Elementary Matters is an educational blog focused on Elementary grades 1-3. These posts will make an elementary teacher's life easier by sharing information about how the brain learns best. It includes time savers, suggestions for classroom management, hints on effective teaching of reading, writing, and math, and several ideas for squeezing Science and Social Studies into daily instruction. These posts include links to several videos, articles, resources, and plenty of free materials.
Summer
is the time of year most people enjoy going to the beach, going
camping, or maybe just hanging out with friends. It's a great time to be
outside!
If you're still in school or working with kids during the summer, you're probably looking for things to do with the kids that also allow you to enjoy the summer!
Well, I've got a few resources for you, and guess what... they're all dollar deals or free!
This is great for team building, plus important end-of-the-year review!
Kids love themes, and what is a better theme for the classroom than going to the beach?
No, we're not going to the seashore, I'm just trying to think of fun ways to get them working and learning these last few weeks.
Here's what we're going to do during Seashore Week:
1. Literature! First of all, there will be plenty of literature! Here are some books I've found with a seashore or beach theme: (Click the image for a link to Amazon to find more about the book!
I have a feeling I'll find more great books as I go through my classroom library as well as my school library. I like to read several examples of fiction as well as nonfiction to give the children a real feel for what we're studying.
2. Music and Sounds! Next, to set the mood:
Here is a Youtube video of ocean waves and sounds: very peaceful! Great background sounds!
Or try this one! I'll be playing this one when they're painting or creating!
2. Writing! After all this seashore learning, We're going to have to do some writing! I made up some paper with a seashore theme (see image at top of page!) For this freebie, click HERE.
4. Beach Towels! Of course, I really have to get the kids into the feel of the ocean. I'll be inviting them to bring beach towels next week. My plan is to let them take out their towels during Independent Reading time. I'll play my ocean sound CD, and they can pretend to do my very favorite summer activity... reading at the beach!
5. Beach Themed Centers! Here's my Seashore Theme Unit Literacy and Math Centers: click the image for the link!