Looking for books to read aloud to your learners on Valentine's Day? I've put together a list of our favorites just for you! ... Read More
Versions of Cinderella
For weeks, my two youngest kids were treated to a variety of Cinderella versions. We discovered quite a few new favorites (and, admittedly, a few we didn't care for). Read on to find the best Cinderella versions to read aloud! 24 Cinderella Versions ... Read More
The best order for teaching multiplication facts
Looking for the best order for teaching multiplication facts? You're in the right place! This post contains affiliate links. Why not teach the facts in order from 0-12? We're going for understanding, not just memorization. It makes sense to choose a particular order, because that will let us start with the simpler facts first and help our students build on the knowledge they already have as they learn each new set ... Read More
Capitalization rules game
Try this fun game to teach and review capitalization rules in first, second, and third grade. I've noticed that my first grader brings home a lot of work with incorrect capitalization. I had a suspicion that this was just laziness on his part (after all, this is my child who thinks that running down to the basement to get something for me is "too hard"), but I also thought it would be good to review the ... Read More
How many to 10? clip cards
Looking for a printable that will help build your young learners' number sense? These clip cards are just the thing! Each clip card features a ten frame with 0-10 objects inside it. Your learner's job is to figure out how many more objects would bring us to 10 total. Sometimes, your learner will need to count each empty space to get the answer. Other times, your learner will be able to solve the problem by simply ... Read More
Phonemic awareness activity
Looking for something to help learners distinguish beginning sounds? Try this free phonemic awareness activity! A reader asked for a set of clip cards to help her students distinguish beginning sounds. She asked for a set of pictures - three of which start with the same sound, and one that doesn't. In answer to her request, I created this phonemic awareness activity. The clip cards ... Read More
The ultimate guide to early chapter books for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd grade
How can you know which chapter books are best for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade? This post will help you out! This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here. Have you every tried to navigate the early chapter book section of the library? There are Just. So. Many to choose from. How can you tell which series is right for each learner? How do you know which series are free of ... Read More
Multiplication problem solving activity
Looking for a fun way to mix multiplication and problem solving? Try this! When I told my third grader that it was time for him to a multiplication activity with me, he groaned. "But Mom, I don't like multiplication." "Well, let's just give this activity a try." Before long, he was giggling and asking to complete the full activity. What could possibly make multiplication so much fun? A monster lab! This game ... Read More
CVC & CVCE words
Are your learners having trouble with CVCE words? Try these free clip cards for extra reading practice! If you have learners that have trouble distinguishing between CVC and CVCe words, this printable is for you. What are CVC and CVCE words? CVC words are consonant-short vowel-consonant. Examples: cat, box, rod, wig CVCe words are consonant-vowel-consonant-silent e. Examples: rake, tube, like, poke How to use the ... Read More
I SPY picture mats
Looking for a fun vocabulary builder for young learners? Try these I SPY picture mats! On a recent trip to the field museum, my three-year-old looked through the glass at a rhinoceros. "Is that a unicorn?" he asked. Later, when looking at a display of pumpkin seeds, a zucchini, and pumpkin pie, my husband asked him what was behind the glass. "Peanuts, a cucumber, and pizza!" My husband looked at me and noted, "I ... Read More