Everyone has a story to tell. What is yours?
Are you ready to try goal setting with your students this year, but not sure how to start? Grab an inspiring picture book to help set the tone! Here are some picture books for goal setting that might just inspire your students to dream big! You can click on any of the covers below to learn more about these Picture… Read More
Students love to receive notes from their teacher! In our digital world, a handwritten or personalized note can add that special touch and let students know how much you care. Classroom postcards are a quick and easy way to jot a personal note to your students, communicate with families about an upcoming school event, let families know when school supplies… Read More
Having stuffed animals in the classroom can provide emotional comfort and academic support. Here are five ways you can use stuffed animals in the classroom. Reading Buddies This is probably the most common way that teachers use stuffed animals in the classroom. If you use The Daily 5 for your reading block, you know that Read to Someone can often… Read More
Spring in the classroom is an interesting time. Not only are students blooming and growing with their learning, but they are also becoming more like a family. And like any family, there are bound to be a few things that start to get on your nerves. One thing that always seems to pop up every spring is students who interrupt…. Read More
Transitions do not always come easy for students. However, getting from point A to point B doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here are three quick tips to help improve hallway behavior. The most important thing you need to do is set your expectations. I love using acronyms with my students, so I played with the word LINE and… Read More
As you start another school year, I’m sure you have a million and one things planned to do with your students. One thing you should definitely take the time to do is set goals with your classroom. They really help set a purpose for ALL of your students and help with building classroom community. I’ve posted about how I set… Read More
I absolutely love wordless books now, but that hasn’t always been the case. When I first started teaching, I didn’t know how valuable they could be for readers of all ages. Thank goodness that has changed!
The Girl and the Bicycle is one of my favorites. It’s about a young girl who sees a shiny green bike in the store window. She rushes home, but finds she doesn’t have enough money in her piggy bank. She checks the couch cushions, clothes pockets, and even tries to sell her toys and lemonade. When she still doesn’t have enough money, she offers to help her neighbors with yard work. Unfortunately, they all turn her away except for one kind woman. As the seasons change, these two work side by side and develop a friendship. When the weather warms and the little girl finally has enough money to buy the bike, it’s already gone! Can you guess what happens next? The ending gets me every single time!
What are some of your favorite #wordlessbooks ? Be sure to check out my stories for my favorite books along with tips for using wordless books in the classroom.
✏️“I don’t know what to write.”
If you teach writing workshop, you’ve probably heard this more times than you can count. When your mini lessons aren’t reaching every writer, it might be time to reach for a picture book. That’s why I’m so excited that @katemessner and @marksiegel2020 have teamed up again!
How to Write a Story takes readers on a young girl’s journey from choosing an idea to sharing her finished writing piece. Kids are sure to get inspired by the colorful illustrations and create their next story. Swipe to sneak a peek inside the book.
What are some of your favorite picture books about writing? I'll share some of my favorites down below.
#howtowriteastory #writingmentortext
Just because your kids can read to themselves doesn't mean they have outgrown the read aloud. Here are some tips for read aloud. Number 5 is my favorite!😀
storiesbystorie.com
Reading aloud to children of all ages is so important. Some teachers and families don't make time for read aloud because of busy schedules, lack of books, or because their kids can already read indepe...This morning I set my son up on the computer for his Google Meet and then slid back over to my computer to start work. After listening to his teacher cheerfully greet each and every student, she mentioned that she had a book to share. Suddenly I found myself caught up in her story. Why? Because she was reading Our Class is a Family written by my friend, Shannon.
This rhyming story wants to help each and every student feel loved, included, and safe in the classroom. It shows that a classroom family celebrates what makes each member unique, how the people love and respect one another, and that the classroom is a safe place where it’s okay to make mistakes and grow together. This book is perfect for the first few weeks of school, but can also be revisited throughout the year.
Sometimes a book comes along at the perfect time with an important message. No matter how you’re teaching right now, your class is like a family. Building relationships and community is more important than ever. Have you shared this book with your students yet?
P.S. I hope you’ll autograph my copy of #ourclassisafamily the next time I see you @lifebetweensummers 😉!
