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on February 24, 2024 · Leave a Comment

4 Strategies for Writing Instruction To Support All Students

4 Strategies for Writing Instruction to Support All Students

Though writing is my very favorite subject to teach, it can be one of the most challenging. Especially since there is typically a large range of abilities in the classroom. To level the field for each of your writers it can take a lot of outside-of-the-box thinking. These are simple approaches I have used throughout the years with students, and with my own two boys. Here are four strategies for writing instruction that you can add to your teaching toolbox.1. MindsetI'm excited to share my first valuable tip that can make a big difference in our writing instruction. It's not about fancy tools … [Read more...] about 4 Strategies for Writing Instruction To Support All Students

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: writing conferences, writing tools

on January 8, 2024 · Leave a Comment

Teaching Nonfiction Text Features with Sharks – Anchor Charts, Worksheets, & More!

teaching nonfiction text features sharks

In my experience, students have always shown an enthusiastic interest in nonfiction research, especially when it involves animals – and what better subject than sharks! I have several ideas for teaching nonfiction text features that I am sharing with you below including anchor charts, worksheets, report writing, discussion questions, and more... so let's dive in!Teaching Nonfiction Text FeaturesExploring the deep sea depths of shark facts can be both educational and entertaining for kids. From whale sharks and great white sharks to horn sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerhead sharks, there's a … [Read more...] about Teaching Nonfiction Text Features with Sharks – Anchor Charts, Worksheets, & More!

Filed Under: Curriculum Tagged With: animal research, Guided Reading with a Purpose, nonfiction, nonfiction text features, sharks, text features

on December 16, 2023 · Leave a Comment

5 Winter STEM Activities

Winter STEM activities

As the much-anticipated winter break draws near, with you and your students eagerly ticking off the days, the quest for engaging yet sanity-preserving activities begins. It's that magical time when excitement is high, and the challenge lies in finding something both enjoyable and educational to channel that energy. Look no further! I've created 5 captivating winter STEM activities that your students are going to love. These are not just learning experiences; they're adventures in science, technology, engineering, and math, carefully crafted to keep your students enthralled without sending the … [Read more...] about 5 Winter STEM Activities

Filed Under: FREEBIE, STEM Tagged With: Christmas, holiday, Winter

on December 7, 2023 · Leave a Comment

Beyond the Book: Author Study Activities for The Questioneers Series

author study activities

Embarking on an author study with young minds goes far beyond the pages of a book—it's about fostering curiosity, sparking creativity, and igniting a passion for learning. In the realm of elementary classrooms, author studies become a powerful tool for cultivating a love for reading, writing, and exploration. The following author study activities invite you to step "Beyond the Book" as we delve into the captivating world of The Questioneers Series written by Andrea Beaty, where characters like Ada Twist Scientist, Iggy Peck Architect, and Sofia Valdez Future Prez come to life with boundless … [Read more...] about Beyond the Book: Author Study Activities for The Questioneers Series

Filed Under: Curriculum Tagged With: Andrea Beaty, author study, Guided Reading with a Purpose, Questioneers Series

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Brown’s work vs. mine this week. Mason had Flu A Brown’s work vs. mine this week. Mason had Flu A and Wyatt had a horrible spell of migraines this week. 😣 I may need a vacation 😆 Luckily the boys were super sweet and thankfuk for super mom. Ha. I guess Dave did some stuff too. 💪 👨‍🚒
This anti-bullying and kindness-themed reading com This anti-bullying and kindness-themed reading comprehension and writing bundle is designed to help students analyze morals and lessons in stories while reinforcing essential comprehension strategies. Through six different mentor texts, students will explore sequencing, text connections, asking and answering questions, story elements, character analysis, problem and solution, and more. Perfect for social-emotional learning, kindness, and anti-bullying lessons!

Books included in this bundle are:
- “The Proudest Blue”
- “Each Kindness”
- “Bully Beans”
- “Weird”, “Dare”, “Tough” (3 Book Bundle)

What’s included:
- A unique craft
- Writing prompts
- Graphic organizers
- Story element posters
- Anchor chart headers
- Focused worksheets to deepen comprehension
- Book talk questions
- Parent connection materials
- Morning work or fast finisher activities
- Mini lessons
- Lesson plan ideas and more!

✨✨CLICK the Link in Bio to get this amazing bundle!✨✨ OR COMMENT “KINDNESS” and I’ll send you the link!✨✨ 

#AntiBullying #KindnessMatters #SocialEmotionalLearning #ReadingComprehension #BookCompanion #GuidedReading #CharacterAnalysis #TeacherResources #TpTResources #LiteracyActivities #SELActivities #TeacherLife
Spread kindness in your classroom with this FREE k Spread kindness in your classroom with this FREE kindness activity! This resource includes a fun coloring sheet and a word search featuring words of compassion and inspiring quotes about being kind. Perfect for promoting social-emotional learning and building a positive classroom environment. 

✨✨CLICK the Link in Bio to download this FREE Kindness Activity!✨✨ OR COMMENT "KINDNESS" and I’ll send you the link!✨✨ 

#KindnessMatters #FreeClassroomActivity #SELresources #CompassionInClassroom #TeacherFreebies #KindnessActivities #TeachersOfInstagram #TpTFreebies #PositiveClassroom #SocialEmotionalLearning
Wyatt and I scored a day together while Mason is a Wyatt and I scored a day together while Mason is at University of Toledo Honor Band. Bonus we discovered a yummy coffee shop! @siptoledo
Teach your students about kindness, empathy, and i Teach your students about kindness, empathy, and inclusion with this engaging reading comprehension and writing unit for *Each Kindness* by Jacqueline Woodson. This guided reading unit focuses on anti-bullying, kindness, and social-emotional learning, featuring over 15 comprehension strategies with an emphasis on lessons and morals. The interactive ripple effect craft helps reinforce these important messages in a fun and meaningful way. Perfect for small or whole group instruction, this unit is ideal for Anti-Bullying Month, Unity Day, and daily social skills practice.

This comprehensive book companion unit includes:
- A unique craft
- Writing prompts
- Graphic organizers
- Story element posters
- Anchor chart headers
- Focused worksheets to deepen understanding of the story elements
- Book talk questions
- Parent connection materials
- Morning work or fast finisher activities
- Mini-lessons
- Lesson plan ideas and more!

Comprehension skills covered:
➙ Schema 
➙ Making Predictions 
➙ Text Evidence 
➙ Character, Setting, Plot 
➙ Retell 
➙ Author's Purpose 
➙ Character Analysis 
➙ Lesson & Moral 
➙ Text Connections 
➙ Key Events 
➙ Problem and Solution 

✨✨CLICK the Link in Bio to get this anti-bullying & kindness resource!✨✨ OR COMMENT “ANTI BULLYING” and I’ll send you the link!✨✨

#AntiBullying #KindnessMatters #SocialEmotionalLearning #TeachersOfInstagram #TpTResources #CharacterEducation #ReadingComprehension #TeacherLife #SocialSkills #Empathy #Inclusion #LiteracyActivities #LiteracyResources
Dive into this Antarctic penguin-themed reading co Dive into this Antarctic penguin-themed reading comprehension and writing bundle! This engaging unit includes 5 nonfiction passages that focus on text features like glossaries, bold print words, and more. It’s perfect for practicing nonfiction reading strategies such as identifying the main idea, finding text evidence, asking and answering questions, and activating schema.

Each passage is packed with helpful text features, including:
- Diagrams
- Labels
- Captions
- Glossary
- Index
- Table of contents

Topics covered include:
- Appearance
- Food
- Habitat
- Life cycle
- Predators
- Special adaptations
- Interesting facts

The bundle also includes:
- Nonfiction reader for each animal
- A unique craft
- Writing prompts
- Graphic organizers
- Story element posters
- Anchor chart headers
- Focused worksheets to deepen comprehension
- Book talk questions
- Parent connection materials
- Lesson plan ideas and more!

This easy-to-implement, penguin-themed unit will make learning fun and memorable. It’s perfect for guided reading groups and will help your students develop key nonfiction reading skills! 🐧

✨✨CLICK the Link in Bio to grab your penguin reading bundle!✨✨ OR COMMENT "PENGUINS" and I’ll send you the link!✨✨

#PenguinThemed #NonfictionReading #ReadingComprehension #GuidedReading #TextFeatures #TeacherResources #PenguinFun #LiteracyActivities #TpTResources #TeachingWithPenguins #TeacherLife

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