I LOOOOOOOVE PODCASTS! I am seriously obsessed with podcasts and am not ashamed to work a suggestion for a podcast into a conversation with a stranger. "Oh, you like (insert topic of interest here)? Do you like podcasts? Do you know what you should listen to....". Seriously, I'm sure my friends and family will one day limit the amount of podcasts I'm able to recommend in one conversation. If you are doubting my love of podcasts, just know that my Valentine's gift this year was to watch the taping of the West Wing Weekly podcast. That is right I watched a taping of a podcast that discusses a show that hasn't been on the air in about 15 years. Like I said, I love podcasts:) I have passed on my love of podcasts to my own children (or maybe shoved it down their throats)! We are constantly listening to a podcast in the car. I really think it is helping my kids (7 and 12 years old) become better listeners and has made them work their imaginations. They love to discuss them as a family and have learned a ton of information from some of them! Just to recap: better listening skills increased creativity and imagination increased communication heightened vocabulary increased knowledge of the world around them I have a growing list of student friendly podcasts to use in your class right now (scroll to the bottom of the page), but here are our favorite 3! Wow in the World! Hosted by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz from NPR, my family can't get enough of this science show. Every week they take on a current science topic while building a hilarious world with crazy characters, time machines, and sassy pigeons name Reggie. I can totally see an elementary teacher using this to fit science into their day. It would be awesome to listen during snack time or transitions between subjects. Six Minutes OMG! This is addictive! It is taking all my will power to only listen to it with my kids and not go ahead! This podcast is about a girl name Holiday who is found unconscious by a family. She can't remember who she is and each episode gives us a bit more information. The coolest thing is each episode is only 6 minutes long! This would be awesome to launch a class with and it would be a great study in characterization! In the chart below I say it is for 4th to 8th grade but my 2nd grader is listening to it with me and she just needs a bit of guidance. The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel This podcast is amazing!!! I found out about it from Haylee Harwick on over at Hello Mrs. Harwick. Catch her Instagram Stories to see how she did a class transformation to listen to this with her kiddos! This podcast is about a young man named Mars Patel whose friends are disappearing. It has twists, turns, and suspense. I just finished listening to season two and am psyched to know season three is being released soon. There is so much you could do with this book. It would fit wonderfully into mystery unit and would be a great way to teach prediction and setting! Below is a list of even more podcasts for kids and the classroom. I'm adding to it all the time and if you have any suggestions, please let me know! I love to share!! Click on the "Genre/Subject" and "Grade Span" buttons to tailor your searching. Click on the right arrow in the top and bottom right hand corners to see more podcasts. The list is best seen on a computer as opposed to a phone or a tablet. If you have trouble seeing the list you may view it better here: https://awesome-table.com/-LNbUp_4epLAssI40-76/view If you are interested in trying any of these podcasts in your classroom and would like some resources to help lead the way, head on over to my Teachers Pay Teachers store and check out my new Podcast Listening Graphic Organizers! Happy Listening!!!
A fallacy is the use of invalid or otherwise faulty reasoning, or "wrong moves" in the construction of an argument.
Speaking - interaction activity for pairs of students about different topics. - ESL worksheets
Steal these for your writing unit!
Here is a collection of eight class discussion techniques to structure classroom discussion and ensure all students' equal participation.
A colourful poster to show the difference between their, there and they're with pictures and explanations.Includes a full colour, semi colour and black and white.I also have a poster of the same style for Your and You're available here.Idea adapted from Artline AU.
Teaching English as second language (ESL), which websites do you use for preparing lesson plan, classroom activities, teaching resources and materials? These are some of the websites we know.
This blog post features five free idiom activities, like a free idioms PowerPoint, game, task cards, and an engaging anchor chart!
Use this free printable template to create paper quilt designs using squares. This geometry for kids activity is perfect for practicing spatial awareness, encouraging creativity, and can even be used as a collaborative art project! Are you following our Math for Kids Pinterest board? Recently we’ve been learning all about quilts! Studying quilts can provide …
Check out how easy it is to use old iPhones as Listening Centers!
An escape room in the classroom is a super fun way to engage your students in any topic. Make one easily with the worksheet you already have!
You don't have to give your entire life over to grading.
This product can be blown up and printed as an anchor chart for you classroom or given to students for their notes. Includes: * Two anchor chart posters (Primary vs Secondary and Types of Resources) * Interactive Notebook printable * Interactive Notebook foldable
The latest graphic from Kristin Weins, an educator, inclusion coach, and author of My Gratitude Jar, lists the best practices…
The Best Anchor Charts for your ELA classroom all together in one place! You will find outlines to utilize in Reading Literature, Reading Informational, Writing and Language. Explained in this blog post is about the purpose of utilizing anchor charts in your daily instruction. Along with tips to organize your charts. Below is a collection […]
Sometimes students finish their work early. Now what? Here are a few ideas… This work by Mia MacMeekin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported Lic…
Here you will find our free geometry cheat sheet selection. These sheets tells you all you need to know about basic geometry formula for a range of 2d and 3d geometric shapes by the Math Salamanders.
Algebra resources for teaching and learning mathematics. Fun and visual resources for maths teachers and kids.
Whether or not the use of grade level word groups or families for teaching reading and spelling is pedagogically sound is something I cont...
Embrace the 5E model and mix in hyperdocs to engage and empower new learning construction in your hyper-connected classroom.
As an ESL teacher, I often hear from classroom teachers that they don't always know where to start when it comes to working with beginning English language learners (ELLs), or newcomers, in small group instruction. In this post I'll share a typical "guided reading" lesson that I would give to my beginning ELLs, as well as a glance of at what a typical week would look like. Let me start by saying, the very first thing I do before I start instructing my newcomers is, I assess what they already know. First, I see if they have literacy skills in their native language...can they read and write? Then, I see if they know alphabet letter names and sounds. Next, I assess their reading level. Since they don't have English literacy skills yet, their reading level typically starts at level "A" (emergent). I can say that most students do have some literacy skills in their home language, and often times, many know some letter names and sounds. So now I've got my starting point! When I first begin working with my newcomers, the main components of reading that I typically focus on are building vocabulary, phonological awareness/phonics and sight words. So a typical week would encompass all three of these skills. Down the road I add comprehension skills, but they are not ready for that yet. Step 1 - Choose an appropriate book. I carefully select books that have relevant vocabulary. For the most part, my main focus is to build their vocabulary. The literacy skills in their native language will transfer to their new language, however, they have an extremely limited vocabulary, so... vocabulary, vocabulary, vocabulary! I chose this book because I wanted to teach my students the word "big." It's also about animals, and I know that most kids are interested in reading about animals! I used gestures to SHOW them what "big" means. It's important to be mindful of your students' age when picking out books. You don't want to give 4th-6th graders books about bunnies or teddy bears. Try picking age appropriate books; which I know can be a challenge if the selection is limited, but you don't want your students feeling embarrassed. Step 2 - Preview the book. Point to and say each animal's name and have the students repeat the names back to you, keeping in mind to speak clearly and to enunciate the sounds in each word. It's important for them to hear how to pronounce the names. A side thought...Think about "A" level books... they are not created with English language learners in mind. "A" level books have repeated sentences, which are GREAT, but they also have very specific vocabulary that students are expected to decode using picture cues. In the book my students read last week, the repeated sentence was, "We go to the _____." The pictures show the family in different locations like the pool, park, library, soccer game, etc. In one picture the family is standing in front of a large fish tank. If I asked English only students where the family is, some might say a fish store or they might even guess aquarium, depending on their background knowledge. Then they'd cross check their thinking with the word and see that it begins with the letter "a" and hopefully they'd say, "It's an aquarium!" But our newcomers don't know what a big fish tank place is called in English, so it's important for us to support our students by saying the names of each vocabulary word. Step 3 - Choral reading! Newcomers feel more comfortable in a choral reading setting. They need help pronouncing the words. They need to hear YOU pronounce the words. Choral reading helps to keep anxiety levels low. (In a few weeks, the choral reading decreases and I will start focusing on decoding.) Step 4 - After reading, review the animal names. Point to an animal and see if they can remember the name. Perhaps make a matching activity with animal pictures and names. Support as needed. Encourage a LOT! Step 5 - I always provide a guided writing activity based off of the book we just read. I use sentence frames to support their thinking and writing. Sometimes I create my own, like the picture below, and other times I'll use a graphic organizer as a follow up activity. On this day I wanted them to understand the meaning of "big," so their writing supported this goal. As they finish their writing activity, I'll ask each student to read some of their writing to me. Then they'll draw a quick picture, which I always ask them to label. I know that my newcomers don't understand every word in the book, and that's OK! They are being exposed to new words and ideas in a repeating format. I want them to get used to the structure of our lessons so that they know what's expected. So, here is what a typical week of small group work entails for my newcomers. Knowing what the focus is each day helps me to zone in on their learning goals. The variety keeps it fun and interesting, yet it's consistent so they know what's expected. As you can see, on Tuesdays I include direct vocabulary instruction, either using the vocabulary from the book, like the animals, monthly themed vocabulary, or content area vocabulary. October Themed Vocabulary (along with sight words and phonics review) One vocabulary activity I have my students do is called the K.I.M. Strategy. In their notebook they write the key word (K), important information (I), sketch a memory clue (M) and write a sentence (S). For my newcomers, I leave out the (I) portion. They are not ready for adding "information." Right now the goal is for them to learn the names of things and simple sentence structure. My higher ELLS definitely include all components of the K.I.M. Strategy in their notebooks. This is what the K.I.M. Strategy looks like. And this is how it looks modified for my newcomers... On Thursdays, I focus on building sight words. When teaching sight words, it's important to teach them in context. Your beginning ELs need context in order to make meaning of the words. I pull a sight word from our books and I include an extension activity with that word. (A link to this resource is provided at the bottom of this post.) I do teach sight words throughout the week, but on Thursdays we always have an extension activity for one of them. As an "exit ticket" I have them orally use the sight word. Today, I asked each student, "What can you do?" And they responded with "I can _____." Then they get a high five, a sticker (big kids like stickers too!), or some encouraging praise. I also include Word Study activities in my small group work. I like using the sorts from Words Their Way. Each Monday they receive a new spelling pattern. Remember, I assessed my students to see what they already knew. Most already knew initial sounds, so I started them with word families. If they did not know initial sounds, I would've started there. I do have one student in this group who does not know many initials sounds, so I spend a little extra focus with him on initial sounds. This resource is from "Words Their Way." My newcomers use this activity to learn spelling patterns AND vocabulary. They are introduced to their new word list on Mondays, then they have independent activities to do with their word list throughout the week in their gen ed classrooms. (It's so important to set newcomers up with meaningful activities that they can work on independently during Reader's Workshop.) Below is their Word Study Activities list. It gets glued into their Reading Notebook. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays they work on their independent activities. Friday is Word Study Quiz day! FREEBIE - Click Here And that's what small group instruction looks like with my newcomers. To recap, assess what students can do to evaluate your starting point. Focus on building vocabulary, sight words in context, word spelling patterns and choral reading to start. My guided reading lessons usually looks like... preview the book, front load main vocabulary, choral read, and end with a guided writing activity with sentence frames. Here's a TIP: Many times I make my own guided writing activity based on what I want the students to learn from the book. I'll write the activity in my notebook, make copies, cut them to size, then have students glue it into their notebook. Keep this notebook! You may get a newcomer next year, and when you do, many of your guided writing activities will already be made. You'll just need to find the book that goes with the activity. My notebook where I write out the guided writing activities. I know that many school districts lack ESL resources and often times the classroom teacher is the only one providing instruction. Knowing where to start with beginning English learners is probably the biggest challenge. I hope that this post gives you some ideas about where to start and what to focus on with your new students. To read more about the K.I.M. Strategy, click here. Affiliate links below for Sight Words and Word Study.
A blog for first grade and primary teachers with teaching tips for emergent readers including phonics, reading comprehension, and writing.
A fairly basic practice of the prepositions of place and the present continuous tense. I start this off by looking at the picture and giving them some speaking practice with a TRUE or FALSE. e.g. the horse is in the pond/ the father and son are playing cricket... - ESL worksheets
Looking for an awesome SKIMMING AND SCANNING activity to engage your students in reading advertisements? You're in luck! Here's a practical worksheet to encourage focused ACTIVITIES to read CLASSIFIED ADS. This product includes: Handouts Worksheets Teachers can use these ready-made resources to enhance the learners' vocabulary, language, grammar, reading, and writing skills. Here are some other possible uses for these in your classroom: To challenge early finishers For effective tutoring As ESL stations and sub tubs As holiday work and homework For small group collaborations For an end of unit assessments For reinforcement and enrichment Customer Tips: How to get TPT credit to use for future purchases Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to log in). Beside each purchase, you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TPT gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases. I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a FOLLOWER. You will now receive email updates about this store. Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies, and product launches. ✨FOLLOW ME ON TPT✨ so you'll be the first to know when I post a new product or have a sale! Please reach out with any questions! Enjoy! ❤️ Let's Connect! ❤️ ✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlemiss_hiede/ ✨ Blog: https://littlemisshiede.wordpress.com/ ✨ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlemisshiede ✨ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/littlemiss_hiede/
Click the following link to download this free poster Homophones Poster Many reading programs introduce the concept of homophones in second grade. Homophones are words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have a different meaning. Our students need to be able to tell the difference in the meanings of these words and to use […]
Have you ever had a class that just tried your patience day after day? Have you ever felt like you could walk away from teaching forever tom...
The Unfair Game is a totally unfair twist on Jeopardy that your students will LOVE to hate! Learn how to play and find sample game boards in this post.
Student engagement is my number one goal in the classroom. None of the academic goals can be achieved without student engagement. It is essential! My biggest advice to you is to decrease teacher talk and the time students spend in their desks.I want to share some more specific ways that I keep my students engaged
Here are the notes I used this year for the 2nd unit of Algebra 1: Day 1: We started off the unit with a classifying variables sort. This was a good way to jog students’ memories about their …
Poetry is a type of literature, or artistic writing, that attempts to stir a reader's imagination or emotions. The poet does this by carefully choosing and arranging language for its meaning, sound, and rhythm. Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation (actual words used), often to describe something by comparing it to something else or to create mental pictures with words. Let's start with two poems everyone should be familiar with. The Road Not Taken By Robert Frost Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Robert Frost Robert Frost http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/192 The Rainy Day by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1842 The day is cold, and dark, and dreary; It rains, and the wind is never weary; The vine still clings to the mouldering wall, But at every gust the dead leaves fall, And the day is dark and dreary. My life is cold, and dark, and dreary; It rains, and the wind is never weary; My thoughts still cling to the mouldering Past, But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast, And the days are dark and dreary. Be still, sad heart! and cease repining; Behind the clouds is the sun still shining; Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poet/henry-wadsworth-longfellow Don't Like Poetry? Betcha do. http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2018/04/dont-like-poetry-betcha-do.html
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This product asks the students to determine what tattoos a novel character would have and explain why. This is a fun way to reinforce symbolism as well! I include an instruction page with examples and explanations on how I use this product as well! This was one of my personal favorite novel character assignments to complete! (I always complete the assignments with the students so they see that I am not asking them to do something I wouldn't do or find worthless) Common Core this product covers: -CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.1 Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. -CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.3 Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision. Other Character Activities for ANY novel: 20+ Character activities for ANY novel Novel Character eBay Listing Novel Character Obituary Novel Character Suitcase Packing Novel Character Postcard Novel Character Netflix Queue Novel Character Facebook Activity Novel Character Refrigerator Novel Character Shopping List Novel Character Cell Phone Twitter Activity Novel Character Cell Phone Texting Activity Novel Character Cell Phone Apps Activity Novel Character Reading List Activity Novel Character Instagram Activity Novel Character Trash Activity Novel Character Google Search Pinterest as a book character Computer Lab Activity Story Character Cell Phone Hack Story Character Cell Phone Hack
A blog about free resources for the secondary math classroom.
