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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 — Why Phonemic Awareness Is Still the FoundationIf 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:
Phonemic awareness is all about sounds. Can a child hear and manipulate the individual sounds in words?
 What’s the Difference Between Phonemic Awareness and Phonics?It’s easy to use these terms interchangeably, but they aren’t the same:
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.  Try This Activity: Sound Boxes With No LettersBefore 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
 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.  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.  Teaching Tip: One Sound at a Time Still CountsWe 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:
 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.  Next up, we’ll take that strong sound foundation and link it to letters with phonics.   Related Posts 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.  Explore Your CommunityTake walks or short drives to learn more about the places nearby. Ask questions like:
 Make and Read MapsStart small—like mapping your bedroom or backyard—and work your way up to neighborhood maps or road trip routes. Try:
 Learn Through Food and CultureTrying new recipes or attending cultural events can be both fun and educational. Explore:
 Celebrate Meaningful DaysMarking holidays or awareness days throughout the summer gives children insight into history and shared values. For example:
 Community Helpers Scavenger HuntLook 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.  Ask Big QuestionsSometimes the best way to teach Social Studies is to simply start a conversation. Questions to explore include:
 If you would like a checklist for the activities given here, click the button below.  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.  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 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.  Keep a Summer Story JournalGive kids a notebook to fill with drawings, observations, and stories about their summer adventures. They might:
 Be a Letter WriterWriting for a real audience is powerful. Kids can:
 Play With WordsLanguage arts includes speaking, listening, and word play! Great on-the-go games include:
 Make Language Arts Fun With Creative IdeasReading and language development doesn’t need to be quiet or solo to count. Try:
 If you would like a checklist for the activities given here, click the button below.  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!  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. Related Posts
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.  Nature Walks with a TwistGrab a notebook or a few blank pages, head outside, and turn an ordinary walk into a science observation adventure. Ask kids to:
 Easy Experiments at HomeNo fancy materials needed—just some curiosity and a few kitchen staples. Try these:
If you would like some ready made science experiments that are fun to do, check out this blog post.  Water Play with a PurposeHot days and water go hand-in-hand—so why not sneak in some science?
Insect And Bug Investigations & Garden DiscoveriesTurn over a rock, peek under leaves, or dig a little in the dirt—you’ll always find something living! Some questions to ask:
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.  Weather WatchersEven summer skies change quickly. Help kids become weather detectives by:
 Do A Beach StudyTake a trip to the beach and explore.
 Recycling ChallengeLearn about ways to reduce, reuse and recycle for a better environment,
 If you would like a checklist for the activities given here, click the button below.  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.  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. Related Posts
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.  Working With MoneyLearning 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:
 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 MathKids 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:
It’s messy, meaningful, and tasty math all in one.  Games That CountPlaying 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:
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.  Math Walks And Sidewalk Chalk MathWalking around the neighborhood is a great way to find out how math is everywhere.
A bucket of chalk can turn your driveway into a math playground:
 Build a Math Kit for On-the-Go FunKeep math tools handy for road trips, restaurant waits, or quiet afternoons. Try:
 If you would like a checklist for the activities given here, click the button below.  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.  Next time I will focus on Science and some activities that might be fun to try during the summer break. Related Posts
Summer is a much-needed break from the school routine—but it doesn’t have to be a break from learning. If you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or parent of a primary-aged child, you know how easy it is for kids to forget important skills during those sunny months. The good news? Learning can still happen in simple, natural ways that feel more like play than schoolwork. In fact, summer is the perfect time to connect real-life experiences with essential academic skills across all subject areas.  Over the next few weeks I will be sharing tips and activities that help kids practice skills with real world situations. Check below for a summary of each upcoming blog post. Math in the Real WorldFrom counting coins at the lemonade stand to measuring ingredients in the kitchen, math is everywhere in summer. This post will be packed with fun, hands-on ideas to keep those number sense skills fresh—without pulling out a worksheet. Topics include:
 Simple Summer ScienceWhether you're chasing bugs in the backyard or building a simple water filter, summer is full of curiosity-driven science learning. Help kids explore nature, ask questions, and become scientists in their own environment. Topics include:
 Language Arts That Feels Like FunReading and writing don’t have to stop when school ends! With playful prompts, letters to friends, and backyard storytelling, literacy learning can feel like an adventure. Topics include:
 Everyday Social StudiesSocial Studies comes to life through community exploration, cultural traditions, and conversations about fairness, history, and identity. Summer is full of real-world ways to learn about how people live and work together. Topics include:
 Kids don’t need to sit at a desk all summer to keep their minds growing. With a little creativity and the right mindset, everyday experiences can be full of opportunities to practice important academic skills—and build a love of learning that lasts all year long. Whether you're planning a road trip, a backyard staycation, or something in between, these summer learning ideas will help make every day count.  Related Posts
As the school year winds down and the sunshine calls us outdoors, it’s the perfect time to blend review activities with a little extra fun. Whether you're teaching in a classroom or homeschooling, the last few weeks of school can be full of joyful learning, memory-making, and meaningful review. Let’s look at some easy, creative ideas for wrapping up different academic areas — with a healthy dose of outdoor time, too!  Language Arts: Word Games and Story WalksInstead of sitting inside for traditional lessons, take literacy outside!
 Math: Move and CountMath review is so much more fun when it’s active!
 Science: Nature ExplorationsSpring and early summer offer natural opportunities to explore science concepts hands-on.
 Social Studies: Community ConnectionsEnd-of-year is a great time to reflect on community, kindness, and the world around us.
 Art and Creative Expression:Don't forget to mix in some open-ended, creative time!
 Kids are curious by nature. Here's a nature scavenger hunt that might be fun to try with them.  A Few Tips for a Smooth Finish:
 Whether you're soaking up the sun with story walks, building fact families in the park, or recording nature discoveries, the end of the year can be full of laughter, movement, and meaningful review. Here's to finishing strong — and having a little extra fun along the way! Related Posts Teaching kids about money isn’t just about knowing the value of coins or how to count. It’s an important life skill that helps children understand how money works in the world around them. Whether you’re a parent, homeschooling, or teaching in a classroom, the basics of counting money, recognizing coins, and solving simple word problems are all skills that will benefit your child for years to come. Here are some practical ideas for teaching money in a way that makes sense, whether you're using Canadian or American coins—or any other kind of currency. The key is focusing on the core concepts and making learning fun and hands-on.  1. Make Money Matter by Connecting It to Everyday LifeTo help kids understand money, it's best to start by showing them how it’s used in everyday situations. Talk about when you go shopping, pay for things, or save for something special. By making money a part of real-life examples, kids can see why it's important to know how to use it. Idea to Try: Let kids handle the money and actually pay for items at the store. This will allow them to see how money is exchanged and why sometimes they receive change. 2. Recognize Coins: Understanding the Value of Each CoinKids need to learn how to recognize different coins and know their value. Even though Canadian and American coins might look different, the idea of understanding sizes, shapes, and values is the same. Teach them to recognize the various coins and talk about how each coin is worth a certain amount. Idea to Try: Use coin sorting activities with either play money or real coins. Have your child sort the coins by size or type and talk about their values. You can even make a simple coin chart to help them remember which coin is worth what.  3. Counting Money: Start Simple, Then Build UpOnce children are familiar with the coins, the next step is learning how to count them. Start small by using just a few coins, and then gradually increase the number. Teach them to start with the largest value coin and count down to the smallest for easier math. Idea to Try: Create simple money challenges, like counting to $1.00 or $2.00 using only nickels and dimes. You can also use money word problems to make it more fun. For example: "If you have 3 dimes and 2 nickels, how much money do you have?" Word problems help children apply their counting skills to real-life scenarios. 4. Use Visuals to Make It ClearSome kids might find it hard to understand money just from listening or talking about it. That’s where visuals can help. Whether you’re using real coins or pictures of coins, showing how money works visually makes it easier for kids to understand. Idea to Try: Make a simple money chart showing pictures of different coins with their values written next to them. You can also practice counting coins by using visuals and adding up their value on the chart, helping your child see the total amount.  5. Practice with Word Problems: Apply Money Skills in Real-Life SituationsOnce children have learned to count coins, it’s time to use that knowledge in everyday situations through word problems. Money word problems are a great way to get kids thinking about how they would use money in real life, like at a store or when saving for something special. Idea to Try: Use money word problems such as:
 6. Make Learning Fun with GamesMoney doesn’t have to be all about worksheets and lessons. Make it interactive with fun games that help kids practice their skills. Games are a great way to keep kids engaged while they learn, and they can practice counting, coin recognition, and making change—all while having fun. Idea to Try: Set up a mini store at home or in the classroom or at home using play money or even real coins. Let kids practice being the customer and the shopkeeper. They can "buy" and "sell" items, make change, and learn how money is used in a fun and practical way. Teaching Money Skills is About More Than Just CoinsTeaching children about money doesn’t have to be hard. By making it a part of their everyday life, using visuals, and practicing with games and word problems, you can help them build the skills they’ll need to understand money for years to come. Whether you're using Canadian or American coins—or any type of currency—the most important thing is to keep it hands-on, fun, and connected to real-world experiences.
If you’re looking for resources to help teach these skills, the Canadian Money Activities Bundle and the American Money Activities Bundle are packed with worksheets, task cards, games, and word problems designed to teach counting money, coin recognition, and more. These easy-to-use tools are perfect for parents, homeschoolers, and teachers alike. Start with some of these activities today and watch as your child or student becomes more confident with their money skills!  Related Posts
When teaching young children, money can be a challenging concept to master. While we often think of coins as simple objects with values attached, for kids, coin recognition and counting money can be tough to grasp. After all, a dime might look smaller than a nickel, but it’s worth more—that’s a lot for young minds to juggle. Not only that, many kids don't have a change to handle money because many transactions are done with debit and credit cards.  Teaching young kids about money is a crucial skill, but it can also be one of the trickiest concepts to make fun and relatable. You might have found yourself wondering how to keep them engaged while helping them make sense of coins, bills, and word problems. You’re not alone! Many teachers face the same challenge—how to bring real-world money skills into the classroom in a way that clicks. The good news? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. With the right mix of hands-on practice and visual support, your students can develop confidence and competence when working with money.  Using Play Money for Coin RecognitionBefore you can dive into counting and word problems, students need to recognize the different coins. Coin recognition isn’t just about identifying the coin’s name; it’s also about understanding the relationship between size, shape, and value. Here are some fun ways to help your students practice coin recognition:
 Why Hands-On Practice Makes a DifferenceStudents often struggle with the abstract concept of money because they don’t always get the chance to physically interact with coins. Holding, sorting, and counting real coins helps students develop a concrete understanding of their value. By physically manipulating the coins, students are more likely to internalize the differences between coins and how their values add up. 💡 Teaching Tip: Set up a “money exploration station” where students can freely sort coins by value or size. Give them a set of real or play coins and let them explore, compare, and organize. This is a great way to build familiarity before diving into counting!  A Money Unit That Provides Lessons For Young ChildrenToday, I’m sharing a money unit with you that can create engaging, effective money lessons that are both easy to prep and meaningful for students. The beauty of this unit is it was created collaboratively with my Grade 3 students. We took time to work together to figure out the different activities and we did lots of practice with counting, sorting, and spending money in various role playing activities. If you've ever taught a money unit, you already know how tricky it can be. Some students instantly “get it” when it comes to identifying coins and counting bills. Others struggle to remember what a dime is worth—let alone how to make change. It’s normal to have a wide range of abilities in your classroom, but that doesn’t make your job any easier. This unit takes a step by step approach and involves lots of hands on practice and real world examples to help kids make sense of what they are learning. It handles the planning piece and makes things low prep for you.  Check out this unit here. For more information on how we used what we learned to create a spring fundraiser, check out this blog post. For more information about how we worked through the unit, check here. Grab a Free Sampler Here is a sampler of a couple of lessons and templates from the unit. Give it a try and see how you can make working with money real for kids. Kid Themed Money Word ProblemsAs part of the money unit, several scenarios were created that were kid friendly and helped with learning how to use money in the real world. This resulted in a supplementary resource of kid themed money word problem task cards. You can check it out here.  For more tips and resources for teaching young children how to work with money check out my next blog post. There I will focus on resources for both Canadian and American currency. Are you looking for ways to teach younger children about Canada? Teaching geography and research skills to younger students can be challenging, but rewarding at the same time.  Grade 3 is a perfect time to introduce children to basic research skills and resources. Learning about the country they live in is a great place to start. Teaching Canadian geography and research skills in Grade 3 is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and build foundational knowledge about our country. By combining engaging activities with structured research, kids develop critical thinking, organization, and a deeper appreciation for Canada’s diversity. A Resource To Introduce Kids To Canada's Geography A great way to introduce kids to Canada’s geography is by focusing on the provinces and territories as a whole. My Canadian Provinces and Territories Research Bundle is a perfect resource to begin this journey. These booklets are designed specifically with younger children in mind, using simple language and vivid photographs to make research accessible and enjoyable. They come in a French version as well.
What These Booklets Cover:
Why These Booklets Work
Teaching Basic Research Skills to Grade 3 StudentsWith structured guidance, children in Grade 3 can begin to gather, organize, and present information confidently. Here are some tips to make this process enjoyable and effective: Scaffold Research Tasks
Encourage Collaboration
 Engaging Activities for Exploring Provinces and TerritoriesPractical Strategies for Research Projects
End the unit with a classroom showcase. Invite kids to present their projects to peers or even parents. This celebration not only reinforces learning but also builds confidence in their research abilities. Integrating Subjects
Using resources like the Canada My Country booklets and the Canadian Provinces and Territories Research Bundle allows you to teach geography and research skills in a way that’s engaging and manageable. The use of simple language and vivid photographs ensures that every child can participate and succeed. Children develop a sense of pride in their country and the ability to communicate their findings effectively.
Ready to inspire your kids? Want more Canadian Social Studies resources? Check out these resources to bring Canadian geography to life in your classroom!  Related Posts
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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. 
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