As primary teachers, a key focus of our reading instruction is on building comprehension. We want our young readers to not only use the strategies we've taught them but to think deeply about what they are reading. We want our students to read closely and to connect, to question and visualize, and to make inferences that give meaning to the words on the page. These skills don't often come naturally, even to our most fluent readers. They require targeted teaching and support. I want … [Read More...]
Latest From The Blog
10 Best Books for Comparing Gingerbread Stories & Teaching Ideas to Use With Them
I'm a huge fan of using Gingerbread Man books to address a multitude of reading standards, but especially for comparing story elements. There are so many delightful versions available for comparing and contrasting characters, illustrations, settings, and plot. Gingerbread read alouds lend themselves perfectly to comparing problems/solutions, how characters respond to major challenges, how a character changes during a story, and for teaching students about non-literal language. Here is a list of … [Read More...]
10 Magical Ways To Teach Holidays Around the World
As December draws near, it's the perfect time to teach your students about how different cultures celebrate holidays around the world. Reading and writing opportunities abound for your class to compare customs, do research, read informational texts, and watch videos of unique traditions they have never before seen in faraway countries. Here are ten ways to excite your students and take them on a magical journey as they learn about the unique traditions and beloved customs of holidays … [Read More...]
Popular Posts
10 Best Books for Comparing Gingerbread Stories & Teaching Ideas to Use With Them
I'm a huge fan of using Gingerbread Man books to address a multitude of reading standards, but especially for comparing story elements. There are so … [Read More...]
4 Things to Teach in Science at the Beginning of the Year
One of my most often asked questions during back to school time is, "When do we start science?". I've never met a child who didn't love science and … [Read More...]
Plant Life Cycle Activities for Kids-Teaching Plants the Fun Way!
Kids love science. As a teacher, I love being able to create experiences for my students that capture their imaginations, nurture their curiosity, and … [Read More...]
Teaching kids to tell time past the hour
Teaching primary kids to tell time past the hour can be a challenge but it doesn't have to be a struggle for you or your students. In this post I'll … [Read More...]
Fun Activities To Teach Telling Time
Telling time on an analog clock can be a difficult concept for primary students. It's often a tricky skill for them to master and one that is a bit … [Read More...]
Managing Data Folders in the Primary Classroom
Managing data folders in the primary classroom doesn't have to take a lot of time. In this post I'll share some management tips plus how I've learned … [Read More...]
10 Reasons You Should Be Teaching With Kid President Videos
Do you teach with Kid President videos? If not, you should! As a primary teacher, here's what I've discovered: Opportunities for teaching language, … [Read More...]
Fostering the Home-School Connection Through Friday Letters
Teachers everywhere embrace the importance of a solid connection between home and school and strive to build positive and respectful parent … [Read More...]
Seriously FUN Ways to Teach Shapes!
Shapes and geometry... two of my favorite math units to teach. There are so many creative ways to teach about shapes, and let's face it, it's a whole … [Read More...]
Butterfly Life Cycle Resources & Free Printables
Our butterfly life cycle activities are always a highlight and this year was no different! These past few weeks have been all about caterpillars and … [Read More...]
