Wednesday, 27 March 2024

Easter Freebie



Get ready to celebrate Easter, as it's just around the corner! 🐰🌷 


I have a FREE gift for you! These Easter gift cards are perfect to send to your students. There are three different templates to choose from. Two templates feature an outline of a bunny which is perfect to tape a chocolate or marshmallow treat to give to your kids. The third template can be distributed to your students as a card or be attached to a different gift, such as a basket or Easter eggs.

Simply download the PDF to grab the freebie.




Need more Easter fun? I am thrilled to showcase a resource tailored to make your Easter preparations easier and more delightful than ever. It is a secular resource, so it is a good fit for all students. 































Wednesday, 20 March 2024

Spring Vibes



Spring is finally here! I am waiting for the last of the snow to melt and the muddy trails to dry. Some of the trails on my morning runs have been treacherous and sloppy. Soon, birds will be chirping and longer days of sunshine will arrive. While waiting, I have been busy developing and improving my store products. Let's take a look at what is new!



My Reading Skills and Strategies series continues to be my focus - each resource is getting an improved layout, refreshed games, and better graphics. Each resource will still feature five activities, anchor charts, a student recording book, and an answer key. Perfect as center activities, whole class tasks, small group work, or as an assessment tool. 

 Each center activity includes: 
 ⭐ Title Page 
 ⭐ Direction Page
 ⭐ Activity Materials 
 ⭐ Student Recording Sheet 
 ⭐ Answer Key 

 This week, I finished revamping Setting Of A Story in which student explore the setting of a fictional text. This literary element helps to only only identify when and where a story takes place, but to also initiate the main backdrop and mood for a story. Check out this resource and others in the series by clicking on the covers below.






Get ready to celebrate Easter, as it's just around the corner! 🐰🌷 I am thrilled to showcase a resource tailored to make your Easter preparations easier and more delightful than ever. It is a secular resource, so it is a good fit for all students. And I have not forgotten about April's Fool's Day! Check out my resource full of fun, silly, and harmless tricks and activities to play on your students! It is sure to cause giggles!
































Monday, 26 February 2024

Helping Students Read

Comprehension is the ultimate goal of reading. It involves making meaning from text. The reader is able to process what is read, integrate it with what they already know, and understand it.

How can teachers help students?

In order to read with comprehension, readers must be able to read with some proficiency and then receive explicit instruction in reading comprehension strategies. 

But, what are reading comprehension strategies?

Comprehension strategies involve readers actively thinking about the text in order to understand. It is not identifying answers to questions, but actions that help readers figure out and synthesize their reading.  There are several reading comprehension strategies that proficient readers use to understand text: 
  1. Activating Schema (Prior Knowledge) 
  2. Asking Questions
  3. Visualizing
  4. Determining Importance 
  5. Making Inferences 
  6. Synthesizing
  7. Self-Monitoring

Where does a teacher start?

I have created several resources to help teachers help their students become effective, strategic, and metacognitive learners with strong reading comprehension skills. Strong readers use a variety of strategies as they read to construct meaning from the text. Teachers can strengthen their students’ reading by providing instruction and practice in varied reading skills to develop their comprehension strategies. 

Teachers may wish to start, or revisit, these three reading skills. Each resource features FIVE activity centers, student recording booklet, answer key, and anchor charts. Perfect as centers, whole class activities, small group work, or as assessment tools. 

Click on the links beneath the covers to learn more!







 

Friday, 27 October 2023

What Scares You?



I hope this post finds you well and in the spirit of the season!

With Halloween just around the corner, I am excited to announce the arrival of some bewitching teaching resources that are sure to bring a ghoulishly good time to your classroom.




WHAT IS SCARY?

In the spirit of the Halloween season, I wanted to focus on what scares us. Today, I want to open up about one thing that truly scares me as a teacher, and I believe many of you can relate to this fear. The fear I am talking about isn't a phobia of spiders or heights; it's the fear of I might not be doing enough.

As educators, we constantly strive to provide the best learning experiences for our students. We worry that we may not have all the answers, or that we might not fully understand a concept ourselves. This fear can be daunting, but it's essential to remember that nobody knows everything. Instead, let's focus on fostering a culture of curiousity and learning in our classrooms, demonstrating that it is okay not to have all the answers. 

For me, the fear of burnout is my biggest scare. The demands of teaching can be physically and emotionally draining, and the fear of burnout of running my store is real. I worry that teachers' passion for my resources might wane over time. To conquer this fear, I had to refocus on self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

In closing, let us remember that it's okay to be scared and to acknowledge our fears as teachers. What's important is how we respond to these fears.

Thursday, 5 October 2023

World Teachers' Day!

 It's World Teachers' Day!


Let's celebrate the work of teachers! Thank you for your dedication to inspiring students. Your passion and hard work are building a better world. To help celebrate the invaluable contributions of teachers, I would like to offer THREE of my products for only $1. 

That is right, $1. But it is for today only.




Educators everywhere, thank you again for your hard work! As a mother and an educator, I appreciate all teachers!






Wednesday, 20 September 2023

Truth and Reconciliation Week - Orange Shirt Day

Every year on September 30th, people across Canada and beyond come together to observe Orange Shirt Day. This day holds deep significance as it serves as a solemn reminder of the painful legacy of Canada's residential school system and a symbol of hope, healing, and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Through education and awareness, Orange Shirt Day helps promote healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It encourages individuals, schools, and communities to engage in conversations about the legacy of residential schools and the path toward reconciliation.


HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Participating in Orange Shirt Day is a meaningful way to show your support for reconciliation and Indigenous rights: 

  1. Wear Orange: On September 30th, wear an orange shirt as a symbol of your commitment to reconciliation and remembrance. 
  2. Learn and Educate: Take the time to learn about the history of residential schools, the impact on Indigenous communities, and the ongoing reconciliation efforts. 
  3. Attend Events: Join Orange Shirt Day events and activities in your community to connect with others who share the same commitment. 
  4. Support Indigenous Initiatives: Consider supporting Indigenous organizations and initiatives working toward healing, cultural revitalization, and justice.  



RESOURCES

Help raise students' awareness of the individual, family, and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. Included in this resource are three reading passages - Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day, and Residential Schools. Each reading passage has comprehension questions. As a bonus, an activity has been included!

Click on the image to learn more!






GREAT BOOKS TO READ



By acknowledging the past, fostering empathy, and promoting reconciliation, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society. Let us embrace this opportunity to come together, listen, learn, and heal as we strive for a better future for all.

Sunday, 9 July 2023

BACK TO SCHOOL PLANNING TIPS AND A FREEBIE!


The sun is shining. Summer is upon us. Back to school is a distant reality. But, what if you could prolong your relaxation? The back-to-school season can be both exciting and overwhelming. To set the stage for a successful year, careful planning is crucial. Let me help!

Here are 5 essential tips to help you with your back-to-school planning (And a FREEBIE!):

1. Create a Schedule: 

Start by noting down important dates, such as the first day of school, holidays, and reporting deadlines. Allocate specific time slots for curricular units and topics. This roadmap or pacing guide will help you maintain a clear vision of the overall progression of the school year, ensuring a cohesive and logical flow of instruction. 

Click to see more!


2. Establish Classroom Procedures and Expectations:

Set clear and consistent classroom procedures and expectations from the first day of school. Communicate these guidelines to your students and discuss them openly. Establish routines for transitions, materials management, and classroom behaviour. 


Click to see more! 



3. Organize Classroom Materials and Resources:

Determine what materials and resources are needed. Think about where things will be stored, how students will access needed materials, and how will they submit their work. Arrange student desks, bulletin boards, and small group instruction to maximize functionality and promote a visually appealing environment. Designate areas of the classroom for certain activities to ensure smooth transitions. Label and store supplies, books, and instructional materials in a logical manner for easy accessibility throughout the year.

Click To See More!


 


4. Develop Assessment Strategies:

Devise a variety of assessment strategies to gauge student progress and inform your instructional decisions. Plan formative assessments such as quizzes, discussions, and observations, as well as summative assessments like tests and projects. Create checklists and forms which will document student progress.


                                                                      
Click to see more!


5. Plan for Self-Care: 

Remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as academic success. Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep. Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation or hobbies into your routine to help reduce stress. Plan regular breaks during the week to recharge and avoid burnout. 




FREEBIE

Join my email list and I will send you a back-to-school FREEBIE!


With planning, you can kick-start the new school year on a positive note. Best of luck in the upcoming school year!