Monday

Welcome Back: Nurturing SEL Through Positive Feedback 😊

The start of a new school year is an exciting time filled with fresh beginnings and endless possibilities 🚀! As students return to the classroom, it's crucial to prioritize their social and emotional well-being in addition to academic achievement. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) plays a vital role in fostering healthy relationships, building resilience, and creating a positive learning environment. 🌱

One powerful tool for supporting SEL is through the use of positive feedback. 🤩 When students feel seen, valued, and appreciated, their confidence and motivation soar. ⬆️ By offering specific and genuine compliments, educators can help students develop a strong sense of self-worth. For example, instead of saying, "Good job," try "Your perseverance on that math problem was impressive!" or "Great work on tackling that together!" This type of feedback acknowledges effort, highlights specific strengths, and encourages continued growth. 💪

Positive feedback also reinforces desired behaviors. When students are recognized for acts of kindness, cooperation, or problem-solving, they are more likely to repeat those actions. 👏 It's important to celebrate both academic and social successes. By creating a culture of positivity and encouragement, we empower students to thrive not only in the classroom but also in all aspects of their lives. 🌟

Let's make this school year a memorable one by prioritizing SEL and showering our students with positive feedback. Their success and well-being depend on it. ❤️

How are you incorporating SEL and positive feedback into your classroom or school community? 🤔

Team building in that first week of school is so crucial. You want to be sure to familiarize your kids with routines and procedures. However, what is most important is building trust and community. Those kids will be with each other and you all year so that is sooo important. I hope these activities help you build that environment where your students feel loved, secure and supported.

Need something ready to go?

These activities have directions and a student sheet (unless that doesn't apply).

The packet contains:

Find a friend who...

Who am I?

Word Wranglers

One Side of the Room

Hula Hoop Challenge

Line up!

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Sunday

Boost Number Sense with Engaging Number Talks! 🔢✨

Are you implementing number talks and CGI math with your students? Or perhaps you’re new to the CGI approach and need a little guidance? You’re in the right place!

Why Number Talks?

Daily number talks can significantly enhance your students' confidence and skills as mathematicians. By fostering a supportive environment, you'll see their abilities grow exponentially!

What is CGI Math?

CGI (Cognitively Guided Instruction) is not just a curriculum; it's a teaching approach that focuses on understanding math standards while valuing what each student brings to the classroom.

One strategy: Choral counting

Choral counting is a quick math routine where you strategically count numbers together and focus on the patterns you see. Look at patterns vertically, horizontally, and on the angles. Your students will be amazed at the patterns they find and how it can help them count (and multiply) in the future.

Watch your students thrive as they become more confident and skilled in their mathematical journey! 🚀📊. If you need some ready made powerpoints, here you go. Build number sense and computational fluency through dynamic number talks!

Keywords: Number talks, computational fluency, CGI math, teaching approach, student confidence, math standards.

Check it out!

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STEM Challenge: Build Your Own Roller Coaster! 🎢🌀

STEM Challenge: Build Your Own Roller Coaster! 🎢🌀

Building a roller coaster is not only fun, but it also teaches important scientific principles like gravity, friction, and speed! In this engaging STEM challenge, we created two types of ball runs: tabletop and wall coasters!

What’s Included:

Introduction: A brief overview of the importance of STEM education.
Standards: Aligned educational standards for various grades.
Types of Ball Runs: Explore store-bought, wall, and tabletop options.

Materials:

Teacher Directions: Clear instructions to guide the activity.
Design Challenge: Exciting tasks to inspire creativity.
Student Planning Sheets: Tailored for both tabletop and wall ball runs.
Colorful Version: Perfect for projecting in the classroom.
B&W Version: Easy to print for student use.

Get ready for an exciting hands-on experience as you and your students design and build your very own roller coasters! 🎉✨

Keywords: STEM challenge, roller coaster, ball run, marble run, gravity, friction, speed, engineering, hands-on learning.

Check it out!

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Fun Coding Adventures with Scratch Jr! 🎉💻

Fun Coding Adventures with Scratch Jr! 🎉💻

Coding with your littles is an exciting journey! This Scratch Jr coding lessons bundle is a fantastic digital resource that allows kids ages 5-7 to create their own stories and games using a simple programming language. With colorful coding blocks, your kids will absolutely love bringing their ideas to life! This lesson bundle is a great place to start with some basics.

Lesson Format:

Start with ISTE standards to align with educational goals.
Engage with an inclusion activity to foster collaboration.
Introduce the new coding blocks for the day.
Each lesson features a clear task slide outlining the day's objective.
The final slide is always “Let’s Play,” encouraging immediate engagement!

These digital lessons can easily be copied to your Google Drive, allowing for customization of text and Bitmoji. Lessons are formatted in widescreen 16:9 for optimal viewing.

Included Lessons:

Move Blocks
Coding Basics
Make a Maze
Sunrise or Moonrise
Animate a Name
The Great Race
Spooky Night

What I love most about Scratch Jr is the sense of ownership and creativity it fosters in kids as they create their own projects. Get ready for a fun-filled coding experience! 🚀✨ Check it out!

Keywords: Scratch Jr, coding for kids, digital resource, programming language, ISTE standards, engaging activities.

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Create Fun Games with Scratch Jr! 🎮💻

Did you know your little ones can design their own games using Scratch Jr? With this engaging bundle, coding has never been more fun! Gamification makes it even more fun. Your kids will love creating their own games while learning essential coding skills.

What's Included:

Four Exciting Games:
Match Game
Rabbit is Hungry
Catch the Fairy
Frogger (Kid Version)

Lesson Format:

Each lesson begins with ISTE standards and includes an inclusion activity. The step-by-step format covers:

Background setup
Sprites creation
Coding instructions

Plus, a video at the end showcases how each game works! The final slide is always “Let’s Play,” making it easy for kids to jump right in. This digital lesson can be copied to your Google Drive, allowing for easy customization. Lessons are formatted in widescreen 16:9 for optimal viewing and typically require two sessions to complete.

Get ready to unlock creativity and make coding a blast for your students! 🚀✨

Keywords: Scratch Jr, coding for kids, game design, digital lessons, ISTE standards, engaging activities, gamified.

What I love about this lesson is the feeling of ownership kids have when creating their own games. Check it out!

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Tuesday

Alice in Wonderland Close Reading Novel Study 🐇📖

Alice in Wonderland Close Reading Novel Study 🐇📖
“And what is the use of a book,” thought Alice, “without pictures or conversations?” —Chapter 1, Down the Rabbit-Hole
Seriously...one of my favorite books in the world!
Immerse your students in the enchanting world of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll with this comprehensive close reading guide! This resource includes engaging comprehension activities designed to enhance understanding and foster critical thinking.
What's Included:
Thought-provoking discussion questions
Fun, interactive activities
In-depth analysis of characters and themes
Opportunities for creative expression
Perfect for both individual and group work, this novel study is ideal for teaching this classic tale while making learning enjoyable! Bring the magic of Wonderland to your classroom today!
Keywords: Alice in Wonderland, close reading, novel study, comprehension, teaching resources, Lewis Carroll.
Explore the resource here!

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Sunday

📚 Back to School with Inclusive Picture Books! 🌈

As we gear up for a new school year, we need to create a classroom environment that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusivity. One of the most effective ways to do this is through a well-rounded class library filled with engaging picture books. These books not only entertain but also serve as powerful tools that provide mirrors, windows, and sliding doors for every student. Let’s dive into some fantastic picture book units that will make your back-to-school preparations easier and more meaningful!

The Importance of Inclusive Literature

Inclusive literature is crucial in helping students see themselves in the stories they read while also exposing them to diverse experiences and perspectives. These "mirrors" reflect their own lives, while "windows" allow them to glimpse into the lives of others. "Sliding doors" invite them to step into those experiences, fostering empathy and understanding.

Picture Book Units to Enhance Your Library

This school year, consider incorporating the following beloved titles into your class library. Each of these books comes with easy-to-use units, perfect for busy days or unexpected absences. Just grab the book and you’re ready to go!

1. **All Are Welcome**

A vibrant celebration of diversity, this book invites students to join a school community where everyone feels safe and accepted. Its themes of inclusivity make it a perfect starting point for discussions about respect and belonging.

2. **Happy Dreamer**

In this beautifully illustrated book, children are encouraged to embrace their uniqueness and creativity. It’s a wonderful read for inspiring students to dream big and recognize their potential.

3. **Just Ask!**

This book teaches children about the importance of kindness and understanding differences. It encourages conversations around disabilities and the importance of inclusivity in our communities.

4. **The Day You Begin**

This heartfelt story reminds students that it’s okay to feel different and that sharing their stories can connect them with others. It’s a fantastic resource for building community within the classroom.

5. **How to Read a Book**

An engaging and playful exploration of reading, this book inspires a love for literature in young readers. It’s perfect for introducing students to the joy of reading and storytelling.

6. **If You Take a Mouse to School**

This delightful story follows a mouse on his school adventures and can spark creativity and fun discussions about school life. It’s a lighthearted addition that everyone will enjoy!

Easy-to-Use Units for Every Occasion

Each of these titles comes with comprehensive teaching units that are ready to implement. Whether you need an engaging lesson plan for a busy day or resources for a substitute teacher, these units will have you covered. Simply have the picture book ready and the accompanying materials on hand, and you’re set for a meaningful lesson!

Start the School Year Right

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, remember that the right picture books can make all the difference. They not only enhance literacy skills but also promote a culture of acceptance and understanding. By including these diverse reads in your class library, you’re setting the stage for a year filled with learning, empathy, and connection.

Let’s kick off the school year with these meaningful reads that inspire, educate, and celebrate every student’s uniqueness! ✨📖

Ready to Build Your Library?

Check out our picture book units today and make this school year the most inclusive and engaging one yet! Happy reading!

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