Sunday, November 25, 2012

Winter/Holiday Activities for Grades K-2

Check out these awesome winter/holiday activities from my TpT store!


Here are some samples from this pack:

 








Enjoy!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Classroom Management GOLD! Bouncing Balls Website Triggered by Sound!

So I recently came across this website that has a tool called "Bouncing Balls" that is hooked up through the website and uses the computer microphone to trigger the bouncing.  The higher the noise level, the more the balls bounce!! When it is quiet, the balls remain still.  Use this in your classroom as a great noise management technique!

http://ictmagic.visibli.com/share/texdW3

Please share any noise management goodies of your own!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

The Daily Edit--Make Your Morning Work Meaningful!

So this is an idea I actually got from my own second grade teacher.  And no, she didn't tell me about it recently.  I actually remember this from second grade!  As a part of our morning work, there would either be a passage written on the blackboard or on chart paper.  This was "The Daily Edit."  In the passage, there would be different mistakes that each student needed to individually find and fix at his or her seat.  The passage was usually short enough, and the difficulty got increasingly harder as the year went on.  At first it covered simple things like capitalization, using periods, and the recognition of spelling in sight words, but it proceeded to cover other things that we covered in class.  It actually made morning work meaningful because it allowed students to apply their knowledge of structure in an analytical way.  This also helps with students' own writing skills because they have the practice in editing that can tranlate to self-editing.  It is also great for classroom management and structure, because students will know exactly what to do when they come in the classroom!

Here is an example of what a Daily Edit would look like.  This particular example asks students to use their knowledge of the structure of a letter, as well as some spelling, punctuation, and capitalization errors. 

Please feel free to give feedback or let me know of some of your morning work strategies!

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Website Spotlight: Snappy Words Visual Dictionary

Sick and tired of boring dictionary definitions?  Can't figure out how to get students to make connections between words and their meanings?  Snappywords online visual dictionary gives excellent visual definitions/connections for any word!



This would be great for any vocabulary lesson or for any sort of test prep.  Good way to review words as a whole class too, especially for visual learners!

Visit the site here:  http://www.snappywords.com/

So awesome and kids love it! Much better than a definition thrown at you.

Enjoy!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

FREEBIE! Rubric for Small Moment Writing

Use this rubric for students who struggle to stretch out their writing and add details.  They will be able to self assess themselves and their work, and see where they need to add more!  This goes great with Writer's Workshop small moment writing, but it can be used for anything!

You can download the freebie here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writers-Workshop-Small-Moments-Stretch-Out-Your-Writing-Rubric

Here is a preview of what it looks like:

Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Printable! 42 Small Moment Prompts for Writer's Workshop

Enjoy these small moment writing prompts for when kids are stuck on thinking an idea.  These prompts are very broad, so any ideas they come up with will be from their own personal lives!

You can visit my TpT site and get the full version here: Writer's Workshop 42 Small Moment Writing Prompts

Here is a sample:



Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Printable Center Cards and Schedule Cards!

Check out my teacherspayteachers site to get these center cards and schedule cards!

Included is two of each:

Word Work
Listening
Library
Poetry
Computer
Writing
Independent Reading
Guided Reading
Games
Free Choice
Math
Science
Social Studies
Music
Art
Physical Education
Health
Conference
Puzzles
Blocks

Cut these out, laminate them, and enjoy them in your classroom!

Here is a sample:


Thursday, August 9, 2012

Best iPad Apps for Teachers and Educators

Sometimes it's hard to find the perfect grade book or format to truly keep track of the data you need for students.  Whether it is grades, participation, behavior, or other things, it is important to keep track of as much as possible in the classroom!!  Data like this makes it easier to make a case for certain students if they are struggling in any way, and the visuals are great for parent meetings.  Check out some of these paid and free apps for the iPad/iPhone that will fit all your teacher needs!!



Teacher's Assistant Pro: Track Student Behavior
This app is a great way for teachers to keep track of student behavior (both negative and positive).  It allows you to assign a point value to certain actions (e.g. forgetting a book, tardiness) in order to see the severity of the situations.  It also has a random group organizer which is perfect for selecting groups quick and easily.  This would be really effective in middle/high school classes!

Teacher Kit
This app is great for general teaching needs!  It allows you to keep attendance, input grades, and sort by class.  Very useful and simple app!

Essay Grader
This tool really helps when grading essays to focus on the main elements of the writing piece.  It also allows more useful and specific feedback for student work!

Stick Pick
This technological take on the traditional method of picking students at random using popsicle sticks is a fun way to switch things up in the classroom!

Edmodo
This is an excellent app for students with access to iDevices.  Teachers and students can communicate outside of the classroom with class updates, class memos, grades, groups, etc.

Educreations Interactive Whiteboard
Create stunning visual aids to add to your lessons with this app.  Great for sharing your lesson through visuals!

LiveBinders
Use this app to compile information on various topics and keep it all in one place.
 
Outliner for iPad
This simple tool can be used for outlining lectures, lessons, or simple to-do tasks.  It is great as a projected visual or for your own personal reference.

Docs Anywhere
This app is wonderful for those who may need to quickly reference a document they have saved.  You can carry important documents with you quickly and safely.  The one drawback is that you cannot edit anything you have saved.  It is a view only app!

Mathematical Formulas
This is a great reference tool for math formulas!

gFlashPro - Flashcards and Tests
Great for trivia questions and for studying!  Would be a fun game for test prep

LanSchool Teacher's Assistant for iPad
This app allows for easy and effective technology integration in the classroom without the distractions that go along with it.  It keeps students on track and on task.

The Elements: A Visual Exploration
A great visual way to go over the elements.

History: Maps of World
Use this app in a history lesson to show what various parts of the world looked like in certain time periods.  Many different maps.  Awesome app!

Keynote
Upgrade that boring old presentation or lecture with Keynote!  It's just like Powerpoint, but cooler (in my opinion.)

Evernote
Evernote is a note-taking tool for note-takers of all kinds!  You can create lists, use pictures, and store information on this app to help keep your crazy life in order.

neu.Notes
Take hand-written notes on your iPad.  Just like writing on a whiteboard!

TED
TED Talks feature some of the most interesting and inspirational speakers and would provide great lessons for students and teachers alike.

Dropbox
Keep your files, pictures, videos, documents, etc. all in one safe place!  Lose the fear of losing things!!  Great app for docs on the go.

This Day in History
This Day in History is a great app to supplement any history lesson by showing what happened on that particular day in the past.

Pages
This is a wonderful program to make reports, flyers, letters, documents, etc.

Skitch
Add annotations and marks to pictures, documents, etc. to create great visuals for your lesson.

Science360
This app has so many great images and videos to supplement science lessons!

Explain Everything
Annotate, explain, or record on top of any images or videos that you use in your lesson!

TeacherMate
This is great for K-2 teachers of literacy.  It has wonderful interactive lessons for younger elementary students!

Teacher's Roll Call
Simple and easy way to keep track of classroom attendance!

TeacherPlan
Great lesson planning app!  It helps to organize lessons and objectives and keeps you on task!

Lesson Plans
A simple, straight-forward lesson planning app

LessonNote
Great tool for educators who need to observe other teachers.  Take notes, screenshots, pictures, etc in order to create an effective and useful evaluation.

iCardSort
This is an excellent visual brainstorming tool that allows you to organize thoughts and throw out ideas.  Would be great as a whole class activity!

Inspiration Maps Lite
Even better brainstorming app!  The visuals create an interactive web for students and teachers alike.  You can convert to different formats of maps as well.


Please let me know if you have found any other useful apps to aid in your teaching or learning!

Enjoy!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Go Fish for Sight Words! StoryTown Resource

Here is a wonderful game to practice sight words and high frequency words in the classroom and you'll barely have to explain the rules!  Print out these cards for Go Fish (2 of every word), paste them on construction paper, and laminate them and Voila! a perfect way to practice sight words. 

This game encourages students to have fun while practicing reading and memorizing these high frequency words, because they have to try to get as many pairs of words as they can from other players.

Visit my TeachersPayTeachers page to purchase the games for Kindergarten, First Grade, or Second Grade High Frequency Words...Or just take a look at it and create your own!

 StoryTown First Grade High Frequency word game...or just take a look at it and create your own!!


StoryTown Go Fish High Frequency Words Kindergarten

StoryTown Go Fish High Frequency Words First Grade

StoryTown Go Fish High Frequency Words Second Grade

Enjoy!

This is a sample of the first grade resource:



Friday, August 3, 2012

42 Elementary Story Starters and Sentence Starters-- Writing Prompts

I recently uploaded my new Elementary Story Starters printable to Teachers Pay Teachers for $1.

You can visit my site and purchase the printable, which is awesome to cut out, paste onto popsicle sticks, and use in the writing center for students who are having trouble thinking of writing topics!!

Elementary Story Starters for Writing Printable  <--purchase the printable here!

Here is a sample of the printable!




If you just want the story starters, but do not want to purchase the printable, here is a list of the 42 story starters for elementary aged students.  Enjoy!

1.  My favorite place to go is...
2.  The best day ever was...
3.  If I could fly...
4.  If I were a superhero, I would...
5.  When I grow up, I want to...
6.  If I could be an animal, I would be...
7.  Once upon a time...
8.  I love school because...
9.  When I get home from school, I...
10.  If I could have one wish, I would wish for...
11.  I wish I didn't have to...
12.  I am happiest when...
13.  My favorite treat is...
14.  I am afraid of...
15.  If I could be invisible for one day, I would...
16.  My favorite thing to do in school is...
17.  My favorite thing to do at home is...
18.  If I were President of the United States, I would...
19.  If I could pick my own name, I would choose...
20.  If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to...
21 . If I could be a character in a movie, I would be...
22.  If I could be a character in a book, I would be...
23.  The funniest thing that has ever happened to me is...
24.  The best part about where I live is...
25.  I am most thankful for...
26.  Over the weekend, I am going to...
27.  Something that is important to me is...
28.  Whenver I'm bored, I like to...
29.  The silliest thing I have ever done is...
30.  The best day of my life was...
31.  The best thing about me is...
32.  I am proud of myself because...
33.  My goal for this year is...
34.  On rainy days, I like to...
35.  My favorite thing about the summer is...
36.  My favorite thing about the winter is...
37.  My favorite season is...
38.  On my last birthday, I...
39.  On my next birthday, I am going to...
40.  My favorite sport is...
41.  My favorite game to play is...
42.  A good friend is someone who...


That's all for now!! Please add some of your own sentence/story starters in the comments!  Thanks and enjoy!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Apple Addition Game Freebie!

Here's a game I have used in math centers before in the beginning of the year (goes well with apple unit!).


Directions:
       1.     Two or more players can play
       2.      Each player will take turns rolling the die
       3.      When you roll, count the amount of spaces and solve the addition sentence at that apple
       4.      If you answer the addition sentence correctly, you can move to that space.  If you answer it incorrectly, stay at the space you are on.
       5.      The first person to reach the finish wins!
      (Provide manipulatives so they can check their answers if both partners are unsure!) 

      I've attached a picture of the game board for Apple Addition, but you can download it from my TeachersPayTeachers site here.

       Enjoy!

Freebie! Contraction Concentration Game

Here is a free printable for your classroom!  It's called Contraction Concentration and it's a concentration (aka memory) game for your classroom.  Print it out, cut up the cards, and have students play and practice their contraction skills!  You would need to match the contraction with the two words that make it up.  Example:  A pair would be: is not and isn't.

You can download it for free from my TeachersPayTeachers site here.

This is what it looks like!



Enjoy!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Awesome Read-Alouds w/ Video Online!

UPDATE: Just came across Barnes & Noble's Online Storytime which also has some free read aloud videos!  Check it out here --> Barnes & Noble Online Storytime

So I've come across some sites and YouTube videos that have read-aloud picture books with an accompanying video.  I've used these on the SmartBoard at times when we don't have enough time for a lesson, but do have enough time to fit in a story.  Sometimes it's good to switch it up with read-alouds, and some of these options have great videos (which allows all students to see the illustrations) to go along with the story.  They'll feel as though they are watching a movie or a show, when in fact, they are being a read a story!  I also found that this works well at times when the students are tired or riled up (for example: after a field trip or outside play) to get them back in "school mode."  Enjoy this list of videos and feel free to add your own in the comments!


 
Me and My Cat - By Satoshi Kitamura
Read by Elijah Wood
 Brave Irene - By William Steig
Read by Al Gore
To Be a Drum - By Evelyn Coleman
Read by James Earl Jones
Enemy Pie - By Derek Munson
Read by Camryn Manheim
Guji Guji - By Chih-Yuan Chen
Read by Robert Guillaume
 
Harry the Dirty Dog - By Gene Zion
Read by Betty White
 
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch - By Eileen Spinelli
Read by Hector Elizondo
Knots on a Counting Rope - By Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault
Read by Bonnie Bartlett and William Daniels
The Night I Followed the Dog - By Nina Laden
Read by Amanda Bynes
No Mirrors in My Nana's House - By Ysaye M. Barnwell
Read by Tia and Tamara Mowry
When Pigasso Met Mootisse - By Nina Laden
Read by Eric Close
The Polar Express - By Chris Van Allsburg
Read by Lou Diamond Phillips
The Rainbow Fish - By Marcus Pfister
Read by Ernest Borgnine
Romeow & Drooliet - By Nina Laden
Read by Haylie Duff
My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother - By Patricia Polacco
Read by Melissa Gilbert
Sebastian's Roller Skates - By Joan De Du Prats
Read by Caitlin Wachs
Sophie's Masterpiece - By Eileen Spinelli
Read by CCH Pounder
Stellaluna - By Janell Cannon
Read by Pamela Reed
A Bad Case of Stripes - By David Shannon
Read by Sean Astin
Thank you, Mr. Falker - By Patricia Polacco
Read by Jane Kaczmarek
White Socks Only - By Evelyn Coleman
Read by Amber Tamblyn
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge - By Mem Fox
Read by Bradley Whitford
Private I. Guana - By Nina Laden
Read by Esai Morales
The Very Hungry Caterpillar - By Eric Carle
We're Going on a Bear Hunt - By Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
Owl Babies - By Martin Waddell
The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny (Parts 1&2) - By Beatrix Potter 
Little Red Riding Hood by Oxbridge Baby
The Mixed Up Chameleon - By Eric Carle
The Tiny Seed - By Eric Carle
 
 
 
Enjoy the videos and please leave some comments with your own read aloud videos!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Middle School iPad Apps

Here is a list of iPad apps for middle schoolers.  Not all of these apps are as age specific as the apps for the younger grades, but many of them serve an educational purpose for middle school aged children.  Enjoy!


Language Arts
Dictionary.com
This app is exactly what it says it is--a dictionary!  It is an easy way for students (and adults) to look up unknown vocabulary words or to find synonyms and antonyms for words.

Shakespeare in Bits: Romeo and Juliet
For those older middle school students who are encountering Shakespeare for the first time, this app is wonderful.  It provides animations, definitions, and notes.  You can also listen to the story as a read aloud.  It is a great way to interact with the difficult language that Shakespeare uses and truly understand the meaning of one of the most famous plays in history.  There are many other Shakespearean plays available also!

Book Creator for iPad
This app allows students to create their own books right on their iPads.  You can add pictures and text, save your books, and send them to family and friends.  A great app for a creative mind!

Reading Trainer
This unique app helps you to train your eyes and brain to read and understand text more quickly.  Great for adults too!

Free Books
Yes, that's rights, FREE BOOKS!  This app has over 23,000 classic books for FREE!  This is a wonderful resource for people of all ages!

Kindle
This is an app for Amazon's e-reader software.  There are some free books on here too!

iBooks
This is another e-reader software for the iPad/iPhone. 

Maxjournal
This app is like a journal and a scrapbook in one!  It would be great for use in the classroom as a writing journal, because it includes visual learners by allowing them to illustrate their entries as well.  It also has a calendar features that keeps track of entries by date.

Index Card
This app is a great way to organize ideas, especially for writers. Using a corkboard feature, it allows for writers to keep track of their thoughts and ideas.

Puppet Pals
Though this app is designed primarily for younger children, I think Middle Schoolers would get a kick out of using themselves as characters in the retelling of stories.  Very fun and interactive app!

Word Stack Free
This is a fun and challenging word association game that is great practice for vocabulary!

Storylines for Schools
A fun visual version of the "telephone" game.  A great practice for vocabulary!


Math
The Ruler
This app allows you to measure items using your iPad.  A great visual aid for dimensions and measurement!

Math Quizzer
This app is great for practice with simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems.

Mastering Mathematics Grade 6
A math workbook for sixth grade math!

Mastering Mathematics Grade 7
A math workbook for seventh grade math!

Math Terms for iPad
This app contains a great glossary with tons of math terms.

Fraction Factory
This is a good app to reinforce fractional values and where they belong on the number line.

Middle School Math 7th Grade
Good practice for 7th grade Math concepts.

Units- Free Unit Converter
A free and easy way to convert units.

Oh No! Fractions
This is a great teaching tool and great way to show students fractions in a visual way.  It is a great way to teach greater than and less than with fractions.

Algebra Champ
Practice solving for x in this fun algebra game!

Algebra Touch
Brush up on your algebra skills with this interactive alegebra app!

Alge-Bingo
This fun Bingo game is great practice for all different types of simple algebra problems.


Social Studies
Presidents vs. Aliens
Don't let the name of this app keep you from believing it is actually educational!  This is a fun way to learn about specific presidents while fighting aliens.  What more could you want?

World Book - This Day in History
This app contains little tidbits and trivia for each day of the year.  Very interesting and would be a fun way to start off a Social Studies class each day!

Beautiful Planet - A Photographic Journey Around the World
This app would be a great resource and supplement to use in a history or geography lesson.  It has breathtaking photos from every continent and over 100 countries. 

Geomaster Plus HD
This interactive geography quiz game is a fun way for students to learn about the location of countries, states, and territories.

US Geography by Discovery Education
This app is a great way to become acquainted with the geography of the United States.  It is very fun and interactive and discusses far more than just location!

Civil War America's Epic Struggle
This app has tons photos, authentic maps, articles, and biographies, all recounting the days of the American Civil War.

History: Maps of the World
This app has tons of images of maps of the world from different periods in history.  Very interesting to see the changes!

The History Clock
Is it 11:30 am?  Or is it the year 1130?  This app takes the current time and gives a fact about the corresponding year.  Neat idea and interesting facts!

The World Factbook for iPad
This app contains information about over 250 countries from around the world!

The Presidency
This app gives detailed information about each president of the United States.

Declaration for iPad
This app contains a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Constitution for iPad
This app contains a copy of the US Constitution.

MyCongress
Keep up with US Congressional officials with detailed stories, videos, and news.


Science
Science Glossary
With Science Glossary, students (and teachers) can look up specific science terms and famous scientists.  It is a great (and free) resource for a science class!

Star Walk
Take your iPad or iPhone device and point it at the sky.  With this app you will see stars, constellations, and planets pointed out for you!  This is so cool for an astronomy unit, and there is also a time machine feature that allows you to see what the sky would look like at any point in the past or future!

3D Brain
This app allows you to explore the brain, its parts, and its functions.  You can click on specific parts and learn about what they do and what happens with brain injuries and mental illness.  Very cool!

Bobo Explores Light
Learn about everything that has to do with light in this adorable interactive science app!  Learn about colors, photosynthesis, holograms, and much more!

3D Cell Simulation and Stain Tool
This app is perfect for teaching about the cell.  It has beautiful visuals to aid in the learning and teaching of the parts of the cell.

EMD PTE
This app is an intearctive periodic table of elements.

VideoScience
This app contains tons of videos that show science experiments.

The Elements: A Visual Exploration
This app gives a very visual and in depth look at all of the elements.

Frog Dissection
This is a virtual frog dissection app---just as fun and less mess! ;)


Miscellaneous  

Be Confident in Who You Are
This app, formatted as a graphic novel, is a great way to introduce middle schoolers to the issues they may face with their peers, parents, and teachers now that they are growing up.  It encourages middle school aged students to stand up for themselves and simply "be confident in who they are."  Also good for parents to talk to their children about before they start middle school.

SketchBook Pro
This is a great art app for only $1.99!  Great for digital artists.

Cramberry
Cramberry is a create your own flash cards app.  Makes studying easy and fun!

OmniGraffle
An interactive app that helps to create charts, graphs, and diagrams.

Note Taker HD
Take organized and personalized notes with handwritten text, diagrams, etc., all on your iPad!


Please leave comments if you have any apps to add to the list!!