10 Apps for Encouraging Reluctant Writers
Do you have ipads in your classroom this year? Are you looking for ways to encourage your reluctant writers? I am always on the lookout for fun new activities for my young writers.
Each year, I have students in my class who just ...
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Time Tested Early Literacy Strategies
Does your early literacy time sound like this:
Teacher, how to you spell....?
"What does this word say?
When early readers hear the answer "Just sound it out", do they really know what you are talking about?
Do they know what that means?
How can we support ...
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Communities Explored: Busy Town!
Today I'm sharing an idea for teaching about communities.
This is a big part of our social studies curriculum, and the way it's done is authentic and interactive!
How do you teach about communities and professions?
Our school creates a town to make it an authentic ...
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Ted Harrison Art and More!
If you've read many of my posts, you'll know by now that we integrate almost all of our content areas in class. Rarely do we let an opportunity for writing go by, and using our own art is so motivating!
But we do keep it simple! For example, we recently studied the art of Ted ...
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Paper Flowers Tutorial
I've been wanting to try these paper hyacinth flowers for a few years now, but to be honest, I was afraid!
I was worried that I'd end up with a classroom full of frustrated students who were unable to curl the petals and wanted me to do it for them! So, I decided to try it in small groups, ...
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Flower Rings Craft Tutorial
This flower art project took my class by storm!
It began as a little spring flower craft, and soon spread through our class, then the classes down the hall as students saw the results and wanted to try it, too!
If you're looking for something to keep little hands busy, this ...
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Phonics: Interactive Fun with Pop-Ups
I am always searching for fun new ways to teach core skills: phonics, phonological awareness, spelling patterns, etc. One day, one of my students brought it a pop-up book, and I saw students' eyes light up with interest. How do they work? Are they magic? Can we make ...
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Mother’s Day Gift: Borax Crystal Necklaces
Looking for more Mother's Day ideas? Add some Borax to your shopping list!
Try these Mother's Day pendants and add a little SCIENCE to your project!
Students are so excited to see the crystals grow, and then add string to make a crystal necklace that mom will love!
MATERIALS NEEDED
The ...
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Snow Day Art Tutorials and Activities
There is a magical feeling in the air whenever the snow begins to fall. However, it also makes it feel extra cold, so students just want to cuddle with blankets. This means teachers must bring in activities that help students warm up and feel excited to learn! Luckily, here is the perfect snow ...
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Father’s Day : Simple Crafts for Dad
This year I was determined NOT to spend a gazillion dollars on Father's Day gift ideas.
(Keep in mind that it's taken me 25 years of teaching to finally realize that this is okay!)
I also wanted something that I thought Dads would be able to tuck away and keep for years and years,
or leave ...
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Integrated Learning In Primary
Increasingly, integrated learning is becoming fundamental to teaching. Many schools are moving away from the traditional "single subject blocks" model to a multi-subject, project-based model.
Here's a quick video from Edutopia to explain the benefits of this approach.
Click for ...
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Hundred’s Day FUN and Free Collaborative Poster
Hundred's Day is a big deal in our class. Isn't it great that we can turn a number into a cause for celebration?
It's such great review, and students are completely engaged and excited to show their skills. For this reason, we usually end up extending the fun ...
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Winter Dove Art Tutorial
Today I am sharing the steps involved in making this lovely, but simple, winter dove. Just follow the pictures below.
I always have lots of extra supplies handy because my students always want to make an extra ...
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3D Penguin Craft Tutorial and Stand UPs
Penguin alert!
Does your class study arctic animals? Do you research penguins or other arctic animals? I have a great simple penguin craft to add to your lesson planning.
We make these cute penguins every year and they are always fun, simple and hilarious.
If you'd like to try them, ...
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Winter Crafts: A Big List
Each year we study Winter and our classroom transforms into a winter wonderland of crafts! Here are a few of the cute projects we do, along with links to other blog posts or tutorials I've made.
Polar Bear Art
If you'd like to try this, I have a ...
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How To Carve a Pumpkin
We are preparing for a trip to the pumpkin patch, and we will be bringing home the biggest pumpkin we can find (or that we can carry!) to carve together. This is a great hands on activity that we can use for so many areas of learning.
Here are some of the things we learn with our giant ...
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Celebrating Spring and Easter in the Classroom
Are you ready for it to warm up outside? More so, are you ready for the return of outdoor recess? I know I am! Hearing the birds chirping and seeing the sun shining again is so nice. While enjoying the warmer weather, students know it means the Easter Bunny will soon be coming. So, they are ...
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Rainbows and Pop-Up Books
Spring is finally here after a week of snow! We're trying to brighten the room a bit by hanging these cute rainbow clouds from strings.
So simple that not much explanation is needed! The kids cut out their names, and then added one word about themselves on each rainbow color.
We tried ...
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Valentine’s Day Craft Ideas
Do you keep a list of ready-to-go activities when planning for fun holiday celebrations? Honestly, having a list ready relieves much stress when it is time to prepare. Students are always eager to celebrate with classmates, so there is a lot of pressure to make sure the day is fun. Since ...
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Super Easy Tin Foil Ornaments (Tutorial)
I'm always looking for fun and easy crafts at Christmas.
This is one of my all time favorites.
There's no mess - but have lots of supplies because students will want to make several of these.
Click to download this FREE quick ...
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Winter Crafts for the Classroom
While it may be cold and snowy outside, classrooms are full of energy and excitement! Depending on the month's time, students are eager for Christmas or the potential for snow days. Both of these aspects create so much excitement in the classroom. However, the hustle and bustle of winter can ...
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Tissue Flowers Art Tutorial
I'd love to share with you one of the simple flower crafts we use to add a pop of color to our classroom in the springtime. They could also be a nice craft for Mother's Day, or to decorate for special events such as the Parent Appreciation Tea.
Flower Craft Tutorial ...
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