Welcome To My Blog |
|
|
Have you ever watched The Amazing Race? Teams from all over the world race to different places, follow maps, solve clues, and try to be the first to find their next destination. It’s exciting, full of surprises, and so much fun! But here’s an idea: What if you could make your classroom or home learning feel just like The Amazing Race with no passports required! One of the coolest lessons I ever did was turning the school yard into an geocaching adventure. I handed the kids a "mystery map" of the area, full of clues and challenges. They had to measure distances, follow directions, and solve riddles to find a hidden geocache. You’d think I’d given them a real-life treasure! It was so much fun, and the kids couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.  Spring is the perfect time to take geography lessons outdoors. The weather is warming up, and nature is full of new surprises, just waiting to be explored. Kids are full of energy and need to keep moving. Imagine turning your lessons into a fun-filled scavenger hunt or treasure map challenge. Whether you’re learning at school or at home, mapping can make geography fun and interactive! Here are some ideas or possible lessons to try.  1. Create a Mystery Scavenger Hunt 🗺️ How cool would it be if you had a mystery scavenger hunt of your classroom or home? Here’s how it works: You can hand kids a clue that leads them around the room (or house) to a specific location. But, the catch is—there are more clues to solve along the way! They’ll need to measure distances, figure out directions, and solve riddles to find a hidden surprise or treasure. They’ll feel like real-life adventurers as they figure out each clue. It’s a great way to practice following directions while having fun! Here's a template that might be helpful when planning your scavenger hunt clues.  2. Make a Treasure Map of Your Backyard or Garden 🌻 Who says you need to travel far to have a fun adventure? You can map out your backyard or garden or a nearby park and create a treasure hunt. Start by drawing a map of the outdoor space, adding landmarks like trees, flowers, or fences. Then, give clues to find a hidden “X” that marks the spot. Kids will need to follow the directions carefully—measuring distances, following coordinates, and using symbols to help them along the way. The best part? The treasure could be anything from a shiny stone to a favorite toy or treat!  3. Go on a Neighborhood Mapping Adventure 🏙️ Ready for a bigger challenge? Grab a notebook and head outside for a neighborhood mapping adventure. You can make a scavenger hunt by giving clues that lead to places around your neighborhood. For example: “Walk 10 steps to the mailbox, then turn left to find the red house. From there, walk 5 steps to the big tree!” It’s a fun way to practice using maps, measuring distances, and understanding directions—plus, you get to explore the world around you!  4. Use Coordinates for a Scavenger Hunt 📍 You don’t need to go far to create an awesome learning adventure! You can use coordinates to hide clues around your house, classroom, or garden. If you make a big grid (like on graph paper), you can give kids coordinates to find hidden objects. For example, “Go to A3 to find the first clue, then go to C5 for the next!” It’s like going on a treasure hunt with a map of your own making! If you are looking for more ways to practice using coordinates and grids, check out this resource.  5. Map Your Favorite Outdoor Spot 🌳 Give kids a blank sheet of paper and ask them to map out their favorite outdoor spot. It could be their backyard, a local park, or even a place they dream of visiting one day! Encourage them to add important details like where the swings are, where the tallest tree is, or where they like to sit and read. Once the map is complete, they can add a fun challenge: hide an “X” on the map and see if someone else can find the hidden treasure!  These are just a few of the fun, creative ways you can bring maps into your learning! Whether you're inside or outside, maps can turn ordinary lessons into extraordinary adventures. You can measure, explore, solve clues, and discover new places—all while learning valuable skills.  Maps don’t just have to be about geography—they’re also about exploring, solving problems, and going on adventures. Plus, being outside and on the move can help kids stay active and engaged while they’re learning. The adventure never stops when you make learning feel like a race around the world! So, let’s grab our maps, follow the clues, and see where our learning adventure takes us! Happy adventuring!   Related Posts
Imagine measuring a room with a child’s shoe and an adult’s shoe. You’d end up with two very different results for the same space! This fun and simple activity is a great way to introduce kids to the importance of standard measurement. But length isn’t the only thing we measure in our daily lives. From mass to temperature, measurements play a vital role in helping us make sense of the world. In this post, we’ll explore:
 Non-Standard vs. Standard MeasurementWhen children first begin learning about measurement, they often start with non-standard units—items like crayons, blocks, or even shoes. These are tangible, relatable, and help kids develop an understanding of size and comparison. However, non-standard units can create confusion when results need to be shared or compared. For example:
 Activity: Measuring with ShoesThis engaging activity introduces the need for standard units while keeping learning fun. What You’ll Need:
 Types of Measurement in Real LifeMeasurement goes far beyond length. Here are some key types of measurement kids will encounter: Mass(Weight):
Volume:
Temperature:
Area and Perimeter:
Length:
By introducing these types of measurement early, kids can see how math connects to their daily lives.  Take your measurement lessons to the next level with Measurement Activities And Measurement Games Metric And Customary Units Tallies This resource includes:
 From cooking dinner to building furniture, measurement is everywhere. By starting with relatable, hands-on activities like measuring with shoes and introducing standard units, we can give kids the tools they need to navigate the world confidently.  Next time you’re measuring something, try using shoes to spark a conversation about non-standard and standard units. Then, connect the dots by exploring other types of measurement in real life. Your kids will love learning how math fits into their world! Related Posts
Once kids have mastered the basics of non-standard measurement, they’re ready to take the next step: learning to measure with standard units like centimeters, inches, grams, and liters. This progression helps children make sense of the world around them and prepares them for real-life tasks like baking, building, or measuring for art projects. In this post, we’ll explore how to transition from non-standard to standard measurement, share practical tips and activities, and highlight a resource that makes teaching standard measurement easy and fun.  Why Standard Measurement?Standard measurement introduces children to tools and units that allow for consistent and accurate measurements. It’s a critical skill that they’ll use throughout their education and daily life. Learning standard units helps children:
 How to Transition from Non-Standard to Standard UnitsStart Small:
Explore Metric and Customary Units:
Real Life Applications:
 For an easy introduction to teaching both non-standard and standard measurement, check out My Measurement Booklet. This booklet:
 Engaging Activities for Standard MeasurementGuesss and Measure:
Measure and Compare:
 Teaching standard measurement equips children with practical skills that extend beyond the classroom. By giving them opportunities to explore and apply these concepts, you’re helping them build confidence in math, science, and everyday problem-solving.  Making the leap from non-standard to standard measurement doesn’t have to be intimidating. With engaging activities, the right tools, and plenty of hands-on practice, kids can master this essential skill while having fun along the way. Explore the resources linked here to find even more ways to make measurement meaningful and exciting! Related Posts Have you ever watched a child measure their table with toy cars or figure out the length of a room using footsteps? These moments of discovery are at the heart of non-standard measurement—a perfect way to introduce kids to the world of measuring in a way that's playful and relatable. Non-standard measurement provides young learners with a hands-on approach that builds their confidence before they’re ready to tackle rulers, scales, and standard units. In this post, we’ll explore the value of non-standard measurement, share fun activities you can try at home or in the classroom, and highlight resources that make learning measurement engaging for kids.  Why Non-Standard Measurement?For young children, non-standard measurement is an essential first step in understanding the concept of size, length, height, and volume. Using familiar items like blocks, paperclips, or spoons allows children to focus on the process of measuring without worrying about numbers and formal units. Non-standard measurement:
 Fun Non-Standard Measurement Activities to TryMeasure with What’s Around You:
The Tallest Tower Game:
Relay Race Measurement:
 Check out Non-Standard Measurement Activities and Games: Team Events This resource includes engaging team-based games that make measurement a collaborative and exciting experience. They are perfect for family game nights, classroom centers, or group activities. They encourage children to think creatively while practicing essential math skills.  Non-standard measurement is much more than a stepping stone to standard units—it helps children develop the foundational skills they’ll use throughout their lives. By starting with fun, hands-on activities, you’re building their confidence and setting the stage for deeper learning in math and science. Get a free copy of this measuring activity for extra practice with non-standard measurement.   Next time you’re at home or in the classroom, grab some everyday objects and start measuring. You’ll be amazed at how much kids can learn when math becomes a game. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a structured lesson, non-standard measurement activities bring fun and education together seamlessly. Related Posts
Science is full of amazing wonders, and for young learners, there’s nothing quite as exciting as watching things grow and change right before their eyes! In this post, we’ll dive into biology-focused experiments that allow kids to explore life cycles and the process of growth in plants and animals. These hands-on activities are perfect for both classroom teachers and homeschoolers looking to create meaningful, interactive science lessons. As we explore life and growth, we’ll follow the scientific method and learn how to make predictions, observe changes, and draw conclusions. Let’s get started!  Experiment Highlight: Growing Seeds – The Science of Plant GrowthQuestion: What will happen to the seeds when we put them in a bag with a wet paper towel and place them in the window? Make a Hypothesis: I think ....... Materials Needed:
Kids will watch as the seeds begin to sprout roots and shoots. Encourage them to make daily observations and use a chart to record what they see. They can record changes like the length of the root, color changes, and how fast the plant is growing. They might even want to take pictures to show how things change. Conclusion: After a week or two, have the kids reflect on the growth of the seeds. Did the seeds grow as expected? How did they change? Use this as an opportunity to discuss plant needs, such as sunlight, water, and space. Connect this experiment to the concept of the plant life cycle.  Exploring Life Cycles: The Butterfly Life CycleAsk A Question: How does the egg becomes a butterfly? Make A Hypothesis: I think .... Materials Needed:
Ask kids to think about the different stages of the butterfly’s life. What do they notice about how the caterpillar changes into a butterfly? How does it look different at each stage? Conclusion: This experiment offers a chance to discuss metamorphosis, which is the process of changing from one form to another. You can also connect this to the plant experiment by comparing how living things (plants and animals) grow and change.  Check out this resource if you would like to have posters and information and activities about the life cycle of a buttlerfly. Click on the image to find out more. Encourage Exploration: Extensions and Variations
 Check out this resource if you would like to have a recording journal for your plant observations. Click on the image to find out more. Grab your free copy of this life cycle template. It's great for use with animals and plants.  Making Connections Between Life and GrowthBy exploring the science of life cycles and plant growth, children gain a hands-on understanding of the processes that sustain life. These experiments provide valuable opportunities to practice the scientific method, from making predictions to recording observations and drawing conclusions. The beauty of these activities is that they encourage curiosity and allow kids to explore how living things grow, change, and interact with their environment. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or homeschooling, these experiments bring biology to life in a fun and accessible way.  Related Posts
You've taught your children about communities and you've done activities to explore how communities vary and what each type of community might need or contribute to the areas around them. Now what? Try building a 3D community. Building a 3D community model is a fantastic way to engage kids in learning about urban, suburban, and rural communities. This project is a unique combination of teamwork, creativity, and real-world application. By involving families, kids get a chance to connect their learning at school with their experiences at home, resulting in a truly collaborative effort.  The Project FrameworkI have had great success with this project over the years and it was always a favorite for my students. The best part is that my students were the planners and designers so they took ownership from the very beginning. Check out Types of Communities: Urban, Suburban, Rural Communities & Creating A Community Model. This resource includes detailed lesson plans and templates to help guide the process from start to finish. It's class-designed, so each student takes responsibility for working on the design and type of community chosen. They are also responsible for their own parcel of land. Students work in pairs to create essential service buildings, while families provide support by helping design and construct individual properties. For homeschooled kids, the family members would share those responsibilities.  Step 1: Choosing a Community TypeBegin by discussing the three main types of communities: urban, suburban, and rural. Use your lessons to review the characteristics of each, including population density, common types of buildings, and services. Encourage kids to decide as a group which type of community they want to create for their model. This decision can be made through a class vote, ensuring everyone feels included in the process. Once the decision is made, collaboratively brainstorm the community’s overall design, including zones for housing, services, and recreation. This resource may help. Types Of Communities|Urban Suburban Rural Communities|What Is A Community Bundle  Step 2: Identifying Key Buildings and ServicesOnce the type of community is chosen, brainstorm what buildings and services are essential. For example:
Divide children into small groups to research and design specific buildings, considering their purpose and importance to the community. Beyond their homes, kids work in pairs to create vital community buildings, such as:
 Step 3: City PlanningCity planning is where creativity and strategy come into play. Start with a discussion about why certain buildings need to be placed in specific locations. For instance:
Once the plan is finalized, assign groups to start constructing their buildings using materials such as cardboard, clay, or other craft supplies.  Step 4: Assigning Parcels of LandEach child receives a parcel of land—a small piece of the community to call their own. Their task is to create their home, incorporating features they feel are important. Encourage them to think about:
 Step 5: Collaborating with FamiliesThis project extends into the home, giving families an opportunity to get involved. Encourage families to:
 Step 6: Building the 3D ModelWith the blueprint as a guide, children can bring their vision to life. Provide materials like recycled boxes, craft paper, paint, and glue. Assign each group a section of the community to build. As the model takes shape, encourage collaboration between groups to ensure the pieces fit together seamlessly. Step 7: Assembling the Community ModelOnce all individual parcels and service buildings are completed, it’s time to assemble the community! Bring everything together on a large base (like a piece of plywood or cardboard) and arrange the parcels according to the class design. Discuss as a group how to ensure roads, pathways, and other shared spaces connect seamlessly. Note: I used a section of the classroom and marked off the area with tape. The different parcels of land and service buildings were fitted into the area. I cut out pieces of cardboard for each parcel of land and placed it on the floor area ahead of time to ensure that all of the parts would fit within the given space when it was assembled. Then I handed out the pieces of cardboard to each student to use as their base. Check out some photos from some of my previous classes' 3D communities
Step 8: Culminating CelebrationThe highlight of the project is a community celebration where students and families come together to showcase their work. Ideas for the event include:
 By giving each child ownership of their parcel and involving families in the process, this 3D community model project becomes a rich learning experience. It teaches children about the functions of communities, encourages collaboration, and bridges the gap between home and school. With teamwork, creativity, and celebration, your class can create something truly special! Related Posts
Teaching young children about communities is a wonderful opportunity to connect their learning with their everyday lives. Starting with the communities closest to them—their neighborhood and school—allows children to recognize their surroundings and build foundational knowledge. Here are practical ways to explore the communities nearby and expand their understanding of the world right outside their doorsteps.  1. Start With a Neighborhood WalkTake learning outdoors with a guided neighborhood walk.
 2. Investigate the School AreaExplore the community around the school to show how it serves the kids and their families.
 3. Introduce Types of Communities: Urban, Suburban, and RuralUse the local area to begin explaining the three main types of communities.
 4. Create a Neighborhood MapLet children apply what they’ve learned by creating their own maps.
 5. Notice Services and LandmarksHelp kids see the community as a network of places and people working together.
 6. Make a “Community Connections” PosterBring it all together with a creative classroom project.
 Learning about their local community helps children understand the connections between people, places, and services. It also provides a foundation for exploring broader communities in future lessons. By encouraging observation and curiosity, you’re helping kids see their role in the world around them. With resources like Types of Communities | Urban Suburban Rural Communities | What Is A Community Bundle, kids will gain hands-on experience exploring and building their understanding of communities. Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll expand the conversation to include regions, countries, and the world! Related Posts
Winter is a season filled with sensory experiences—the crunch of snow underfoot, the sparkle of frost on a window, the warmth of a mug of hot chocolate. These vivid details make winter the perfect inspiration for teaching descriptive writing. By encouraging students to "paint pictures with words," you can help them develop their ability to use sensory language, create imagery, and engage readers.  Why Focus on Descriptive Writing?Descriptive writing is a powerful tool that allows young learners to express themselves while building essential writing skills. It helps to develop vocabulary, enhance creativity, and engage readers. Develop Vocabulary: Using precise words to describe sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. Enhance Creativity: Bringing their imagination to life on the page. Engage Readers: Making their writing more relatable and enjoyable to read.  Introducing Descriptive WritingStart by discussing what makes writing descriptive. Share examples of sentences with and without sensory details to illustrate the difference. Without Description: "It was cold outside." With Description: "The icy wind stung my cheeks, and my breath puffed out in frosty clouds." Ask students to share what they notice about the descriptive example and why it feels more engaging.  Winter-Themed Writing PromptsProvide students with prompts that inspire them to explore winter through their senses. Here are some ideas: Snow Day Adventure: "Describe what you see, hear, and feel as you step outside into a snowy wonderland." Hot Chocolate Delight: "Write about your favorite cup of hot chocolate. What does it look like, smell like, and taste like?" Frosty Morning: "Imagine you wake up to a frost-covered world. Describe the patterns on the windows, the crunch of the ground, and the chilly air."  Using the Five SensesHelp students structure their writing by focusing on the five senses. Using The Five Senses For Descriptive Writing is a great tool for guiding this process. Here’s an example: Sight: "The snow glistened like diamonds in the morning sun." Sound: "The trees creaked and groaned under the weight of the ice." Smell: "The air was crisp and carried the faint smell of pine needles." Touch: "The snow felt powdery and soft, but it quickly melted against my warm hands." Taste: "The hot chocolate was creamy and rich, with a hint of peppermint."  Fun Classroom ActivitiesEngage students with hands-on activities that make descriptive writing fun and interactive. Sensory Stations: Set up stations with winter-themed items like pinecones, scarves, and cinnamon sticks. Have students describe each item using sensory details. Winter Word Bank: Create a classroom word bank with winter-related adjectives and nouns. Encourage students to use these words in their writing. Snow Globe Stories: Have students imagine they are inside a snow globe. They can describe their surroundings, what they see, and how they feel.  Revising and SharingTeach students to revise their work by looking for opportunities to add more sensory details. Partner them up to read each other’s writing and give feedback on what painted the clearest picture. Host a "Winter Writer’s Celebration," where students share their descriptive pieces. Display their work on a bulletin board titled "Winter Pictures with Words" or create a class book of winter writing.  Descriptive writing resources, such as Using Photographs for Descriptive Writing With The Five Senses and Descriptive Writing With The Five Senses, can provide picture prompts to help students develop their ideas. These tools are especially helpful for younger writers who are just beginning to explore sensory language.
The Power of Winter WritingBy focusing on descriptive writing during the winter months, you’re giving students the tools to create vivid, engaging pieces that reflect their unique voices. The skills they develop in describing winter scenes can carry over into other writing projects throughout the year.  Related Posts
Winter is the perfect time to engage young learners with themed literacy centers that build essential skills while sparking creativity and fun. As the cold weather sets in, incorporating seasonal elements into your classroom can make literacy activities even more exciting and relevant for primary students. Below, you'll find ideas and strategies for creating winter-themed literacy centers that cater to various skills like phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and descriptive writing.  Phonemic Awareness and Phonics CentersPhonemic awareness and phonics are foundational skills for early readers. Add a winter twist to make these centers engaging and playful. Snowflake Sorting: Create a sorting activity where students match pictures or words with specific sounds (e.g., beginning, middle, or ending sounds). For example, "snowman" could be sorted under the /s/ or /m/ sound. Build-a-Snowman Phonics Game: Provide students with word families or blends and let them build a snowman for every word they create. Each correct word adds a part to their snowman—hat, scarf, buttons, etc. Winter Word Hunts: Scatter winter-themed sight words around the classroom and have students find and record them. This activity can double as a movement break.  Vocabulary Building CentersDeveloping a rich vocabulary is crucial for literacy success. Winter-themed vocabulary activities can make learning new words fun. Winter Word Bingo: Use winter-related vocabulary in a bingo format. Students can practice recognizing and using words like "icicle," "mittens," and "sled." Winter Vocabulary Activities And Games task cards would work well here. Snowy Synonyms and Antonyms: Provide students with winter-themed words and have them brainstorm synonyms and antonyms. For example, "cold" might lead to "chilly" and "hot." Snowball Toss Vocabulary: Write winter-related words on crumpled paper "snowballs." Students pick a snowball, read the word, and use it in a sentence or define it.  Writing CentersWinter is a fantastic time to inspire descriptive and creative writing. Encourage your students to "paint pictures with words" using sensory details. Descriptive Writing with The Five Senses: Guide students in describing winter scenes. Prompts like "Describe a snowy day" or "What does hot chocolate smell and taste like?" work well. Check out Descriptive Writing Templates And Graphic Organizers Using The Five Senses for some graphics and templates that could help. Winter Story Starters: Provide prompts such as "If I were a snowflake, I would..." or "My winter adventure began when..." Let students’ imaginations run wild. Snow Globe Writing: Have students imagine they are inside a snow globe and write a story about their experience. Pair this with a craft where they draw their snow globe scene.  Parts of Speech PracticeGrammar can be fun when you add a dash of winter: Silly Winter Sentences: Winter Parts of Speech Activities Silly Sentences is a fun activity that helps students learn about adjectivies, nouns, and verbs while building humorous winter-themed sentences. Encourage them to swap nouns, verbs, and adjectives to see how their sentences transform. Winter Word Scramble: Provide scrambled words that focus on winter vocabulary and have students categorize them as nouns, verbs, or adjectives.  Independent Reading and Listening CentersIndependent reading and listening centers allow students to practice fluency and comprehension. Winter Reading Nook: Set up a cozy reading corner with winter-themed books. Include pillows, blankets, and perhaps a faux fireplace for ambiance. Listening to Winter Stories: Use audiobooks or record yourself reading winter-themed books. Provide follow-up comprehension questions or prompts for reflection.  By incorporating these winter-themed literacy centers into your classroom, you'll not only build essential skills but also create a joyful and engaging learning environment. With resources like Winter Vocabulary Activities And Games, Winter Parts of Speech Activities Silly Sentences, and Using The Five Senses For Descriptive Writing, you'll have everything you need to make winter literacy magical for your students.  Related Posts
As we approach a new year in the classroom, it's a great time to plan to set new goals and refresh our classroom management. This helps students feel excited, stay focused, and be successful. Here are some easy activities and strategies to help you get your classroom off to a positive start while making sure every child feels included and engaged.  Goal Setting: Simple and Fun Ideas for KidsGoal setting helps students think about what they want to achieve and how they can work toward it. Here are a few fun and friendly ways to introduce goal setting in the classroom. 1. New Year’s Resolution PostersStart the year with a creative activity where students make New Year’s Resolution Posters. Students can write or draw one thing they want to work on in class, like “I want to be a better reader” or “I will help my friends.” This activity will help students think about what they want to improve and gives them a visual reminder to work toward it. It also builds a sense of community as everyone shares their goals. How to use it: Give students paper and art supplies to make colorful posters. Provide a template with a space for a goal in the center and decorative elements (like stars or balloons) to inspire creativity. Hang them in the classroom so everyone can see their goals. Goal-setting helps students develop self-regulation, motivation, and a sense of responsibility. This activity not only supports social-emotional development but also helps develop a growth mindset. Students will have a tangible, visual reminder of their aspirations, and as they work toward them, they will feel a sense of accomplishment.  2. Class Goal ChartAnother way to set goals is by creating a class goal chart. As a group, you can decide on one class goal, like “We will read for 10 minutes every day” or “We will be kind to each other.” Students can color in a box or place a star on the chart every time the class works on the goal. Class goals build teamwork. Students feel proud when they achieve a goal together, and it helps them see the importance of working as a group. How to use it: Create a simple chart with boxes to color in or place a star. When the class achieves the goal (for example: reading for 10 minutes every day), celebrate with a small reward, like extra recess time or a special activity.  3. Goal Journals For ReflectionHave each student keep a simple goal journal. After setting a goal, students can write or draw about how they plan to work on it. Later in the month, they can revisit their journals and talk about how they’ve improved. This activity helps children practice self-reflection and see how they are growing. It also teaches them how to take ownership of their learning. How to use it: Give each student a small notebook. Ask them to write or draw their goals at the start of the month and come back to it in a few weeks to check their progress. My Learning Journal is another way to record the goals and other successes throughout the month. Check here for more information.  Classroom Management: Simple Strategies to Keep Things Running SmoothlyWith the excitement of the new year, it’s also a great time to refresh your classroom management strategies. Here are some simple ideas to help maintain a positive, focused environment for learning. 1. Review Classroom Rules TogetherRevisit your classroom rules after the break. Make it a fun discussion where students share what they think makes a classroom a good place for learning. You can write these ideas down together and create a “Classroom Promise.” When students help decide the rules, they feel more responsible for following them. It also makes the classroom feel like a shared space where everyone’s voice is heard. How to use it: Sit down as a class and talk about what makes a good classroom. Write the rules on a big poster and read them together every morning to remind everyone of the expectations.  2. Praise Positive BehaviorInstead of focusing on what students shouldn’t do, celebrate what they can do. Consider using a positive behavior reward system to keep students motivated. Students get recognition when they follow the rules, work hard, or help others. Positive reinforcement helps students feel proud of their good behavior. It encourages them to keep making good choices while building a positive classroom environment. How to use it: This doesn’t have to be complicated—something as simple as a “Compliment Jar” or a “Classroom Points System” can work wonders. When students demonstrate positive behavior, they earn a compliment or points that can lead to rewards like extra recess time or a special classroom privilege. Another option could be to create a chart where students can earn stars or stickers for positive behavior. Once they collect a certain number, they can choose a reward like extra playtime or a special classroom privilege. Using a warm fuzzy jar is another idea to try. Find out more here.  3. Classroom Routines And Visual SchedulesHaving clear routines helps students know what to expect each day, which makes the classroom feel calm and organized. A visual schedule can help younger students follow the day’s activities without confusion. A routine helps students feel secure and focused. They know what’s coming next and can manage transitions better, which leads to fewer disruptions. How to use it: Post a simple schedule on the wall with pictures to show what will happen during the day (e.g., circle time, snack, recess). Review the schedule with your class each morning. If you are interested in some visual cards for routines and schedules, check out my Classroom Routines And Schedules Bundle.  Dealing With ConflictsSometimes, conflicts happen in the classroom. Instead of punishing students, help them understand how their actions affect others and how to fix it. A simple way to do this is by having students talk about what happened and how they can make it right. This helps students understand the impact of their behavior and encourages kindness and problem-solving. It also helps build a classroom where students feel safe to express themselves. How to use it: When a conflict happens, have a quiet conversation with the students involved. Ask them how they feel, how their actions affected others, and what they can do to make things better. Using SEL resources such as Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Social Stories And Activities may help. Find out more here.  The new year is a wonderful time to set goals and refresh your classroom routines. By setting personal and class goals, reviewing classroom rules, and focusing on positive behavior, you can create a positive and focused learning environment where every student feels supported. These simple activities will help your students succeed and grow in the new year, while also helping your classroom run smoothly and with excitement.  Remember, the new year is not just about fresh starts—it’s about building on the foundation you've already established and making small tweaks to help your students thrive. With these strategies in place, you’re setting yourself and your students up for a year of success, growth, and positive learning experiences. Happy teaching in the new year! Related Posts
|
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. 
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed