Hi Friend! From very early on in life kids learn that one thing follows another. Young children come to recognize patterns and routines that help make the world more predictable for them. Parents establish routines at home for bedtime; first we brush teeth, then we read a book, and finally lights out! (it’s that easy, right??😉) Teachers set routines for the school day so students know what to expect and what is expected of them. As … [Read more...]
Literacy Centers for Primary Students
Hello Friend, This is my final post in the series on literacy centers and today I’m excited to share with you some of my favorite center activities! My students and I both agree that literacy centers are the best part of our day and I believe it is because I carefully choose consistent, differentiated, rigorous activities that keep them engaged meaningful work. In case you missed the previous posts in the series, you can check them … [Read more...]
How To Introduce Literacy Centers and Build Independence
Hi Friend! Now that we have determined how to group students, choose literacy centers and organize classroom space and student materials, (see this post if you missed it) in this second post I’ll explain how I introduce new centers and share strategies I use to keep my students accountable for doing their best work while I am busy teaching small groups. Don't forget to download the FREEBIE in this post! Introducing New Literacy … [Read more...]
How to Launch Literacy Centers in the Primary Classroom
Hello Friend! Does the thought of planning literacy centers overwhelm you? Do you wonder how you’ll manage your students or prep and organize all the materials? Are you unsure of how to best group your students? These are all very common concerns that many teachers have when they think about starting to implement centers. Yes, establishing literacy centers can be a lot of work, but once you get them up and rolling I promise you they … [Read more...]
How to get Your Students Begging to Write!
Hello Friend! Are your students reluctant to write? Do they struggle to get started because they don't know what to write? Are your students unable to sustain a level of independence at a writing center? Do they make writing progress with a scaffold of support? If you can answer yes to any of the above questions, I have some proven, effective strategies for you that you can implement in your classroom tomorrow! I promise, … [Read more...]
A Teacher’s Guide to Fine Motor Skills for Young Learners
Hello Friend! Are your students struggling with basic skills such as buttoning or zipping his or her coat, building block towers, or cutting and pasting? These are all signs that their fine motor skills aren't as developed as they should be. Fine motor abilities help children coordinate their hand movements and are critical to building other learning skills. Children start to develop fine motor skills many years before they enter our … [Read more...]
