Everyone has a story to tell. What is yours?
“I don’t know what to write!” Have you ever heard this before? I’m guessing you have. So, how can we help young writers when they are stuck for inspiration? It’s time to try these Idea Jar activities! ABOUT THE BOOK The idea jar is where students keep their ideas—anything from a Viking to a space robot to a giant dragon…. Read More
Are you looking for new ways to practice spelling and sight words? Here are several activities you can try in the classroom or at home with your kids. Your kids will have so much fun practicing their words! IDEAS FOR SPELLING and SIGHT WORD PRACTICE Lacing Letters Kids can get a little fine motor practice in while stringing… Read More
Have you thought about using novels with small groups, but aren’t sure where to start? It is definitely possible to do so in the primary grades! Here’s how I got started using chapter books with my second graders during my small group time. WHY USE NOVELS WITH SMALL GROUPS? My very first year of teaching, I was in… Read More
I have been asked to share some of the ways I organize my weekly spelling practice. I prefer to incorporate spelling practice into our Word Work rotation during our Daily 5 block (you can read more about our weekly routine here). In order to do this, things need to be organized so the students can access and use the materials independently…. Read More
Recently I shared all about what spelling looks like in my classroom from day to day. If you missed that post, click here to read all about it. Today I’m back to share more about what you might see for Word Work during my Daily 5 time. WORD WORK Students are allowed to choose their own Daily 5 tasks. However,… Read More
I’m back to share more information about how I do spelling practice and word work in my second grade classroom. Since this is a long post, I’m going to break it into two posts. Today’s focus will be on spelling. SPELLING In our classroom we usually have a spelling pattern or phonics skill we focus on each week. This weekly… Read More
