Happy 100th Day of School! Before you read much farther, I have some sad, sad news... The first grade team doesn't celebrate the 100th day of school! Does your school designate special activities and celebrations to honor 100 days of learning? Maybe we skip it because it's already feels SO busy with many special days and "interruptions" to our routine, like snow days. I still don't think that's any reason to move forward without acknowledging the 100th day...couldn't ... continue reading...
Chubby Little Snowman
An adorable poem for winter! Way back in my previous career ;) , I taught piano and early childhood music. One of my FAVORITE ways to share music and rhymes is through familiar nursery rhymes and fingerplay poems. Fast forward to working with reading intervention groups and my love for incorporating traditional poems has only grown stronger. Why? It's pure magic when a (former) reluctant reader catches a spark of familiarity...it's that light bulb moment when they ... continue reading...
Snowman Word Work
Build a Snowman ties fine motor and phonics with snowy fun! I received a special request for these snow-friends from a teacher who used a class set of my Thanksgiving turkeys. Of course, I was thrilled to comply (LOVE requests!). Her class has students of all different reading levels, so I wanted to put a focus on differentiation. The packet includes NINETY snowman: 30 CVC words (short vowel) 30 CVCe words (long vowel with final -e) 30 Initial/Final Blends and Digraphs (all ... continue reading...
Literacy Ideas for October
Welcome October! I always breathe a sigh of relief as the calendar moves from September to October. Not only do I look forward to boots with dresses and PSL (I know, I know), but I also welcome the resemblance of a classroom routine now that Back to School is winding down. October is when I notice many student "lightbulbs" may be going off here and there, plus I'm learning more about what gaps we can fill up through targeted literacy intervention. October in the classroom can ... continue reading...
Differentiation: How Many Ways?
Differentiation... What feeling does that word immediately conjure? (be honest!) For me, I personally feel a sense of excitement. A bit like when you are starting a puzzle that you're pretty sure you're going to rock, lol. BUT I can definitely empathize with anyone who felt a sense of pressure and overwhelm. After all, there are times we could differentiate 29 different ways (or as many as the students in your classroom!). I want to share one of favorite ways to meet a ... continue reading...