Tag: school

Centers Tip #1

In the primary, world centers are a staple component of the day. As someone who started in kindergarten and moved up grades, I saw centers go away as I moved up in the elementary world. Not for me though. Not in my classroom.

Centers provide enrichment, intervention, and choice.

Centers Tip #1: Have centers in place.

I have taught all grades from kindergarten to 5th grade in a regular classroom setting in some capacity. There is value to centers in every classroom.

Dig through the research, ask fellow teachers, get on Pinterest, get creative–make centers. Centers for reading, centers for math, centers for science, centers for everything.

Start small: one subject, just a couple of centers. Grow from there. Just remember: make a time, a place, and a routine for centers.

Product Overview: The Spider and the Fly

It’s that time of year when Halloween-themed texts and stories flood the library, and classrooms.

This time of year is a great moment in the year–routines have been set, diagnostic assessments are completed, the daily grind is in full swing, everyone is still excited and full of energy.

At this point, the days seem to have taken shape and order. There is growth already happening, and more growth on the horizon.

With all of this in mind, let us consider the power of thematic learning.

October has many possibilities: fall, harvest/farming, Day of the Dead, Halloween, and for Nevadans–Nevada History (Nevada Day is October 31st).

Thematic reading should be chosen carefully. Most teachers default to Halloween-themed books in October, which is fine, though I encourage everyone to sprinkle in something different now and again. One year, try something different!

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However, if we stick to Halloween, or scary-stuff, a book that is merely scary or fun, has its place, but time is precious so the place may not be the classroom. There are many standards to teach and master, so each moment needs to add value to our students’ growth and development.

Therefore, one October choice I highly recommend is The Spider and the Fly. It is one of my favorite picks for this time of year–it’s not exactly Halloween though it fits that theme, it has incredible vocabulary, and it is award-winning. Oh, and I happen to have a product for it too! 😉

In my Teacher Pay Teacher store: C is for Camacho I have a complete read-aloud lesson plan for 1-2 weeks of learning utilizing The Spider and the Fly. This product is focused on primary, prekindergarten-2nd grade, learning standards. It includes lessons for multiple reads so that each read has a different layer of targeted learning.

This product has vocabulary words, as well as comprehension questions and observations, that can be used, or modified, to meet learning goals. It is a full and complete guide that will allow for rigorous speaking, listening, reading, and writing learning in the classroom.

If you don’t want the lesson but are curious about the book, at the very least read it! It’s absolutely adorable–and it has a great lesson for all of us (a special thank you to the Spider for teaching us 😉).

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Where can I learn?

A school is not the only place for learning. In fact, it is hardly the only place where children, and adults, can gain new knowledge.

Learning happens at:

  • museums
  • zoos
  • playgrounds & parks
  • theaters
  • galleries
  • festivals & fairs
  • parties
  • summer camps
  • national and state parks
  • aquariums
  • farms
  • libraries
  • community centers
  • grocery stores

. . . and this list is not exhaustive.

Perhaps it’s the primary origins of my teaching career, but I have seen, and I have capitalized, on the most random teaching moments.

There is always something to learn. There is always something to teach.

Everywhere, children are learning social norms, basic etiquette, and manners. If they attend events or places that teach them about other cultures and history, they are learning new norms and customs as well as gaining a more global perspective.

Learning is not just reading, writing, and arithmetic. When you go somewhere, look around and see the potential in your visit–maybe it could be the next great field trip or unit of study!

Monthly advice–September

We are in full-swing to a new school year. Some of you started in August, some of you started in September. Some of you are ready for a break already! 😂

As we start a new school year, here a few suggestions for the month:

  • Take a few pictures, take a few pieces of work–put them aside. At the end of the year, take them out and really appreciate how much you and your students have accomplished.
  • Focus on behavior management. At every turn, model and remind students of the rules. This is the time. There is nothing more important than setting down the foundation for a happy and productive school year than strong classroom management.
  • Tell a family member a specific thing you like about their child. Start the year off right with a positive note and interaction. Make sure to take note so that every child is given a compliment.
    • For upper grades and secondary, this is still possible, it will just take longer.
  • Make sure to have a few items copied, a few plans made, and/or a whole activity ready as an emergency. Technology can be fickle. Plans will change. Sick days happen. Be prepared with something ready-made now.

It’s a new year and it’s good to keep a record, take a few notes, and set aside something for the future. The best investments and preparation happen early, happen now.