I have never seen my students more excited about writing as when I told them we were going to write a real book together. You guys - their eyes lit up and a giant smile grew across their face. Then one of my sweet kiddos asked "A real book?" "Yes!" I responded with excitement, "a real book like this," and I held up one of their favorite classroom read alouds. They cheered and high-fived each other. Publishing a class book was not only fun but it was super easy with Studentreasures. This post is sponsored by Studentreasures - but rest assured that I only recommend products ... Read More about Exciting Writers by Publishing a Class Book
3 Easy Ways to Instill a Love of Reading
As a kindergarten teacher one of my primary learning goals during the year is to teach my students to read. However, learning to read is hard. And humans, in general, do not gravitate towards things that are hard to do. In fact, doing hard things often creates negative feelings. I don't want my students to think negatively about reading - I want them to LOVE reading. That is why I take intentional steps to instill a love of reading in addition to teaching the how to. Here's a few things I do: 1. Model It! You might not think they are watching or listening but chances are - they are! So, ... Read More about 3 Easy Ways to Instill a Love of Reading
Indoor Recess Isn’t For Wimps!
Let me just lay it out there - indoor recess is not for wimps! I remember my first year teacher and my first indoor recess. That is a day I don't ever want to repeat. From that day forward I vowed to be prepared for indoor recess! Today I want to share my best tips and tricks for indoor recess. Coordinated Movement in the Classroom Kids need to move and trying to keep that from happening just doesn't work so well. So instead, let them move. I've learned that just like any other activity in the classroom, it is important to teach your students the procedures for moving in the ... Read More about Indoor Recess Isn’t For Wimps!
Building Reading Fluency with Reader’s Theater
Sometimes in the primary grades we get so focused on teaching the decoding skills that come with learning to read that it becomes easy to overlook reading fluency. Today I am so excited to share a fun and engaging way to work with beginning readers on their reading fluency. If you would have asked me as a first or second year teacher if my kindergarten students could perform a readers theatre I would have told you 'NO WAY!' But over the years, as I've gotten more confident with myself I have dared to try many new things in the classroom. Some of them were flops - but some of them were not. And ... Read More about Building Reading Fluency with Reader’s Theater
November Theme: Teaching Thankfulness
It's November here, and that means one thing in the United States . . . the start of the holiday season. November is the month of Thanksgiving and there is no better time to teach our students about what it means to be thankful or have gratitude. Teaching thankfulness is my goal in November. Should I Teach Thankfulness? You might be wondering if it is really necessary to teach the concept of thankfulness. Is that our job as classroom teachers? Can you even teach someone to be thankful? I get where you are coming from as these were questions I asked myself when I first started teaching. I ... Read More about November Theme: Teaching Thankfulness
Games that Teach
Kids love playing games. This is why I love using games in the classroom to teach, practice and review key skills. There is a natural engagement with kids and games. In fact, if you have worked with kids for any period of time you know that they will do almost anything when you make it a game. As a mom, I can go from having complaining, reluctant chore helpers to excited, energetic chore helpers just by turning the activity into a game. Any time I can use the engagement of something kids already love in the classroom it always takes our learning to the next level. Today I want to share some ... Read More about Games that Teach
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