Kids love talking about themselves - especially at the beginning of the school year. I love that the first days of school don't have to be about academics only. No, these are the most important days for building community that will last the whole year. If you don't spend time building a classroom community early on, it will be too late once the year passes. Print this little worksheet for your students to share some favorite facts about themselves with their classmates. Use the poster and … [Read more...]
Write the Room
Springtime is the perfect season for incorporating movement into the classroom. On those days when students have trouble sitting still and focusing, adding movement really helps! Visit our free resource library to download a free copy of our Carnival of Verbs task cards. Simply scatter these around your classroom and have students walk around the room reading each card and writing down the verb in each sentence. Let me know in the comments your favorite write the room activities! Happy … [Read more...]
Story Wheel: Spin and Chat
Add a little magic to your St. Patrick's Day read alouds with a Story Spinner. St. Patrick's Day is the perfect time to pull out your favorite story books. Some of my favorites are: Fiona's Luck by Teresa Bateman Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie dePaola St. Patrick's Day in the Morning by Eve Bunting The Littlest Leprechaun by Brandi Dougherty How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace After your read aloud, students can work in partners to "spin and chat" about the … [Read more...]
Picture Books to Start the New Year Strong
Picture Books to Start the New Year Strong Here’s a collection of picture books that work beautifully for launching discussions, writing, and reflection: The Word Collector by Peter H. ReynoldsA tribute to language and the power of carefully chosen words. The Dot by Peter H. ReynoldsPerfect for encouraging risk-taking, creativity, and believing in small beginnings. Ish by Peter H. ReynoldsA gentle reminder that “almost” can be meaningful—and freeing. Last Stop on … [Read more...]
Keeping Literacy Joyful in December: Simple Strategies to Keep Students Reading During the Holiday Rush
December in an elementary classroom is magical—but it’s also unpredictable. Between concerts, crafts, special events, and the general buzz of the season, keeping students engaged in meaningful literacy work can feel like trying to decorate a tree while it’s still spinning. The good news is that the holiday season actually offers a wonderful opportunity to refresh your reading routines in ways that feel festive and academically rich. Here are some simple read and color worksheets that will … [Read more...]