November 8, 2017
It's Looking Like Christmas!
Hello and happy hump-day to you! As the holidays approach (Christmas...I know, right?!) I wanted to jump on here and share a little update with you all about my shop, Little Fox Lettering Co.
First off, what is Little Fox Lettering Co?
Well, if you didn't know already, or follow my lifestyle blog, I am currently a stay-at-home-mom and I consider creativity a spiritual gift that God has given me. I try to express this creativity in many ways from creating resources for my TpT store, writing here and at my other blog, and now venturing into small business with my lettering shop. I believe that all of our spiritual gifts are bestowed upon us so that we may use them to bring joy and happiness to others. I definitely have other gifts, but my creative spirit allows me to connect with a lot of people from all over the place and that's pretty amazing!
I first began lettering since I could hold a pen, but it wasn't until around May of this year that I thought to try and start and share my designs. Inspired by my own little fox, Greyson, Little Fox Lettering Co was born! It took some time, and I'm still a small-time shop, but I am excited about creating pretty things for others to enjoy!
Here's a peek at the holiday options that are currently available - and even customize! So, look no further for something more personalized this gift giving season!
Custom Birch Wood Ornaments
One of my most popular listings, next to the custom pumpkin lettering in the fall, are these birch wood round ornaments! I've had the privilege of creating custom ornaments for a group of moms with children that have Down Syndrome, gift ornaments for dog sitters and walkers, for a boyfriend who just accepted a new job, and a baby who is celebrating her first Christmas! And best yet, I've loved creating each one!
Custom Glass Ornament
These glass ornaments are all hand-lettered by me, then packaged safely in a Kraft gift box. Order them in rose gold or navy - they'll be sure to delight any of your loved ones this year.
Gift Wrap & Address Labels
One of the newest additions to my holiday line over at the shop is this succulent gift wrap! Hand-drawn and printed on the best matte paper, you'll be sure to have one of the best wrapped gifts this year! Succulents are everywhere here in CA and have quickly become one of my favorite plants. They come in different colors, sizes, and shapes - so this year why not stand out a little bit?
Also new to the shop, and featuring this same succulent design, are these custom wraparound address labels! I adore these labels and can't wait to use them for this years' holiday cards to our loved ones. Each order comes with a set of 24 labels, too!
Gift Bags!
The OG of the shop have been these custom lettering gift bags! I've had so much fun lettering these for brides, bridesmaids, holiday parties, goodie bags for events, and so many other functions! And now you can order wine gift bags!
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Happy shopping!
November 7, 2017
Matter Matters! | A Science Unit
This packet contains all the important objectives in a fun fill-in-the-blank format, which is perfect for those beginner note taking skills. I incorporated videos from Scholatic’s Study Jams (which are fabulous resource videos if you haven’t already heard of them!) as well as Brain Pop Jr. I also use this packet as a companion to a PowerPoint slideshow I made, which helps me keep my lessons on track.
I made some edits to my original packet, but for the most part all of the content is still the same. If you have already downloaded this unit, be sure to re-download the newest version. For those of you who need it you can pick it up at my TpT store here.
Lesson 1: The Three States of Matter
Lesson 2: Mass & Volume: Measuring Matter
Lesson 2: Mass & Volume: Measuring Matter
Lesson 3: Changing States
Lesson 4: Physical & Chemical Changes
Lesson 5: Experiment: Sugar Cube
Three States of Matter Poems
September 1, 2017
Parent & Teacher Conference Forms FREEBIE
Conferences are upon us and that means having to get organized with
scheduling parents and sharing your student progress up until now. I
love meeting with parents within the first few months of school because
it allows me to touch base with them at least once (it’s not guaranteed
both parents will be present for future conferences) and share what
they’re children have been learning and will learn in the coming months.
However, with that said, conferences can be an overwhelming time too
considering most school districts are gearing up for end of the quarter,
report cards, and fall break if you’re so lucky to have one.
Let’s take a peek at what you’ll get!
Quarterly At-A-Glance Forms
My first year teaching I found myself talking way to much about one particular subject and missing others. Or that dreaded “going over time” and feeling like my schedule was all out of whack! Not anymore! Since using these at-a-glance forms I’m able to slim down my talking points by using this tool, which is also helpful for parents to see everything. District benchmarks and various scores are included so that you can easily discuss where each student is at compared to where your district recommends they be. A strengths, weaknesses, and stamina box helps encourage parents to see what they should be keeping an eye out for when work comes home.
Easily keep records of each quarter’s conferences and allow parents to snap a picture with their smartphone for their own records (or just simply make copies for them). By having the quarter at-a-glance I no longer run into the issue of going over my time and it helps ease those initial jitters by having talking points right in front of me!
Two Templates Of Forms
For other kinds of conferences, such as for behavior, this download also includes a template just for keeping a written record of what was discussed at the meeting. This form can also be used to send home to the parent asking for a conference so they have time to put their thoughts/concerns down and send back to the teacher. That way when conference day happens, both sides are ready to talk and no one is blindsided or fueled by emotions.
I really like the spot just for suggested interventions because it allows the teacher and parent to brainstorm ways they BOTH can intervene so the concern or issue is resolved. A lot of times parents think it’s only the teacher’s responsibility to create interventions for in the classroom, however, interventions at home help a great deal too.
Don’t Forget Slips
We know parents are busy, especially if they have multiple children. It’s easy for conference dates to be forgotten. These helpful reminder slips are perfect to send home even a few weeks before their conference date so all parents are aware of their time and where to meet. I also recommend posting your conference times outside your classroom or online (if you have a class webpage) so that there’s no excuse for a missed meeting. Another helpful tip is to print these slips on bright colorful paper so that it stands out from the other paperwork coming home.
Thank You Slips
After any conference it’s always a nice touch to send a little thank you to the parents you met with. It’s to share the understanding that time is precious and for parents and teachers alike to set aside time in their busy schedules to meet is important.
July 29, 2017
It’s Looking a Lot Like Back to School! | TPT SALE
It’s that time of year to save so much on any Back to School purchases from your favorite shops on Teachers Pay Teachers! This year you can my shop participating in this awesome 2-day sale where you can save up to a whopping 25% on everything by using the code BTS2017!
Here are my most popular products!
Back to School Parent Packet!
I have updated this download to include forms that are not only perfect for second grade, but are all geared towards any grade level! Having changed grade levels a bit it occurred to me that this resource should be beneficial no mater what grade I may teach, so with that experience I made sure to include a little something for everyone.
I tend to give out quite a bit of information at Back To School Night because I am able to be right there to explain to the parents exactly the important info I need for my class as well as those important documents the school gives us to hand out.
This updated packet has welcome letters, student information forms, permission slips for various activities, and extensive parent volunteer forms. I have also included optional parent surveys so I can get the skinny on the little details about my new kiddos that way on the first day of school I have an idea about each one of my little people. Then, I also have included a student survey that I love giving as morning work on the first day of school for the kids to fill out about themselves.
Parents can give us teachers good insight into their child, but anytime I can get feedback from the students themselves it has proven to be well worth it! Plus my kids love to share about themselves so it’s a win, win!
Think Sheets | Behavior/Classroom Management
These Think Sheets have been a huge life saver for me both in managing student behavior and my time when communicating behavior to parents. This bundle includes various versions of the Think Sheet differentiated for K-6th grade. You can also find the Think Sheet as a single file, in the Behavior Management Bundle, or this K-6 bundle. So many options!
I get so many compliments from teachers who use this sheet in their classrooms and say how much of a time saver it is and really helps keep their students accountable for their behavior. I have had extreme success using these and I hope that you can also use this easy tool!
See original post.
Download at TpT.
Work on Writing Center Prompts
I had so much fun creating and using these prompts for my writing centers during my Daily 5 reading routine. Simple, yet fun and engaging, these prompts are easy to prepare and your kiddos are sure to enjoy them!
When I added these prompts to my writing center each week, it was exciting to see my kids so eager to write and share their work! I would rotate the prompts so that the kids don’t have the same options each week and each rotation.
But you can easily prep and use these prompts in any way that fits the needs of your classroom! Use them for early finishers or as extra practice. Each prompt is designed to get your kids engaged and ready to write!
See original post.
Download at TpT.
Pledge of Allegiance Mini-Lesson
Being a history-nerd myself, I have always loved this activity at the beginning of the year with my kids. It’s funny how often they recite the words to the Pledge of Allegiance and yet have very little understanding of the purpose of why we sing it, but also the meaning behind the words.
This activity helps break down the vocabulary and give meaning to reciting the Pledge every morning. It’s also perfect activity to begin those citizenship standards at the beginning of the year!
Just simply prep the workbooks and use as a group or independent practice. Teach to each line of the Pledge and have your students follow along in their workbooks. Each page is made up of a phrase from the Pledge and a little activity to help connect the meaning with the vocabulary - as well as an extra way to practice their handwriting!
See original post.
Download at TpT.
Guided Reading Prep
Guided Reading is such a huge part of our schedule AND stressed so much in every school district. Everyone, from administrations to the parents, want each student to be well prepared and gain new skills that will help them better comprehend the stories that they read.
With this, a teacher needs to be well prepped and one way that I personally do that at the beginning of each year is print and organize these reading resources and place them into my reading binder.
Because this helped me so much year after year, why not share it with all of you?! My Guided Reading: Made Simple resource is targeted to provide you with tools for your binder as well as communications to your student’s parents. The more your parents know about how they can foster reading at home, the more practice your kiddos have all year long.
You can read more about what’s included in this download and I use it in my classroom in my post here.
And read about Launching Guided Reading on the blog as well!
My hope is that you find plenty of resources you can use in your classroom this year and take advantage of this awesome sale both on August 1st and 2nd! I can’t believe how much us teachers can save just on these two days alone...so have fun shopping and happy Back to School!
July 10, 2017
Monday Motivation - Daily Schedules
It’s been a hot second since I’ve been able to get back on here. I feel as though my life is filled to the brim with other responsibilities...first, of course, is raising my toddler of which is going through a fun phase of independence mixed with stubbornness. Isn’t that cute? Actually, no...no it’s not. Then there’s maintaining content for my lifestyle blog and going through the throes of my first few months opening my Etsy shop. Talk about spinning plates here...
But nonetheless I am excited to get back into blogging here with my fellow teacher friends!
Today I am linking up with Teacher by the Beach who is hosting an awesome weekly linkup where we share and give advice/tips & tricks/or resources about all kinds of things in order to prepare our brains for the upcoming school year! I wish I had this online teaching community back when I first started teaching - so many great things!
Anyways, today’s topic is DAILY SCHEDULES.
Using a daily schedule in my classroom has always been a staple and an imperative part of my instruction. From my time in kindergarten to when I was in second grade, having a schedule and making it a part of my daily routine with my kiddos was really important to me - and for a number of reasons.
Daily Routines.
Each and every morning during our Morning Meeting/Calendar Math time, I would go over the schedule with my kids and let them know about what they would expect throughout the day. This was especially helpful for a few of my students who preferred to know when we were doing what and what we were going to learn in each subject. It also helped me stay on top of my own timing/scheduling of my lessons each day.
Keeping It Simple.
I have always kept my schedule cards fairly simple. Just the subject or activity in a bold print and some cute clipart to go with it. I always printed, laminated, and displayed them on my whiteboard closest to where we would gather for circle time. Over the years my cards have changed in the sense of color or clipart but their essence has stayed the same. Why fix it if it ain’t broke?Multi-use & Intentional.
In my last year before moving to California I began incorporating my CCS Objective Cards next to the subject for that day, per the suggestion of a colleague. This allowed me to free up a bulletin board (our district at the time wanted our objectives posted at all times) and integrate our objectives in a more meaningful way.
Our Class Schedule
Now onto the beef of this post. My daily class schedule.
This example schedule was based on my last year teaching in second grade prior to my move to California. At my school at the beginning of the year, and on a first-come-first-served basis, teachers gather by grade level to pick the times of their specials and coordinate recess and lunch. To accommodate everyone’s schedules, teachers had a good bit of control when they had what subject throughout the day.
This is an example of the first day of school in my classroom!
7:30am - 8am | Students begin to file in at 7:30am, which means they will unpack and get their materials ready for the day at their seats. I always have a welcome message on the board that has the date and instructions for their Morning Work and a few options of what they could do if they finish before the school’s announcements. I use a PowerPoint slide for this because it’s relatively the same every day and makes prepping it each morning a breeze.
One thing I would love to incorporate into my instruction once I head back into the classroom is Reagan’s Rise & Shine binders! It’ll take some prep time up front, but I love how she’s able to give her students authentic and meaningful practice work to do in the morning!
7:50 - 8am | The school hosts their own school-wide announcements and it lasts about 5-10 minutes. This is also a signal to students to finish up their work and to be ready for the day by the time it ends. This is also a time for them to use the bathroom so that there aren’t any interruptions.
8:00am - 8:15am | Morning Meeting/ Calendar Work
This is an important part of our day each morning (and I outlined a bit of this above). Our class gathers each morning to go over the schedule cards and what to expect and do a little Calendar Math. At the beginning of the year I usually begin with Ice Breakers or introduce our All About Me Bags.
8:15am - 8:45am | Shared Reading
Shared Reading is another name for just that, a teacher-guided mini-lesson on a specific reading skill. This skill will also be practiced during the guided reading block of the day and in my kiddo’s centers.
At the start of the year I begin this time with establishing our classroom rules and to do that I use my First Week lesson plans.
I incorporate fun read-alouds throughout the week that focuses on a specific rule each day. By the end of the week we’ve discussed and practiced what each of the rules are and students create a Classroom Contract to which they sign. It’s always been a fun way to get the kids involved in establishing that classroom culture together.
8:45am - 10:00am | Reading Workshop/ Guided Reading
As anyone knows, it takes weeks to get your guided reading centers up and running effectively and in a way that gets the ball rolling. Practically everyone at this point uses the Daily 5 approach and so do I.
Building stamina and setting goals typically is how we start. Each day we practice the behaviors of each center and spend time extending our reading time so that by the time we’re officially ready to begin reading groups my kids have had an opportunity to read for 15-20 minutes. All of this is a lot of work - conditioning these little guys - but it is so worth it’s weight in gold for the rest of the year.
*Depending on the day we may have a specialist come in.
10:30 - 11:00am | Writing Workshop
There are a number of fun activities I love to do during this block at the beginning of the year that are inspired by Lucy Calkins. Here are a couple of examples that I have done throughout the week:
A fun writing activity to do during these initial first days in school is a Time Capsule. This is a chance for the class to learn a little more about each other and practice some initial handwriting and writing skills. Using a template, students write a little about themselves and record various things about themselves. Then, at the end of the year they complete a similar project and have a chance to see how much they’ve grown and learned over the course of second grade. It also makes for a fun keepsake for parents!
OR
It’s so important that our students see themselves as authors. So, one of the fun first things we do is discuss our interests and what we could use to inspire our stories. This gives my students a chance tor reflect on the things they most enjoy, decorate their writing notebooks with these things, and use it in times of ‘writers block’. I love decorating mine, sharing it with them, and using it throughout the year, modeling that we are all authors!
11:00-11:15 | Recess
11:15am - 11:25am | Bathroom Break
11:25am - 11:55am | Lunch
12:00pm - 12:35pm | Math
In my previous district the first objective we teach is all about graphs. One way my team and I did that for the first day of school is graph the different ways each child goes home (i.e. bus riders, daycare, walking, carpool, etc.). This is an easy way to connect our kiddos to their thinking and sets up a skill they’ll be working on throughout the year.
12:45pm - 1:15 pm | P.E.
1:15pm - 1:30pm | Continued Math Lesson
Sometimes our lessons are cut short because of specials, so I use this remaining time to conclude the math lesson with share time and lead into the next lesson. This time could also be used for Math Facts or quick assessments.
1:30pm - 2:20pm | Social Studies/ Science
My favorite block! Typically Social Studies begins our year and I love teaching my students about citizenship. This subject is the basis of everything we do in the classroom when setting up rules and routines, so it makes the most sense to start here.
One fun lesson I also love to introduce to my kids is the Pledge of Allegiance mini-unit. You can read more about this amazing lesson here!
2:20pm - 2:35pm | Pack-Up/Dismissal
That concludes my day! I can’t wait to see how other teacher’s plan their days - so be sure to link up!
July 5, 2017
Stating Your Objectives
In most classrooms it’s required that teachers post the daily objectives they plan to teach that day and place them somewhere visible in the room. This is so admin or other visitors can walk into your room and know what exactly you’re teaching and the standard to which you’re teaching to. These days there are a lot of creative ways to display your objectives and today I am sharing with you the pre-made Common Core aligned objective cards that I’ve used in my own classroom - but now I’m beginning to add these cards in K-6th grade formats!
Quickly check that to-do list!
In the past I have used these objective cards right next to my daily schedule by laminating and placing a magnet on the backs so they stick right to our board, but these objective cards can be used on a bulletin board or even a pocket chart! It’s completely up to you. I personally don’t like wasting precious board space so incorporating it onto my whiteboard next to our schedule made the most sense for my classroom.Plus, having the objectives already printed off allowed me to quickly swap them out when preparing for the next day and I know they’ll be useful in other classrooms as well! It’s so helpful to find products that don’t take a lot of prep, help in the long run, and allow me to move on to the more important tasks!
Editable!
These cards also include blank cards for reading, writing, and math clip art so that you can write in your own objectives if there are any that differ from the CCS. They feature bold color coded trim so you and your students can differentiate between subjects and include both the CCS written in the top left corner and clearly stated objectives, which are outlined on the CCS website.
Kid-friendly vocabulary.
Each set of cards takes the wording and breaks it down in a more child-friendly way. Why post objectives that have these big words and educational vocabulary that no one but a teacher or principal would know? I love that I can explain to my kiddos during each lesson the objective and check-in with them throughout the lesson to determine whether or not they’re understanding and getting it. Doing this also helps me figure out what I could do better with each lesson and modify it to make it better next time.
I hope these objective cards are a helpful tool for your instruction!
How do you display your standards in the classroom? Share a link to a post or comment below!
May 9, 2017
Teacher Appreciation Sale 2017
It’s that time of year where all teachers should be appreciated for their hard work and dedication (although it shouldn’t take one week out of the year to recognize them) to these little humans in their care. That also means it’s time for Teachers Pay Teachers to recognize this special week and for the next two days my shop, along with all of the other fabulously talent teacher-authors, will be on sale! You can get my entire store up to 28% off May 9th-10th only! What an awesome deal!
Here are a few of my favorite products that are on sale!
Prepping reading centers are easy peasy with this Daily 5 resource!
One of my most popular reading downloads are these guided reading packs! They provide teachers with easy to use templates and printables for organizing and keeping track of your lessons and student progress. Much of this is adapted from Jan Richardson’s text and can be used regardless of your reading curriculum or state standards.
Matter is always a fun unit with this complete resource - a workbook for the kids that take them step-by-step and incorporates discovery. This download also uses information from videos such as Brain Pop and Scholastic’s Study Jams, which I’ve always used to introduce new topics.
Another hit in my classroom has always been when I get the chance to bring candy into a lesson. This bundle gives you all kinds of fun ways to use candy and treats to teach or reinforce the skills related to fractions!
At the beginning of each year, and amongst the first math units to be taught, we start with counting in doubles and this resource blends the story Two of Everything with counting skills!
THE most popular products ever uploaded into my shop are my Think Sheets! Such a simple concept, yet the most helpful in getting conversation going from in the classroom and taking accountability at home. These little sheets have helped my students recognize their behavior and explain what they need to do, or be mindful of, next time meanwhile giving them the tools to discuss the incident with their parents at home.
I can’t believe the new school year will be upon us in a matter of months and why not begin thinking about all the paperwork and organizational tools to help you? One of the easiest things to prep for back to school is this complete parent pack! This download has everything you’ll need in getting information from your parents about your new kiddos as well as important information you want to convey to them!
Every year I always need a good set of schedule cards and this download includes practically every subject cards you’ll need! See them all over at my shop!
Be sure to stop on by sometime today or tomorrow to receive your 28% my entire shop - you’ve got about 30 hours to do so! Happy teacher appreciation, my friends!!
February 15, 2017
Styling With Stitch Fix | February + Gift
Referral links are used within this post, but all opinions are 100% my own.
This month was a fun fix because my amazing stylist, Whitney, was able to find a number of pieces that I have had my eye on for a while. Due to the weather beginning to feel a lot like spring during the day I am in need of new knitwear both in the form of dresses and tops. My capsule wardrobe already has jeans accounted for, so finding new tops that fit well and are lightweight is the name of my game. I told Whitney that I wanted to begin to look ahead to spring with this fix and she found me the cutest pieces. Let’s take a peek!Oh! But before we do Stitch Fix has a gift for you!
Stitch Fix is providing all of my friends (guys and gals!) who use my special link here to $25 off their first fix. This means your first fix is on them! So, if you were ever looking for a time to try it out FREE of cost to you, take advantage of this opportunity today! Just sign up and schedule your fix before 2/21/17 to receive your $25 off!Loveappella - Madras Embroidery Detail Knit Top | ??
I was very excited to see this item in this months fix considering I had pinned a top very similar! It’s sleeveless, which I love because it makes layering easy without a fear of getting too hot. The material is super soft, another quality I really enjoy. My wardrobe palette tends to stay pretty neutral so I like the prospect of adding something with a pop of color. The embroidery detailing adds a fun touch to the top and makes it unlike anything else I own. I do wish the top was a bit more flowy or lightweight since it’s slightly more snug than I was expecting. Nonetheless I enjoyed the top - just not sure whether or not I want to keep it. What do you think?
Staccato - Alun Woven Hem Knit Top | KEEP
This is by far my F-A-V-O-R-I-T-E top because it takes the peplum and opens it up just a bit, which makes me feel 100% comfortable and confident when wearing it. The shirt overall is billowy but fitted in the arms and bust, which is a perfect fit for me since I’m looking for pieces to hide my trouble areas, but are still cute for spring. I also love this top because it covers my tattoos, so it would be a fun top to wear when heading back to work in the future.
Apologies for the wrinkles as it’s straight from the box!
The back is just as flowy and the lightweight material makes it the perfect top for this transitional spring weather we’re having.
Le Lis - Kano Textured Knit Dress | KEEP
Whitney did a fantastic job finding me this textured knit dress as it was one of my favorite pins from my style board. I’m loving the deep blue color and the fit is exactly what I requested. I paired this dress with my favorite knit cardigan from my December fix. The length is modest, the fabric is comfortable and the fit is flattering. What more could you really ask for in a dress? I like that this dress can also be worn more casually or dressed up for more special occasions!Market & Spruce - Nic Knit Dress | RETURN
When I pulled this dress out of the box in this months fix I was excited about the pattern, but noticed the fabric (although very soft and comfortable) appeared to be more fitted than a fit and flare. I asked for fit and flare knit dresses because I needed a lightweight fabric that hugged me in all the right places and hid my tummy without looking drabby. Unfortunately when I tried it on it wasn’t a flattering fit at all. I’m still carrying a bit of baby weight and self-conscious about my midsection and this dress, although cute, didn’t work for me. However, I still wanted to share a few photos to show you all how cute it is!The criss-cross of the horizontal lines is flattering, but perhaps on a slimmer frame. I also wished the dress itself was cut more modestly to fall about knee length. When it comes to dresses, especially ones I’d like to wear when going back to work as a teacher, I need them to be longer and not as fitted. However, if you have legs for days and have a smaller frame this dress may be perfect for you!
Franco Sarto - Alora Strappy Sandal | KEEP
Pinspiration!
One of the ways I love communicating my style needs with my stylist is through my Stitch Fix Pinterest board. It gives her a chance to see what styles or particular pieces I’m looking for and writing a quick note tells her what exactly about the photo I love and would like to see in a future fix.Here are a few of the pins I’ve added before scheduling my February fix: embroidered loose tops, knit peplum tops, fit and flare knit dresses, and strappy sandals. As you’ve seen, my stylist picked up exactly what I wanted and came through with some fun pieces to try on! So if you’re questioning how much your stylist uses Pinterest or whether or not it’s worth having a board dedicated to your style inspirations, question no more!
So, what is so great about Stitch Fix?
I’ve journeyed with Stitch Fix through the ups and downs of my weight and even through my pregnancy with their maternity styles. Since it’s been a couple of months since my last fix, I was so excited to see that they offer shoes now in addition to a new mens line. This just proves to me that Stitch Fix has a finger on the latest trends, but also keeps the needs of their customers in mind. I can only imaging how they’ll grow and expand into the future!
What about those referral links?
Because I created a free style profile I now have the ability to share my love of Stitch Fix with others. A referral simply allows me to earn a credit of $25, which essentially covers my styling fee for the next time I schedule a fix. Once you create a style profile you are given a special referral link and begin earning your own credits. Why not get a credit for something you use anyways? I am so appreciative to those who use my link because it helps me as a SAHM enjoy the little things. So, thank you.
Don’t forget to you grab your first fix for free during this special promotion!
February 10, 2017
Five For Friday {Feb 10th}
Linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching today for her Five For Friday linkup and this week has proven to be quite the whirlwind - yes, even for this SAH(teacher)M. I’ve been busy creating some pretty exciting resources, enjoying family time, and gearing up for our big trip back to D.C. in a couple of weeks.
Here’s what’s filled our week!
ONE | Greyson turns 11 months old!
This sweet boy mine turns 11 months old today! He’s just beginning to walk on his own and absolutely loves his Pout Pout Fish book (can you sense reading is huge here at home, haha).
TWO | Greyson also begins at My Gym!
Since Grey is up and moving around more than ever these days, my husband and I decided to enroll him at our local My Gym! It’s a pretty fantastic place where once a week he gathers with babies his age to participate in fun activities, learn gross/fine motor skills, and socialization. With him being an only child (and most likely will only be an only child) it’s up to us as parents to provide Greyson with plenty of opportunities to interact with other children. We loved our first class and can’t wait to continue taking him every weekend!
THREE | All About Math!
This is the newest product I put into my Teachers Pay Teachers shop and I’m so happy with the update! I first created an ordinal number resource a couple of years ago but knew that I needed more than just posters for my room. So, I decided to spruce it up and make some necessary changes to make it more useful not only in my classroom but other classrooms as well.
I knew I wanted to incorporate more hands-on learning whether it be for independent practice or skill review. These handouts use those unifix cubes, wooden shapes blocks, and those fun Do-A-Dot
paints!
FOUR | My Teacher Is Missing! ELA Substitute Plans
Miss Nelson Is Missing is always a fun story to read and incorporate into sub plans whenever I find myself out for the day. However, the actual act of pulling sub plans together...I’m going to say it...SUCKS. So, to make this necessary task easy for the next time I’ve put together an easy ELA lesson plan that covers all the important Common Core reading standards.
FIVE | A Unit On Famous Americans
I love teaching our Famous Americans unit because I can always see my kiddos minds growing as they learn about the people of the past, their struggles during their lifetime, and how they’ve impacted our country (and world!). Every year I’ve always wanted something that made my lessons more engaging and kept my student’s desks clear of unnecessary handouts or notes. Thus I created this fun flip-book style of notes for each American we covered.
Oh and just for fun...does anyone else other than me (and secretly my husband) watch The Bachelor? Last week’s episode had me like, whaaaat? And even though Corinne is ridiculous and not at all wife material at this point in her life, she does make for entertaining TV. However, Nick is starting to get pretty annoying with how unsure he is about any of the girls - I mean, who sends a girl home who just said she was beginning to fall in love with him?! I’m starting to understand why being on this show never worked out for him!
What are your thoughts about this season so far??
February 9, 2017
A Review In Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers are amongst the first set of number skills that I teach at the beginning of each year. They are numbers that describe an object’s place and thankfully students tend to catch on this concept fairly quickly. I love incorporating multiple ways to engage my kiddos and read alouds, skill practice, and daily review help ensure that they are working with these skills each day and work towards mastery.
Here’s how I introduce ordinal numbers with my students!
Read Alouds
Bringing reading into the fold is one of my favorite ways to introduce a new skill. These are a few of my favorite storybooks that help students recognize that ordinal numbers are found all over the place. I also love a reason to read a good book with my kids! Plus, Pinterest has a million ideas on how to incorporate these books into large and small group math activities.
Do you have any books that you love to teach ordinal numbers?
Large Group Instruction
I always use these manipulative cards as a means to introduce ordinal numbers. I love that I can use these cards in multiple ways afterwards, too! Typically I place these cards on the board and ask my kids what they notice about them. They’ll give answers that range from, “They’re in a line” or they’ll notice some kind of pattern (which is another way you can use these character cards!).
From there I lead them into a discussion about how when placed in a line each character card holds a specific place. Beginning with the line leader in first place and so on until I (or the class) labels each place. This way they are exposed to the word and numerical form that ordinal numbers can be recorded.
We’re going on a number hunt!
I love using scavenger hunts in my classroom whether it’s in a reading or math center. Getting kids up and moving (quietly) around the room keeps them engaged and completely immersed in their learning all throughout center time.
I simply print both the word and numerical form cards, laminate, then hide them all around the room. Then, during center time students use the recording sheet to locate each card and write the ordinal number on their sheet. This demonstrates that they recognize and can write each form of the ordinal number. This center is perfect for the entire week and, again, can be reused throughout the year or in small groups for remedial practice.
Because who doesn’t like a poster?
I love providing my students with resources displayed in the classroom. It teaches them that the answers, or at the very least a little help, can be found right in front of them! These ordinal number cards can be placed anywhere around your room and be used yearlong.
This year I’ve added the circular floor cards that I laminate and tape to the floor where my students line up. Instead of using electrical tape as a marker, I use these dots to mark the place for each child. That way there is a time for daily skill practice for each child to recognize ordinal numbers in everyday life AND it doubles as classroom management. ;)
Individual practice
A small group or center activity that is a popular one are these ordinal number cards and clothespins. Each clothespin has the matching word form written on them and students must clip them to the correlating numerical form on each card. This is just another way students can independently practice recognizing and matching ordinal numbers.
Do-A-Dot fun!
Another tool I love using are these Do-A-Dot paints and they make these number hunts a lot of fun. I have ordinal numbers 1-10 and students must highlight both the numerical and word form found on the page. This activity can easily be independent practice, review, or even an activity for students who finish an assignment early!
Getting hands-on with our learning!
Using both unifix cubes and those wooden shapes, students select 10 and line them up. Then they use that to help answer and demonstrate their understanding of ordinal numbers!
I love using these resources during my ordinal numbers unit because it allows my kids to discover, engage, understand what ordinal numbers are and how we use them in everyday life.
How do you introduce and teach ordinal numbers in your classroom? What is your favorite tool or resource?
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