Groovy Educator

I had an idea that I want to try out in my classroom first and then see if my grade level or multiple classes might like to participate... It is the Book Talk and Walk ! This year I am really trying to focus on getting healthy and help find a way to fight childhood obesity .  We have a track at our school that I want to walk on so badly but after school I am either in a meeting, frantically grading papers (have to get home to my baby) or I'm simply exhausted. After I dropped my kids off at art one day, the Book Talk and Walk popped in my head.  After my class completes reader's workshop, we can go out the the track and walk a lap with a book and a buddy (a lap usually takes about five minutes).  The kids can take turns discussing their book (at the half way point they switch).  The conversation can focus on whatever reading focus it is for the week or it could be a book review.  The possibilities are endless. We could even take a lap after science and...

I used to have an actual tent in my classroom that I used for the reading nook during independent reading time.  When I took it home to wash it, I put it in the dryer!  Needless to say I no longer have a  reading tent... Ever since then I've wanted another cozy reading nook.  The kids loved the tent and so did I BUT...it posed a slight problem.  I had to strategically place it in my classroom where I could see inside it at all times and no more than two students could use it at a time.  One day I had an epiphany!  Build one that is open on all sides.   Originally I was thinking of building something sturdy out of two by fours and stapling the fabric to it.  After discussing my idea with my mom, she suggested PVC pipe because it is cheaper, lighter, and can be taken apart and easily stored away.   This is one of my latest projects.  It's in the planning stage but I thought I would share it with you.  ...

Sorting Rings  Venn Diagrams are a useful tool in just about every subject area.  This tool enables children to compare and contrast objects or concepts.  Graphic organizers help children visualize concepts.  I have a set of the sorting rings pictured above that I absolutely love.  I use them to teach whole group lessons as well as place them in a center for the children to apply what they learned.  I have children either sort objects or words/phrases written on index cards. Suggestions: Reading Compare/Contrast two characters Compare/Contrast two versions of the same story (e.g. The Gingerbread Man) Sort by number of syllables Sort by word endings Math Sort objects by color, size, shape Sort solids by roll, stack, slide Sort numbers by number of digits Sort addition and subtraction problems Science Compare/Contrast two animals (e.g. bird and bat) Compare/Contrast two habitats Compare/Contrast two seasons Social Studies Compare/C...

The majority of these sites are geared towards the primary grades (K-2).  I have used many of these websites in my classroom. Over the course of my career I have taught Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, and ESL classes (aka ESOL, ELL). Please feel free to recommend websites in the comments section.  I will update this list regularly and I am always open to new ideas and suggestions. Just click on the link to view the website in a new window.    PBS Kids Common Core Standards (added Sept.2012)   Free Reading (added Sept.2012)   ReadWriteThink (Courtesy of Lindsey) ABCya.com GameAquarium Primary Games  Seussville AAA Math Cool Math  Math Playground Starfall  Sight Words with Samson  Internet4Classrooms  Mother Goose Caboose  Spelling City  Speakaboos  Storyline Online Tumble Books Book Adventure  National Geographic Kids Discovery Science Ele...