The Cloud Book by Tomie dePaola

Many 2nd and 3rd grade students learn about clouds in their science classes.  They learn about how clouds are formed in the atmosphere, what the different types are, and what each type forecasts.  If your students need to learn about clouds in your class, keep reading.  In this blog post, I'll introduce you to The Cloud Book by Tomie dePaola and a twist on a traditional cloud craft.

This is an updated version of a blog post I wrote in 2014. Disclosure: Affiliate links to Amazon are included in this post.

Helping Your Left-Handed Students

Today is August 13th... did you know it is also International Lefthanders Day?  An estimated seven to ten percent of the world's population is left-handed and International Lefthanders Day brings attention to the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed in a predominately right-handed world.  Chances are you have a student or two in your class who is left-handed.  Here are three simple strategies you can use in the classroom to support his/her writing efforts

Disclosure: Affiliate links to Amazon are included in this post.

What is STEM Education?

STEM education is becoming increasingly popular in our school systems.  Students often take STEM classes and participate in STEM activities at school.  What is STEM and why is it so important?  Read on to find out!

The Chalk Box Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla

The Chalk Box Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla is a terrific book to use when introducing chapter books to second-grade students. It's not terribly long. . . only 64 pages. . . and has clear cut characters, settings, problems, and solution. 

This is an updated version of a blog post I wrote in 2015.  Disclosure: Affiliate links to Amazon are included in this post.

How to Play Mum-ball / Mumball

Have you ever played mum-ball / mumball with your students?  It's a terrific game to play during recess or when your students need a quick brain break.  It gets the children up and moving and is super easy.  There are very few rules you need to remember and only one item you need. . . a big, bouncy, beach ball from your local department store.

This is an updated version of a blog post I wrote in 2015.

Disclosure: Affiliate links to Amazon are included in this post.

Celebrating Pirate Day with Pete the Cat and the Treasure Map by James Dean

It's August and we're in the midst of the pirate season.  All over the country, there are pirate festivals and celebrations.  Children enjoy dressing up as pirates, singing songs about pirates, and playing pirate games this time of year.  Are you looking for a fun activity to try with your children and students?  Try painting rocks to make pirate gold and going on a treasure hunt!

This is an updated version of a blog post I wrote in 2015.  Disclosure: Affiliate links to Amazon are included in this post.

F is for Flag by Wendy Cheyette Lewison

On July 4th, people all over the United States celebrated Independence Day.  Many people attended picnics, parades, and carnivals.  Many people dressed up in red, white, and blue and many more enjoyed watching firework displays in their communities.  Even though the festivities of July 4th are over, this is a terrific time for small children to learn more about the American flag.  What colors are on the flag?  (red, white, and blue)  How many stripes are on the flag?  (thirteen)  How many stars are on the flag?  (fifty)  When we look at the flag, what should we think about and remember?  (America!)

This is an updated version of a blog post I wrote in 2015.  Disclosure: Affiliate links to Amazon are included in this post.

Creative Ways to Practice Spelling

Are you tired of the same old, same old when it comes to spelling practice? Are you tired of having your students write their spelling words five times each or having them write their spelling words in sentences? If so, keep reading. In this post, I present to you four strategies that have helped my students with spelling over the years. I didn't invent these strategies... these strategies have been around for years. But these are the strategies my students have enjoyed the most and have gotten the most benefit from. I hope they'll help your students too. Enjoy!

This is an updated version of a blog post I wrote in 2015.  Disclosure: Affiliate links to Amazon are included in this post.

How to Make and Use a Pizza Busy Bag

Busy bags have become hugely popular among parents and teachers of young children in recent years. "What are busy bags," you may be wondering? Busy bags are activities that can be slipped into a Ziploc bag and stored in a purse, diaper bag, glove compartment, or math center. They keep children busy while quietly engaging them in learning.

Parents love to give busy bags to their children while they are waiting for their food in a restaurant or sitting in the waiting room at a doctor's office. Teachers use busy bags in math centers to reinforce skills taught in class. In this blog post, you will learn how to make a simple, pizza busy bag out of felt. Enjoy!

This is an updated version of a blog post I wrote in 2014.  Disclosure: Affiliate links to Amazon are included in this post.

 

Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton

The beginning of the school year is an exciting time for children.  Even though they feel excited, they also feel anxious.  Will my teacher like me?  Will I make friends?  What if the work is too hard?  What if I have to go to the bathroom?!?!?!  

Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton is a popular children's book that is typically read at the beginning of the school year.  It's about a cat named Splat and how he felt on his first day of school.  Just like many children on their first day, Splat feels anxious.  Read on to learn more about Splat the Cat to find out what happens on Splat's first day of school, how his anxiousness eventually goes away, and for a FREE printable you can use in your classroom.

This is an updated version of a blog post I wrote in 2014.  Disclosure: Affiliate links to Amazon are included in this post.