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Showing posts with label sub tub. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sub tub. Show all posts

Six Ways to Use Seasonal and Holiday Printables

Seasonal and holiday printables are a real time saver! 

Plus, they bring valuable skills practice. 
Oh yes, and the children LOVE them!

Six Ways to Use Seasonal Holiday Printables: Those holiday themed printables are fun for the students and helpful for teachers. Here are a few ways they can be used.

Here are 6 ways I have used these in my classroom:
Six Ways to Use Seasonal Holiday Printables: Those holiday themed printables are fun for the students and helpful for teachers. Here are a few ways they can be used.

1.  Leave for a substitute teacher.

This is why I originally created seasonal printables. If I know I'm going to be out, I will make packets for my substitute to use for each of the subject areas. It's easy to differentiate both up and down. 
  • For an extra challenge, write in an extra challenge. (Example: in math, you can ask these students to write story problems with 2-digit numbers, then solve them!) 
  • To differentiate for more challenged students: give them fewer pages, or circle only some of the items for them to complete. (This is a trick I use all the time for both classwork and for homework. They know to only do the problems I have circled. If they finish early, they can attempt the other ones, but there's no "have to!" I am strategic when I circle the "have to")
Six Ways to Use Seasonal Holiday Printables: Those holiday themed printables are fun for the students and helpful for teachers. Here are a few ways they can be used.

2. Leave for when someone has to cover your class for a meeting.

You know those days: You'll have to leave your classroom with someone else. You don't want to leave complicated directions, especially if you don't even know who will be covering your class. But you want to leave meaningful skills practice that your students will enjoy. 
Six Ways to Use Seasonal Holiday Printables: Those holiday themed printables are fun for the students and helpful for teachers. Here are a few ways they can be used.

3. Use on a day you just don't have the time to prepare.

We all know these days as well! Perhaps you were at school late the night before with parent conferences. Perhaps you've put in lots of hours preparing report cards. Maybe your child was up sick last night. Maybe you were up sick last night. There are a million reasons for running out of time to plan ahead. Seasonal printables to the rescue! Kids love them, and they'll make your life so much easier!
Six Ways to Use Seasonal Holiday Printables: Those holiday themed printables are fun for the students and helpful for teachers. Here are a few ways they can be used.

4. Use for independent practice.

Sometimes they just need something quiet to work on while you're working with reading or math groups. Seasonal printables will give them extra practice with their literacy and/ or math skills while letting them have a little fun. They really do enjoy the work a bit more if it has an element of fun!

Six Ways to Use Seasonal Holiday Printables: Those holiday themed printables are fun for the students and helpful for teachers. Here are a few ways they can be used.

5. Use for guided practice.

Your lower-abled students don't want to miss out on the fun of these seasonal pages! I've been known to use some of these printables during reading and/ or math groups for skills that are just a little beyond the abilities of my cherubs. (It might be the same thing some of the others are working on independently!) With a little bit of help, they'll feel a great sense of pride!
Six Ways to Use Seasonal Holiday Printables: Those holiday themed printables are fun for the students and helpful for teachers. Here are a few ways they can be used.

6. Use as partner work.

There are a lot of ways to partner up the students and a lot of good reasons to do this! Sometimes the partners would be relatively equal in abilities. This is a great way to get them talking! Yes, sometimes that's a good thing, isn't it? When they're talking through how they get their answers, that discussion internalizes learning! That's a good thing!

Sometimes it's ok to partner a stronger student with a weaker student, but this must be done very carefully. There is never a reason for a student to feel inferior to another. But with the right combination of students, some great conversations could happen, and they can both could learn from each other!

Here is a collection of Printables that could help you through the whole year: No Prep Activities and Worksheets for the Whole Year

Six Ways to Use Seasonal Holiday Printables: Those holiday themed printables are fun for the students and helpful for teachers. Here are a few ways they can be used.

Looking for some Science and Social Studies Printables? Try these! Science and Social Studies Activities for the Year!

Six Ways to Use Seasonal Holiday Printables: Those holiday themed printables are fun for the students and helpful for teachers. Here are a few ways they can be used.

What are your ideas for using seasonal and holiday printables?

Six Ways to Use Seasonal Holiday Printables: Those holiday themed printables are fun for the students and helpful for teachers. Here are a few ways they can be used.

Eight Things to Think About While Long-Term Planning

I never thought of long-term planning as something set in stone. In fact, I would never think about writing long-term plans in permanent ink!
8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!


I'll never forget the time I got marked down on my teacher evaluation because I didn't "show evidence of long-term planning." It was pretty frustrating since, had she asked, I'd have directed her to the flap inside my plan book with all my charts!

Yes, I'm a planner, but I do know better than to expect everything in the classroom to go exactly as planned! 

Here are 8 things to think about while you're long-term planning"

1. Break the year into manageable chunks.

8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!

I typically do short-term planning by the week, but my longer plans are split into months. I know a lot of teachers like to use online planners, but I like to use old-fashioned paper. I start with a big grid labeled with each month. 

2. Start with the big picture.

8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!

It's a good idea to start by plotting the big chunks of curriculum into smaller chunks. For example, I'll take a look at the writing curriculum, and break it into smaller parts such as writing narratives, creating a hook, word choice, fiction writing, informational writing, opinion writing, using dialogue, writing poetry, developing voice, and sentence fluency. Here's a rough draft of my writing long-term plans.
8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!

Even though you've plotted out the parts, we all know things will change. But if you teach the same grade next year, a lot of the work will be already done!

3. Establish routines.

8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!


We all know that the first few weeks of the year are dedicated to establishing routines that will be in place for the rest of the school year. If these routines are well taught, they will make your life easier in the long run. One example is starting each math lesson with 5 minutes of fact fluency practice. 

8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead! 

These are the systems I use. They are easy to differentate and keep organized, and the students love them. (Much like a video game, it's a great accomplishment to "move up a level!") The students can practice alone, with a partner, with a small group, or even on ipads or laptops. Once the routine is set, that frees up the teacher to prepare the classroom for the rest of the daily math lessons, or to "listen in" to assess.

8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!    8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!

I also start my reading groups with a warm up. These phrase cards are perfect for this purpose.  (See more about reading warm ups HERE.)

Here are some other resources that can help you establish valuable routines: 

8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!  8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!

8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!  8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!

4. Consider seasonal themes.

8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!

Certain things are very appropriate for teaching at certain times of the year. For example, when I created the list of writing chunks above, I immediately put poetry into the April category, as April is poetry month. Clearly, teaching writing procedures comes at the beginning of the school year. (late August here) January is a great time to teach writing thank you notes, as they have a lot to write from the holidays! (Writing Thank You Notes) I teach writing friendly letters near the beginning of the year, because once they've learned the "routine," it goes straight into the Sub Tub! (See HERE for this routine!) I try to get most of the "nitty gritty" writing, (editing, proofreading, punctuation, and parts of speech) near the beginning, then go back to these as I see they need review.

When teaching about life cycles, I'll probably teach certain life cycles around December, like pine trees and reindeer. (See Winter LIfe Cycle Bundle) Some life cycles are more appropriate for springtime, like robins, butterflies, or dandelions. (See Spring Life Cycle Bundle)

5 Collaborate with colleagues.

8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!

We all have our strengths as well as weaknesses. We all have different experiences and different ideas. We all have our own styles. And thank goodness for this! As we chat with our colleagues and teammates, we can use these differences to benefit our students. Which teacher on your team is best at organization? Which teacher on your team is best at modeling writing behaviors? Which teacher on your team is best at finding the right books that model the skills you're working on? Most of the teaching for your own students goes with you, but it doesn't hurt to branch out, does it? 

6. Integrate subjects when you can.

8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!

We all know there is never enough time in the classroom to do all that is needed to be done, as teachers all wear plenty of hats! When you are able, do "double duty!" What does that mean? Well, you can teach reading and writing skills while teaching social studies as well! You can teach science while integrating important math skills such as graphing and measuring! The resources below are perfect for combining subjects to save class time.

7. Don't forget sub plans!

8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!


It's a good idea to put aside plenty of activities that are valuable tasks that can be done any time of year, need minimal directions, and aren't dependent on previous lessons. This is a great time for review! 

As mentioned above, I have my friendly letters all set to go in my sub tub. It's an activity that can be done over and over again, and their writing skills will grow each time. (Plus, they love it!)


These "no-prep" activities are perfect for such occasions! I keep several pages of my Camping No-Prep in the sub tub, as these can be done any time of year. But if you know you're going to be out, try one of these seasonal sets. (They do love when you integrate something seasonal with learning, don't they?) Seasonal No Prep Activities, Worksheets, and Printables for the Whole Year.

8. Be flexible.

8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!


Honestly, when it all comes down to it, the students should take the lead when it comes to planning. Yes, we have a curriculum to follow. But if you're about to teach multiplication and you realize there are several who can't remember how to add, you might need to change your plans. If you're teaching the long o patterns, and you see your students don't remember the short o sound, change your plans. It's really all about the kids!


Here's a hint: when you see something you think will help you plan for a whole year, put it in your wishlist! Then, when a sale comes up, you can easily move it to your cart at the discounted price!

Happy teaching! May this one be the one filled with joy, excitement, wonder, and endless possibilities!
8 Things to think about while long-term planning:  Long term plans need to be flexible, but here are 8 things you can do to get ahead!


Illustrating Homographs to Internalize Learning

 Brain Research tells us that when children illustrate as part of the learning process, it deepens the learning. In fact, integrating any of the arts has this affect on learning!
 
Illustrating Homophones: Children internalize learning by integrating the arts into their daily learning. This post tells about visualizing and illustrating to remember homographs
 
My students did this activity on homographs this week: 

Illustrating Homophones: Children internalize learning by integrating the arts into their daily learning. This post tells about visualizing and illustrating to remember homographs


My kids were so excited about the double meanings of words, they had a blast!  Plus, they created some awesome illustrations to prove their understanding!  Here are some of them:
 
 
      Change can mean the money that you get back. Or Change can mean if you get your clothes dirty, you could change them!    
Illustrating Homophones: Children internalize learning by integrating the arts into their daily learning. This post tells about visualizing and illustrating to remember homographs
Tip can mean a tip of a pencil or the tip at a restaurant.

Illustrating Homophones: Children internalize learning by integrating the arts into their daily learning. This post tells about visualizing and illustrating to remember homographs
Foot can mean football or foot can mean a foot.

Illustrating Homophones: Children internalize learning by integrating the arts into their daily learning. This post tells about visualizing and illustrating to remember homographs
Broke can mean I broke up or broke can mean no money.

Illustrating Homophones: Children internalize learning by integrating the arts into their daily learning. This post tells about visualizing and illustrating to remember homographs
Bat can mean a baseball bat or a bat who flies.

Illustrating Homophones: Children internalize learning by integrating the arts into their daily learning. This post tells about visualizing and illustrating to remember homographs
Key can mean a house key or key can mean a computer key.

Illustrating Homophones: Children internalize learning by integrating the arts into their daily learning. This post tells about visualizing and illustrating to remember homographs

Rose can mean a flower or Rose can mean a girl's name.

Illustrating Homophones: Children internalize learning by integrating the arts into their daily learning. This post tells about visualizing and illustrating to remember homographs
Well can mean a wishing well or well can mean getting better when you're sick.

Illustrating Homophones: Children internalize learning by integrating the arts into their daily learning. This post tells about visualizing and illustrating to remember homographs
March can mean they are marching or March can mean the month of March.

Aren't their drawings amazing? 

They actually thought of meanings of these words that I hadn't come up with! I love when they think of things I don't, in fact, I always love when the kiddos are thinking!

This is a perfect activity to keep in the "sub tub". It requires little preparation (just run off the papers), the kids enjoy it, and it's easy to leave directions for another teacher! 

Plus, these kiddos really know their homographs!

Illustrating Homophones: Children internalize learning by integrating the arts into their daily learning. This post tells about visualizing and illustrating to remember homographs

January Deals and Treats!

Looking for some deals for January?  

I know where you can find some: right here!

January Deals and Treats! Here are several different resources that can be used in your elementary classroom during the month of January!

January is a good time for Thank you cards! I like to start the year with a lesson on writing Thank you cards, and let the children write thank you cards to each other. They love it!
January Deals and Treats! Here are several different resources that can be used in your elementary classroom during the month of January!

For more about the parts of a Thank You note, see THIS POST.

We celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. in January.  This is one of my favorite resources.  It really gets the kids thinking. It's an opportunity for children to decide on the fairness of decisions in their lives.  I've heard some very passionate conversations when we work on the Just or Unjust activity!

January Deals and Treats! Here are several different resources that can be used in your elementary classroom during the month of January!

You can get this resource for free by signing up for our helpful emails HERE.

For more resources to teach about Martin Luther King Jr. see THIS POST.

January Deals and Treats! Here are several different resources that can be used in your elementary classroom during the month of January!

Many people are getting ready to celebrate Day 100, but we have another month before that happens. However, I do think Day 90 is a great opportunity to celebrate my favorite fraction! Halfway Day includes a couple of fractions to practice 1/2, and some badges for the children to wear to celebrate 1/2 way through the school year!

I've been working on a series of No-Prep Printables. These are perfect for when you need something quickly, but want a valid learning activity that will engage the children.  Here's a sampling of Winter No Prep Activities!

January Deals and Treats! Here are several different resources that can be used in your elementary classroom during the month of January!


January is a great time of year to decide to be happy, and you can help your students by encouraging them to be grateful! You can learn more about these Gratitude Journal Labels in this blog post: Five Finger Gratitude!

January Deals and Treats! Here are several different resources that can be used in your elementary classroom during the month of January!


Interested in more Deals and Treats? Check out Dollar Deals and Two Dollar Treats!

Enjoy your January, and give those kiddos an extra happy greeting back from vacation!

January Deals and Treats! Here are several different resources that can be used in your elementary classroom during the month of January!





Tips for Keeping Creative Sub Plans

Did you ever notice it's easier to go to school sick rather than go through the trouble of writing up sub plans? 


I stayed ultra late at school last night making plans for today's sub. (I'm not known for leaving early anyway, but last night was totally ridiculous!)
 
Tips for Keeping Creative Sub Plans: Feeling sick? Taking the time to prepare sub plans ahead of time makes life a little easier. This post has several ideas, including several freebies you can print and put into your own Sub Tub.

I've learned to keep a tub of emergency plans. I have a folder for each day of the week, and detailed descriptions of my day inside each folder. I also have a binder that includes emergency information, procedures, and management ideas.  

I also keep folders for each subject that is filled with already run-off materials ready for an emergency day. After having subbed at every level, I know how important it is to have clear, easy-to-understand directions so the kids stay engaged and don't have any opportunities to make the sub crazy.

The trick is to have the folders all updated to include materials that the children can do which isn't necessarily dependent on something the children are learning now.

Tips for Keeping Creative Sub Plans: Feeling sick? Taking the time to prepare sub plans ahead of time makes life a little easier. This post has several ideas, including several freebies you can print and put into your own Sub Tub.

Good ideas to have on hand:

1. Practice on a skill that needs frequent review, like math facts, sight words, or parts of speech.
2. Writing prompts.
3. Vocabulary builders.
4 . Mini units that can be done in a day.

Here are some examples of things I keep in my sub tub or leave for subs:

I always keep a supply of these letter writing pages. I usually make a set with one letter addressed to everyone in the class. Then they choose one and write to that person! This is a "win-win" activity. Everyone writes a letter, and everyone gets a letter! (Explore image for this resource.)

Feeling sick? Taking the time to prepare sub plans ahead of time makes life a little easier. This post has several ideas for putting in the sub tub.

This number booklet to 1,000 can be used any time of year.  

Feeling sick? Taking the time to prepare sub plans ahead of time makes life a little easier. This post has several ideas for putting in the sub tub.

Here's a math game the kiddos can play over and over, and all they need is a deck of playing cards! It practices addition skills, and gets them thinking about strategies! No, we don't do the gambling version! (Explore image for resource!)

Feeling sick? Taking the time to prepare sub plans ahead of time makes life a little easier. This post has several ideas for putting in the sub tub.


There's always an opportunity for kids to come up with a themed ABC booklet.  This is a fun activity to start off by reading an ABC book or two. (Explore the image for examples and this resource!)

Feeling sick? Taking the time to prepare sub plans ahead of time makes life a little easier. This post has several ideas for putting in the sub tub.


Here's a mini-unit that can be done any time of year: (Explore image for link!)

Feeling sick? Taking the time to prepare sub plans ahead of time makes life a little easier. This post has several ideas for putting in the sub tub.

If you find a couple of books about camping, you've got yourself a mini-unit in a day! Fun activities that practice important skills!

I happen to have a number of "no prep" activities you can find HERE. Most of them are seasonal, which adds to the fun! (I go straight to these sets if I'm going to be out!)

Now I suppose you're wondering why I was at school so late last night if I have all these ideas...  Well, I just hadn't updated my files from last year, and my schedule is totally different!  Now that the files are updated for the year, next time I'm sick will be easy peasy!

Tips for Keeping Creative Sub Plans: Feeling sick? Taking the time to prepare sub plans ahead of time makes life a little easier. This post has several ideas, including several freebies you can print and put into your own Sub Tub.


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