a Teacher's Blog
You may already be using Google Classroom for distance learning, but what about a digital resource called Boom Cards? You can easily make distance learning a success and your life easier at the same time! Boom Cards are digital task cards in an educational game format. Along with being no prep for teachers and self-checking, they are also FUN for students because they… Read More
First of all, it is important to know why teaching syllable types matters. Most teachers are never taught anything about syllable types or syllable division, and only learn the basic, “Clap out a sounds”, in order to determine the number of syllables. Then, well…um… that’s it! Sound familiar? If this has been your experience, then you are not alone. I… Read More
You know those pesky words that don’t follow conventional spelling rules…often referred to as sight words? Have you ever found yourself wondering what all the fuss is about? Well, mastering sight words is very helpful for beginning and striving readers. Students mastering sight words with automaticity drastically cut down on brain power needed to accurately read a passage. This means… Read More
Its true- daily, systematic phonics instruction in early grades is highly recommended by the National Institute for Literacy. I think it goes without saying that students also benefit from daily practice with connected text– which means the student is reading passages containing the current phonics skills. So, what is next? The value of teaching syllable types My Orton-Gillingham training and… Read More
When is the perfect time for kids to reflect on accomplishments and goals for the future? After celebrating the New Year or when heading Back to School. WHY, you may be asking, is it important for students to set goals? Well, goal-setting with kids improves motivation and self-management, teaches dedication and determination, develops focus and self-accountability and ultimately, improves self-esteem… Read More
If you use task cards in your classroom, you will LOVE digital task cards, specifically, Boom Cards! Digital, self-checking task cards are my favorite way to differentiate learning and engage learners. These are the top 8 reasons I’m a fan (in no particular order): 1) DIGITAL No printing, laminating, and cutting out sets of paper task cards. Less prep = more… Read More
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Watch Alabama high school principal in “Can’t Touch This” parody video about COVID-19
www.al.com
The principal raps and dances around the school while telling students to wear their masks and santize.I have always loved Dave Grohl- but this makes me love him even more.
www.theatlantic.com
When it comes to the daunting question of reopening schools, America’s educators deserve a plan, not a trap.Worth checking out! :)As schools closed, thousands of teachers asked their principals to sign up for TpT School Access — TpT’s new, school-wide subscription that gives teachers immediate access to over 3 million TpT resources without teachers having to spend out of pocket. Get the support you need by asking your principal to bring TpT School Access to your school: bit.ly/2CJN3HP
These hot tips are from a first grade teacher working summer school. Here is an Amazon link to what she used: amzn.to/2OBmsz3
I'm teaching 7 first graders reading at our summer school program at my school July 6-Aug. 5th. This is what I've learned about masks.
1. N95 fits the best with almost no hot air rising out of the top.
2. Cloth masks are 2nd best IF they have the metal strip across nose that you can tighten.
3. Paper masks are my least favorite. I don't feel like they stop/block air flow through it. Useless. They get really "moist" at the end of our 4 hours.
4. Kids need the ear straps shortened or tied/clipped together with string or zip tie, otherwise the mask sags, gaps, falls off, isn't effective.
5. Face shields are the bomb!!! The kids love them! They think they look like firemen or astronauts. Wearing the face shield immediately stopped all touching/playing with masks. It just solved the problem. It was like night and day when we added the shields.
6. Amazon sells face shields 10 for $24.99...not too expensive.
7. The kids don't complain about wearing the face masks or shields. It became normal after the 2nd day.
8. These face shields are fog-proof...even when I wear my glasses. The trick is to have a tightly sealed mask.
9. I have 3 significant health issues, so I need all the extra protection I can get. I feel safe.
10. Soap and hand sanitizer are your friends. Use them often. My class uses it every time they touch ANYTHING. They each have their own bottle.
**I hope this helps you feel better about masking at school.
