Everyone enjoys having a break from school, students and educators alike. And while taking that time off is essential and allows us time to re-charge, it can be difficult to get back on track after an extended break. I believe this can be especially tough in the library or other specials classes. Re-establishing library rules and procedures is always part of my after break plans. Below I am sharing some tips, tricks and ideas that I have found useful in helping to get my classes back on ... Read the Post
Re-establish Library Rules and Procedures
Favorite January Read Alouds
Winter is my favorite season. I enjoy cold weather and love when it snows (and not just because of snow days!) During the month of January my story times feature many winter and snowman books as well as penguins and Martin Luther King. Jr. biographies. Below is a list of some of my favorite January read alouds. A note: I read most of these stories with kindergarten and first graders. I teach my second graders about the Caldecott during January. If you would like to read about how I teach the ... Read the Post
Caldecott Medal 2020 Predictions
I have always wanted to sit on the Caldecott selection committee. What could be better than having hundreds of wondrous, imaginative and awe-inspiring picture books delivered to your door? And you have to read every single one. Sounds pretty amazing doesn't it? Realistically, I know this is a tough job and requires an extraordinary commitment. It's not just sitting around drinking coffee and reading books all day. But still...it would be pretty cool. And when the day of the announcement comes ... Read the Post
12 Days of Christmas Lesson Plans and Activities
Get ready...Christmas will be here before you know it! And I can’t wait. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love decorating, listening to Christmas carols, watching Christmas movies and finding the perfect gift for everyone on my list. What else do I love about the holiday? Watching the joy and excitement on my students’ faces as they count down the days to Santa’s arrival. However, as every educator knows this is one of the most exhausting times of the school year! Keeping our ... Read the Post
5 Free Downloadable Christmas Lesson Plans!
As we head into the busy holiday season, finding time to write lessons plans can be difficult. Look below for some free Christmas lesson plans and activities that you can use with your students right now! Santa's Stuck This is a free set of literacy activities to go along with the book Santa’s Stuck by Rhonda Gowler Greene and Henry Cole. Activities included: comprehension questions to use in literacy centers or small groups, writing/drawing activity and a one page mini book. ... Read the Post
Favorite December Read Alouds
During the month of December many of my lessons focus on winter holidays around the world. These include books about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Diwali as well as Christmas. Below are 30 of my favorite December read alouds. A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel After destroying all of the gifts and decorations at home, Bad Kitty escapes from the car on Christmas Eve and finds a new friend, who helps her learn the true meaning of Christmas. A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days ... Read the Post
