moderate-severe students. I have 10 toys that will promote functional communication!
What does it mean when you receive multiple Pages in your Tarot reading? If you have recently performed a reading and you have received lots of Pages there is a special significance to this. Here, I am going to explain the meaning of four, three, or two Pages in one Tarot reading!
Learn various ways to deal with a narcissistic parent and protect yourself from their tactics when cutting contact isn’t an option.
I get asked the same questions a lot when it comes to being a reviewer. For years, I've reviewed products on my blog – either in exchange for products, or products and payment. Generally speaking, I snag the reviews because of you guys – the page views and social media following I have. However, with […]
Keeping Students Engaged Part 1: I Spy 6 comments Engagement Activities, Freebies, Popular Posts, Student Engagement Raise your hand if you strive to keep your learners engaged. My hand is raised. I may even be hopping up and down in my seat as that hand is raised. There is nothing worse than looking out at your class and noticing that they are off task or disinterested in what is going on around them, am I right? One of my favorite ways to keep my students engaged is to provide them with structured activities that encourage engagement. I thought it would be fun to share these activities over a (mini) series of blog posts. In this mini series, I'll cover the following structured engagement activities: Part 1: I Spy Part 2: Scoot Part 3: Quiz-Quiz-Trade (Kagan) Part 4: I Have, Who Has Like I said, it will be a mini series...just four posts. Note: When I use say structured engagement activity, I am referring to a learning activity that can be used and reused throughout the year with different skills and content. The content may change, but the activity and how it works does not. These structures allow students to be successful because they are familiar with them, and they don't get bored with them because the content is always different. With that said, on to today's activity! OK, wait, before I get started, let me just say that I realize that you are probably familiar with some of the structures I'll be talking about. But, don't abandon ship just yet. I'd love for you to stick around for the tips and tricks. Who knows, you might be able to spice things up in your classroom, or streamline a few things. Oh, and there will be freebies. Alright, now I'm ready to go. Are you? I Spy is one of my favorite structured engagement activities. Mine, and the kids! You might also know this activity as "Around the Room." That's what it's commonly called, but somewhere along the way, I heard it called I Spy and thought that was a much more interesting name. Plus, we get to act like spies when we use this structure. That's right, spies. But, more on that in just a moment. What is I Spy? I Spy is an activity that gets kids moving as they review previously learned concepts and skills, and practice new ones. In this activity, question cards are placed around the room (hence the other known name, "Around the Room"). Students move from card to card, at their own pace, to answer the questions. Note: These cards may be fancy, but believe me, fancy isn't required or necessary. You can write your questions on index cards and it will still be just as effective. I {pinky} promise. I Spy is perfect for encouraging individual engagement within a whole group setting. And, did I mention that it gets the kids moving? It's also super versatile. You can use this activity, or structure, to review and practice any skill within any content area (see the cards in the picture above...the proof is in the pictures, as they say). How to Play I Spy is a pretty easy "game" to play. Place some numbered questions around your room and give each student a recording page. You can tape the cards to your walls, or set them on the floor...or both! How many questions you set out is up to you. If using task cards, you could set out the entire set, or just half of it. It depends on what the kids are being asked to do, how much practice/review you want to do, and how much time you have. The students visit each card and answer the question. There is no need to visit the cards in order. Just remind your students to be mindful of the card they are on so that they can make sure to record their answer in the correct space on their recording page. At the end of the activity, go over the questions/answers with your students so that there is some sort of closure to the activity (and you can address any mistakes, misconceptions, etc). That's it. It's that easy. Tip #1: When placing out fewer question cards, you may want to set out duplicates of those question cards so that students aren't crowding around the questions and getting in each others' way. For example, when I use I Spy to practice answering story questions, I limit it to about four questions because the students need more time to formulate an answer, write said answer, and consult their book, if needed. Since I have 21 students, it wouldn't make any sense to put out 4 cards. Instead, I make 3 copies of the 4 questions and place them about the room. This way, there are only a few kids at each question at any given time. Tip #2: Your kids will finish at their own pace, so be prepared to have a task for your fast finishers. I usually have them do something on the back of their paper. For example, if they are answering story questions, I might have them draw a picture of the setting on the back of their paper. If we are practicing math facts, I might have them roll the die in their desk to write, and solve, their own number sentences on the back of the page. Materials The questions you set out can be from a set of task cards or a set of cards specifically designed to be used as an I Spy/Around the Room activity, like this fact family I Spy. Click here to grab this fact family I Spy for free. :) Task cards work great, and can easily be reused when you laminate them, but I also frequently type up questions and print them on bright paper. Nothing fancy, but it works like a charm. Tip#3: Make it fun! Kids like to have fun. So, why not let them have fun? Remember how I said that my students act like spies when they play this game? Let's talk about that, because, seriously, it makes this activity fun for the kids. Like, really fun. A few years ago, a (brilliant) colleague shared with our team how she taught her kids to act like spies when they play I Spy. Get it? That little tip was such a game changer for me! Ever since then, I have taught my students to move around the room like spies. They creep about the classroom moving from card to card. They move silently and speak to no one. After all, they don't know the good spies from the bad spies, and they certainly don't want to be seen by other spies as they accomplish their mission. I never have to remind them about voice levels or ask them to stay focused when playing I Spy. I don't need to. They are completely into it, every.single.time we play. Final Note I really, really, really like using engaging activities that are centered around movement. 7-year-olds need to move. I work at a school where recess is a at a minimum. And, let's be honest, we can only Go Noodle so many times in one day. Engagement activities that get my kids moving are a great way to let them move about while they learn. It's a win-win for everyone! I hope you were able to take a tip or two away from this post, and be sure to check out the rest of the series: Part Two (Scoot) Part Three (Quiz-Quiz-Trade) Part Four (I Have, Who Has) ::PIN IT!:: Share It:
Most dog parents have heard of canine distemper when they go with their newly adopted puppy to the veterinarian for vaccinations. Distemper shots are core vaccinations and protect your dog against this severe viral infection.
MTHFR gene mutations affect 30-50% of our population, although most of us don't know whether or not we have it. So what is MTHFR, exactly?
A few months ago, I shared a simple problem solving chart for kids. While this chart works well at home, it might not be large enough for a classroom wall, so I created some social problem solving posters {free} that are larger and clearer to see from across the room. Posters like these plus MANY more ... Read More about Social Problem Solving Posters {FREE}
