My son is infatuated with insects. The uglier the better. He digs them up and traps them in the backyard. Insects totally gross me out. My husband loves reading with my son about all the strange and wonderful things insects have to offer and do in our world. He tells me about all the interesting bug […]
Tip for Reading to Children: A Must for Every Parent!
During our bedtime routine when my sons were really young, I had to school my husband on the importance of pointing underneath each word while reading aloud. As a teacher, it seemed obvious to me to do this. Since then, I’ve watched many of my family and friends read to their children over the years, […]
Ladybug Counting Hat Craft
The best time of year to observe insects is in the spring. After a long hibernation, they are hungry little buggers. They come out immediately when it turns warm to find food. Currently, my son and I are studying ladybugs. We are hoping to see a few in our yard soon. While we were waiting, […]
Free Printable Water Cycle Song
When I was teaching second grade, this water cycle song was in my head for the entire spring season. This catchy tune really helped my students grasp the concept of the water cycle. The school that I taught at was VERY big into Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory, so tapping into their musical intelligence was important […]
Spring Literacy Bulletin Board
This morning, I noticed my plants sprouting through the snow. I can hardly wait for spring to arrive! To gear up for it, I created a raining spring word wall complete with 37 different raining spring words. This would make a great interactive bulletin board display or literacy station. Simply add velcro to the back of the word […]
Spring Book Box Craft
Before I was a teacher, I worked in marketing. I always approached learning and teaching as a sales position. We are selling the love of learning and books, and it’s our job as parents and teachers to make books as appealing as possible. If we are thrilled about read-aloud and books, that enthusiasm spills into […]
Classroom Organization Freebie: Classroom Number Printables
In order for every classroom to run smoothly, there needs to be organization. Today’s freebie is marquee-themed classroom numbers! They are perfect for classroom organization and have endless possibilities. Here are a few ways that you can use them in your classrooms: Use them for table numbers. It’s an easy way to create groups and the […]
Spring Craft Idea for Kids: Textured Paper Carrot
Paper crafting for kids can be so much more than 2D construction paper projects. When I was teaching art, I wanted my students to see paper as a medium that can be manipulated and have texture. As a kid, I adored making 3D pop-up cards and projects. This carrot project for our spring growing unit […]
Shamrock Door Decoration for Kids {Learn Shapes, Layering, & Patterns}
Decorating for the holidays, like St Patrick’s Day, is always fun especially when a kids’ craft is involved. This shamrock door decorating craft, that is kid-friendly, includes cutting, sorting patterns, and layering. This activity practices the fine motor skill of cutting and sorting heart shapes by sizes or patterns to create a shamrock. assorted […]
Spring Making Words (Free Printable Activity)
Spring begins in two weeks! We thought we’d get a head start and bring a little sunshine into your weekend with a free printable making words activity. This making words activity has a mystery word “rainbow” and really is a perfectly differentiated literacy activity! You can lead your class slowly building up to the mystery […]