I totally cannot take credit for this bookmark idea. This fabulous strategy was shared with me by a coworker who learned about it at a balanced literacy workshop. Shoutout to whoever started this - you are incredible! During my conferences with students during our reading block, I have been using neon index cards to make personalized bookmarks for my kiddos. I write down a reading strategy or ... Read More about Bookmarks with a Purpose
At-Home Enrichment
Gooood morning!! I am currently on spring break (hence the happiness), but the weather is crummy so I begrudgingly decided to think about school for a just a little while. My April has been SO busy. I've missed blogging! I'm excited to share some insight this morning and to do some blog hopping! * * * I want to share a little bit about how I encourage my students to ... Read More about At-Home Enrichment
April Fool’s Day in the Elementary Classroom
Happy April - It's officially my birthday month! We had fun celebrating April Fools' Day in second grade today. One of my kiddos got me before I could play any tricks of my own! Before the bell even rang, I found this guy on my chair at my kidney table. EEEEK! Don't worry, I got to play some tricks of my own. First, we took a "Following Directions Test." I told the kids that ... Read More about April Fool’s Day in the Elementary Classroom
Children’s Literature for Teaching Economics (K-2)
When I was student teaching, I actually had to write an economics unit for my kindergarteners. I have also taught an entire economics unit to my second graders this year. The following books are my favorite read-alouds for teaching wants / needs, goods / services, and saving / spending. Those Shoes is about a boy who really wants the shoes that all of the cool kids at his school have. It is ... Read More about Children’s Literature for Teaching Economics (K-2)
5 Simple Ways to use Music in the Elementary Classroom
Through the trial and error that comes with the first year of teaching, I have discovered one of my new best friends in the classroom: MUSIC. Music! Through college courses, chats with veteran teachers, PD seminars, and blogs, I have gathered many ways to use music in the classroom and have tried them all. Music works so well with my current class. Here's how I use music on a daily basis: 1 - ... Read More about 5 Simple Ways to use Music in the Elementary Classroom
Understanding Characters
In second grade, we recently finished a BIG balanced literacy unit on characters. First, we learned about character traits. After we discussed character traits for a few days, I had students write down some of their own character traits on paper frames. They loved it. Next, we had a discussion about how like we are growing up, characters are growing up, too. Although we may ... Read More about Understanding Characters