How do you tackle new curriculum? We got new reading last year which I tackled one module at a time. This year we are switching to a new math and I plan on doing some work and planning this summer in small doses to prepare for next year. What tips do you have?
What are some back to school bulletin boards that you’ve done and loved? (Pictures appreciated!)
Involving students in documenting and reflecting upon their own assessment data can have a significant impact on their learning and self-awareness. When students take part in tracking their progress, they often gain a clearer understanding of their strengths, areas for improvement, and the goals they need to set. This practice fosters a sense of ownership over their learning, increases motivation, and can encourage a growth mindset as students see evidence of their improvement over time. Additionally, self-reflection helps students develop metacognitive skills, enhancing their ability to plan, monitor, and adjust their approaches to learning tasks.
However, there are potential drawbacks to consider.... what would you anticipate could potentially discourage students from making progress?
How do you balance guidance with independence in this practice?
How do you prepare for your small groups so you can make the most of your time? I use these prepared baskets of materials so that students can get right to work when they visit with me!
I wanted to share with you a lot of FREE early language and literacy resources for a program I designed - the goal behind it is to get it into the hands of as many families as possible! All of the downloadable/printable PDF resources are FREE on my website. I encourage you to check it out and think about ways you can write grants or secure sponsorship for families in your area! Check it out!
Ride and Read Program
Create meaningful opportunities for interactive shared language and literacy experiences anywhere you go! The Ride and Read Program provides families with engaging texts, activity cards, and storytelling props in a convenient travel tote so that they can build early literacy and language skills through joyful interactions. Knowing the importance of parental involvement in successful student learning, this program strives to provide families with the tools and resources they need to build a strong early language and literacy foundation.
From the elementary school lens: one of my favorite beginning of the year brain-break/ice breaker activity is the idea of Stand Up-Sit Down. You put a statement on the board: Stand up if: I have pet. Students then get to see who in the class has a pet and who doesn't. You can allow students to share with a partner or the whole group about their pet or if students don't have one, what pet they might like to have. This helps students move and also get to make connections with others in the room! I usually create a slide show presentation with some statements and use them throughout the first week. That way students don't get bored and gives time for discussion if that's what you want to facilitate!
In so many schools, play is dismissed as frivolous or not important to include in the day. How do you advocate for the inclusion of play?
I am beginning the year looking at primary documents on a 3rd grade level. Some of the items I am including are the Pledge of Allegiance, The Star Spangled Banner, and the March on Washington (Aug 28- I have a Dream speech). I focus on the "I Have a Dream" portion of the text because it is most familiar. I let the students know that there was more to the speech and as a center, I have the students analyze the inspirations that were used in the speech. I feel that these would be a great start for students to look at primary sources seeing how they are familiar.
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Does anyone have a Maker Space in your schools and how is it run? Do you incorporate Maker Space into your classroom spaces?
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What are some fun math brain teasers that get kids thinking before the math block officially starts? I found one like this and loved it but I'm looking for some other ideas!
How do you encourage critical thinking and inquiry-based learning in your science classroom?
Giving students brain breaks throughout the day is so important! What are some of your favorites and when do you use them?
How do you organize your small literacy group materials, both those materials you will use to teach and those materials your students will use?
This year my class is having a "family luncheon". The parents have volunteered to bring the food and we will share in a time of thanksgiving. During the time, I have the students and parents write on a little note care what they are thankful for. I take those notes and type them into a document and send it to the parents. This is a great way to get parents support and build community. What are some other ideas that you have used to build community?
What are some great resources for digital field trips that you use? I ❤️ 💗 ❤️ cilc.org. My 5th graders in Kansas have met with the Smithsonian American Art Museum, rangers from the National Park Services, docents from the National Archives, as well as several other locales across the United States!! (BTW, all .gov type institutions are FREE, as well as many others).
