Classroom helpers are an amazing resource. The extra hands, eyes and brain power lets students receive help sooner than when its one teacher and thirty students. Leading a small group to work on a skill, practice using a tool or studying a curriculum component. Here are a few suggestions to help a small group run… Read More »
Tired of asking ‘What did you do at school today?’ and getting a shrug? Consider using these activities at home to delve into what happened at school in a more creative way. (You can also participate by sharing your details or answers!) (1) Play ABC’s about Your Day Start by offering your “a” word, then… Read More »
Here are a few reminders when talking with a class of students. Use students names when calling on them. Mention the name first if you feel the student called on isn’t paying attention. Use positive language as well as polite manners (Please and thank you go a long way to creating good rapport.). Keep directions… Read More »
Supplies…check Classroom organized and ready for students….check Classroom Routines and Procedures? Here’s a reminder list to have worked out before the first day of school. Try to post important details in the classroom as reminders to students. Storage of backpacks, coat, lunches Entering the classroom Homework (and notes, etc. from home) collection box Attendance… Read More »
Looking for ideas to share with kids about how to get UNstuck from a problem? Consider these ideas. Reread or restate or rethink the problem in your own words or with your own ideas. Make a mental picture or a short movie to see the problem. Think about what you might do to change things… Read More »
In addition to playing board games, computer games as well as dice and cards games with kids, here are two math scavenger hunts. Enjoy! Math Scavenger Hunt Grades K-2 Ask as adult to be your helper. Look for each of the following items and write down where you found them. You will need: this… Read More »
Looking for family games to take along on vacations or family trips? Consider making a small games box. One of those plastic tool boxes the kids use for school works great. Here’s a list of items to include: 2 decks of cards with contrasting back designs (so if you interminglee them, you can easily separate… Read More »
Indie Writing Workshops invite students to write fiction, non fiction, poetry and whatever else they think of to express themselves. Here are a few questions they might answer when they read another student’s work. Does the story have a beginning, a middle and an ending? Did the author use strong, action verbs? Did the… Read More »
Sno-Isle, the local library system, has produced a pamphlet, Countdown to Kindergarten: 100 Essential Picture Books that’s a starting place for great picture books to share with kids from age 3 to 10. Yep. I said 10. I read picture books to third graders and they love them. We use them as idea starters to… Read More »
So, the door opens, your little kids rush in from school…your older kids drag in from school. What next? I know you are curious about their school day but wait! Hold off until they’ve had a snack, finished their sports practice, had that piano or karate lesson and/or had a chance to relax or play… Read More »