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Showing posts with label Day 100. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Day 100. Show all posts

The Power of Music

 Last week I had a great experience, and it was a great reminder of the Power of Music.

 I went out to the San Francisco area to visit my amazing daughter (and her amazing husband), and we went on the San Francisco Love Tour.

Listening to music of the 60s reminded me of how valuable music can be in the classroom. This post has suggestions on creating learning songs for the students, (even if you're not musical) and 3 songs!

Yes, that's my daughter and I standing by our tour bus. It was quite the adventure riding in this delightfully painted "hippie van" Volkswagen Bus! We rode around the city of San Francisco, learning about the culture, and reminiscing about the hippies of the 60s and the Summer of Love,


Listening to music of the 60s reminded me of how valuable music can be in the classroom. This post has suggestions on creating learning songs for the students, (even if you're not musical) and 3 songs!

Yes, that's the back of my head riding "shotgun!"
While we were in the "hippie van" we listened to music of the 60s.  

Now this blog post will change from a story about my tour to a reminder of the power of music and its connection with memory with learners.

Listening to music of the 60s reminded me of how valuable music can be in the classroom. This post has suggestions on creating learning songs for the students, (even if you're not musical) and 3 songs!
The classic San Francisco pose, but next to a "hippie van."

I hate to give away my age, but all that music I heard in that hippie van was music I grew up with. Most of it I hadn't heard in close to 50 years, yet I remembered pretty much every single word!
 

Listening to music of the 60s reminded me of how valuable music can be in the classroom. This post has suggestions on creating learning songs for the students, (even if you're not musical) and 3 songs!
Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and a member of the Grateful Dead in the famous Haight Ashbury section of San Francisco

This was a great reminder of the power of music and its connection to memory! Here are a few examples of how I've used that power in the classroom to help the kiddos remember important information. I've taken simple songs (in the public domain, of course, to avoid copyright laws!) I've changed the words to something I want them to remember, and voila! We have a learning experience! It's fun to sing these songs during morning meeting, or between lessons. If you build a collection of learning songs, make a book for the children to read during reading time. (If you work with little ones, you'll be hearing them sing, even if it's "silent reading!")

I use this one around Earth Day.


I use this one around Day 100.


 This one can be used any time of year!


https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Seven-Continents-Song-for-Learning-About-Our-World-5308695?utm_source=blog%20post%20Music%20and%20Memory&utm_campaign=Seven%20Continents%20Song

When I worked with older children, they made up their own songs as part of research projects. I had to caution them to use simple tunes rather than the popular songs they wanted to use, but they appreciated the simple tunes once they got going. 

Here's a great list of children's songs in the Public Domain to choose from! Best Known Public Domain Children's Songs.


How do you use music in the classroom?


The Power of Music! Listening to music of the 60s reminded me of how valuable music can be in the classroom. This post has suggestions on creating learning songs for the students, (even if you're not musical) and 3 freebie songs.


Shh... We Had Fun!

I have a confession to make. 
I strayed. 
On purpose.
Two days in a row!
 
Shh, we had fun! I took a couple of days off from the required curriculum to enjoy learning about Groundhog Day and Day 100! This post offers resource ideas and has a freebie!
 
Yes, folks, rather than sticking to my assigned programs, I strayed and did activities that I knew the children would enjoy.

Did they still learn? Yes! Honestly, there was more learning going on than the typical textbook learning.

Tuesday was Groundhog Day. I had to change my schedule because of another teacher being absent, so I ran with it!

First, I pulled out these Groundhog information stories and questions from my Science and Social Studies for February set.


Shh, we had fun! I took a couple of days off from the required curriculum to enjoy learning about Groundhog Day and Day 100! This post offers resource ideas and has a freebie!

I always try to have some comprehension question that can be answered directly from the text, at least one "word work" question, and one or two "beyond the text" questions. (These are my favorite!)
 
Since this reading was challenging for some, we first read as a group. After a discussion, I broke the children into pairs, and they re-read, then answered the questions. I love to have them work in pairs, since they have valuable conversations, especially on the "beyond the text" questions!
 
I told them I'd pay particular attention to question #4. (How would you keep a groundhog from eating things in your garden?) This reflects a problem I had as a gardener: 
The hungry groundhog actually learned to climb the fence I put up!

Their answers were delightful! Although they weren't all realistic, they showed an understanding of the problem, and creativity in their solution! (Plus, almost all kids solved the problem in a non-violent way!)
 
Once they learned about groundhogs, I had them make groundhog puppets and settings, and they created their own skits for Groundhog Day.
Shh, we had fun! I took a couple of days off from the required curriculum to enjoy learning about Groundhog Day and Day 100! This post offers resource ideas and has a freebie!
 
This guy put a couple of things to frighten the groundhog: the shadow AND a fox! 

Shh, we had fun! I took a couple of days off from the required curriculum to enjoy learning about Groundhog Day and Day 100! This post offers resource ideas and has a freebie!
 
The kiddos were so clever when creating their burrows! Some even designed the inside of the burrow on the other side! (In their reading, they learned a lot about the design of the burrows!)

Shh, we had fun! I took a couple of days off from the required curriculum to enjoy learning about Groundhog Day and Day 100! This post offers resource ideas and has a freebie!
 
 
As they performed their skits, they showed creativity, a sense of humor, AND knowledge of groundhogs! You can't get this on a computer test!

The next day was Day 100. 

I've had a little tradition going on that I started about 20 years ago. We go from classroom to classroom singing Day 100 songs!

We have 4 songs we sing. Here's one of them:

Shh, we had fun! I took a couple of days off from the required curriculum to enjoy learning about Groundhog Day and Day 100! This post offers resource ideas and has a freebie!

Sorry, the other 3 aren't mine to give you! 
 They kept them in their book boxes and practiced them during reading time. (It was hard to keep them SILENT during independent reading!)

Shh, we had fun! I took a couple of days off from the required curriculum to enjoy learning about Groundhog Day and Day 100! This post offers resource ideas and has a freebie!
It was loads of fun going from class to class. They rarely get to go into the other classrooms, and they got to go into almost ALL the classrooms! They saw younger siblings, older siblings, former teachers, neighborhood friends, and loads of other people they know. The teachers, students, and staff were amazing audiences! They welcomed us into their classrooms, listened to the lyrics, and applauded for the children. 
Shh, we had fun! I took a couple of days off from the required curriculum to enjoy learning about Groundhog Day and Day 100! This post offers resource ideas and has a freebie!

My favorite part is seeing the smiles on the faces of my former students as they remember Day 100 caroling in past years!

Later that day, we played a couple of games and activities, including Mental Math 100. Up until now the children had only worked with 2 digit numbers, but I had them adding and subtracting 3 digit numbers, and with this game, they were even dealing with 4 digit numbers! And, of course, they were successful!
Shh, we had fun! I took a couple of days off from the required curriculum to enjoy learning about Groundhog Day and Day 100! This post offers resource ideas and has a freebie!

Shh, we had fun! I took a couple of days off from the required curriculum to enjoy learning about Groundhog Day and Day 100! This post offers resource ideas and has a freebie!


It was a huge boost on their mathematics self esteem, and a whole lot of fun!

It's not actually what the manual told me to do, but it was truly a great learning day. 

Hopefully, I can sneak in a few more of these!

Shh, we had fun! I took a couple of days off from the required curriculum to enjoy learning about Groundhog Day and Day 100! This post offers resource ideas and has a freebie!

February Books, Resources, and Deals!

Can you believe February is upon us? 

I've got a bunch of ideas to help you get ready!
February Books Resources, and Deals! February is a very busy month. This post has several books and resources to help keep the kids engaged!


Groundhog Day is February second. Will that groundhog see his shadow? Well, here's a groundhog that can predict the weather! (Amazon affiliate.)

Here's a collection of Groundhog learning activities the kiddos will love:
Explore this image for a link to this money-saving resource.

The image will bring you to the bundle, but you can also grab individual resources if you prefer.

Have you had Day 100? Ours will be this Wednesday. Here's a great Day 100 book! (Amazon affiliate.)

This is a game that challenges my second graders, and they love it! 

Explore this image for a link to this fun resource.


This is a great activity if you're going to be out: easy directions, and the kiddos LOVE it! And it's great for developing their number sense.  Here's another Day 100 activity for "older" kiddos to practice sets of 100 Count to 1,000 Booklet.

Explore this image for a link to this popular resource.


And a Day 100 Dollar Deal for active kids...just see the image! Beanie Toss to 100


Explore this image for a link to this fun Day 100 dollar deal!


Guess what else is coming soon... Mardi Gras! These worksheets, games, and activities will keep them busy AND learning! Mardi Gras No Prep Activities: Literacy and Math

Explore this image for a link to this fun Mardi Gras resource.

Valentine's Day is the same week! Here's my VERY favorite book to read on Valentine's Day! This one will warm your heart and the kid's hearts as well! (Amazon affiliate.)

And a Valentine's Day Dollar Deal!


Explore this image for a link to this fun dollar deal!


Here are a few fun books for Presidents Day! (Amazon affiliates.)
          
Here's a game to help your kids remember which American holiday is which! Which Patriotic Holiday?

Explore this image for a link to this valuable resource.


Here are plenty of activities for the kids with an American President theme! President's Day Games and Activities

Explore this image for a link to this fun resource.


Want to make life a whole lot easier and grab a big bargain?  Here's a bundle with several different activities

Explore this image for a link to this money- and time-saving resource!

Hope these items help you get through February!


February Books Resources, and Deals! February is a very busy month. This post has several books and resources to help keep the kids engaged!

What Do They Really Remember?

Years after they leave your class, what do your students remember?

What do they really remember? This post explores my Day 100 tradition and discusses why the children remember it years later.

One of the things my kids always remember is when we go from class to class, singing Day 100 songs.

Yesterday was Day 100 in our school, and we carried on my little tradition. Many of the teachers look forward to our visits every year, and it's a real treat to go into the other classrooms in the school. (We NEVER go into each others' rooms, it's such a treat!)

What do they really remember? This post explores my Day 100 tradition and discusses why the children remember it years later.

Today at Morning Meeting, I asked my class to share how they truly felt about singing in front of all the different classes. I was thrilled with their honesty. Some said they felt nervous, excited, scared, embarrassed, or shy. When I asked each child, "But did you like it?" Every single child nodded an enthusiastic, "Yes!" 

What do they really remember? This post explores my Day 100 tradition and discusses why the children remember it years later.

I could tell most of the children absolutely loved it.  There were a couple of kids that I knew singing just wasn't their "thing", but I was hoping it would be a positive experience.  They said they loved it!

As someone who is fascinated by how the brain works, I find myself pondering what it is about this experience that puts it permanently into the memory. Here's my theory:
  •  Singing in front of other classes uses strong emotions, which are directly connected to the memory.  
  • It's something they never have done before. Novelty is directly connected to the memory.
  • It's music!  Music is amazing when it come to the brain.
  • It involves social interaction. Again, connections with memory and learning.

What do your students remember about your class?



What do they really remember? This post explores my Day 100 tradition and discusses why the children remember it years later.

Ten Seasonal Deals

It's that time of year when the special days come one right after the other, and I'm getting ready!

 
Ten Seasonal Deals! Here are ten resources (at amazing discounts) to help keep learning happening in your primary classroom from mid-January through February!

I thought I'd give you a taste of several upcoming special Days! Most of the resources listed are $1.00!

Sometimes I think all these special days are the only things that get me (and the kids) through these New England winters! 
 
The Super Bowl is indeed coming up, which means many of our students will have football fever! 


Ten Seasonal Deals! Here are ten resources (at amazing discounts) to help keep learning happening in your primary classroom from mid-January through February!


Soon is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. (Thanks, Dr. King for all you did for peace as well as the day off!)  Here's a popular resource to get the kids thinking about justice! See the image below for Just or Unjust!

Ten Seasonal Deals! Here are ten resources (at amazing discounts) to help keep learning happening in your primary classroom from mid-January through February!

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


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!

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


Ten days later, we'll be celebrating the 100th day of school!  I have a little tradition I started years ago, I take my kiddos from class to class singing Day 100 songs.  Here's a link for one of my songs: 100 Days Smarter!

Ten Seasonal Deals! Here are ten resources (at amazing discounts) to help keep learning happening in your primary classroom from mid-January through February!


Another Day 100 treat, a math game for active kiddos!  
Here's a link to this freebie:  Beanie Toss to 100!

Ten Seasonal Deals! Here are ten resources (at amazing discounts) to help keep learning happening in your primary classroom from mid-January through February!


That groundhog will be peaking out of his burrow in just a couple of weeks! (I sure hope spring comes early, I've had enough!) Check out the link here:  Groundhog Consonant - l-e Sort!

Ten Seasonal Deals! Here are ten resources (at amazing discounts) to help keep learning happening in your primary classroom from mid-January through February!

I often begin doing research projects with my students mid-year. The ABC book is a great way to present the information! ABC Book Template

Ten Seasonal Deals! Here are ten resources (at amazing discounts) to help keep learning happening in your primary classroom from mid-January through February!


Pretty soon, we'll be celebrating our presidents! Here's a fun one: Presidents Day Mini Booklets!

Ten Seasonal Deals! Here are ten resources (at amazing discounts) to help keep learning happening in your primary classroom from mid-January through February!


Here's another way to celebrate our presidents! See the image below for President Writing Prompts

Ten Seasonal Deals! Here are ten resources (at amazing discounts) to help keep learning happening in your primary classroom from mid-January through February!

And, of course, Valentine's Day is less than a month away, and the kids are getting excited about that too!  Valentine's Day Mini-Books


Ten Seasonal Deals! Here are ten resources (at amazing discounts) to help keep learning happening in your primary classroom from mid-January through February!

Wow, we have some busy days ahead of us! I hope these ten Deals will help you through!


Ten Seasonal Deals! Here are ten resources (at amazing discounts) to help keep learning happening in your primary classroom from mid-January through February!

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