Teaching Students to Space Between Words

One of the great benefits of my job is that I have the privilege of working with many skilled professionals from various disciplines.  We have a dynamite staff of Occupational Therapists who are never short of ideas and suggestions.  I recently had a discussion with one of our OTs, Lyzz, regarding letter reversals and handwriting in general.  Lyzz said that if students space between words and use correct letter size differentiation (using tall, short and below the line letters) that despite spelling errors, you can typically read and understand what was written.  Although there are several strategies that can be used to teach and remind students to space between words, Lyzz’s preferred method is the one which includes using small stickers.  She likes

[Read More...]

How To Make A Phonics Phone

Phonics phones and mirrors are two of the most important items in an early elementary small group instructional area.  Phonics phones amplify the student’s voice helping the student to focus and pay attention to the sounds.  Although you can purchase phonics phones, they are quite easy and inexpensive to make.  View the video for instructions on how to make your own classroom phonics phones. To make phonics phones Purchase a 3/4″ PVC pipe and 3/4″ elbow joints (you will need 2 for each phone) Cut PVC pipe into 3 1/2 inch sections Put an elbow joint on each end of the pipe Colorful duct tape can be wrapped around the center of the pipe for fun. Use phonics phones… 1.

[Read More...]

Teaching Short Vowel Sounds: Perfect Practice Makes Perfect!

Last summer I read Malcolm Gladwell’s book The Outliers.  I haven’t read a good non-teaching type book in a long time.  Although I call it a “non-teaching” type book, the ideas presented in the book shaped my thoughts of teaching and learning more than any other book I’ve read.  The concept behind the book was to look at lives of extraodinarily successful people and the circumstances and conditions which lead to their success.   There are many ingredients that lead to success, but the one concept that stood out as I read the book was that of the 10,000 hour rule.  Gladwell said that in order to truly master a skill, whether it’s in athletics, music or a skill such as computer programming,

[Read More...]

Valentine Sight Word Game Boards

I love Valentine’s Day and I love making activities.  So I REALLY love making Valentine’s Day activities.  These holiday sight word games can be used either in literacy centers or for your small group intervention.  Be sure to differentiate by using your mid-year sight word assessment data to determine which sight word board would best meet the needs of your students.  There are seven game boards.  Six of the game boards contain words from the Dolch Sight Word Lists 1-6.  A blank board is included so that you can add your own words.  Have a Happy Valentine’s Day! Click the picture above or HERE to download your free activity. My other Valentine’s Day activities: Valentine Lotto- CVC Words  Valentine Beginning Sound Match

[Read More...]

Christmas Break in Northern Michigan

Well, Christmas break is coming to an end soon.  Although I love working, I really appreciate both Christmas and spring break.  Especially now that two of my three children are away at college, it’s so much fun having them home.  Not only do I have both my college kiddos home, but there’s a steady stream of old friends in and out of the house.  I missed my kids, I’ve missed their friends and the flurry of activity that surround them.  I knew it would happen and I was prepared.  Upon coming home, their first priority was not to spend time with mom.  They were home a few hours and then went off with their friends.  Fortunately, they were able to squeeze in

[Read More...]

St. Patrick’s Day Sight Word Game Boards

Kyle (my awesome graphic artist) and I have been busy gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day!  Our Valentine’s sight word game boards were so popular that we thought we’d put a St. Patty’s Day spin on a favorite activity.  There are seven separate game boards.  Six game boards contain words from the Dolch Sight Word Lists 1-6.  The seventh game board is blank so that you can add your own words. Click HERE to download this holiday freebie! You may also like my St. Patrick’s Day CVC Lucky You! game or the CVC Pot ‘O Gold Word Family Game.  

[Read More...]

Valentine Lotto Game

We just finished screening all our students with the DIBELS Next assessment!  Now it’s time to take a look at the data and plan for intervention.  The Valentine Lotto activity is perfect for those kindergarteners and first graders who need extra practice reading and blending CVC words. Click the picture or click HERE to download this activity for free!

[Read More...]

Counting Bugs!

I’ll admit it,  I love my cup of coffee in the morning.  For a month now, I’ve been looking at the blue plastic Maxwell House container thinking that there must be some way to incorporate it into an activity.  Then it hit me.  Stick a label on the container and it’d be perfect for storing clothespins for a math game. To make the “Counting Bugs” activity, you will need 10 paint sticks, 53 clothespins, and a coffee can container.  You don’t really need to paint the paint sticks, but they look so cute if you do.  I had my friends at the Home Depot make samples of green and blue paint for me.  It costs about $2.50 a container.  I used Modge Podge to adhere

[Read More...]

Book Love!

It’s such an exciting time in education!  Social media has opened doors for new ways of connecting with teachers across the country.  My favorite part of blogging is networking with so many educators in various stages in their careers.  I love hearing from college students majoring in education, brand new teachers and teachers nearing retirement who have been revitalized with this new platform of collaborating.  It’s also so much fun finding new ”virtual friends” who share your views and similar passions in education.  I’d like to introduce you to my new friend, Melissa Taylor, from Imagination Soup.

[Read More...]

Teachers Pay Teachers Super Bowl Sale

Looking for some deals right before the big game? Teachers Pay Teachers is having a sale! It’s a great time to purchase those items that have been on your wish list. While you’re shopping be sure to check out these other fabulous TpT stores. There are so many awesome activities for the early elementary classroom.

[Read More...]

Follow Us

Popular Posts