We know that it's important to build our students' vocabularies. And we know that talking about words here and there isn't enough. But how do we decide exactly which words to use for vocabulary instruction? Last week I told you ten mistakes to avoid when teaching vocabulary. This week we want to answer an important question ... How do you choose which vocabulary words to teach? I wish I could tell you this question ... Read More
Free printable pom pom activities
Check out these fun printable activities using pom poms! Are you looking for things to do with that pack of pom poms in your craft closet? Here are some free printable learning activities for preschool and kindergarten! 1 - Print these free number cards from 1+1+1=1, and use pom poms to count to each number. 2 - Get a set of counting to 10 pom pom cards from 123Homeschool4Me. 3 - Teaching Mama has two simple ... Read More
Mistakes to avoid when teaching vocabulary
If you have questions about teaching new vocabulary words to learners in grades K-5, you're in the right spot! This post kicks off a series with everything you need to know! This post contains affiliate links. Phonemic awareness. Phonics. Comprehension. Fluency. Am I missing something? What's another key element to reading instruction? Oh, yeah. Vocabulary. Isn't that how it often works? We think of vocabulary as ... Read More
Write the room activity for short e words
Many of my readers have requested more short vowel write the room printables. So here we are ... set 4! The download includes three levels of difficulty. I chose level 3 for my Six, as he reads CVC words automatically and without difficulty. For level 3, you simply cut apart the scrambled words and post them around your home or classroom. Have your learner(s) carry a recording sheet around the room. They copy each ... Read More
Favorite books for reluctant readers in 2nd & 3rd grade
If you're looking for titles that will get a reluctant reader excited about books, this is the post for you! This post contains affiliate links. So I guess it might be considered embarrassing that I have a reluctant reader in my house. With all my talk about how to get kids excited about books, you'd think that all my kids would be eager little bookworms. Nope. In fact, my Seven is what I'd call a ... Read More
Insect pocket chart sentences
Today I'm sharing a fun activity that teaches a variety of early reading skills! Looking for a fantastic, fun way to build pre-reading skills? Pocket chart sentences to the rescue! You can use them to teach left to right directionality the concept of word capitalization and punctuation How can you teach all that with one simple printable? Here's how it works! First, grab your supplies. You'll need: Printed pocket ... Read More
Simple verb game
This simple verb game is perfect for introducing action verbs! Many of you have asked for games to reinforce basic grammar concepts. Here's a simple game for introducing action verbs. Children simply take turns moving around the board with a die. They name the verb depicted in the picture (or one that would make sense). Next, they write the verb in the appropriate column on the recording sheet. Is the verb ... Read More
Our favorite children’s Bible story books
If you're looking for children's Bible story books to read with your kids, you're in the right place! This post contains affiliate links. While my Christian faith is not usually a focus of this blog, it is central to my life. Each evening, our family gathers on the two couches in our living room. My husband reads the Bible story, we talk about it, and we say a prayer and sing a few hymns. Sometimes ... Read More
Simple St. Patrick’s Day crafts for preschoolers
You'll love browsing this collection of ten simple St. Patrick's Day crafts for preschoolers! If you're on the lookout for simple, low-prep St. Patrick's Day activities for preschoolers - I've got you covered! Since I have a craft-loving four-year-old at home, I'm always happy to find easy crafts and projects that we can do without running to the craft store. Here are some to try! 1 - Learn how to make a ... Read More
Simple letter find pages
These simple letter find pages are just the thing for young learners! Are you teaching letter recognition to very young learners? It's hard to find just the right activity. After all, most of what you'll find online are worksheets (not a great plan, especially for kids who are struggling to hold a pencil). Or you find something more pedagogically sound, but it's too challenging. I hope this newest printable solves ... Read More