reading
word a day: creating word conscious, word happy kids
Our very first day of the Smart Summer Challenge found us lazying around at home because Owen returned from swim and dive feeling really under the weather. So while he ...
learning during read-alouds: 5 things never to say to emerging readers
Sometimes it’s very easy for teachers and parents to feel impatient with emerging readers. It’s hard to listen to kids sound out every word on a page and get through ...
getting ready for kindergarten: short e picture-word sort
One of the best activities for practicing early word learning is the picture-word sort. Nothing takes the pressure off of reading like adding pictures since a huuuuge chunk of early ...
summertime learning eBook: free and filled with fun ideas!
I am beyond excited to share the news of a project that’s been consuming my life for the last two weeks (hence, the few blog posts over here. . . ...
learning during read-alouds: activating schema
According to Rachel and Mary Gabriel, the “schema theory tells us that prior knowledge is essential for comprehension of new knowledge and that learning difficulties can often be traced back ...
a game for practicing spelling, sight words, or letters: WORDO!
With the end of the school year quickly approaching, we’re all getting antsy for summer. So I’ve had to be super crafty during our work time in order to keep ...
learning during read-alouds: making connections
My kiddos are huge fans of popping pop beads, stringing beads, connecting nuts and bolts, and just sticking things together. Not only are these great activities to help develop kiddos’ ...
playing with numbers: counting, matching, spelling, and more!
My Owen has been enamored with numbers from the time he was teeny. He’s got a brain for numbers, he’s got a thing number puzzles, and he’s got a way ...
just 1 book: author Ann Malaspina (& signed book giveaway!)
This guest post, by author Ann Malaspina is one of my absolute faves because I found a kindred spirit–another person who loves and was moved by Sandra Cisneros’ The House ...
learning during read-alouds: word consciousness
We shouldn’t try to fill every second of our children’s lives with learning and lessons; our kiddos really do need time for free play indoors or out in the fresh ...
making connections with nonfiction texts (and our new turtle friend)
Between the insane weather we’ve been experiencing over here (tornadoes! wind gusts! rain, rain, and more rain–and then the next second–sun!?), we’ve had some really cool outside learning going on ...
