Engaging Early Learners

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How I Help My Students Become More Independent

Teaching is about more than state standards and assessments. It is about genuinely preparing students for life. For me, a huge focus is on how I help my students become more independent. While learning to read and write is essential, it is also imperative students have the confidence to do things for themselves. Therefore, I embed strategies into every element of my classroom! By doing this, students are working on content while focusing on self-reliance. However, school is about learning, so I am always there if they need me!

 

Strategies to Help Students Become More Independent 

 

Honestly, every student is different in his or her needs. For instance, some need help with basic organization while others need additional help with academics. Therefore, I incorporate several strategies in how I help my students become more independent. 

 

Easy Access to Extra Materials Students Become More Independent 

 

I keep a paper organizer in the front of my classroom. It holds a ton of different materials! Specifically, the writing section includes graphic organizers, ideas for writing, and a checklist. For reading, I keep a Daily 5 choice board. For math, I always keep extra paper, such as boxes to correctly set up a math problem. Additionally, I have a spot to hold all of the extras we have used because they always come in handy throughout the year. 

Help Students Become More Independent 

 

Supplies 

 

In my classroom, I have a very organized supply area. It holds all of the supplies students need. I even include labels with words and pictures on every box to help students find items by themselves. Ultimately, this allows students to pick out what they need while teaching responsibility with cleaning up. 

Help Students Become More Independent 

Pencil Sharpener 

 

Learning how to sharpen a pencil correctly can be challenging. Also, it may take time as students keep pulling the pencil out before it is ready. Therefore, I have a pencil sharpener that lights up blue when the pencil is ready. 

Help Students Become More Independent 

Homework Bins 

 

When focusing on how I help my students become more independent, turning in work is critical. Therefore, I have homework bins for different assignments, such as reading logs and signed tests. Additionally, I have a visual reminder posted for students to double-check their name is on all papers. 

More Independent 

Sticker Charts To Help My Students Become More Independent 

 

My students love sticker charts! To encourage independence, I am not the one to put the stickers on. Instead, my students are in charge of placing their stickers whenever I give them permission. There are different charts based upon goals, such as raising hands and being kind. This is a great way to help them be independent. I  also use emotional check in’s in my classroom, read more here. 

More Independent 

Bathroom Sign Out Sheet 

Students know when they need to use the restroom. Thus, they can sign out when they need to. However, they only have three spots by their name. Therefore, they need to make good choices about when they go. 

Students Become More Independent 

Library Books 

 

I have a huge personal library in my classroom. How I help my students become more independent involves allowing them to sign out their books. To do this, I number and label each bin. Then, I place this number on the back of each book. Hence, students can select a book and then put it back in the correct spot when finished. 

Help Students Become More Independent 

 

Attendance and Lunch Count 

 

Students are responsible for checking in and selecting their lunch each morning. Upon entering the classroom, they need to slide their name into the correct category. 

Help Students Become More Independent 

Labels Everywhere 

 

I have labels everywhere and on everything! There are also pictures on the labels to help students identify where everything goes. This includes everything from headphones to needed materials. 

pencil box

Pencil Images

 

When learning to be independent, it is crucial to have the needed supplies. Therefore, I have sharp and dull pencil areas. This helps students know if the pencil is ready-to-go or needs sharpening. 

 

Student Numbers 

 

Every student has a number. The numbers are on everything! 

Whether looking for their supply box or cubby location, numbers play a crucial role in gaining independence. 

pencil box

Visual Routine to Help My Students Become More Independent 

 

Students need to know the order of the day. Additionally, this helps reduce questions about when a specific aspect occurs. Instead, students can look at the routine charts by themselves. There are visual outlines for the morning routine, schedule, and morning work with pictures for each step. 

Morning routine

 

When focusing on how I help my students become more independent, I use as many strategies as possible. Every student is different, but it is crucial to gain the confidence to do things alone. Therefore, I incorporate as many aspects as possible to help students work on being independent! 

 

If you do not want to miss any of the upcoming lessons, join my email list to be notified of all the interactive lessons coming up! By joining the email list, you will also receive over 100 FREEBIE resources for blog exclusive subscribers!  

Winter Resources Round Up

Winter is often known as a “sweet spot” in education. The year has been going on long enough that students understand the expectations and routines. Additionally, teachers are able to focus on new content as students have fully adjusted from summer break. However, this area does have some tough spots. For instance, many teachers have to be flexible with snow delays and closings. Furthermore, attendance may be an issue due to illnesses that spread in the winter. Thankfully, the winter resources round-up will ensure students always have rigorous and engaging lessons no matter what! 

 

Winter Resources Round-Up Resources 

To ensure students love the winter season in the classroom, these resources will be sure to help!

Students love working on technology! Thus, these Boom Cards and Google Slides will engage all students while practicing essential skills. For instance, students will work on counting and identifying colors and shapes. Furthermore, they will practice identifying uppercase and lowercase letters. If using the Boom Cards, students will receive automatic feedback on whether they answered correctly or incorrectly. If incorrect, students will answer again in order to ensure they know the content! 

Be sure to check out the Identifying Shapes FREEBIE to see how incredible this resource is! 

 

CVC words are vital to practice! On each Boom Card, students will be given three pictures. Then, they will listen to or read the CVC word. To answer, they will click on the picture that matches the word. Various CVC words are included in the winter resources round-up, including sun, run, and jet. 

 

These no prep, engaging activities practice multiple math and literacy skills. There are 17 different worksheets included. Even better, the resource includes a Google Slides version! Students will practice numbers 1-10 and matching colors and shapes within the activities. Additionally, students will practice multiple lowercase and uppercase letters.

 

This resource is filled with differentiation! It includes 2 levels of matching worksheets for letters, numbers, colors, and shapes. Students will become confident at these skills with the help of these worksheets. 

 

The winter resources round-up will ensure students become strong counters. Here, teachers will have 17 sets of number matching cards from 0-10 to use throughout the year. For instance, there will be a set for multiple seasons and holidays, including winter hats and hearts. 

 

This resource is packed with ways to teach about Hanukkah! There is a story to teach about the holiday, vocabulary activities, and a mini-book. Furthermore, there are comprehension questions, a BINGO game, and activities centered around the dreidel and menorah. Be sure to check out the Hanukkah FREEBIES for a Word Wall and reflection sheet. 

Students love to color! Thankfully, both of these resources are FREEBIES! Both sets of coloring pages will help students celebrate the new year and the 100th day of school. 

The winter resources round-up will ensure that students practice essential skills during the cold months. You may also like this blog post. Students will be ready to review previously learned content in addition to challenging themselves with new content. No matter which options are used above, students will have a blast learning! 

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TOP 5 TIPS FOR HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL AFTER A BREAK

It’s that time again… Break is over, and it is time to head back to school. Before we head back, I just wanted to give you a few tips to make the transition a bit easier for you and your students!

TIP 1: DON’T ASK YOUR STUDENTS ABOUT THEIR BREAK

I know this sounds strange but hear me out. Some of our students might not have the best home lives, which makes being home on breaks tough for them. They might prefer school over home. Asking them about their break and about “all of the fun things” that they did over break might be anxiety provoking for them.
Instead of asking about their break try asking them how they feel about coming back to school and what they are looking forward to.

Use these morning check-ins to start the conversations!

TIP 2: REVIEW ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES

Treat the first few days/weeks back like it is the beginning of the school year. As much as we would like them to, our students will not remember all the routines and procedures that we worked so hard on in the beginning of the school year. It is time for a REFRESH!!

I have some great freebies for you in my free resource library that could help you with this!

TIP 3: REVIEW MATERIAL

Just like our students won’t remember our routines and procedures, they will not remember all the material we taught them. Plan on reviewing material from November/December before jumping into anything new.

TIP 4: BE PATIENT

Chances are that our students don’t want to get back into the routine of school like us. We aren’t looking forward to waking up early and doing work. Neither are they. Be extra patient with them and understand that this transition is very hard for all of them too.

TIP 5: START A NEW SYSTEM

This one is fun!! Start a new classroom management system, reward system, token board, etc. Students respond well to new, shiny things and starting a new system could be just the thing to get them motivated and ready to get to work!!

I have some great freebies for you in my free resource library that could help you with this!

I hope that you find one or more of these tips helpful. Have an amazing transition back!! WE GOT THIS!!

Goals Made Easy

Each year, teachers work with a variety of students. Whether in a small group or whole group setting, it is vital that each student is comfortable and knows the teacher cares. When this happens, students are able to open up to the teacher and understand mistakes happen while learning. Thankfully, this open, honest mindset means students can learn to their best ability. Thus, teachers are able to focus on helping students meet all IEP goals! With the Numbers to 20 and Uppercase Letters Goals Made Easy products, students are going to show so much growth!  

What are Goals Made Easy Products?

Goals Made Easy products consist of multiple activities for each specific skill. Hence, teachers can ensure that students have generalized the skills. This means that students can perform the learned skills under various conditions. Ultimately, this means they can apply the skill in different ways and continue to show their knowledge over time. Therefore, teachers can be sure that students know the skill no matter the environment, teacher, or materials being used! This product helps ensure students begin to work independently and gain confidence in their abilities. 

 

Numbers to 20 

Are you looking for a one stop shop for ALL of the activities needed to teach and assess number to 20 goals? Well, look no further! This product has everything you think you need and more! You’ll receive over 90 different activities in order to ensure that students meet all number to 20 goals. 

 

It has nine different focus skills. These include rote counting, 1:1, matching, identifying, labeling, ordering, counting out, comparing, and writing. Honestly, students will work on any possible goal relating to counting to 20 due to the wide range of activities included. Furthermore, the product comes with printing and prepping tips to ensure every teacher feels prepared to use this product. Additionally, it contains labels for bins and binders in order to keep each goal organized. Thus, these activities will be ready to pull out whenever needed!  

Since IEP goals are essential, example ones are even provided related to this product. Thus, teachers can be absolutely sure that these lessons will help students achieve IEP goals. 

Uppercase Letters 

Learning uppercase letters is so important! Thus, students often have uppercase letter goals. Thankfully, this one stop shop product is perfect for teaching and assessing all uppercase goals. With this product, you receive over 100 different activities!

This Goals Made Easy has eight different focus skills. Specifically, students will practice saying the alphabet and identifying and matching uppercase letters. As time progresses, students will also label and order uppercase letters. Additionally, students will advance skills to writing uppercase letters and working on beginning and ending sounds. Furthermore, the product comes with printing and prepping tips to ensure every teacher feels prepared to use this product. Additionally, it includes labels for bins and binders to keep each goal organized. Thus, these activities will be ready to pull out whenever needed!  

 

Since IEP goals are essential, example ones are even provided related to this product. Thus, teachers can be absolutely sure that students’ work will help them achieve IEP goals. You may also like to add some SEL to your lessons! 

 

Intervention Specialists have so much to handle at once. With every student having different IEP goals, it can be overwhelming to ensure that work is genuinely aligned with goals. Thankfully, the Numbers to 20 and Uppercase Letters Goals Made Easy resources ensure students are working toward their goals! Even better, students will LOVE working on these engaging, hands-on, creative resources that they will love meeting their goals! 

 

If you do not want to miss any of the upcoming lessons, join my email list to be notified of all the interactive lessons coming up! By joining the email list, you will also receive freebies for blog exclusive subscribers!  





 

Emotional Check in’s with Students

Coming to school is no longer just about learning core subjects and going to specials. For so many students, it is a safe place that provides love, warmth, food, and safety. Due to this, it is more important than ever that teachers develop relationships with students. When relationships are developed, students know they are cared for and supported. Ultimately, this will greatly help them focus on the content while knowing they have a caring adult providing support. In order to combine academics and relationships, checking in with students is vital! While there are many things to accomplish daily, emotional check in’s with students’  will be some of the most valuable time spent. 

 

Reasons Teachers Need to Use Check-Ins 

Truly, there are so many reasons why it is important to use check-ins. 

  • Understand the Needs of Students 

Many times, students cannot learn if they are overly stressed, sad, or angry. Therefore, a quick check-in will allow teachers to better understand the needs of students. For instance, using this daily check-in form will be a great way to help students express their feelings.

emotional check ins

Furthermore, it will help track any trends students may be having. For instance, are there consistent days the child comes in angry? Or, really sad? Therefore, check-ins will allow teachers to help students handle different emotions. Additionally, they can also help children get counseling or other services, if needed. For other incredible freebies, be sure to join the Engaging Early Learners email list.

emotional check in

 

  • Help Students Channel their Emotions 

When children are little, they have a hard time handling all of the emotions they feel! Therefore, check-ins help children learn to articulate how they are feeling. For instance, teachers can use the FREEBIE emotion posters in order to help students identify how they feel. 

emotional check in

By having different pictures that display emotions printed, students can practice matching their mood to the actual emotion. Additionally, if the posters are hung up, students can consistently read common emotions. Thus, they will be in a better position to articulate how they are feeling when asked. 

 

Furthermore, combining the emotion posters and the daily check-in form helps children explain the reasons behind their feelings. Even better, this can be a great time for teachers to teach techniques in handling different emotions, such as deep breathing. 

 

Ultimately, students need time and practice at identifying emotions to describe their own. Thus, another great tool to use involves the FREE emotions task cards!

emotion tasks cards

Here, students will be able to describe how someone may look when experiencing certain emotions. For example, students may have a picture of a person frowning. Then, they will use the word cards to match how that person is feeling. In this case, the person is feeling sad. Truly, students will be able to work on channeling their own emotions after being able to describe common ones. 

task cards

 

  • Build Relationships 

When students have time to meet with the teacher one-on-one, they feel special, loved, and cared for! Thus, check-ins allow time for the teacher and student to work on building a lasting supportive relationship. Therefore, morning check in pages and emotions posters can lead into great morning meeting conversations! Even better, when students start the day with this conversation, they can begin with a ready-to-learn mindset.

 

 In order to ensure time in the morning is well organized, Morning Meeting Slides will bring in FUN and EXCITEMENT! Additionally, a classroom morning meeting will help everyone become supportive, caring classmates. There are over 350 editable Slides that will spice up the morning. Students will learn routine, build a classroom community, and be ready to learn with these no-prep Slides! For more suggestions on creating a morning check-in routine, come join the Engaging Early Learners on Instagram! 

morning meeting

Oftentimes, students may be hesitant to open up during a check-in. Do not take this to heart! This is due to the fact that students may have never had the opportunity to articulate how they are feeling. Therefore, they are unsure on what to even say! Hence, it is so important to have extra tools and resources in order to help students learn to process their feelings and emotions. Truly, any of the resources above will be incredible ways to help students feel comfortable sharing their emotions. 

If you do not want to miss any of the upcoming lessons, join my email list to be notified of all the interactive lessons coming up! By joining the email list, you will also receive freebies for blog exclusive subscribers!  

Social Studies Super Bundles

Are you constantly spending time searching for updated social studies materials? Or, are you always trying to find ways for students to have FUN while learning social studies content? Is there an anxious feeling while trying to differentiate for each student? Don’t worry, you are not alone! It can be so hard to find engaging content that will work for all students. Thankfully, there are Social Studies Super Bundles ready for purchase. However, these bundles are so amazing that they won’t be available forever. The Social Studies Super Bundles are only available from October 3rd-10th. The bundles are so amazing that you are going to want to set your calendar reminder now!

 

Benefits of Available Bundles

Sometimes, people are hesitant to purchase bundles due to the higher upfront cost. There is often concern over the quality of all of the resources and if this justifies the cost. Thankfully, the Social Studies Super Bundles are filled with TONS of high-quality printable and digital resources. Be sure to see how amazing the resources are! It will be evident that all of the activities are fun, engaging, worthwhile lessons! Even better, the bundles are only $20 during this exclusive sale! 

After purchasing, huge stress will be lifted due to spending less time planning. HOURS of your time will be saved with these ready-to-go resources! Even better, all of the resources bring in updated and innovative teaching strategies. For example, students will be playing digital games, moving to stations, using Boom Cards, and completing web searches. Therefore, you will be able to read the book on your list, catch up on TV, play with your kids, or take a much-needed nap. After purchasing these bundles, say goodbye to stressing over lesson planning! 

 

Win the super social studies bundle before you can buy it. Valued over $1000 

Elementary giveaway

Elementary Social Studies Bundle (Grades 3-5 

As students get older, they are ready to learn more complex topics. Here, students will learn about protest movements, history headlines, the Constitution, and national parks. Furthermore, students will read nonfiction reading passages, practice map skills, and learn to protect the environment. Truly, there is an entire year’s worth of activities included in order to ensure students learn all about history with over $400 of products. Even better, the entire bundle only costs $20! 

Elementary Social Studies Bundle (Grades K-2)

As students start to understand the importance of a strong community, they are ready to learn where this originated from. Thus, students will learn about different communities, responsible decision making, and teamwork. Additionally, students will learn connections between the past and present and how to read basic components of a map. There are so many activities included that will last throughout the entire year! As above, the entire bundle is only $20! 

SUPER Elementary Bundle 

Many teachers are responsible for multiple grade levels. Therefore, there is so much to prep! In order to best meet the needs of all teachers, you can buy both elementary bundles for only $35! 

 

When buying the  Social Studies Super Bundles for a HUGE discount, tremendous stress will be lifted from your plate! Since over 45 sellers came together to create these incredible bundles, they won’t be around for long. You can save hundreds of dollars and hours of time. Grab it from October 3rd through October 10th at 11:59 PM only. This is a one-time opportunity, so be sure not to miss out!

 

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