Well, I may be a bit late to the party, but least I arrived, right??? In the last few posts I really focused on Close Reading and what some of the research says. I do […]
Time to read is SO important to build independent readers that LOVE reading...but how can you fit it all into the school day?
Welcome to the Teaching With Simplicity blog! You’ll find tons of helpful teaching resources, with tools, tips, stories, and activities for your students!
I decided to stay up until 2am make these little owls to give to each of my students on my last day of student teaching. On the back, I simply wrote "Owl miss you!" It was a fun and easy way to let them know how much they would be missed. Here's what you'll need: Scrapbook paper (brown, gray, white, black, and orange) 3 different sized circle hole punches (I used one regular sized one like this, and the larger two were different sizes of this brand from Joann's) Mini cellophane bags Scissors Tape Stapler Glue Marker Candy (Something with a gold wrapper. I used Twix, and Rolos would work great too) Optional: An awesome husband who thinks your new hole punches are really cool so he wants to punch out all of your circles for you. I started by using white cardstock to make a template for my owl's face. It took a lot of trial and error to get it the way I wanted, so if you want to use mine, here it is: Then, I traced the template a million times on brown paper and started cutting while Daniel punched out lots and lots of circles for the eyes and cut out little orange triangles for the beaks. I folded my owl templates in half, and glued all of the circles and beaks on. I stuffed Twix in the little cellophane bags, and then stapled the bags shut at the top. Then I folded the finished owl templates over and taped them to the outside of the bags. After that, I added the little message on the back with a marker. Here's how the whole thing goes together: And this is what your living room will look like afterward. I thought you deserved a fair warning about that. Happy crafting! P.S. I originally got the idea for the owls from this pin on Pinterest. However, it had no original source, so I was left to my own devices :)
In Georgia, we have a “new” set of standards for math. However, they are still verrry similar to the previous Common Core. These “Georgia Standards of Excellence” still have much of the same (if not […]
It has been a long time since I have blogged about cooperative learning strategies. They tend to become second nature to me, and I forget that this isn't
Hello! This is Mandy from Mandy's Tips for Teachers! Today is Monday, so it is a... I know Erin has shared a fun math activity for kids before. Today, I want to share a super simple math trick that will engage all kids- even big fifth graders. The best part? Even a first grader can do it! Meet Magic Die! This can be turned into an entire lesson to introduce missing addends or just a simple trick during bus call to entertain kids! Materials: one die Set Up: Explain to the students that you have x-ray vision. You can see straight through the die, to see what number is on the bottom facing the table- even though you can't see it. Trick: 1.) Roll the die. 2.) Make sure students are aware of the number rolled, without picking up the die. 3.) To figure the missing number, simply find the sum of 7. Whatever is rolled on top + number on the bottom= 7. The way the die is set up will make it so that the problems will always equal a combination of 7. 4.) You can create an anchor chart and see if students can solve the magic trick or just show them! 5.) Allow students time to practice so they can wow their friends! Skills Learned: Missing addends Combinations of 7 Tips and Tricks: Teach students how to roll a die first so dice aren't flying all over the room. My kids knew to cup their hands close, gently shake, and then drop close to the tabletop or floor. You can use a scrap of felt or the Dollar Store placemats to muffle the noise of dice bouncing so the room is quieter. For a few dollars, you can purchase a die for each child from the Dollar Tree. I think dice are $1 and there are 6 in a package. Once children master the "trick," send them a die home to teach others (and practice even more!). I hope this added a new, short math trick to your bag! For even more ideas from The Primary Peach, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to catch all the latest news and updates!
It has been a long time since I have blogged about cooperative learning strategies. They tend to become second nature to me, and I forget that this isn't
Teach your students how to be a good friend with the book Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend and this FREEBIE (anchor chart and class book)!
April is poetry month! These 12 ways to celebrate poetry month include creating poetry flipbooks, ideas for poem in your pocket day, poetry invitation, creating a classroom book of poetry, and so much more!
We are up to our elbows in addition AND subtraction. According to the new Common Core Standards the traditional algorithm is a fourth grade standard (CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.B.4 Fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.). We […]
These exit slips can be used for any subject. There are five versions. Each slip includes six prompts to guide students in what to write. You may also like: Digital and Printable Exit Slips for Any Lesson Digital and Printable Reading Exit Slips for Any Book
Autism activities to help increase communication, fine motor skills, sensory play skills, interaction & more in your home or autism classroom!
Auf dieser Seite möchte ich Bücher für Kinder vorstellen, die entweder einen besonderen mathematischen Sachverhalt thematisieren oder die einfach zu meiner Philosophie passen. Sie können in der Kit…
I decided to stay up until 2am make these little owls to give to each of my students on my last day of student teaching. On the...
Amazing outdoor book nooks and the Top 50 children's books about nature.
Explore Mandys Magical World of Art's 1768 photos on Flickr!
It is about that time of year to get started discussing all the famous historical figures in third grade! Hopefully, you are past the Roots of Democracy unit. Am I the only one that hated […]
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.
I did this last week (or was it the was it the week before?). All the days a FLYING by this year!! We have been busy, busy! So busy I barely have time to sit down at the computer each night, let alone put together a coherent post. Forgive me please, if this post is
Teach your students how to be a good friend with the book Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend and this FREEBIE (anchor chart and class book)!
"These documents are not an attempt to demonstrate everything that a student should learn; rather, we have focused on two areas – English-language Arts and Mathematics. The standards have incorporated 21st century skills where possible. They are not inclusive of all the skills students need for success in the 21st Century, but many of these skills will be required across disciplines." (From the Introduction to the Common Core State Standards, June 9 2010)
Creepy Carrots and Jasper Craft as a great accompaniment to Math or Writing Studies; this craft is based on the book by Aaron Reynolds. It would work well for narrative, retell, sequencing or thematic units. This is a cut and paste activity. Artwork created by me and copyrighted. This would work well in a literacy or writing centers! Includes props. It also work well for math studies - addition or subtraction. Includes Creepy Carrots Craft Jasper Craft Writing Graphic Organizers (2) Writing Paper (2) Hope you enjoy! Please remember to leave feedback, Mandy This product is for single-classroom use only. You may purchase additional licenses through the checkout option. Discounted options are available for district or whole grade-level options. Please email me at: mandy (at) mycreativekingdom.com for further information. Creepy Carrots and Jasper Craft by Amanda Fyhrie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Ruhe im Klassenraum, um den Lärmpegel zu senken. Diese 5 Sofort-Hilfen kannst du direkt umsetzen.
Work Boxes in Autism Classrooms are great to help students work towards independence! This article explains more on how, why, and what you should do next!
Have you been flipping through the pages of the latest HGTV magazine? Drooling over the final season's episodes of Fixer Upper? Me too. I've also been taking a financial planning class where I have to have a budget, track my expenses, and be accountable for following said budget. This means I don't have extra cash
Classroom hacks that actually work in a special education classroom setting. Tried and true methods from actual teachers. Read to learn more.
We are entering the no-man's land teaching: the holiday season! Part of me LOVES it because there is SO MUCH fun going on! The other part of me HATES it because schedules are usually wrecked during th
It is about that time of year…you know, where the paper work starts cranking and you start seeing which kids might need a little extra boost. Which means that RTI is about to crank up […]
Have you ever told your students to "find a partner," and 10 minutes later, after chaos and bickering, you regret that decision? Yeah, we've all been there. A quick solution to that is to print these free partner cards. There are 22 cards total. Simple print (in color or B/W), cut, and place in a basket of sorts. For a quick routine, I have students move around the room to find their partners once the music starts, then stand by their partner with their cards facing me once they've found each other. Have more than 22 students? No worries! Simply print duplicate sets of these cards. I hope these cards are something you can easily implement in your classrooms! You can click the link here to download this free resource.
I am a technology junky! At any given time you will find a collection of iPads, laptops, iPhones, smart T.V.s, e-readers, you name it. If you haven't read Goodnight iPad by Ann Droyd, you really should. This may very well have taken place in my house. ;) If you aren't sold on the importance of integrating technology in the classroom or have doubts, this video is an absolute MUST!! This video is one of the most powerful videos that I have watched lately. This year I was fortunate to receive Chromebooks for all of my students. Receiving these Chromebooks and feeling the pressure (mostly self-induced) to use them often and effectively was, and still is, overwhelming. To keep my sanity in check, I decided to start small. By starting small, I saved my sanity and also my students'. Whether you have one, two, three or many technology devices available for your students, start small!! To get you started or to simply get your creative technology juices flowing, I have a list of 10 simple ways to integrate technology into the classroom, and they are all free. These tools and resources are great for the classroom that is 1:1 with technology, or the classroom that has only one iPad or tablet. Do you only have one device? Create a center that focuses on the use of technology. 1. Listen/Watch digital stories. There are many free websites available where students can go, choose a book, and listen to the story. Zing and Storyonline are a perfect start! 2. Have students begin with a little research. Provide them with a topic and have them gather 3-5 facts. Here, on Upper Elementary Snapshots, we have a list of child-safe search engines that you can find HERE. 3. Create a Google form for students to choose their lunch choice for the day. 4. Practice math skills on IXL. IXL is a paid subscription, but students can practice for free until they have reached the daily problem limit. 5. Create a Kahoot to review for an upcoming test. They are a hoot and students LOVE them! 6. Have students visit Wonderopolis, read the wonder of the day, and reflect in their writing journal. 7. Create a classroom blog using Google's free Blogger. Post an open-ended reading question for students to comment. 8. For Social Studies, use KidsGeo.com to practice their geography skills. 9. If you are familiar with QR codes, create a question of the day and require students to check their answer by scanning the code. 10. Can students ever get enough practice with basic math facts?!?! XtraMath is a perfect free solution! Remember to start slow! Focus on one area of your choice. Allow students to become comfortable with using the tool and allow yourself to become comfortable implementing it. Once you and your students are comfortable, think about adding a new focus. Taking baby steps with ultimately lead to success! Teaching With Simplicity Pinterest Facebook Instagram Teachers Pay Teachers
I decided to stay up until 2am make these little owls to give to each of my students on my last day of student teaching. On the back, I simply wrote "Owl miss you!" It was a fun and easy way to let them know how much they would be missed. Here's what you'll need: Scrapbook paper (brown, gray, white, black, and orange) 3 different sized circle hole punches (I used one regular sized one like this, and the larger two were different sizes of this brand from Joann's) Mini cellophane bags Scissors Tape Stapler Glue Marker Candy (Something with a gold wrapper. I used Twix, and Rolos would work great too) Optional: An awesome husband who thinks your new hole punches are really cool so he wants to punch out all of your circles for you. I started by using white cardstock to make a template for my owl's face. It took a lot of trial and error to get it the way I wanted, so if you want to use mine, here it is: Then, I traced the template a million times on brown paper and started cutting while Daniel punched out lots and lots of circles for the eyes and cut out little orange triangles for the beaks. I folded my owl templates in half, and glued all of the circles and beaks on. I stuffed Twix in the little cellophane bags, and then stapled the bags shut at the top. Then I folded the finished owl templates over and taped them to the outside of the bags. After that, I added the little message on the back with a marker. Here's how the whole thing goes together: And this is what your living room will look like afterward. I thought you deserved a fair warning about that. Happy crafting! P.S. I originally got the idea for the owls from this pin on Pinterest. However, it had no original source, so I was left to my own devices :)
Hello! This is Mandy from Mandy's Tips for Teachers! Today is Monday, so it is a... I know Erin has shared a fun math activity for k...
