Earth Day is one of our favorites in the classroom! This read aloud, Heroes of the Environment provides perfect opportunities to learn more about regular people who made a difference in their environment. It has more than one story so it makes a great read aloud for the entire month of April. I plan to use it in this way in my classroom as well as accompanying activities. This story has 12 true stories of people around North America who did their part, and went above and beyond, to help protect our planet. I love that this book has accounts of people my students most … [Read more...] about Heroes of the Environment: Earth Day Read Aloud and Activities
The Jelly Donut Difference-Spreading Kindess
I just love all the books Maria Dismondy writes and this book is no different! The Jelly Donut Difference is no different! A book that teaches how to be kind is always a winner to me! She has a fantastic way of writing that really speaks to students of all ages. My students loved this book and we had some fun activities to do with it! After we read it, I had my students write how they could make a "jelly donut" difference on these sheets. I plan on hanging them up outside our classroom! We also made a mini anchor chart using this Kindness is... sheet. You can grab … [Read more...] about The Jelly Donut Difference-Spreading Kindess
10 + Amazon Must Haves For Your Classroom
10 + Amazon must haves for your classroom...because let's face it..hello, my name is Ashley and I am addicted to Amazon! Oh you are too?! Perfect! Stay a while and read on! Maybe you will find some serious classroom non-negotiables! :) On a serious note, Amazon has come to my rescue as a teacher more than I can count! I am sure you know the feeling. I wanted to compile a list of my most favorite classroom Amazon purchases, because hey, maybe you didn't even know some of these existed! 1. Magnetic Curtain Rod Yes you read that right..this thing is GOLD. I use my … [Read more...] about 10 + Amazon Must Haves For Your Classroom
Flexible Seating in the Classroom
Flexible seating has transformed my classroom! TRULY it has! I wanted to share with you a few easy ways to make your classroom a student centered learning space! I teach third grade and my students have a LOT of supplies! I needed them to still have a "desk hub" where they would house their STUFF. I wanted to also allow them the freedom to choose where they work, so I added many flexible seating options around my classroom. I would say 90% of the time my students can choose to work wherever they choose! (as long as they are working hard and on task!) Before … [Read more...] about Flexible Seating in the Classroom
Freedom Summer: Read Aloud for MLK Jr. Day
This month's read aloud is perfect for the month of January! Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 16th. For this specific holiday, we read many books that help teach us about Martin Luther King Jr as well as his importance to our country. I love this story, Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles, in particular because it is very easy for students to relate to. The story talks about a young white boy and an African American boy who are friends. The African American boy's mother works for his friend's family. They spend time together each day in the summer. Unfortunately they … [Read more...] about Freedom Summer: Read Aloud for MLK Jr. Day
Winter Writing: Trapped in a Snow Globe
Okay if you have ever been on Pinterest during the winter you have most definitely seen this adorable winter writing craft to do with your students: If I were trapped in a snow globe.. AH-dorable!! I finally got around to doing this cute writing activity with my class this year. I am not going to lie to you.... it was easy, a great way to get some writing in the last week before break, and SO so cute!! This is also perfect for anytime the month of January. I wanted to share the materials I used, how I made mine, and of course the template for free!! SO..this will be super … [Read more...] about Winter Writing: Trapped in a Snow Globe