Back to School

Interactive Task Folder

August 24, 2017 by Jodi 3 Comments

“I’m done. What do I do now?” I know you’ve heard this. My go-to answer is almost always “Go read a book.” This is always a great choice, but I also wanted to come up with a way for my students to have some other options. This Interactive Task Folder was the perfect answer.

After creating a Solar Eclipse Lapbook to use with my students, I knew that I needed to make something else like this that we could use on a regular basis. My students took so much ownership in their work and commented over and over again how much fun they had while making it.

This Interactive Task Folder is great for my early finishers. They can pull out their folders and work on sight words, phonics skills, vocabulary words, math facts, and more. These are also great for students to use when you find yourself with a couple of extra minutes before lunch or at the end of the day.

You will need a file folder for each student. Open up each folder and fold the two sides in towards the middle of the folder. Then, print off the pages needed to create the folder. I used Astrobrights colored paper, but you could definitely use white paper and have your students color their pages if they’d like. The front of the task folder includes a cover sheet, a 120’s chart, and a writing idea list.

For the inside, I have included a BOGGLE board that can be edited. This way, you can change out the letters when needed and just have the students glue the new board right on top of the old one. I also had someone give me the idea to put this on with velcro to make it easy to change out.

Students will also be able to practice their math facts and sight words. These pockets are sized to fit a 3×5 index card, or I have included editable math fact and sight word cards. The Reading Response sheets are perfect comprehension practice for students if they read a book in their spare time. I have included 4 different response sheets in this file.

The Making Words activity is a great way to practice spelling and phonics skills. I have included templates to create your own Making Words cards. I have also included a template for you to make your own vocabulary word strips. These can be changed out each week to keep the items fresh. I like to include the vocabulary words from our reading selections for the week.

On the back, I have included a Word List that is helpful for students when they are writing. It makes a great resource for them to use throughout the day.

These folders can take a bit of time to make, but once they are done, they are such a helpful resource. I highly recommend having your students make these instead of you or a parent volunteer. The students really take ownership in their work and are much more likely to use these if they are the ones making them.

What are teachers saying about this product?
“Very helpful; It’s nice to have everything a student needs in one place.”
“A great way to review basics on a daily basis! I love that I can edit parts of it, and can differentiate for all my students!” – Jennifer
“I think this is my favorite lap book ever! Such a useful tool and easy to individualize in my resource room.”

You can check these Interactive Task Folders out by clicking on any of the pictures in this post.

Design Your Perfect Classroom – A Project Based Learning Activity

July 24, 2017 by Jodi Leave a Comment

As teachers, we constantly think about how our classroom is set up. We may move furniture every year or even mid-year to change things around and try something new. But, have you ever tried to ask your students how THEY would like to have their classroom set up? What would their perfect classroom look like? What type of environment would they learn best in? What types of seating would they love to have? I decided to create a Project Based Learning project centered around this idea.

What is Project Based Learning?

Project Based Learning (PBL) is a way of teaching that allows students to work together to investigate, create, and solve problems in a deeper and more meaningful way. PBL addresses learning standards in a more complex way because students are actively involved in the learning process.

Every PBL activity has a question or problem to solve. Then, students work collaboratively together to brainstorm, research, and create a solution to the question or problem.

Just handing instructions to your students to complete a project is NOT Project Based Learning. In PBL, students will use critical thinking skills to brainstorm, research, plan, and execute their project. Then, students will reflect on their project and the entire process of completing the project.

Design Your Perfect Classroom – The Project

You will begin by presenting the students with the Essential Question. You can decide if you would like to do this project with “realistic” or “fantasy” type classrooms. They could even be separate PBL activities.

Students will have individual brainstorming and group brainstorming time built into this project. All of the steps to the project are laid out for you.

I have also included “Think About It” Question cards to really get their minds thinking critically about what would truly make the perfect classroom.

With this Project Based Learning Activity, I really wanted to put a huge focus on cooperative learning. This includes teaching the students to be active listeners. Each student should have the opportunity to be heard throughout the project.

An important stage in the PBL process is research. I have included some resource sheets to help students think about their research when designing their classrooms.

Every step of this project is broken down into manageable portions for your primary students. For the materials, you can provide the materials for your class or you can have them decide as a group which materials to bring from home.

I have provided a variety of recording sheets to fit the diverse needs of your students. Kindergarten students and early 1st grade students will be successful with the drawing reflection sheets and brainstorming pages, where 2nd graders and some 1st graders can use the writing reflection sheets and brainstorming pages.

What are teachers saying about this project?

“This is such a fantastic resource! This will be a perfect way to introduce working in groups right at the beginning of the year while also receiving insight on what students would like to see in our classroom! It will make for a great back to school activity! I really appreciate the step-by-step implementation directions, as well as the resources to even help with expectations. Thanks for a great resource!”

You can check out this Project Based Learning Project by clicking HERE or on any of the pictures.

First Grade Math Curriculum and a FREEBIE

May 14, 2017 by Jodi 1 Comment

How do you feel about teaching math? I have to be honest and say that it’s not my favorite subject to teach. However, I think my problem is that I feel like I am constantly struggling to find ways to supplement our math curriculum while still keeping it fun and engaging. A couple of months ago, I started planning and organizing what I would want out of a math curriculum for 1st graders. I am actually really excited about teaching math now.

$This 1st grade math curriculum includes whole group lessons, small group activities, games, intervention materials, digital resources, and much more.$ As of right now, I have two units completed and available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. Unit 1 is all about Number Recognition and Counting and Unit 2 is about Base Ten and Place Value. Addition and Subtraction within 10 is coming next.

Thank you to ASTROBRIGHTS® Papers for partnering with me on this blog post. I received payment, trade, and or products from ASTROBRIGHTS® Papers in exchange for promoting. However, all opinions stated are my own and I only promote brands and products that I use and love. This post also contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission each time someone makes a purchase through one of my links.

Each unit includes 10 lessons for instruction along with many supplemental activities.
Each of the 10 lessons include:
• Math Chat – Math Discussion Questions
• Brain Warm Up
• Whole Group Mini-Lesson
• Small Group Practice
• Take Away Ticket – Perfect for checking for understanding.
After 5 lessons, you will find:
• School-Home Connection
• Additional Practice Pages
• Spiral Review
• Intervention Materials
• Interactive Notebook Activity
Each unit also includes a Unit Assessment.

★The Math Chats and Brain Warm Ups for each day are also in an included digital version that can be displayed on your classroom projector.

Since the two units I have available now are geared more towards the beginning of the school year, I wanted to share a FREEBIE with you that will eventually be available in a future math packet.

These Add and Clip cards make a great independent center activity for your students. Print them on colored cardstock or laminate for durability. I used Astrobrights paper in Lunar Blue™ and Rocket Red™ for these cards, but you could use any of your favorite colors.

The students will add the equation. Then, they will place a clothespin onto the correct answer. If you want these to be self checking, place a small dot on the back where the correct answer would be.

Click HERE to download this FREEBIE.

Here are some more pictures from Unit 1 and Unit 2. If you love the colors, this variety packet from Astrobrights is a great option.

Be sure to follow my Teachers Pay Teachers store to be updated when each unit is available.

My Morning Routine

August 20, 2016 by Jodi 29 Comments

My morning routine with my first graders has definitely evolved over the years. I have always used some type of morning work, but it wasn’t until about 4 years ago that I became really intentional about my morning work. I wanted to create something that allowed my students to hit all of their important reading and math skills. A couple years ago, I created my Differentiated Morning Work for my students. I love that it reviews so many 1st grade standards, and it truly helps to ensure that I am teaching all of the concepts.

This year I also decided to implement morning tubs into our morning routine. I wanted to give early finishers a chance to explore classroom manipulatives and add some STEM activities into our day.

When students come into the classroom, they hang up their backpacks, turn in their LION books and begin working on the morning work paper on their desks.

At the beginning of the year, the students need a lot of guidance with their morning work. However, I am always amazed at how quickly they can become independent with these. When the students are finished with their morning work page, they turn it over on their desks because we go over these together later on in the morning.

Then, the students can go and get their morning tub.

I have assigned groups of 3 to 4 students per tub. Some mornings all 4 students make it to the tubs, other mornings breakfast or morning work may take longer and only 1 or 2 students end up using a tub. I leave a group at a tub for 3 days, then I rotate. So, I will only have to change tub activities every 18 days.

I want the students to be able to use plenty of hands-on activities in these tubs. For this first round, I have placed the following items and activities in my tubs.

1. Legos – The students have to make their names using Legos.

2. Play-doh – The students have to make 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional shapes using Play-Doh.

3. Shape Templates – Students draw a picture using the geometric shape templates from our Everyday Math series.

4. Jenga Blocks – The students have to build a shelter using Jenga blocks.

5. Color Squares – Students use colored squares to build a tower. The goal is to build the tallest tower possible.

6. Dice – Students roll two dice and write a number sentence on the dry erase board.

I am excited to continue adding new things to the tubs this year. I can change these up and use a variety of STEM activities as well as reading skills. I think these will be a great addition to our classroom.

After reading The Brown Bag Teacher’s take on Morning Tubs, I knew I wanted to give it a try this year. I love that I am still able to incorporate the morning tubs with the traditional morning work.

Do you use traditional morning work, morning tubs, or a combination of both?

Getting to Know Your Students

August 14, 2016 by Jodi 1 Comment

Building relationships with your students is so important. As teachers, we have a huge responsibility to not only educate our students, but to build real relationships with them.

To me, this is my number one joy in being a teacher. I absolutely love to build strong relationships with students. I like to get to know their likes and dislikes, their interests, and their families. These relationships are SO important!

So, how do you build strong relationships with your students?

TALK TO YOUR STUDENTS AND LET THEM TALK TO YOU.

I understand how hard it is to fit everything into your school day. We have so much learning that needs to take place, but I cannot stress enough the importance of giving your students the chance to talk and tell their stories. Do I let my students tell me stories all day long? Absolutely not, even though some will try. Instead, every morning during Morning Meeting, I give students the opportunity to share. If I have a funny story or something to share, this is the time I do this as well. Students LOVE learning about their teacher.

We also do a Question of the Day during Morning Meeting. These always lead to amazing discussions, and you can learn so much about your students.

ASK THE PARENTS TO TELL YOU ABOUT THEIR CHILD.

Obviously, no one knows a child like their parent(s). I always send home a questionnaire and a request for a letter so I can get to know each child from a parent’s perspective. As a parent myself, I love this for my own children. It is so nice to be able to tell a teacher about my child’s unique qualities, interests, and learning style. (Click on either of the pictures below to download this FREEBIE.)

PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO SHARE ABOUT THEMSELVES.

This is especially important at the beginning of the school year when the students are all trying to get to know each other. I love to do All About Me Bags the first week of school. I send home a paper bag with each student, and they have to place 5 items in the bag to tell about themselves. They love sharing these with their classmates.

We also create flipbooks during the first week to tell about each student and what they hope to learn during their 1st grade year.

TAKE NOTES ABOUT YOUR STUDENTS INTERESTS AND HOBBIES.

As much as I’d like to say I can remember things, if I’m being honest with myself, I have to write down EVERYTHING! I like to keep a notebook handy to write down little fun facts about my students. I write down any sports they play, teams they like, favorite movies or tv shows, etc. This allows me to share their interests with them. “How was dance class last night?” “Are you excited to watch the Colts play this weekend?”

I created this fun editable note taking sheet if you’re interested.

GREET YOUR STUDENTS EVERY DAY.

Every morning when your students come into your classroom, greet them. Whether it’s with a high five, a hug, or just a smile and a “Good Morning,” make sure you acknowledge they are there. Can you imagine if you walked into work, a meeting, or a party, and no one acknowledged you?

What are your tips for building a relationship with your students?

How Teachers Feel After the First Day of School

August 10, 2016 by Jodi Leave a Comment

Today was my 15th first day of teaching. I think it’s a little like childbirth. We have to forget how much work it really is or we may not come back to do it again. So, how do teachers feel after the first day of school? If you’re a teacher, you can probably relate to many of these.

1. “Did I accidentally swallow a piece of sandpaper, because my throat is killing me?”

2. “I think I would rather walk barefoot into a public restroom than put my heels back on!”

3. “Do you think I can get away with wearing slippers to school tomorrow?”

4. “5:00 is a reasonable bedtime tonight, right?”

5. “Does coffee come as an IV drip?”

6. “I need bigger paper. My to-do list is too long.”

7. “Sure was nice over the summer when I could go to the bathroom whenever I needed to.”

8. “My heart is so full!”

What are you thinking after your first day?

Interactive Task Folder

Design Your Perfect Classroom – A Project Based Learning Activity

First Grade Math Curriculum and a FREEBIE

My Morning Routine

1. Legos – The students have to make their names using Legos.

2. Play-doh – The students have to make 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional shapes using Play-Doh.

3. Shape Templates – Students draw a picture using the geometric shape templates from our Everyday Math series.

4. Jenga Blocks – The students have to build a shelter using Jenga blocks.

5. Color Squares – Students use colored squares to build a tower. The goal is to build the tallest tower possible.

6. Dice – Students roll two dice and write a number sentence on the dry erase board.

Getting to Know Your Students

TALK TO YOUR STUDENTS AND LET THEM TALK TO YOU.

ASK THE PARENTS TO TELL YOU ABOUT THEIR CHILD.

PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO SHARE ABOUT THEMSELVES.

TAKE NOTES ABOUT YOUR STUDENTS INTERESTS AND HOBBIES.

GREET YOUR STUDENTS EVERY DAY.

How Teachers Feel After the First Day of School

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1. Legos – The students have to make their names using Legos.

2. Play-doh – The students have to make 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional shapes using Play-Doh.

3. Shape Templates – Students draw a picture using the geometric shape templates from our Everyday Math series.

4. Jenga Blocks – The students have to build a shelter using Jenga blocks.

5. Color Squares – Students use colored squares to build a tower. The goal is to build the tallest tower possible.

6. Dice – Students roll two dice and write a number sentence on the dry erase board.

TALK TO YOUR STUDENTS AND LET THEM TALK TO YOU.

ASK THE PARENTS TO TELL YOU ABOUT THEIR CHILD.

PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO SHARE ABOUT THEMSELVES.

TAKE NOTES ABOUT YOUR STUDENTS INTERESTS AND HOBBIES.

GREET YOUR STUDENTS EVERY DAY.

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