Use our free printable music activity as a boredom buster with kids stuck at home or as a fun part of music education in a classroom.
Do you have a positive reward system in your classroom? I am a firm believer in having a positive reward system. Even as an adult, I love to hear positive things from my supervisors and colleagues. Kids are the exact same way. They want to be rewarded. I’m sure you have rules and consequences for […]
Today I'm excited to have Corrina from From Mrs. Allen's Teaching Files here to share a really fun and exciting activity to use when talking about self control. Self control is such a hard
Read through our favorite classroom management hacks and then hop over and become a Plato Pack member for even more teaching tools, strategies and support.
Make a simple guitar and set up fun and easy sound science experiments for kids. How do sounds sound different in different rooms.
A lesson plan! A lesson plan! My kingdom for a lesson plan!
Learn how to practice rhythms with this budget-friendly and fun rhythm game in your elementary music classroom.
Wooo Hooo! Did you know that Wal-Mart carries tie dye duct tape??? I love this stuff! This week I used it for our "Swat the Staff" game. Seventh and Eighth Graders played this game to review treble clef pitches. Choosing from a wide array of flyswatters, students paired up to speedily swat the correct note.
Some days you just need a break from the monotony! Preparing for exams, transitioning to a new unit, days when half your students are gone for a basketball tour
I am loving all the positive feedback I am getting on my Bright Polka Dot Classroom decor packs! Thank you! Thank you! I actually first made them for my own classroom. Last August, I decided to get rid of the cow print I had for ten years and go to bright polka dots. Selling the packets on TpT has been an added bonus! I thought I would let you know about some updates. As always, feel free to Pin! This picture from my Shutterfly site, is a big hit on Pinterest! The organizer is actually a utensil organizer from CVS. I hot glued ribbon around it and glued my table label to the front. The labels can be found in my Polka Dot Classroom Labels and Signs packet by clicking {here}. Here are a few other Pinterest fan favorites included in my Polka Dot Classroom Labels and Signs packet: These two posters are included for FREE in my sample for the packet! Click {here} to check it out on TpT. Click download the preview to get the FREE posters. This Whole Body Listening FREE poster was inspired by the speech pathologists and ABA teachers at my school. They use a Whole Body Listening Social Story they created through Boardmaker to give the students an idea of what whole body listening looks like. As you know, many students on the spectrum struggle with eye-contact while speaking. I have found that through my years of mainstreaming, the social story worked well for all of my students. So I decided to make a poster instead of social story to remind them. Through a bit more internet searching, I found this book called Whole Body Listening Larry at School!. I think this book would be great to read to your students on the first few days of school. The authors of the book linked the idea to an article written by this New York Speech Pathologist, Susanne Poulette. I had a lot of requests to add more words to my Polka Dot Word Wall Words. I add a ton more words, the packet now has 360 words total. Please, re-download the packet or check it out on TpT by clicking {here}. The Word Wall Labels above (Aa, Bb, etc.), can be found by clicking {here}. The "Word Wall" Punched out letters are from Frog Street Press, they are called "Sassy Fonts." These labels are available in my Leveled Library Label Packet (click {here}). Another request I had, was to add "Look Who's Been Spotted in Pre-K" to my Door Decor Packet. Click {here} to check it out on TpT! I have also made this packet editable. I tried to save myself some ink on this one and did not place a colored background behind or around the jobs. Instead, I cut the jobs and mounted them on bright scrapbook paper. The color circles around the hands match the colors in my other polka dot packets. I had requests to add more numbers to the packet and more jobs. I updated it, so check it out and/or re-download. Click {here} to check out my classroom jobs packet. I am taking inspiration from School Girl Style and trying wrapping paper as bulletin board paper next year. Check out these cool cheap finds. If bright colors are not your thing, hang tight! I am working on a primary colored polka dot line of decor. The primary labels and signs pack is out now, click the picture to check it out. Be sure to follow my TpT store, so you are alerted when the coordinating packs are finished.
Everyone loves Boggle! Here is a template that you can use again and again – just change the letters. There are two versions, one in color for the overhead and one in grayscale for individual use. Perfect for centers, bell work, or anytime you have a few spare minutes. Download Boggle Template Rachel Lynette You ... Read More about Boggle Template for End of the Year Fun
If you are looking for ideas to make your meeting more fun while teaching your girls how to respect authority you have come to the right place. Using some of these activities below to help your girls understand who is authority and learn how to respect them by listening to their parents, teachers, police, and leader who are there to help them follow directions and rules that are made to keep them safe. I recommend the following activities that will reinforce respecting authority: Practice with activities Be creative with a craft Get moving with a game Put into action with a service project or real life experience. Optionally: If I have a song that related, sing that as well. Below are a few ideas to get you started. Respect Authority Activity Booklet Do you want to skip all the planning? If so, use the Respect Authority Activity booklet and take your girls on a garden adventure helping a family of fairies on a mission to teach the world how to live by very important values. Using the leader booklet and the girl’s activity booklet your girls will complete lots of activities to help their fairy friends plant flowers, water gardens, and learn how to put important values to live by into action. With step-by-step activities planned for you all you have to do is gather the supplies listed, you can’t ask for a easier way to run your meeting. Learn more about the activities included and get yours today! Other Fun Activities to Try for Respect Authority Respecting Authority Figures Using some of the scenario’s below have your girls act out different scenes. These scenarios are ways to have girls give their opinion on how they would handle a situation. Scenario ideas: A police officer talking to a student about being out past curfew A principal talks to a student about having a cell phone in school A teacher talks to a student about talking while she is talking A parent talks to daughter about helping clean the house A GS Leader talks to girl about being a sister to every girl Further Authority DiscussionI think its important to talk further about how parents are authority figures. Just like you need to respect authority in public it is important to respect our moms and dads at home. Explain to your girls the importance of family time with your girls and that when spending time with family to respect their parents authority. Pipe Cleaner Glasses Prep: Get pipe cleaners for each girl two 6-inch pipe cleaners and one 12-inch pipe cleaner. What to Make: Make pipe cleaner glasses by twisting the ends of the long pipe cleaner together to create a circle. Twist the circle in the middle to create 2 connected circles for lenses. Attach a 6-inch pipe cleaner to each side and bend at the ends to fit around the the girls ears. Ask the girls if they have heard glasses called spectacles and tell them these are their “respectacles.” Have them put their glasses on and give them a short children’s book about respecting or disrespecting authority to read. Ask the girls to determine if the behavior was proper or if not what should have been done differently. You can get your books from the library or here are a few ideas you can get from amazon. The Berenstain Bears Show Some Respect I Am a Booger… Treat Me With Respect! Respect and Take Care of Things Few Pinterest Finds you will love too… Here is a great idea to get your girls thinking about Respecting authority in different areas of their life. Brainstorm with girls the answers to each category. The best way to teach the girls to respect authority (and everyone else) is to demonstrate respect yourself. I found a great resource that has some ideas for games, crafts and how to demonstrate respect. check it out….Click here Song to Sing with Girls You can get the following song audio by going here: Listen to Those in Authority Listen To Those in Authority Listen to those in authority, always behave. Honesty, sincerity, are traits that you should gain.Caring, sharing, helping out, raise your hand and wait,Till you’re called on for your turn. Study hard, give your best,And you will pass the test! (Chorus)Listen to those in authority, teachers, principals.Listen to those in authority and do just what you should.No words of hate, no lies, be kind and everyday try hard to get along.Respect yourself and others. Choose right over wrong.Respect yourself and others. Choose right over wrong. No words of hate, no lies, be kind and everyday try hard to get along.Respect yourself and others. Choose right over wrong.Respect yourself and others. Choose right over wrong. Listen to those in authority, your heart knows what’s right.Bullying is always wrong, and it’s not good to fight.Appreciate every race, everyone’s unique. Work together as a team.That’s what we need in our school. Be good, obey the rules. (Chorus) What Do You Stand For? Character Building Card Game If you have read some of the other blog post for petal ideas I share this over and over, because its so great. I found this on amazon a while back and let me tell you its a great way to get your girls talking, it has amazing scenarios to work through, there are many cards that will fit into the other petals as well, so make sure to pick out the ones you want for the specific petal you are working on. Get yours here: What Do You Stand For? Character Building Card Game What do we do after your girls complete the activities? Well of course give them the badge to display proudly on their vest, they earned it! Additionally If you are like many leaders we want to award our girls when they complete something even beyond just the patch. One great way to show achievement is with a certificate. Don’t worry you don’t have to make them, I found a resource that has done all the work for you and all you have to do is print them and customize the certificates with each girl’s name, badge or award earned, date, and troop leader. Editable certificates perfect for awarding girls after earning a badge. Garden Fairy Fun Patches You are going to love these cute adorable fun patches to put on the back of your girl’s vest. I partnered with a amazing company Advantage Emblems and they are producing and shipping the patches. You can buy them individually or as a complete set. The Fairy Fun Patch Complete Set Honest and fair Friendly and helpful Considerate and caring Courageous and strong Responsible for what I say and do Respect myself and others Respect authority Use resources wisely Make the world a better place Be a sister to every girl Teach your girls about integrity and values This book was wrote by my sister – Who was a Girl Scout as a girl and a Leader for many years before starting a family of her own. This beautifully illustrated book empowers kids to be nice and kind human beings. ‘The Adventures To Me ’ is an endearing story of a little elephant on a journey to becoming the best version of “me”. Equipped with nothing other than a colorful scooter, a backpack, and a map, the little elephant starts their “Adventures to Me”. Along the way, meets new friends of all different backgrounds as encounters challenges, has to make choices, and learns lessons along the way. The road to discovering the best version of “me” is paved with lessons about confidence, truthfulness, resilience and strength, respect, kindness, responsibility, accepting differences, using what you have, dreaming big, setting goals, and looking ahead towards the future with a positive mindset. For the little elephant, the journey of life is full of a wealth of possibilities –– ready to embark on a beautiful journey alongside our elephant friend? Learn about the choices we all make to be good people and explore the great “Adventures To Me”! View on Amazon Enjoy every minute being a leader and continue to inspire your girls! Purchase this wonderful illustrated book from Amazon.
Both my boys take part in the annual remembrance parade as Cubs and this year it is the 100 anniversary of the start of World War One. This has really ...
Ever thought of using light sticks to teach the concepts of chemical and physical change? Jump on over to my blog to check out some more information! Here is a link to a free lab using light sticks for the intermediate grades! You Might Also Like:Beginning Writers: FREE Story StartersReading Fluency Tips for Parents PrintableSight ... Read More about Light Sticks Labs
If you will make it, they will play it and they will learn it! Sometimes you just need some easy, low prep activities, but ones the students will enjoy and be engaged in so learning
Learn how to make both a basic homopolar motor and a tiny dancing motor! Great science fair project for older kids!
Thousands of teachers have used these tried and true GUARANTEED tups to stop students from blurting out. Chatty Class? YOU NEED TO READ THIS!
A few weeks ago, I asked teachers on my FB page for topics of interest. I wrote all of the topics down and pinned them on my office's bulletin board. My bulletin board is my "go to" place when I need a topic for a blog post. Today's topic, vocabulary games, is courtesy of my FB readers. Here are a few games I found that you might like to try: This site has elementary and middle school games. Middle School Vocabulary Activities Elementary and middle school vocabulary game. My all around favorite site that had MANY activities including this one: Click to visit the site. It is great! This vocabulary packet is aligned with 1st - 3rd Common Core Standards. Click
Every English language arts teacher needs a variety of successful, student led discussion strategies that will provide opportunities for student learning.
How has your summer vacation been going? Mine has been both relaxing and busy at the same time. I have been working like a busy bee planning for my mid-August nuptials! If you follow me on Instagram, then you’re definitely up to date on all things wedding! I’ve also been making more of an effort...
Music activity using LEGO DUPLO to build chords. Includes a free printable.
Got a talkative class? Check out these 5 ways to quiet the chatter!
Whether you’re a seasoned instructor or just starting your teaching career, classroom decorating can either be loads of fun or the biggest headache. It can...
Let's talk about classroom library organization using book spine labels! These labels with transform how you organize your classroom library!
Ah, the wonderful world of Amazon! Click to check out my favorite Amazon teacher must haves that can be delivered right to your doorstep!
Classroom hall passes that are unique to your room. These handmade bathroom passes are made for a classroom that needs a pass that will hold up over time while giving a room a classic look. - Add this listing to your cart, you are ordering FOUR passes + clip at a time. **please state exactly what words you'd like on your pass. *Not stating a color it will automatically be grey . *You can also request a proof of your custom name sign, just please note that requesting proofs will add to the processing time, as I’ll need to create your mockup and wait for your approval. Processing & Shipping: - All signs ordered without a proof request will ship out. - Orders are sent via USPS and/or UPS and typically arrive within 2-3 business days.
Forty ideas to inspire you!
As a child, few things are more exciting than your birthday. And while many older children won’t admit it - birthdays are even better when they fall on a school day. You have a classroom full of people ready to celebrate and - if you’re lucky - you have a teacher who’ll make you feel super special. I can never get enough of celebrating birthdays! Today I thought I’d share a bunch of easy and affordable ideas for celebrating birthdays in the classroom. They won’t break the bank, but they will have your little learners beaming from ear to ear. Love this door display @mrs.dellios has put together using the Boho Rainbow range. You could add a matching little birthday note too, like @teachingwithmisskiersten. 1. Start With a Birthday Display The best place to start your planning is with a Birthday Display. Not only do they serve as a visual reminder of what birthdays are happening when (honestly, who can keep up!) they’re also fantastic for filling space in your classroom decor and solidifying the overall aesthetic of your classroom. Adore these spaces by @wise_in_first and @brittanyraebecraft! But most importantly? Students love to see that they’re being included and celebrated. I always loved seeing kids would quietly and proudly point out their names on the Birthday Display to their parents visiting the classroom. Your birthday display be can an extension of your broader classroom aesthetic, just like the Boho Rainbow items here. I’ve created a whole bunch of different birthday displays to fit every classroom theme - there’s neutral tones, pastels, brights, rainbows, spots and so much more. I might be the tiniest bit biased, but I think they’re well worth a look ;) Did I mention I love birthdays?! Having way too much fun with the Spotty Brights Birthday Display! 2. Crown Them Birthday Boss I’m not sure if it’s the same across the world, but here in Australia, many families have a cheeky approach to birthdays. A simple but effective Modern Rainbow display from @misszandthefirsties, goes so nicely with the Boho Rainbow range. Let’s say you’ve been asked to put your dishes in the dishwasher, for example. If you reply “Ah, birthday girl!” you’re given a free pass. The idea is that you can be lazier, cheekier and more spoilt on your ‘special day’ and get away with it. It has its limits of course, but it’s effectively a one-day free pass to do as you please. Absolutely adore the mixture of tones and textures in @primary.diaries’ Boho Vibes display. You can adapt this slightly for the classroom, with what I like to call, ‘Birthday Boss.’ You simply nominate the birthday kiddo as ‘boss’ for the day and they get to ‘choose’ the activities, books and games for the day. Of course, you pull the strings by presenting only a few choices that you approve of, but it’s a wonderful way to give the children a sense of autonomy and control.You can also give them the option to choose their favourite class job - it’s also a great way to rotate the best gigs between the students. Ah, birthday girl! Image via @missmeg_04 and @teachingwithmisshonner 3. Have a Stockpile of Simple, Affordable Rewards While a little gift isn’t necessary - there are so many other ways to make the day memorable - it does go down a treat! To keep it simple and affordable, I’ll usually pop to a dollar store at the start of the school year and buy one item in bulk. Whether it’s a fun straw and topper, a little stuffed animal, a key ring, slap band, pen or a fidget toy, I’ll get a few colour options for the children to choose from.I then pop them all in a draw, add my little Happy Birthday Labels and the job is done! Honestly, if I had to go out and buy separate gifts for each birthday I’d never remember. How cute are those flower-shaped highlighters from @miss_chahoud? You can really attach these Birthday Balloons to just about anything! 4. Create a Slideshow and… a Disco?! One of my absolute favourite ways to celebrate a child is with a customised slideshow. It takes five minutes to pop together but can make them feel so loved. A simple slideshow can do wonders! Images via @teachingwithalexia and @learning-withemma. Using my Google Slides templates, simply add a few photos, share a few kind observations about the child's strengths and include some wishes from the class. When you turn the lights down low to watch the slideshow, there’s a fun twist you can add for extra memorability.If you have a disco light (which is a rarity for the average population, but surprisingly common among teachers!) it can be so fun to pop it on, add a music track to the slideshow and have a little dance. You can call it a Birthday Boogie and make it a little tradition for your class. While the surprise factor only lasts for one birthday - the fun factor will never cease! 5. Decorate the Birthday Throne This next tip is so simple it feels almost silly to type it! But one of the simplest and most impactful things you can do to celebrate a birthday is to decorate the student’s chair. For a day, that tiny and humble plastic chair becomes a throne. The newest Birthday Display on the block, the Boho Plants range! Even just a single helium balloon attached to a chair can really mean so much. But why not go all out and add wrapping paper, big bows, feather boas - anything you like! It’s a fun way to signify to the class that a VIP is in the house and help any visitors to the room know that something special is happening. Also, the other students may get a real kick out of helping you decorate the night before. Love this classic Birthday Display (left) from @miss.christiansen. And doesn’t this shot from @missglassroom just make you feel happy? 6. Create a Lucky Dip Did anyone else read Babysitters Club Books as a child? If you did, you’ll remember that they had a ‘Kid Kit’ which was a tub filled with activities for the kids they were babysitting. It varied from week to week and always surprised and delighted the children. Now, I know it was fiction but for some reason that idea really stuck with me, and I made a variation for my own students and it was such a hit. Simply start by grabbing a small tub, container or drawer. Fill it with small and cheap reward items, like fun stationery or fidget toys, or little treats. We love a versatile label! Then, using my trolly cart labels, or my general classroom labels give it a catchy name. For instance - you could call it a Birthday Box, or a Kindness Container, or a Terrific Tub. When you see behaviour that’s kind, terrific - or, in this case - there’s a birthday, you can whip it out and the children can choose a special treat. Its varied and spontaneous nature of it makes it a real drawcard and makes it feel quite special. Such a fun use of lace and bunting from @mrsfrantzenkinder! And ditto on the right - super fun use of my Spotty Brights Classroom Labels! This idea works at any time of the year as a fantastic tool in your reward and recognition system. Hope this has helped, BFFs! So there you have it BFFs, those are my six favourite tips to celebrate your student's birthdays. If you need any help choosing from my collections, drop a comment below or shoot me a DM, I’m always here to help!
Get inspired by the best classroom themes that you'll want to try this year. Plus, ideas for decor, organization and more to fit your theme!
Teachers post great ideas on Instagram for everything from keeping your room clean to getting kids moving. We’ve collected a few, plus hashtags you should follow.
Discover new classroom ideas for classroom management, decor, organization, storage, desk layouts, fun ideas and more!
Transform your classroom into an engaging learning space with these classroom decorating ideas! Get inspired to create a classroom theme your students will love.
Discover new classroom ideas for classroom management, decor, organization, storage, desk layouts, fun ideas and more!
Discover new classroom ideas for classroom management, decor, organization, storage, desk layouts, fun ideas and more!
