If you had a dime for every minute you spent trying to figure out whose “No Name” paper belonged to, you’d be rich! For years I have been frustrated by this chronic problem too; especially when there is more than one child forgetting. Well, I am going to share my All-Time BEST teacher management tip: I stumbled across this simple, yet amazing idea from Jamie at 2nd Grade Stuff Labeled Clothespins!! Here’s what I did: I…
Use these books to get children hooked on reading! The Kid in the Red Jacket by Barbara Park Any child who has had to adjust to moving to a new school will immediately identify with Howard Jetter. This humorous tale written by Barbara Park deals with the awkwardness of making new friendships. Plus you can’t help but fall in love with six year old Molly Vera Thompson. Despite the differences in age and interests, Howard realizes…
Oh what a treasure I have for you today! This week’s freebie is an assortment of NO PREP printables that you can use with any spelling list. They are perfect for homework or in class practice. Do you have differentiated lists? No problem! The children use their own spelling list. Also, there is flexibility in the number of words; 10, 15, or 20. So let’s take a look at what is inside your Friday Freebie: First…
Printable lessons, word lists, and posters for a variety of character traits.
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…
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
