Tag: elementary

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Living in a Digital World

Today’s kids are growing up in a time of rapid technology growth and development. That growth is only going to continue, so it’s important that we ensure our students have the tools they need to safely and properly access digital media. We’ve spent the past few weeks talking about the 7 Cs of education, and up until now, we’ve only covered areas that could be implemented and taught without any sort of technology use. Our next “C” however, is completely reliant on technology: Computer Literacy. 

Computer literacy is a skill that must be taught and promoted in our classrooms today. With the ever increasing presence of technology in their lives, students need to be aware and educated on how to properly and effectively use technology. Being computer literate encompasses so much more than just being able to use a computer and navigate through the various programs and apps, though that is definitely part of it. People who are computer literate know how to gather, use, analyze, and create information using digital technologies. They know how to fact check information, and how to recognize a phony website. They are aware of the dangers of the internet, and know how to do their best to stay away from those dangers. Computer literate people know how to safely and responsibly communicate within the digital world. They are good digital citizens, and understand the power of technology. 

So, how then, do we encourage and promote computer literacy within our classrooms? We cannot simply place our students in front of a computer and expect them to know what to do and how to behave. They must be shown, and they must be taught. Below are some ideas you might consider using to foster computer literacy in your classroom:

  • Encourage students to use shared digital files to share information when doing a group assignment.
  • Role play or practice how to respond to a cyber bully.
  • Have students use critical thinking skills to evaluate an online source for accurate information. Show them what red flags might look like when they evaluate a source.
  • Teach social media safety by having students practice with mock social media scenarios. 
  • Emphasize the importance of keeping personal information private– full name, location, descriptions of physical appearance, passwords, financial information, and so on. 
  • Teach them that once it’s on the internet, it’s there to stay. Think twice before you hit “send” or “publish”.
  • For upper grades, teach students how to properly cite online sources.
  • Encourage students to create a digital presentation, complete with links, pictures, and appropriate citations.
  • Stress the importance of copyright. 
  • Teach them that it’s okay to gather and learn from information from other people’s writing, but it is never okay to explicitly copy someone else’s work. Plagiarism is never acceptable. To help them avoid this problem, teach them how to properly quote a source within their own writing.
  • Ensure that they know what to do if they encounter an online predator, and ensure they know the repercussions of being an online predator, and that is never okay.
  • Help them see the positive side of the digital world, too. There really is so much good that can come from technology; we just need to arm them with the tools they need to safely navigate the digital world.

Since technology is going to forever be a part of our lives, it just makes sense to ensure that we know the good, the bad, and the ugly of it. And because we are teachers, we have a duty to help our students understand how to be good, upstanding digital citizens.

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Summertime Math

For some kids, summer break is in full swing, and for other kids, it’s so close they can taste it! Trying to keep students engaged those last few days of school can be difficult, as they just want to be outside enjoying the sunshine. And, honestly, who can blame them?! The sunshine is so inviting! 

If your school is one that is still in session, and you find yourself grasping for ways to keep your kiddos engaged and focused, I’ve got a fun math worksheet you can use! Geared for kindergarten or first graders, this summer themed addition and subtraction practice sheet is fun and educational! And as an added bonus, if you need to occupy a little more time, you can have your students color in the objects as they work on the problems. 

If you’re a parent or caregiver who is desperate for ways to try to prevent the infamous “summer slide”, print this off and have your kiddos do it at home! 

However you use it, I hope your students and/or kids will have fun as they practice those fundamental math skills that will serve them as they continue to learn!

**This download is free, and is for classroom or personal use only. Do not resell it, re-post it, or claim it as your own.**

Summer MathDownload
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What I Wish I Would Have Said…

The end of the school year always has me feeling all sorts of sentimental and reminiscent. I think about all the growth and learning that has happened over the course of the school year, both by students and by teachers. The people walking out of the school doors on the last day of school are not the same people that walked in on the first day of school. I think back to my own students, and remember the happiness that came as I thought about how far they’d come over the year. It truly was one of those “pay day” moments as a teacher! Now, as a parent, I get to see the growth and change in my own children. It’s incredible to see, and it makes me even more grateful for their amazing teachers who put so much time into planning and carrying out lessons and activities to foster that growth. 

I think of the seniors graduating this year, getting ready to step out into the “real world” and be contributing members of society. No doubt some of them are ready to tackle this new chapter of their lives, while some are a little less ready. It’s a big change, going from high school to adulthood. There are a lot of lessons to be learned, a lot of life to be lived, and a lot of choices to be made. I remember my own graduation day, and the mixed emotions of excitement, relief, uncertainty, and nervousness as I officially left high school behind. 

I never taught seniors, so I was fortunate enough to have my students return to the school the next year, which meant I could still see them and say hi in the halls. Even though my students weren’t graduating, they were still leaving my classroom and moving on to a new chapter of their lives, and it was always a bittersweet moment. I wish I would have taken the chance to tell them a few things before they left my room for the last time. Of course I’d wish them a good, fun summer and remind them to stop by next year and say hi. But what I wish I would have done was to remind them of how amazing they are. Since I didn’t do a great job at it while I was teaching, I thought I’d say it now, because somewhere out there is a student who needs to hear this, and if it inspires even just one teacher to remind students of their greatness, then it’s worth it to me!

To my students as they leave my classroom:

There are a few things I want to make sure you know about yourself, in case no one’s ever told you. But you need to hear it, because what I’m about to say is the truth!

I hope you know how smart you are, and that you are smart in your own way. Your mind is capable of thinking, imagining, creating, and analyzing, and there are no limits to how far those abilities will take you!

I hope you know that you matter. That you weren’t just a warm body in my classroom or a name on my attendance sheet. You are an individual, with unique talents and gifts. Your voice matters. Learn to use it wisely.

I hope you know that you are not the mistakes you have made, nor are you the mistakes that you are yet to make. A mistake is just that– a mistake. It’s a bump in the road, but if used correctly, can teach you and change you. We all make mistakes, but those mistakes do not define us. 

I want you to know that you are filled with so much potential. I see it in you every time you step foot in my room. You’re going to do great things, I just know it. 

It’s important that you know that you have the power and right to choose for yourself. You get to choose what you want to be, the kind of person and friend that you are, and who you allow into your circle of people. Choose wisely.

I hope you know what a difference you have made in my life, and in the lives of those around you. Your influence reaches farther than you think.

I hope you know that my classroom is always a safe place, and you are always welcome here. If you need help, reach out. If I can’t help solve the problem, I will help you find someone who can, and will make sure you are okay.

I want you to know that I will always be your cheerleader, and that I will always encourage you and push you to be your best. I will celebrate your wins with you, and mourn your losses with you. 

I want you to know that you have so much to offer. Someone needs you– your talents, your opinion, your advice, or your brilliant mind.

And lastly, but certainly not least, I want you to know that you are loved. That you have filled a space in my heart that will forever be changed because of you. So if you don’t hear it from anyone else in your life, know that I care about you and love you– you are amazing and I can’t wait to see the incredible things you will do in your life!

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Helping Students Communicate

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been doing a series of posts about the 7 Cs of education. So far I’ve covered Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Collaboration. Each ‘C’ is useful on its own, but can also be very effective when combined with other ‘Cs’. Today’s ‘C’ is, I think, one of the most important of the 7 Cs: Communication. 

The ability to effectively communicate is such an important skill for kids to learn, especially in today’s world where there are so many different ways to communicate. The art of in person communication seems to be dwindling as digital forms of communication are rapidly developing and changing. And yet, it is still such an important skill to have. Students need to learn how to speak with another individual face to face, as it will help them immensely as they go out into the world, interview for jobs, work with coworkers, and so forth. 

Since we do live in such a digital world, it’s also crucial that we teach our students how to communicate through the various digital means available. They ought to know when it’s appropriate to use “lazy”/slang text versus when they ought to be more formal. Students will inevitably have to communicate with bosses, coworkers, or other adults via email, and knowing how to properly format an email will come in handy. 

Another important aspect of communication is teaching kids to be able to effectively communicate their wants and needs, and learning when it would be appropriate and inappropriate to express those various things. For example, students can learn that while the class is taking a test might not be the best time to loudly announce they need to use the restroom. On the other hand, they can learn that watching their classmates play a sport would be an appropriate time and place to use a louder voice to communicate their excitement and encouragement. 

The methods in which we teach our students how to communicate can come in all shapes and sizes. It will vary from one content area to another. It doesn’t matter how we go about teaching it, only that we are finding ways to encourage and promote healthy communication amongst our students. Below are a few ways you might consider bringing and/or modeling communication practice into your curriculum:

  • Write-Pair-Share: After students answer a “question of the day” or class opener of some sort, have them share responses with a neighbor. Encourage them to talk to someone new each time you ask them to do this.
  • Give an assignment where students exchange emails with another student. 
  • Have students practice interviewing others.
  • Assign students to email a business, using proper formatting and word choice.
  • During group discussions, provide a “talking piece”. Only the student who has possession of the talking piece can speak. This encourages students to listen and to exercise self control while waiting for their turn to speak.
  • Teach about and practice using proper body language– many kids don’t realize just how much body language can communicate.
  • Help students in your class learn their classmates’ names. Doing this helps them to be able to clearly communicate when they are speaking with someone.
  • Make your classroom a safe space. Students are more likely to effectively communicate their needs, opinions, and input if they feel like what they say will matter.
  • Establish a communication system early on. Will you use school email to keep students and parents informed? Will you use a communication app like Remind, Bloomz, ParentSquare, or ClassDojo? Whatever you choose to use, be consistent with it so that students and parents will know where they can go to keep up to date with classroom happenings as well as to contact you if they have questions.

Teaching and practicing effective communication within the classroom is essential for a smooth running classroom. It helps students have a clear idea of what to do, what is expected, and helps them feel seen and heard. In addition to these things, it teaches students how to be effective communicators, thus setting them up for success in all areas of their lives.

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End of Year Reflections

The end of the school year is so bittersweet: everyone is ready for summer break, but it’s also the end of something good. Students leave your classroom with so much more than they started with. The growth and change that occurs over the course of a school year is incredible, and is something that should be celebrated. Oftentimes, it’s harder for students to see that growth within themselves, so as teachers, it’s important that we help them realize just how far they’ve come. 

An effective way I’ve found to help students notice how much they’ve learned and changed is by doing an end of year reflection. This gives them a chance to think about what they’ve accomplished over the course of the year, and causes them to reflect back on all the things that have happened since the beginning of school. 

I’ve put together an end of year reflection page you can use with your students as you close out the school year. It’s appropriate for all ages, and is open to written or drawn responses. This worksheet is for personal or classroom use only. It is not to be shared, resold, reposted, or claimed as your own. 

End of Year ReflectionDownload
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Connecting to Literature Through Realistic Fiction

Finding books that teens and preteens will actually read and enjoy can be a little tricky sometimes. By this point in their education, many kids have lost their love for reading, which is unfortunate; reading has so many benefits! As teachers, though, we have the opportunity to help these reluctant or uninterested readers find books that they will enjoy and want to read. But with so many genres available to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow it down to something they will like. In the event that you find yourself in this position, look no further! I’ve created a list of a few book recommendations in each genre. You can see my historical fiction recommendations here, and my dystopian novel recommendations here. 

Up on the docket today: Realistic Fiction! Books in this genre contain fictional characters who are placed into situations that have happened or could potentially happen. These stories could be based on true events. In this genre, we will find books about characters who are working through hard things at home, school, or with friends, characters who embark on an epic family vacation, or even characters who find themselves in the thick of illness or other hardship. Because these stories are based on real life events, students often find it easier to build a connection with the book and the characters– they can see themselves in the characters. Check out the books below and share with your students who need a good book!

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Melody Brooks is an eleven year old fifth grader who happens to have cerebral palsy, which has taken away her ability to walk, write, and talk. Adults and children alike often assume she is mentally challenged because of her inability to speak or write, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Melody is brilliant and has an incredible photographic memory– she just can’t express that to others. She is finally given a chance to use a computer device that allows her to type what she wants to say. The device then speaks for her by reading what she has written. It’s only once she is able to start communicating like this that people start to realize how smart she really is. 

You May Already be a Winner by Ann Dee Ellis

Olivia and her sister, Berkeley live together with their mom in Sunny Pines Trailer Park. Olivia wants so badly to be able to leave the trailer park and find a better life for her and Berkeley. She devises a plan to enter several sweepstakes with the hope of winning a million dollars. She longs to live a “normal” life where she doesn’t have to miss school to babysit her sister, and a life free of poverty. She wants to escape from the challenges her mother faces that make life more difficult for the family. Through all of this, she makes friends with her quirky neighbor, and learns that sometimes family is who you least expect it to be. This book is a perfect combination of humor, difficult realities, and finding happiness where you are.

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

It’s 1935, and Moose Flanagan is twelve years old when his father takes a job as an electrician and guard at the infamous Alcatraz Prison. Moose and his family move to the island prison to begin their new life. His sister, Natalie, has autism and is admitted into a school for students with special needs. Moose befriends a girl named Piper, who also happens to be the warden’s daughter. Piper is constantly coming up with creative ways to make money with the hope of escaping the island. Her latest scheme involves using the prison inmates to do laundry for the other kids at school, and she convinces Moose to join her efforts. Their underground operation is stopped when the warden finds out, and Moose and Piper then have to find something else to fill their time. When Natalie gets kicked out of school for befriending one of the prisoners, Moose eventually enlists the help of the famous prisoner Al Capone to help get her back into the school. Choldenko continues Moose’s adventures across two more books, each equally as fun as this one.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

This book follows Auggie Pullman, who was born with a facial difference. He wants to be treated like everyone else, and quickly finds that others can be cruel, and don’t want to be his friend. Fortunately, though, he is also able to form friendships with Jack, Will, and Summer. Auggie’s story is told from multiple perspectives, including Auggie’s, his sister Via’s, her boyfriend’s, as well as other friends. This unique story telling format gives the reader a broader picture of Auggie’s life from many points of view. Wonder is a heart warming story about kindness, acceptance, and the desire to fit in.

Counting by Sevens by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Counting by 7s is also told from multiple perspectives, bringing insight and dimension to the story. Willow Chance is a twelve year old girl who finds herself in a really hard situation– both of her adoptive parents are killed in a car crash. Willow must then figure out how to navigate grief, life, and what it means to be a family. She finds comfort in counting by 7s and plants and forms an unlikely friendship with her school counselor and a taxi driver, who both encourage her and help her figure out this new life.

Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes by Matt Eicheldinger

Matt Sprouts is just living his ordinary life when, one day, he accidentally injures his neighbor. Soon after, he breaks one of his toes, which leads him to believe he is now cursed with “the Curse”, a made-up curse started in his hometown. The story follows him as he continues to break more toes all while navigating friendships, sibling relationships, and tough coaches. Filled with humor, this book is a fun read, and, as a bonus, includes two other books to round out the series. 

Each of these books dives into different challenges or situations kids might face today. These stories connect readers to relatable characters, and allow readers to feel seen, understood, and heard.

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Say What?!

Happy as a clam. A picture is worth a thousand words. Every dog has its day. A penny saved is a penny earned. What in the world do these even mean?! Unless you are familiar with these kinds of phrases, they probably sound a bit silly, probably don’t make a whole lot of sense, and might even be confusing. Sayings like these can be idioms, like we talked about last week. Sometimes, though, they are known as proverbs: short sayings meant to convey some kind of moral or life lesson. 

As adults, we are likely pretty familiar with common proverbs and idioms. We hear them and say them without really thinking twice about it; we just know what they mean because we’ve known them for so long. For many of our students, however, these kinds of phrases are unfamiliar, and may sound like gibberish to them. 

Just like everything else, these must be learned. We can’t expect our students to understand them and know what they mean if we don’t expose them to proverbs and other phrases. To help you with this, I’ve created a simple worksheet you can use. On it, you will find a list of the beginning half of several proverbs or idioms, followed by a blank line. After reading the first half of the saying, students can write what they think the rest of the saying is. No doubt you’ll get some funny answers, but that’s the fun of it! 

** This printable is for personal or classroom use only. Do not resell, repost, or claim as your own. **

Say What!Download