I have had a number of requests to create a cursive handwriting workbook – this has been on my list for such a long time. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have finally completed this. I can be a horrible perfectionist and those guided lines nearly drove me crazy – I had to redo them a number of ... Read More about Why Teach Cursive Handwriting?
5 Reasons To Teach Handwriting
We live in a world where technology abounds and even the youngest of students is adept at using anything from a computer to a tablet. The art of handwriting has gradually become lost with the advancement of technology, causing a decline in the ability to write competently and legibly. While ... Read More about 5 Reasons To Teach Handwriting
Back to School Room Themes – 3 key things to remember!
So..... it's that time of year folks! Many teachers have already have done it, some are currently in the midst of doing it and many are planning to do it!! What strange thing could teachers be up to?!! Spot on - decorating your classroom! Why do we do it though? I was always crazily obsessed ... Read More about Back to School Room Themes – 3 key things to remember!
Nonfiction Reading Comprehension for Struggling Readers
Reading comprehension is virtually impossible without a strong background in basic skills – firstly from the processing of individual letters and their associated sounds, to word recognition, to the processing of sentences and paragraphs in much longer and more complex texts. From personal ... Read More about Nonfiction Reading Comprehension for Struggling Readers
Bill’s New Frock – A Novel Study
Well, I survived my first week at school, although I do feel like I have been hit my a small train!! The week whizzed by and I felt slightly overwhelmed by my ever growing 'to-do' lists!I still don't have my room completely finished or my curriculum for the year completely finalized. It has taken ... Read More about Bill’s New Frock – A Novel Study
We Go Noodling – Do You?
Well, have you been noodling? Lol! Everyone seems to be catching on to this wonderful website! Just click on the image below to watch a useful video and check it out! My class started a couple of weeks ago and if I dare let a day go by without showing it on my SmartBoard, I get serious trouble ... Read More about We Go Noodling – Do You?
Augmented Reality – Aurasma
Despite my age and many years in teaching, it's important to me not to become complacent. I thrive on the next challenge and love to explore everything new in teaching. A wonderful network of bloggers has kept me right up to date with what's new and interesting and Pinterest has become a ... Read More about Augmented Reality – Aurasma
Fall Craft Round-up and some fun FREEBIES!
I love this time of year - there are so many cute crafts for students to make during the fall/autumn season! Some of the following ideas in this fall craft round-up are general fall crafts and some are linked to the novel The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark (affiliate) - one of my all time favorite ... Read More about Fall Craft Round-up and some fun FREEBIES!
‘Look Here’ Focus Walls and a FREEBIE!
At the beginning of the year, my first graders are still very dependent on adult reassurance (they have aides in K) and there is frequently an air of ‘learned helplessness’ which can try the patience of a saint! My classes are always 30+ and all day long my little ‘hip-clingers’ are tap, tap, ... Read More about ‘Look Here’ Focus Walls and a FREEBIE!
And the moral of the story is………
Ok, this is only tenuously related to education, but I have a strong need to share a car story with you! (Apologies for the randomness!) My car is was (sadly now deceased) 13 years old. For some time the following had not worked: heating, air conditioning and hazard warning lights. A couple of ... Read More about And the moral of the story is………
Safari Themed Room Reveal and a FREEBIE!
I spent a week during the summer vacation excitedly getting my classroom ready with my new Safari Room Theme. This is absolutely my most favorite time of year - getting to know new students and helping them find their way in my classroom. I tend to be a bit over-organized, but love encouraging ... Read More about Safari Themed Room Reveal and a FREEBIE!
My Advice to You Linky Party
It’s easy to give advice to teachers, but much harder to take it. My own good intentions often fall by the wayside, but hopefully my tips for when you need to clear your mind and refresh your soul, will give you food for thought. My advice to you when you’re feeling overwhelmed..... 1. Don’t ... Read More about My Advice to You Linky Party
The ‘What, Why and How’ of Sight Words and a FREEBIE!
The development of sight word recognition continues to be a priority when instructing emerging and beginning readers, so... what are they? Sight words (often called high-frequency words) are the words that are used most often in reading and writing. They are called 'sight' words because the goal ... Read More about The ‘What, Why and How’ of Sight Words and a FREEBIE!