Diamond Mom's Treasury
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Featured Resources Of The Month

Welcome To My Blog

header for Diamond Mom's Treasury of Teaching Resources

How To Save Time And Avoid Staying Late At The Beginning Of The Year

7/20/2025

 
Let’s be honest, there are very few jobs where people assume you'll spend your evenings and weekends catching up… except teaching. And at the start of the school year, it’s easy to fall into that rhythm. The to-do list is endless, the supplies are everywhere, and you feel the pressure to make everything just right.

If you’ve ever found yourself still at school long after dismissal, wondering where the time went... you're not alone. Early in my teaching career, I thought staying late meant I was being more prepared. But all it did was leave me drained.

You deserve to go home at a reasonable time. You deserve to have a life outside the classroom, even during back-to-school season. So let’s talk about some small shifts and time-saving tips that can help you manage your day without living at school.
Time saving tips for getting through the day without staying late

Start With One or Two Core Routines

We all want our classrooms to run smoothly. But trying to introduce every routine all at once will leave you and your students exhausted. Instead, choose 1–2 key routines to focus on for the first few days. Here are some suggestions:
  • Morning entry and unpacking
  • How to transition between activities or subjects
  • What to do when you finish early
Teach, model, and practice those. Once they’re solid, layer in the next routine. This makes classroom management easier and saves time down the road because you won’t constantly be redirecting.
your daily routine matters

Batch What You Can

You know how hard it is to get anything done when you're being interrupted every five minutes? That’s why batching is your new best friend.

Pick one afternoon a week to prep your materials for centers or group work. Print, copy, and organize everything at once.
Try grouping your tasks like this:
  • Copy and prep materials for the entire week during one planning session
  • Write all your morning messages at once
  • Lay out materials for all centers before the week begins​​
It takes a bit of front-loading, but it keeps you from scrambling every morning (or staying after school in a panic).
Batch what you can to avoid the daily scramble

Let Your Students Help

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Even little ones can pass out papers, stack chairs, or tidy supplies. These aren’t just time-savers. They build responsibility and help create a sense of ownership in your classroom community.
Let your students help

 Use Systems That Reduce Decision Fatigue

If you’ve ever stood in front of a stack of books wondering which to read aloud next, or tried to decide which early finisher activity to pull from your files, this one’s for you.
Try having “go-to” systems like:
  • Morning bins or tubs that rotate weekly (think simple puzzles, pattern blocks, drawing pages)
  • Fast finisher folders with extra practice or choice boards
  • Centers that stay the same format but rotate materials or topics
Consistency makes it easier for you to plan and easier for students to manage independently.
use systems to avoid decision fatigue
Here are some classroom labels that will help with organizing things so they are ready to when needed. Get a free set of supplies labels.
free classroom supplies labels
Get your classroom supplies labels here

Create a Clear "End of Day" Cutoff

This one’s not a trick, it’s a boundary. For some people this is difficult, believe me I know because I was one who could keep going on for ever if I didn't set a time limit.

Pick a time each day when you’ll stop working. Not just leave the building, but truly stop. Even if you take work home, give yourself a limit: 30 minutes of marking, then done. One evening a week for prep, not five. Whatever works for you, but make it clear, and stick to it as best you can.

You are not more prepared just because you stayed later. You are not a better teacher because you didn’t rest.
Create a clear end of day cutoff
The first few weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind, but they don’t have to be all-consuming. A few thoughtful routines, small systems, and gentle boundaries can give you back some time and energy for the things that matter most, both in and outside of the classroom.
​
You’re allowed to work hard and rest. You’re allowed to care deeply without doing it all. And you’re doing a great job, whether you left early or not.
Sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with tips, new products and special happenings.
Talk soon. Thanks for stopping by. Charlene

Related Posts

10 tips for preparing for a successful year

How To Help Getting Ready For The First Week Of School Less Stressful

7/13/2025

 
It’s that time again. The calendar flips closer to the end of summer, and a mix of emotions starts to bubble up. Maybe it’s excitement for a fresh start, nerves about a new class, or even a little grief that summer is slipping away. All of that is completely normal.

The first week of school is a big one. It sets the tone for the whole year. But here’s something I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way): you don’t need to have everything perfect on Day 1. Really.
​

Whether you’re someone who loves the look of a clean, organized classroom or you’re clinging to the last slow mornings of summer, it’s okay to ease in. You don’t have to go from vacation mode to super teacher overnight. In fact, you’re not supposed to.
​
Here are a few gentle reminders and practical tips to help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed as you head into those first few days with your new students.
Preparing for the first week

Pick Your Non-Negotiables

There are a million things you could do to prep for the first week. But what actually needs to get done? With the constant change in class sizes, enrollment, and grade reorganization at the beginning of the year, it's better to pick 3–5 essentials that will make your first weeks run smoother. Here are some possibilities that might work for you.
  • Class list and name tags (If you have your new class already)
  • A simple plan for the first day (greet, tour, read-aloud, snack, play, go home!)
  • Materials prepped for any must-do paperwork or routines
  • A calm corner or quiet space, even if it’s just a pillow and a book bin
  • Your own water bottle and a snack stash (yes, seriously)
Everything else? It can wait.
Pick your non-negotiables
If you really want a checklist to make sure you have things covered. I have just the resource for you. Here's a teacher's checklist with most things you will want to do as you get started. Feel free to add more if you need to.
First Week of School Teacher Checklist
grab your checklist here

Your Classroom Doesn’t Have to Be “Pinterest Ready”

If decorating brings you joy, go for it. But if the thought of a fully themed room with color-coded bins makes you want to run for the hills, here’s your permission to keep it simple.
  • Clean desks.
  • Organized supplies.
  • A welcoming message on the board.
That’s enough.
The most important thing in the room is you and the connections you’ll build with your students.
Your classroom doesn't need to be Pinterest ready

 Have a “First Day” Plan You Can Flex With

You don’t need a full month mapped out. For now, plan the first day or two with flexibility built in. Expect things to take longer than you think. Practice routines together. Leave time for unexpected questions, lost water bottles, and new shoes that need tying. Here are some possible activities you could try.
  • Arrival & Names: Greet everyone and help them find their space.
  • Getting to Know Each Other: Play a simple name game or read a “back-to-school” book.
  • Classroom Tour: Walk through key areas: desk, bathroom, supplies, quiet zone.
  • Some Quick Activities: Drawing themselves, building with manipulatives, a simple “About Me” page, "Find Someone Who" worksheet, for example.
  • Transitions: Practice lining up, washing hands, and putting things away.

Remember to leave extra time between everything. You’ll thank yourself.
Be flexible

Focus on Feelings Over Checklists

The truth? Your students won’t remember how pretty the schedule cards were. But they’ll remember how they felt. Start by building trust, safety, and comfort. Let them talk. Let them move. Let them feel seen.

That first week is less about teaching content and more about setting the stage for a year of belonging.
Include activities that help to build the classroom community, trust, and respect. This will go a long ways in making for a positive environment for learning.
focus on feelings over checklists

Plan Your Evenings, Too (But for Rest)

It’s tempting to go home and keep working after the first day, especially if you feel behind. But you need a soft landing, too. Set a boundary: One hour of prep, then unplug.

Anyone who has been teaching for any length of time knows that the beginning of the school year can be exhausting. Taking care of yourself and getting rest are as important as planning for your students. ​Do something unrelated to teaching: walk, eat something cozy, watch a show you’ve already seen three times. Let your brain rest. You’ll be a better teacher for it tomorrow.
Plan for rest in the evening
You don’t need to be the perfect version of yourself to start the year. You just need to be present, prepared enough, and kind to your students and yourself. Remember, connection comes first. The rest can be built step by step.
​
Wishing you a peaceful, positive start. You’ve got this.
Sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with tips, new products and special happenings.
Talk soon. Thanks for stopping by. Charlene

Related Posts

Thinking ahead to a new school year

How To Help Teachers Support Struggling Readers Without Burning Out

7/6/2025

 
​Let’s talk about something real:
You care deeply about helping your students become confident readers, but the energy, time, and mental load add up. You don’t have hours to prep elaborate centers every week or search for just-right materials for each reading group, especially when you’re supporting kids who need so much more: more practice, more repetition, more confidence-building. It’s easy to feel stretched too thin.
helping teachers support struggling readers without overwhelm
​ Common Challenges I Hear From Teachers:
  • “I don’t have time to prep all these differentiated materials.”
  • “My class is at so many different levels.”
  • “Some of my kids aren’t making progress, and I don’t know what else to try.”
  • “I want to help, but I’m exhausted.”
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to do more. You just need to find simple systems that work—and that you can return to week after week.
facing challenges together

What Works Without the Overwhelm?

Reusable, Predictable Activities
Use consistent formats like task cards, sentence strips, and blending mats. You don’t need a new theme every week. Familiar routines free up student energy for learning.

Pick a pattern, not a theme. Instead of changing activities every week, use the same structure:
  • Monday: Introduce the vowel sound and key words
  • Tuesday: Build and sort words
  • Wednesday: Read sentences with the same words
  • Thursday: Write sentences using word cards
  • Friday: Review and reflect
Choose flexible, reusable resources. Pick word cards, picture prompts, and worksheets you can use in whole group, small group, or independently.

Focus on consistency. Kids benefit from knowing what to expect. If the structure is familiar, they can focus on the learning instead of the directions.

Target just one skill at a time. Keep your focus on one short vowel or one word pattern each week. You don’t need to rush through.

Make it joyful. Games, mini whiteboards, colorful cards, and movement can turn a simple lesson into an engaging one. Don’t underestimate the power of silly sentences or a 2-minute phonics race.
time to plan without overwhelm
Print-and-Go Resources
You can support students without laminating or cutting for hours. Low-prep doesn't mean low-quality. 
Combine Small Group and Independent Work
Use targeted phonics instruction during guided reading and repeat the same skills at a word work center the next day. No need to reinvent.

Teacher Tip: Use “Spiral, Don’t Stack”
Instead of moving from skill to skill in a straight line, spiral back. Reinforce short a words even while introducing short i. Let your students feel mastery before moving on—and revisit old skills weekly to keep them sharp.
low prep print and go

Supporting Struggling Readers Without Burning Out

Let’s be honest—differentiation, small group instruction, intervention, centers... it’s a lot. Especially when you're trying to meet the needs of 20+ little humans every day.
This is why I focus on resources that are simple, consistent, and easy to use across the week. My word work activities aren’t flashy, but they’re effective. They offer:
  • Low prep, high impact
  • Visuals and structure for independence
  • Built-in review and repetition
  • A calm, encouraging tone to build confidence
supporting readers without burnout
If you’re ready to make phonics and word work feel doable again, for both you and your students, take a peek at my word work and phonics resources in my TPT store.
 You’re Already Doing So Much Right
Teaching reading is serious work. But it doesn’t have to feel heavy every day. A little structure, some targeted practice, and lots of encouragement go a long way.

If you’re reading this, you care about your students and their growth. You don’t need fancy tricks or complex programs. You need tools that:
  • Make reading feel doable
  • Help kids feel smart and capable
  • Lighten your load, not add to it
Keep it simple. Keep it structured. And most importantly, keep cheering your kids on.
you're doing so much right already
I hope you have found some helpful tips in this series. If you missed the earlier parts of the series you can find them here. I wish you the best with your students and hope you see lots of success as they finally get excited about reading.
Blog post 1
Blog post 2
​Blog post 3
Keep it simple, structured, and consistent
Sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with tips, new products and special happenings
Talk soon. Thanks for stopping by. Charlene

How To Help Kids Turn Word Work Into Real Reading With Decodable Practice

6/29/2025

 
​One of the best moments in any primary classroom is when a student picks up a book and says, “I can read this!” But for some children, it takes a long time to get there—and the road often feels shaky. They may know their sounds but struggle to string them together. They might decode a word on one page and not recognize it again on the next. That’s where we need to zoom in on two things: confidence and consistency.
practice the basics

 Turning Word Work into Real Reading — Confidence Through Decodable Practice

There’s something magical about the moment a child realizes, "I can read this!" For many students, that spark comes when we provide just the right amount of challenge with plenty of support. It doesn’t come from guessing or memorizing. It comes from recognizing a word, sounding it out, and making meaning.
 What Helps Kids Break Through?
Here’s what I’ve found with my own students:
  • They need structure and routine around reading
  • They thrive when the skills they practice during word work show up again in what they’re asked to read
  • They build confidence through successful repetition—not just exposure
word families activities
Here’s the journey in simple steps:
  • First: strong phonemic awareness (hearing the sounds)
  • Next: phonics instruction (matching letters to those sounds)
  • Then: structured practice blending and decoding real words
  • Finally: reading decodable text that matches what they’ve been learning
Try flipbooks

Try This Routine: Word Work → Sentence Work → Decodable Books

Start with Targeted Word Work
Use picture-supported CVC cards or worksheets focused on just one short vowel. Have students build, write, and read the words aloud. (e.g., bat, map, sat)
 
​If students are learning short a words like "cat," "hat," "bat," and "sat," they should see them in:
  • Flashcards
  • Matching games
  • Build-a-word tasks
  • Fill-in-the-blank sentences
  • Simple decodable books

​Create success through repetition and routine. Use a word a day, and keep it visible all week. Read it, write it, stretch it, build it.
move from words to a sentence
Move into Sentence Work
Create or use pre-made simple sentences using those exact CVC words:
The cat sat on a mat.
Dan has a map.

Celebrate the small wins. When a student reads a sentence with three CVC words independently, pause and cheer. Confidence builds from small steps.
Celebrate the small wins
Connect word work directly to books. If students have just worked on short e words, follow it up with a decodable book that uses those same words. Let them highlight or circle the words before reading to give a sense of success.

Offer a mini-book or decodable page featuring short a words. It might seem repetitive—but that’s what makes it work. Kids start to recognize patterns, predict, and most importantly, read fluently.
Connecting words to sentences and decodable books
Confidence Builders You Can Sneak Into Your Routine
  • Let students teach a partner how to read a word or sentence.
  • Use a pointer, highlighter, or magnifying glass to “hunt” for the target words they’ve just learned.
  • Celebrate decoding with a class chant: “I read that!” after each successful attempt.
I can read
 What About Kids Who Are Still Guessing?
Sometimes kids guess because they don’t trust themselves. The goal isn’t just decoding—it’s helping them realize they can decode. That’s why using consistent, predictable materials focused on one skill at a time is so important. The repetition builds trust, and trust builds confidence.
​​​​Even your struggling readers can become confident readers when they feel supported and know exactly what to look for. When a child picks up a decodable book and says, "I know these words!" the joy is unmatched.
The power of words I Can Do It
In the next post, we’ll look at how to make all of this manageable for you, the teacher, without losing your weekends to prep.
Sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with tips, new products and special happenings.
Talk soon. Thanks for stopping by. Charlene

Related Posts

phonemic awareness and phonics activities are important parts of learning to read

How To Move From Sounds To Reading Words And Help Children Read

6/22/2025

 
Phonics is the bridge between knowing sounds and reading words. But just teaching letter-sound relationships isn’t always enough. What struggling readers need is:
  • A slower pace
  • A clear focus on one skill at a time
  • Lots of repetition with purpose
  • Confidence that they’re actually reading, not guessing
That’s where my Short Vowel CVC Activities – Task Cards and Phonics Worksheets came from. I had students who had worked on letter sounds all year—but still couldn’t read cat. Once we focused on just short a, and used the same words in different ways (reading, writing, sorting, building), things finally clicked. Then we were able to move on the other short vowel sounds.
3 short vowel cvc activities
If you've ever worked with kids who almost get it but just can’t seem to break through with reading, you know how frustrating and heartbreaking it can be. They know the letter sounds. They try to blend. They want to read. But somewhere between the “c,” the “a,” and the “t,” the meaning gets lost.
​
I've worked with students like this every year. Some of them just need time, but others need targeted, consistent support  and they need it in a way that doesn’t make them feel like they’re failing. That’s where using carefully designed phonics activities like my Short Vowel CVC Activities Task Cards and Phonics Worksheets  makes a real difference.
How to move from sounds to reading words
For many kids, reading doesn’t come naturally. And while phonics instruction has made a comeback in recent years, we sometimes forget just how much repetition, variety, and visual support these kids need.
Some common struggles I’ve seen:
  • Kids know their letter sounds but can’t blend them.
  • They can blend when guided, but can’t do it independently.
  • They confuse vowel sounds, especially when switching between words.
  • They lose confidence and begin to shut down during reading time.
What they need is structured, visual, no-pressure practice — and lots of it.
giving individual, targeted support

A Low-Stress Way to Build Skills and Confidence

My Short Vowel CVC Activities resource was born out of these exact frustrations. I needed something that could help me work with students who needed a slower pace, consistent support, and activities that didn’t feel “babyish.”
Here's how I use this set to build confidence and real growth:
1. Start with One Vowel at a Time
We don’t jump into everything at once. We focus on one short vowel like short a and use the picture-supported task cards to work on isolating and blending sounds. The visuals help anchor the words in meaning, and we read the same words multiple ways (cards, sorting, matching, and worksheets).
2. Mix It Up, But Keep It Familiar
Repetition is key but no one wants to do the exact same worksheet five days in a row. That’s why this set includes different formats: matching, sorting, and changing sounds work. I rotate the tasks throughout the week, so it feels fresh while still reinforcing the same skill.
3. Use It for One-on-One and Centers
I use the task cards in small groups, especially for kids who need just a bit more. They can also be used for early finishers. The worksheets are great for independent practice because the directions are simple, and the visuals make the task more accessible.
4. Celebrate the Little Wins
When a student reads the words from the worksheet or completes a set of cards without guessing — we celebrate! These little moments build the belief that yes, I can read, and that belief is often the turning point.
word/sound/letter matching
Why Confidence Matters More Than Speed
Sometimes we get caught up in benchmarks and data. But when a child who’s been struggling all year reads their first book with CVC words on their own that’s the kind of progress that sticks. I’ve seen it happen more than once with this resource. It doesn’t solve everything, but it opens a door. And once the door opens, the learning starts to flow.
confidence matters more than speed
Want to Try It With Your Students?
If you’re working with readers who just aren’t getting it — or who need a confidence boost the Short Vowel CVC Activities  Task Cards and Phonics Worksheets might be just the support they need.
 Take a closer look at it here
You can start with short a, move through the vowels, and build in review when they’re ready. It’s print-and-go, easy to prep, and flexible enough to use in whatever way works best for you and your kids.
Here are some sample pictures taken one day while working with a student.
short a matching activity
matching words to correct images
short a words and images
scrambled words
And after a few weeks of using these activities: task cards, picture prompts, word building, matching, and worksheets, I saw something shift. Kids who had struggled all year were reading simple books with short vowels. They were excited to read. They were proud.
word activities to help with reading
​Of course, that wasn't the only resource I used. I had to tap into various different resources and tools to help develop sound and letter recognition before they were able to actually put letters together and figure out the basic cvc words. Here are few other resources I used:
Alphabet Sounds And Phonics Games - Soundo
​The Alphabet Rap With Supporting Materials and Activities
Short And Long Vowels Activities
Short Vowel CVC Activities Letter Tiles Task Cards Phonics Worksheets
other phonemic awareness and phonics resources
Thanks for all the heart you pour into your students — especially the ones who need a little more.
You’re making a difference every day.

helping kids go from frustrated to happy
Sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with tips, new products and special happenings
Talk soon. Thanks for stopping by. Charlene

Related Posts

6 more word work activities

How To Help Children Who Struggle With Reading: It All Starts With Sound

6/15/2025

 
Some children arrive in the classroom already aware of how sounds work in words. Others need more time — and that’s okay. If you’ve taught primary, you know firsthand how wide the range can be when it comes to early literacy skills.

I've been working this year with small groups and one on one with some students in Grade 1 and 2 who are still trying to put it all together. 
The key to helping them move forward was recognizing that they needed to work on phonemic awareness and phonics: two separate (but deeply connected) skills.​
It all starts with sound

It All Starts With Sound — Why Phonemic Awareness Is Still the Foundation

If you’ve ever sat beside a young student who’s trying to read but just keeps guessing or skipping words, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Where did this break down?” ​Even with the best reading programs and phonics lessons, some kids still struggle—and it’s usually because something’s missing at the very beginning: phonemic awareness.
If students can’t hear and play with the sounds in words, then decoding them with letters won’t stick. That’s why even in the early grades, we need to keep revisiting those foundational skills like:
  • Rhyming
  • Isolating beginning and ending sounds
  • Blending and segmenting spoken words
  • Manipulating sounds in fun, hands-on ways
💡 Try this tip: Before moving into written word work, play a quick “sound stretch” game with students. Say the word bat and have them stretch it out: /b/… /a/… /t/. Then ask, “What word did we just build?”
Phonemic awareness is all about sounds. Can a child hear and manipulate the individual sounds in words?
  • Can they isolate the beginning sound in "mat"?
  • Can they blend /s/ /a/ /t/ to say "sat"?
  • Can they swap the /b/ in "bat" for /h/ to make "hat"?
sounds and letters

 What’s the Difference Between Phonemic Awareness and Phonics?

It’s easy to use these terms interchangeably, but they aren’t the same:
  • Phonemic Awareness is all about sounds—spoken words. It includes skills like rhyming, identifying beginning sounds, blending and segmenting spoken words, and manipulating sounds.
  • Phonics is where sounds meet print—linking letters and letter patterns to those sounds.
Phonics is about connecting those sounds to print. Once a child can hear and work with sounds, we help them attach letters to each one: /m/ = m, /a/ = a, /t/ = t.
When a child is struggling with reading simple words, it often helps to pause and ask: do they really have the sound skills yet? We can teach all the phonics we want, but if the ears haven’t caught up to the eyes, reading becomes guesswork.
Many struggling readers are missing that foundational ability to hear and work with sounds before trying to decode printed words. If we skip this step, phonics instruction feels like a foreign language.
Phonemica awareness and phonics

Try This Activity: Sound Boxes With No Letters

Before you even bring out the flashcards or worksheets, give students 3-part sound boxes and say a word like “map.”
Have them push a counter into each box as they say: /m/ – /a/ – /p/. Then ask:
“Can you stretch it out again? Now say it fast: map.”
You’re strengthening the idea that words are made of sounds—something many kids don’t naturally pick up without explicit practice.

Here are some easy activities to try

  1. Sound Match Cards: Use picture cards (no words) to play a game where students match items with the same beginning sound. Cat and cup? Yes. Cat and sun? Not yet!
  2. Blending Routines: Say three sounds slowly: /f/ /a /n/. Ask: "What word?" Then switch: "I’ll say it fast, you tell me the sounds: fan." This builds blending and segmenting skills.
  3. Sound Swaps with Movement: Use  tiles or squares. Lay out three tiles for "mat." Now change the first tile to make "sat." Then swap the final tile to make "sad." This reinforces manipulation of sounds.
Picture/letter match activity
Once students can hear and work with sounds in words, they’re ready for simple phonics work. The transition should be seamless: introduce one vowel at a time (usually short a), pair it with a few consonants, and work in lots of different ways with the same small group of words.
One sound at a time still counts
Here's a resource that can help with building words or recognizing different cvc words. There's a set for each of the short vowels.
short vowel cvc words tile activities and worksheets

Teaching Tip: One Sound at a Time Still Counts

We often feel pressure to keep moving forward in our curriculum, but for struggling students, going slow is the fastest way forward.
A week focused just on short a might seem like a lot—but it builds confidence and mastery that can transfer to other vowels and more complex words later.
In your upcoming lessons, focus on:
  • Daily blending and segmenting practice using oral language
  • One short vowel sound per week or unit
  • Repetition through multiple formats: games, small group, centers, and independent work
short a sampler
Here's a cvc activity sampler for the short vowel "a". Grab a copy here and try it out for yourself.
Final Thought
Remember: If a student can’t read a word, it doesn’t mean they’re not trying—it may just mean they never fully heard the word’s parts in the first place.
From hearing to seeing. Learning to read
​Next up, we’ll take that strong sound foundation and link it to letters with phonics.
Sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with tips, new products and special happenings
Talk soon. Thanks for stopping by. Charlene

Related Posts

What language development activities do you focus on?

How To Help Teach Kids About Communities And Living And Working Together

6/8/2025

 
Social Studies isn't just about maps and history books—it’s about people, places, traditions, and the way we live and work together. And summer offers the perfect chance to explore all of that in natural, memorable ways.
Whether you’re at home or on the go, here are some simple activities to help children develop a better understanding of their community and the wider world—without it feeling like a lesson.
Summer learning tips for social studies

Explore Your Community

Take walks or short drives to learn more about the places nearby. Ask questions like:
  • Who works here, and what do they do?
  • What services do we have in our community?
  • What are the different types of homes and buildings?
A walk to the post office, fire hall, or farmer’s market can lead to big conversations about how communities function.
get out and explore your community

Make and Read Maps

Start small—like mapping your bedroom or backyard—and work your way up to neighborhood maps or road trip routes. Try:
  • Creating a treasure map and hiding a surprise.
  • Drawing a map of your local park or favorite hike.
  • Following a map while on a family outing.
Talk about directions (north, south, east, west), landmarks, and symbols to build map-reading skills.
make and read maps

Learn Through Food and Culture

Trying new recipes or attending cultural events can be both fun and educational. Explore:
  • Foods from different countries and their origins.
  • Music, clothing, or traditions from other cultures.
  • Family heritage by creating a simple family tree or sharing stories from grandparents.
Even a themed “International Night” at home can spark a love of learning about others.
cultural activities and food

Celebrate Meaningful Days

Marking holidays or awareness days throughout the summer gives children insight into history and shared values. For example:
  • Canada Day or Independence Day: Discuss symbols, flags, and traditions.
  • Local festivals: Learn the story behind the event.
Books, crafts, or music can help bring the themes to life.
4th of July, Canada Day

Community Helpers Scavenger Hunt

Look for mail carriers, bus drivers, or construction workers and shopkeepers and talk about their roles.
Visit local landmarks, museums, or parks. Talk about the roles different people play in the community.
Do a community helper scavenger hunt

Ask Big Questions

Sometimes the best way to teach Social Studies is to simply start a conversation. Questions to explore include:
  • What makes a good leader?
  • Why do people move to different places?
  • What do we need to make a community safe and fair?
  • How can we be a help in our community?
These kinds of questions invite deep thinking—and there’s no one “right” answer.
Ask big questions
If you would like a checklist for the activities given here, click the button below.
summer learning social studies checklist
Get Your Summer Social Studies Checklist Here
Social Studies is about understanding how we belong, contribute, and connect. Summer gives us time to slow down, notice more, and talk about the things that matter. By weaving in meaningful experiences and conversations, kids will naturally build understanding—and compassion—that lasts long after summer ends.
Social studies tips for summer learning. Weave in meaningful conversations.
This concludes my Summer Learning series. If you missed my previous posts, you can check them out by clicking on the links below:
Summer Learning Math
Summer Learning Science
​Summer Learning Language Arts
Sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with tips, new products and special happenings.
Talk soon. Thanks for stopping by. Charlene

How To Make Language Activities Fun With Creative Ideas This Summer

6/1/2025

 
When kids think of summer, they don’t usually think of spelling, sentence structure, or punctuation—and that’s okay! The good news is that language arts learning doesn’t have to look like a school assignment to be effective.

With a little creativity, reading and writing can be part of everyday fun. Whether you have five minutes or an afternoon, these ideas will help kids stay connected to literacy all summer long.
Summer learning tips for language arts

Keep a Summer Story Journal

Give kids a notebook to fill with drawings, observations, and stories about their summer adventures. They might:
  • Write about a fun day at the park or beach.
  • Create a comic strip about an imaginary creature.
  • Draw a picture and label what’s happening in the scene.
Encourage spelling attempts, invented spelling, or even dictating stories for younger children. It's about expression, not perfection.
Child writing outdoors

Be a Letter Writer

Writing for a real audience is powerful. Kids can:
  • Send postcards or letters to friends, grandparents, or neighbors.
  • Write a thank-you note to someone special.
  • Make a “mailbox” and take turns writing notes to family members.
They’ll practice writing conventions naturally—and see how their words matter.
Children writing notes

Play With Words

Language arts includes speaking, listening, and word play! Great on-the-go games include:
  • “I Spy” with beginning sounds or rhyming words.
  • Making silly sentences using parts of speech, sight words or spelling patterns.
  • Telling a group story, where each person adds one line.
  • ​Labeling everyday objects around the house with sticky notes clues and playing treasure hunt games. This is a great way to reinforce vocabulary.
  • Playing word games like Scrabble or Boggle to practice vocabulary and spelling.
These kinds of games strengthen vocabulary and build sentence structure skills in fun, low-pressure ways.
word games and activities

Make Language Arts Fun With Creative Ideas

Reading and language development doesn’t need to be quiet or solo to count. Try:
  • Family read-alouds on the porch, in a tent, or under the stars.
  • Partner reading with a sibling or stuffed animal.
  • Rhyming games like skipping tunes
  • Word memory games like "I'm going on a trip and in my suitcase I'm packing an apple, a banana, a cake, etc. Take turns reciting what was already said and adding another item for the next letter of the alphabet.
  • Listening to audiobooks on long drives or during quiet time.
Let them choose books that interest them—even if it’s comics, joke books, or animal facts!
make learning fun and creative
If you would like a checklist for the activities given here, click the button below.
summer learning language arts checklist
Get you Summer Language Arts Checklist here
Language is all around us, and summer gives kids the time and space to enjoy it creatively. With just a little inspiration and the freedom to explore, reading and writing can become something they want to do—even on a sunny day. The key to success is keeping it fun!
Fun is the key to success
Don't forget to check out my Math activities for the summer and my Science activities for the summer.

​My next blog post will feature some activities and ideas for working with Social Studies during the summer break.
Sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with tips, new products and special happenings
Talk soon. Thanks for stopping by. Charlene

Related Posts

Tips for Language Arts
How to avoid the summer slide

How To Help Turn Summer Into A Wonderful Science Lab For Young Kids

5/25/2025

 
Summer is the ultimate science lab. Whether you’re in the backyard, the kitchen, or out exploring your community, there are endless opportunities to observe, question, and experiment. Best of all? Kids don’t need to feel like they’re “doing school”—these activities feel like play.

Here are some easy, low-prep science ideas that help kids stay curious, keep learning, and connect what they see to the world around them.
summer learning science tips

Nature Walks with a Twist

Grab a notebook or a few blank pages, head outside, and turn an ordinary walk into a science observation adventure. Ask kids to:
  • Sketch or describe interesting leaves, bugs, or clouds.
  • Notice and record sounds (birds, wind, water).
  • Ask “Why?” and “What if?” questions about what they see.
You can turn this into a weeklong nature journal—or even focus on one theme per day (trees, insects, weather, etc.).
take a nature walk

Easy Experiments at Home

No fancy materials needed—just some curiosity and a few kitchen staples. Try these:
  • Baking soda + vinegar reactions in a muffin tin.
  • Ice cube melting races in the sun and shade.
  • Sink or float tests with items from around the house.
  • Shadow tracking at different times of day.
Let kids predict, test, and draw conclusions like real scientists!

​If you would like some ready made science experiments that are fun to do, check out this blog post.
children doing experiments

Water Play with a Purpose

Hot days and water go hand-in-hand—so why not sneak in some science?
  • Fill up containers of different sizes and guess how much each holds.
  • Explore which items absorb water and which repel it.
  • Build a simple “pipe” system using funnels, tubes, and plastic bottles.
Introduce words like volume, capacity, evaporation, and flow—and let kids lead the exploration.

Insect And Bug Investigations & Garden Discoveries

Turn over a rock, peek under leaves, or dig a little in the dirt—you’ll always find something living! Some questions to ask:
  • What do you think this insect or bug eats?
  • How many legs or wings does it have?
  • What plants are growing nearby?

​Plant seeds and watch how they grow. Keep an observation journal of changes.

You don’t need all the answers—wondering together is what makes it memorable.
insect investigations and garden discoveries

Weather Watchers

Even summer skies change quickly. Help kids become weather detectives by:
  • Drawing different types of clouds.
  • Recording temperature and weather each day.
  • Learning what meteorologists do.
You can even create a simple graph or homemade weather station using recycled items
weather pictures

Do A Beach Study

Take a trip to the beach and explore.
  • Search tide pools for sea life. 
  • Do a scavenger hunt to find different types of sea creatures and plants.
  • Check out the tides and where the sea life are in relation to the tide line.
  • Check out the types of sand or rocks for various beaches.
  • Look for driftwood and other interesting things along the beach.
beach studies and kids

Recycling Challenge

Learn about ways to reduce, reuse and recycle for a better environment,
  • Reuse materials in craft projects.
  • Turn trash into cash. Return beverage containers to recycling depots.
  • Try simple engineering projects using recyclables like building bridges or ramps.
creative recycling
If you would like a checklist for the activities given here, click the button below.
summer learning science checklist
Get your Summer Science Checklist here
Kids are natural scientists—they love to explore, question, and figure things out. With a little encouragement, they’ll be learning all summer long without even realizing it.
Take science learning outdoors this summer
If you would like to check out other science activities and resources, check out my science catergory in my TPT store.

If you missed my blog post on summer math activities for primary kids, you can check it out here.

My next blog post with have some Language Arts ideas and activities that might be fun to try during the summer break.
Sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with tips, new products and special happenings.
Talk soon. Thanks for stopping by. Charlene

Related Posts

Tips for school and home primary science
how to keep learning during summer break

How To Help Children See How Math Is Useful Every Day In Real Life

5/18/2025

 
Summer doesn’t have to mean a break from learning—especially when it comes to math! In fact, summer is the perfect time to show kids that math isn’t just something we do in school—it's something we use every single day. Best of all, these activities don’t feel like worksheets or homework. They feel like fun.
​
Here are some simple, real-world ways to keep those math skills sharp while making lasting summer memories.
Summer math learning tips

Working With Money

Learning how to earn, budget, and spend money well are important life skills for everyone. Doing real activities with money will help children learn how to apply the skills they learn. Grocery store math is one example. 
Bring your child along on your next grocery trip and turn it into a math adventure. Ask them to:
  • Estimate the total of the items in your cart.
  • Weigh produce and compare the prices.
  • Count out money and help you check change.
Bonus: If they love pretend play, set up a mini grocery store at home with empty boxes and play money!
using money in real life situations
For more ideas about using money and learning how to budget, check out my recent blog post. A free sampler is also included.
​
For more tips on using money and some hands on activities, check out this blog post.

Cooking Up Some Math

Kids are curious and they love to learn about new things. Hands on activities in the kitchen are great for teaching math skills in a fun way with something delicious to eat in the end.

Measuring, pouring, and mixing aren’t just kitchen skills—they’re math skills too! Get kids involved in:
  • Measuring ingredients (great for understanding fractions).
  • Doubling or halving recipes.
  • Timing how long things bake or cook.
  • Working with different temperatures (oven temperature, stovetop temperatures, refrigerator or freezer temperatures)
  • Learning differences in mass and measurements for wet and dry ingredients.

​It’s messy, meaningful, and tasty math all in one.
cooking up some math

Games That Count

Playing games is a great way to build in math skills without kids groaning about having to do math. There are so many math-rich games that kids love, including:
  • Card games like War, Go Fish, Uno, Yahtzee, Skipbo, or Dominoes that build number sense, strategy, and logical thinking.
  • Dice games that involve adding or subtracting. For more ideas about how to use dice to teach basic facts, check out this blog post.
  • Board games that require counting spaces or managing play money.

These build mental math skills in a natural, pressure-free way. Kids have so much fun playing the games they don't realize that they are doing math.
Counting games

Math Walks And Sidewalk Chalk Math

Walking around the neighborhood is a great way to find out how math is everywhere.
  • Go on a walk and count how many birds, red cars, or triangles you can find.

A bucket of chalk can turn your driveway into a math playground:
  • Draw a number line and jump along it while solving problems.
  • Create a hopscotch board with skip counting or fact families.
Let them get creative and invent their own math games too!
sidewalk chalk math

Build a Math Kit for On-the-Go Fun

Keep math tools handy for road trips, restaurant waits, or quiet afternoons. Try:
  • Dice and number cards
  • A small notebook for tallying or skip counting
  • A ruler or measuring tape
  • Beads or buttons for counting and sorting
  • Pencil and eraser for recording information
This mini math kit makes it easy to squeeze in learning anytime.
build a math kit
If you would like a checklist for the activities given here, click the button below.
summer learning math checklist
Get your Summer Math Checklist here
Math is everywhere, and summer is the perfect time to notice it. Whether you’re traveling, cooking, relaxing at home, or exploring your neighborhood, a little bit of math can go a long way.
Math tips for summer learning
​Next time I will focus on Science and some activities that might be fun to try during the summer break.
Sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with tips, new products and special happenings.
Talk soon. Thanks for stopping by. Charlene

Related Posts

Tips for school and home primary math
8 fun math tips for summer
<<Previous
    Diamond Mom headshot and logo

    About Me Charlene Sequeira

    I am a wife, mother of 4, grandmother of 9, and a retired primary and music teacher. I love working with kids and continue to volunteer at school and teach ukulele.

    Diamond Mom's Treasury logo
    newsletter signup for Diamond Mom's Treasury

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Acts Of Kindness
    Art Project
    Assessments
    Back To School
    Canadian
    Christmas
    Classroom
    Classroom Management
    Classroom Resources
    Diy
    Fall
    Family
    Freebies
    French Language
    Halloween
    Literacy
    Math
    Money
    Music
    Online-learning
    Online-learning
    Reading
    Remembrance Day
    Research
    Science
    SEL
    Self Esteem
    Social Studies
    Special Days
    Spring
    Summer
    Task Cards
    Teaching Tips
    Technology
    Thanksgiving
    Tips
    Veterans Day
    Winter
    Writing

    Archives

    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    September 2019
    June 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Featured Resources Of The Month