The Joy of Teaching – Page 37 of 46

August 19, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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Whale-Themed Classroom Activities: Spouting Good Work!

Humpback whale breaching in Monterey Bay. Photo courtesy of Nancy Black, Monterey Bay Whale Watch

Along the Monterey coast and near our corporate office, whales can be seen offshore as they migrate through the area. Inspired by our spectacular marine visitors, this post provides lessons and activities to help students learn about a variety of whales.

Whale Shape Book, Grades K–2
This shape book unit provides five reproducible forms in the shape of a fat whale, directions for students writing at three levels, a three-line poem, and literature connections. (From The Ultimate Shape Book)

Pocket Book on Whales, Grades 1–3
Students create a “pocket book” about toothed and baleen whales. Includes picture cards, whale haiku, minibooks, size comparison chart, and additional activities. You can pick and choose activities or have students complete the entire book. (From Theme Pockets, September e-book)

Whale Activity Pages, Grades 1–5
These ready-to-use pages include illustrations of ten types of whales, a whale skeleton, and a whale writing form. (From Giant Science Resource Book)

Life in the Ocean Pocket File Folder, Grades 3–6
This unit provides ideas, directions, and patterns for creating a science report about a marine animal, adaptable for whales. It includes ideas for a pop-up page, a minibook, a word web, and other activities. (From Easy File Folder Reports e-book)

Whale Bulletin Board
This link includes teacher directions and caption letters to create a fun bulletin board to display students’ work. (From Bulletin Boards Every Classroom Needs)

These whale-themed units were pulled from Evan-Moor’s online lesson library, TeacherFileBox. There are many more available, including whale-themed units from Reading Informational Text, Daily Science, Creative Writing Ideas, and more. Take a look!

For related ideas and free printables, see: Under the Sea Classroom Theme and Activities.

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Contributing Writer

Theresa Wooler has more than 10 years’ experience in K–6 classrooms as a parent volunteer and homeschool educator, has taught high school English, and is currently involved in education through Evan-Moor’s marketing communications team.

August 14, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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Easy Recipe for Busy Teachers: Kale Salad

At Evan-Moor, we’ve been preparing for back-to-school by focusing on healthful activities for stress relief, and our employees have been sharing some of their favorite recipes. We’d like to share these with you, too!

Here’s a recipe from Paul, who says this salad is great before a workout and is simple to make:

Kale Salad

Salad Ingredients:
4 C packed kale leaves (with spines trimmed off)
1/3 C currants or chopped raisins
1/2 C toasted pine nuts
4 T shredded parmesan cheese

Dressing Ingredients:
Juice of one lemon
1 T olive oil
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Chop or use food processor with cutting blade to process kale into small pieces. Mix salad ingredients in bowl. Mix dressing separately and then toss into salad. Let stand for 10 minutes and then serve.

Enjoy!

August 11, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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How Much Sleep Do Children Need?

It seems that while we adults know the necessity and joy of sleep, our youngsters do not.

According to the National Sleep Foundation:

Children ages 3 to 5 should get 11–13 hours of sleep per night.
Children ages 5 to 10 require slightly less at 10–11 hours of sleep per night.

On top of the number of hours, each individual has his or her own sleep pattern, meaning some might be naturally early risers, while others will struggle to get to sleep before a certain hour.

Sleep is categorized into two different types, each fulfilling a different purpose.

Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM): This is quiet sleep, which is when the blood supply to the muscles increases and tissue growth and repair happens.
Rapid Eye Movement (REM): Also known as active sleep. In this state, our minds are active, but our bodies are still. This is when dreams occur and breathing and heart rate become irregular.

When children reach puberty and adolescence, their bodies’ sleep cycles actually shift in time. While they need 8.5–9.25 hours of sleep, teens typically can’t get to sleep until 11pm or later. This mixed with the setup of school days means less sleep than necessary across the board.

In any case, a lack of sleep is bad news. Some tips on encouraging a sleep-friendly environment are:

Create a routine: Having a set bedtime routine signals to the brain that it’s time for sleep and allows for endorphins to be released.
Unplug 2 hours before bedtime: Studies have shown that children who disconnect from technology before bed get an average of one hour of sleep more than their plugged-in counterparts.
Have a snack: A light snack like yogurt or crackers can help keep bellies feeling full without overeating. Herbal teas like chamomile or lavender also promote a relaxed disposition.
Encourage independence: Children have active imaginations and at ages where they are still deciphering real from pretend, they may develop fears. To remind them that we still need to sleep, try a “monster spray” for their use or set a stuffed animal to guard their door.

It’s important to know our children’s sleep patterns. If things seem a little off, don’t hesitate to keep a sleep journal indicating when they go to bed, when they fall asleep, and for how long they sleep. This could give insight or be helpful when consulting a doctor.

For a quick double check, the National Health Service has this great webpage with a chart of average hours of sleep required for optimal health at a range of ages.

Karina Ruiz has four years of experience working with children for non-profit after-school programming for K–12 and four years of nanny work. She is currently a volunteer intern and attends California State University, Monterey Bay.

August 6, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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Prep for a New School Year: Homework Tips

With the official kickoff of the school year, it’s the perfect time to prepare for the daily ritual of homework. Why? Establishing a regular routine is essential to developing good study habits that are sure to help your child enjoy learning and breeze through his or her assignments.

Here are a few practical tips to apply the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines to help maximize your child’s learning throughout the year.

1. Establish a space for homework

A workspace in the home that offers privacy is ideal, whether it’s your child’s bedroom, a quiet corner of the kitchen, or other part of the home. A dedicated space is ideal, but when it’s not an option, consider establishing a quiet time for the entire house, a sort of “virtual space” that is free of distractions that can disrupt homework time.

2. Set aside plenty of time for homework

Nothing saps effective learning like stress. By scheduling enough time to complete homework assignments without undue stress, you’ll create a relaxed, calm environment that’s likely to promote better learning.

3. Establish a “house rule” to turn the TV off during homework time

This is especially true when your child’s homework space is within earshot of a noisy and distracting TV program. The bonus is scheduled quiet time for you.

4. Consider a tutor for tough subjects

If your child is having a challenge with a particular subject, consider enlisting the services of a tutor. A tutor may offer a fresh approach to learning that can help your child more easily understand a difficult subject. Talk to your child’s teacher for suggestions.

5. Encourage your child to take regular breaks

Regular breaks are especially important to prevent eye fatigue and neck strain, but closing the books for a few minutes and stretching also goes a long way to maintain focus and interest.

6. Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but avoid doing your child’s homework

This homework must-do is often easier said than done. After all, explaining a new math concept or grammar rule typically takes a bit more patience and time, but your extra effort will pay off with a more self-assured child who is more proficient in a particular subject.

7. Supervise computer and Internet use

This high-tech tool offers ready access to numerous resources for school projects, from point-and-click textbooks and other materials posted by teachers to interactive team projects with classmates. Trouble is, it’s just as easy to navigate to the latest online game and other distractions. Keeping a watchful eye on computer time will help keep your child’s focus on homework projects and away from the latest online game.

Enjoy a great school year!

Kathleen & Lorna
Co-authors of Eating for A’s

Lorna Williams, MPH, RD, and Kathleen Dunn, MPH, RD, are registered dietitians who have been collaborating on health and nutrition projects for over 20 years. Together, they launched EatingFor.com, a fun and educational website focusing on child and teen nutrition, and co-authored Eating for A’s: A month-by-month nutrition and lifestyle guide to help raise smarter kids.

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July 30, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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The All-Important First Day of School: A Back-to-School Guide and Free Printables

This excerpt from the book, How to Plan Your School Year, may reduce the first-day-of-school jitters and help you establish routines and rules that work for the entire school year. Get the free printables for classroom rules and team-building ice breaker ideas!

Make the first day of school one that students will remember!

Greet the Class
Welcome your class warmly and let them know that you are looking forward to a year of exciting learning. Do something active—sing a song, read a poem, tell about yourself, or introduce the class mascot. Plan a team-building activity, such as the classic icebreaker game where students move around the room and write down names of students who fit specific descriptions. Here are a few team-building ideas for the first day of school.

Present an Attention Signal
Decide on a signal that will be used only for this purpose and explain what the signal means. For example:

“Give me five” means eyes on me. Ears listening. Feet still. Hands quiet. Voices off.
“Attention, please” means you stop whatever you are doing and look at the person giving the signal.
Raising your hand in a particular manner means when my hand is up, your eyes are on me and your voice is quiet.

Practice giving the signal and having the class respond. Repeat this practice throughout the first day and week.

Set Expectations
Outline your expectations in positive language. For example:

“Does anyone know what expectations are? That’s right, expectations are the things you believe will happen. I have three expectations for our class this year:

We will learn together.
We will recognize that we are all unique individuals and respect our differences.
We will be positive and polite.”

Establish Rules
These pages from How to Plan Your School Year provide important guidelines for implementing a set of rules for your classroom.

Introduce Routines and Procedures
On day one, start to establish important routines that will help your classroom run smoothly throughout the year, such as sharpening pencils, lining up, using the bathroom, and turning in homework.

Locate Restrooms and Tour the School
This also provides the opportunity to practice your line-up routine and hallway rules.

Get to Work!
It’s important that the first day be productive. During the first period of the day, be sure to conduct some type of lesson such as solving a math problem or reading a story together, or doing an art project that will be displayed in the classroom.

For more ideas on first-day-of-school lessons and activities, see How to Plan Your School Year and this blog: Survival Tips for the First Day of School.

July 20, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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Advice for New Teachers: 5 Ways to Prepare for the School Year

If you’re a first-time teacher, I have a few tips to help you get ready for the first day of school:

Pre-assess: Assessment drives instruction. Figure out how you will pre-assess your students. Find out if the district has a pre-assessment plan or if you can make up your own. Learn how to read and understand the assessment so that you can tailor your instruction.
Create a calendar for the year: Although you might not stick to it, map out the year. This allows you to create a timeframe for each unit/topic. It also allows you to learn the curriculum as a whole.
Over plan: Plan more than less. You can always use the materials and lessons you did not cover the following day or even when you are absent. If students have “down” time, behavior issues may arise.
Set your expectations high: Set high expectations from the beginning. If you expect only a little from your students, they will give you the minimum. If you expect a lot from your students, they have a goal to achieve. Not every student will reach your expectations, but each student will have grown.
Create a child-friendly learning environment: Allow your students the ability and willingness to take risks. Never put them down when the answer is wrong, but say “good try” or “let’s have someone else in the class help you.” Also, manage inappropriate behaviors quickly and firmly to ensure good class control for the entire school year.

For more tips for new teachers, see: 10 Classroom Must Dos to Start off the School Year and Tips for New Teachers.

Christina Sciarrotto has been an elementary school teacher for 13 years and currently teaches first grade in New York. She also serves as a mentor teacher and has served as a summer school principal for 8 years.

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July 8, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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How to Recognize Signs of Dyscalculia and Help Students with this Math Learning Disability

When I was in grade school, I had one hard and fast rule: Practice makes perfect. If I wasn’t good at something quite yet, I kept at it. I was an avid reader and writer and approached math with the same tenacity. However, I felt my self-esteem wearing thin with each failed math test. It continued to wear down through grade school and all through my college math classes—until I was finally diagnosed with dyscalculia.

Dyscalculia is a math learning disability. It is recently growing in representation, but because of the variation of causes and forms in which it presents itself, dyscalculia can be swept under the rug as “not trying hard enough.”

From my own experience, that’s the toughest part of having dyscalculia. Math is a difficult subject. It requires memorization, number sense, and the ability to identify symbols and relate them to an idea. Unlike letters, which can be linked to sounds, numbers are linked to a value and values aren’t a concrete concept to me.

In fact, that’s one of the things that students with dyscalculia struggle with: connecting numbers to real-life groups and understanding that dyscalculia relates to anything with the same number.

Another struggle is telling time on analog clocks. Because of the way analog clocks work, with marking minutes in fives as the minute hand glides from one number to the next, it takes me a long while to figure out how many minutes have passed and which hour it is.

Other difficulties include more conceptual situations in math. For example, I know how to do long division—sort of—but I couldn’t tell you why each step takes place.

Understood.org suggests looking out for these signs of dyscalculia in students:

Warning Signs in Preschool or Kindergarten

Has trouble learning to count, especially when it comes to assigning each object in a group a number
Has trouble recognizing number symbols, such as making the connection between “7” and the word seven
Struggles to connect a number to a real-life situation, such as knowing that “3” can apply to any group that has three things in it—3 cookies, 3 cars, 3 kids, etc.
Has trouble remembering numbers, and skips numbers long after kids the same age can count numbers and remember them in the right order
Finds it hard to recognize patterns and sort items by size, shape, or color
Avoids playing popular games such as Candy Land that involve numbers, counting, and other math concepts

Warning Signs in Grade School or Middle School

Has trouble recognizing numbers and symbols
Has difficulty learning and recalling basic math facts, such as 2 + 4 = 6
Struggles to identify +, ‒ and other signs and use them correctly
May still use fingers to count instead of using more sophisticated strategies
Has trouble writing numerals clearly or putting them in the correct column
Has trouble coming up with a plan to solve a math problem
Struggles to understand words related to math, such as greater than and less than
Has trouble telling the left hand from the right, and has a poor sense of direction
Has difficulty remembering phone numbers and game scores
Avoids playing games like Risk that involve number strategy
Has trouble telling time

Through my struggles, I’ve found many helpful solutions. Give these a try for students struggling with math:

Use graph paper: Graph paper helps keep numbers in the correct place value slot, making vertical math a lot easier.
Spread out: When I had to take math tests, I often asked teachers to allow me to place all of my work on scrap paper because I needed to space my work out to keep my steps in order.
Use colored paper: Using a colored sheet of paper can provide a visual contrast and help separate numbers in long sequences or multistep equations.
Practice basic math: Even if the meaning is not grasped, the ability to know basic math as a fact, through rote memorization, is a huge help.

Dyscalculia is not an easy thing to deal with and it affects a person’s whole life. But, knowing the signs and what you can do to help your students be their best is a huge leap toward supporting them in their development into confident and capable adults.

Understood.org has a roundup of all aspects of dyscalculia including what teachers and parents can do to support students with this disability.

Contributing Writer

July 1, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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The ONE Thing You Should Do to Get Your Child Ready for Kindergarten

This simple advice on kindergarten readiness comes from a kindergarten teacher: “Of all the activities to get your child ready for kindergarten, the single most important thing you can do is to READ!” Modeling reading and reading with your child every day is the best thing you can do to help your child prepare for kindergarten. Isn’t that a relief?

Consider these recommendations from an experienced kindergarten teacher:

Model Your Own Enjoyment in Reading
Does your child see you reading material that is not on a screen? With daily use of phones and tablets, it’s easy to substitute a device for a printed book, magazine, or newspaper—but it’s important to model reading books for your child and model your own enjoyment in reading.

Spend Time Reading with Your Child
Devote about 20 minutes a day to reading and talking about what you’ve read. For example, ask your child’s opinion about the story to encourage him or her to interact with the text. And, most importantly, find books on topics that interest your child, whether it’s dinosaurs, tractors, or princesses.

Get a Library Card
Frequent library visits help you find books on topics that interest your child, and librarians are a great resource for book ideas. Be sure to check your library’s schedule for story-time events.

Read Rhyming Books
Select some books that rhyme. Rhyming books and songs help children recognize sound patterns in the language, as well as the rhythm of the language.

What about fine motor skill development? Kindergarten teachers agree that fine motor skills are developmental and depend on when a child is ready, but you can supplement reading with creative activities that are fine motor focused, such as crafts, cutting, coloring, painting, Legos, Playdough, and beading. For supplemental activities that include mazes, matching, and crafts, try these Evan-Moor resources: Never-Bored Kid Books (PreK–K) and At-Home Tutor: Reading (PreK).

The ultimate goal is to encourage reading and nurture a life-long love of reading. The good news for parents is that taking time to read puts your child on the path to academic success in kindergarten and beyond.

Contributing Writer

June 24, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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5 Fun Activities for Learning Colors and Shapes

With items around your home and inexpensive dollar store buys, you can have fun teaching your child colors and shapes! Here are a few ideas to try this summer, including a link to web-based flashcards from Evan-Moor:

Color and shape activity from Learning 4 Kids

1. Color and Shape Matching

What you need: Colored buttons or pompoms, paper, and markers

Use colored markers to draw shapes on white paper. Have your child fill in the shape with the matching color, using a package of small pompoms or colored buttons. Here’s an example with a free printable.

2. Muffin Tin Sorting

What you need: Muffin tin and construction paper

Cut colored paper into different shapes and tape each shape to the bottom of the inside of a muffin tin. (For example, red circles, yellow triangles, blue squares, orange rectangles.) Cut extra shapes and have your child place the shapes into the correct muffin tin. Other ideas:

Have your child collect small items of different shapes around the house or outdoors and place the similar shapes in the correct muffin tin. (For example, coins, buttons, pebbles, erasers, Post-it notes, magnets, Legos, blocks, and small toys.)
Have your child collect items of the same color and sort the items in the muffin tin. Using tongs or chopsticks to place items in the muffin tins adds fine motor practice!

3. Shape Sponge Painting

What you need: Pack of sponges, paint, and paper

Cut sponges into geometric shapes such as triangles, rectangles, and squares. Let your child design a creation or give examples of how geometric shapes can form a house, truck, kite, or ice cream cone. These printable pages to cut and color can also be used for sponge painting ideas:

From Never-Bored Kid Book and Learning Line: Colors and Shapes activity books.

Shape game from HANDS ON as we grow

4. Tape Shapes

What you need: Painter’s tape

There are many creative ways to use painter’s tape for learning shapes, such as this clever Tape City and shape ball game. You can use painter’s tape to make shapes on the floor and play various games with the large shapes, such as rolling a ball and calling out the shape or having kids jump in a particular shape. You can also use colored marbles or pompoms to sort colors in each shape.

image of Evan-Moor's colors and shapes online flashcard activities

Evan-Moor’s online flashcard activities

5. Online activities

What you need: Computer or tablet

Evan-Moor has created online flashcard activities to help children learn colors and shapes. The interactive activities are touchscreen compatible and include a timer that can be used to create a “beat the clock” game or can be hidden from view. Access the free Colors and Shapes interactive activities here.

We’d love to hear your ideas for teaching children colors and shapes! Please leave a comment.

Contributing Writer

Image of Theresa Wooler Theresa Wooler has more than 10 years’ experience in K–6 classrooms as a parent volunteer and homeschool educator, has taught high school English, and is currently involved in education through Evan-Moor’s marketing communications team.

June 16, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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10 Easy Ways to Keep Your Child Learning All Summer

Summer is a time filled with swimming, picnics, and lots of watermelon. It is also one of the most natural times to engage your child’s curious mind! Whether homeschoolers take a break over the summer or homeschool year-round, these 10 fun and easy ways to keep kids learning all summer are sure to be a hit.

Set up an obstacle course in your yard. Jump like a kangaroo from one place to another, wiggle like a snake around a hula hoop, use a water hose to make a curvy line on which to walk. Have your child make predictions about how many jumps she has to make, how long he can walk on the water hose, how many steps it is from one place to another. You get the idea – any excuse to get them to move is great!
Go on a nature walk and have your child observe nature. Your child can take a photograph or draw in a notebook. If you take walks in the same place regularly, take note of how things change over time. We use our smartphone to take photographs and teach our children about what makes a great photograph in order to connect nature with art.
Watermelon equals summer, and there are tons of learning activities to do with a watermelon. To measure circumference, use a string to go around the watermelon, and then use a ruler to measure the string. See if the watermelon floats. Estimate the number of seeds in a piece of watermelon, and then count them.
Paint like Pollock – Jackson Pollock, that is! Simply get an inexpensive canvas (many craft stores offer them 50% off), choose colors to match your décor, and splatter paint it. Another idea is to splatter paint on pieces of cardstock and make them into thank-you cards.
Start a rock collection. This is especially fun if you are taking a trip this summer. Your child can extend this topic to include gems and minerals, too. Be sure to look for identification guides at your local library!
Start a pen pal exchange. Your child can write his/her cousins on postcards and look forward to receiving mail. Currently, we are writing our great-grandparents, who really appreciate getting a little note in the mail each week!
Host a book or toy exchange. Have each child bring 3–5 items to trade for someone else’s treasures.
Give back to the community. You can participate in park clean-ups, have a bake sale or lemonade stand, or hold trike-a-thon to raise money for your favorite charity.
Visit local museums or art galleries in the heat of the day. Also, be on the lookout for historical markers in your area or on your vacation.
Have a family book club or movie club. Everyone reads the book or watches the movie, and then discusses things like:
- What do you think the message of the movie is?
- Would you want to be friends with X character?
- What part was the most interesting to you?
- Would you recommend this movie or book to a friend

BONUS idea: Participate in summer reading programs where your child can earn prizes. Be sure to check with bookstores, restaurants, and your local library. For even more ideas, you can check out my Summer Activities Pinterest board or Evan-Moor’s Summer Activities Pinterest board.

Now it’s your turn! What are your favorite ways to keep kids learning during the summer? Please leave your ideas in the comments section!

Contributing Writer

Amy Michaels is a certified teacher with 11 years of elementary classroom experience who is actively homeschooling her own children. Her mission is share the best teaching methods and resources with all homeschoolers. Amy supports parents through her podcasts, webinars, and online training for homeschoolers on her website http://www.thrivehomeschooling.com.