a Teacher's Blog
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
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
I can’t believe Back to School is so close! It really seems like we just started summer break. One of my summer goals has been to re-organize my teaching materials and picture books (in a more efficient manner), and well…basically put some “piles” away. In doing this, I have been sidetracked so many times! As you might guess, this classroom… Read More
So, you have some kiddos that read effortlessly and a couple that just can’t “take off”. What to do? In this post, I’ve listed 12 steps to help striving (struggling) readers make progress. Read on. First of all, you have to figure out what your student already knows and doesn’t know in order to determine what to teach next. I’m a reading… Read More
What is Phonemic Awareness? You may have heard that phonemic awareness is an essential building block for reading, but aren’t sure why. Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate phonemes (the smallest units of spoken language). It is the primary predictor of early reading and spelling skills in kindergarten through 2nd grade. Students who lack phonemic awareness… Read More
😂
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.
