If you are getting the itch to clean, purge, and reorganize your work spaces, here are some of my favorite tips. CLASSROOM LIBRARY BENCH This clever idea come from Kristin at A Teeny Tiny Teacher. She used IKEA bookshelves (sold here) and turned them sideways. She made bench pads using foam and outdoor fabric for extra durability. To fill in the gap in the corner she placed a table with a lamp. I think this is…
Starting school can be an emotional time for students as well as teachers. Whether you are beginning kindergarten, or having been attending school for years, it is natural to have mixed feelings. Here are some books that can help ease the anxiety and get everyone off to a good start. If you want to know more about these books, CLICK HERE. Looking to ways to extend the story beyond the read aloud time? Here are two…
When it comes to instilling a love for reading, there is nothing better than using “real” books. My students love to be read to and constantly adjust their heads trying to get a better look at the illustrations. I’ll pause at suspenseful moments and ask them to predict what might happen next. Eagerly we hold our breath as I turn the page. Were we right? Did the characters respond as we had thought? The children cheer…
How do you find books that are appropriate for your child’s reading ability? Finding the right book to match with a child is a lot like buying a pair of shoes. For independent reading time you want a good-fit. In my classroom, I spend a great deal of time getting to know each child and assessing their reading comprehension to figure out what their “size” is. According to researcher Richard Allington (2005) a good-fit book is…
Want to know the secret to motivating students to want to read on their own? Do you know what 10,000 research studies have proven to be the best way to build reading skills? It is reading aloud to children! The benefits of reading aloud to a child continues even after a child can read independently. Here are 12 reasons why you should make time to read aloud to your class: It is the best…
How can you get a reluctant reader to read? Do the words “time to read” bring this look on a child you know? As teachers and parents we have encountered children who don’t like to read. Motivating reluctant readers can be a challenge. How do we get them engaged so they continue to grow and be successful readers. The key is finding passages that are interesting to them and help them be active in their own…
How can you keep your child’s reading and math skills sharp during the summer? Well, I am excited to share that I have a solution! My latest product is called Summer Review Going Into Grade 2. It is designed for children who have finished First Grade and are preparing for 2nd grade. Each page has math and language arts practice. The fun summer themed graphics to make the pages more appealing to the children. Who…
Today’s featured book is Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt. Not only has this beloved series won numerous awards, but a television series on the books began in 2011. In case you aren’t familiar with this character, let me tell you a bit about him. As his name suggests, Scaredy has many fears; from mosquitoes, ants, germs, to polka-dot monsters and confetti. Some, you may relate to as well! So Scaredy has become an expert on how…
What is Close Reading? Close Reading is being written and talked about quite a bit lately. It has nothing to do with being near sighted, however. Close reading strategies allow readers to analyze and make meaning of a text through multiple readings. This is not merely rereading the passage several times. Rather the goal is to teach children how to dissect a complex text in order to obtain a deeper understanding of the passage. Typically close…
Dr. Seuss’s birthday is on March 2nd. Teachers across the country are preparing by gathering anything and everything “Dr. Seuss”. The fonts below would be ideal for worksheets, banners, crafts, and more. When you click on the font name, it will take you to another site where you can download the font. I did not create these fonts I only linked to them. To download the fonts you must click the links to go the various…
Welcome! I'm Alison Monk, a primary teacher with a passion for creating educational materials that engage kids and teachers love! I hope this blog encourages and inspires you. I'm so glad you are here! Read More
