Groovy Educator

Daily 5  the2sisters - Boushey and Moser are the 2 sisters that created the Daily 5. If you have not read this book I highly recommend it.  You can purchase it on Amazon ( click here ).  During the reading block, the Daily 5 system simplifies centers by getting back to the basics:  read to self (independently), read with a buddy, listen to reading, writing, and word work. The "I Love First Grade" Blogger has some useful resources on her Teachers Pay Teachers website.  Click here to check out her resources. I absolutely love this idea on the "first grade Fanatics" blog.  They incorporate new technology into the listening center by using iPod shuffles.  Check out their page! I was so inspired by their post that I went to DonorsChoose.org to request funding in order to implement this idea in my classroom next year.  Please read over my project request at http://www.donorschoose.org/MrsLowery . On Mrs.Shannon's First Grade Class ' web...

International Reading Association I am a member and highly recommend that all teachers become one.  This is an invaluable resource.  It is full of the latest research and ideas. PBS Teachers Click on the grade level tab at the top for a list of useful classroom resources/games. Super Teacher Worksheets Although you have to pay to become a member in order to download many resources, there are several free printables.  It is worth checking out. Teachers Pay Teachers This is an invaluable resource.  The items are well priced and created by teachers.  Be careful or you may end up on this site all day! Pinterest In the search bar, type in anything you are looking for and oodles of ideas will appear.  I searched for Daily 5 ideas (from Boushey and Moser) and ended up spending THREE hours of the site.  Unbelievable! Portaportal This is an outstanding website where you can create a page of bookmarks that you can access anywhere.  The power...

Here are some links to catalogs I like to look through before the beginning of each school year to get ideas and products.  If I cannot get it right away, I add it to my wishlist. Lakeshore Learning Although the items are a bit pricey, they are great quality.  This catalog is full of ideas. Really Good Stuff The title says it all.  It is really good stuff! Scholastic Check out the teacher store and the book clubs.  I use the book club to build my classroom library and to order the dollar books for gifts/rewards. Teacher Storehouse This looked like a nice resource. Creative Teaching Press  Under the for parents tab they offer free activities for parents.  This is a great resource. Oriental Trading An excellent resource for ordering party supplies and treasure box items. Learning Resources Check out the magnetic border.  It can be used to decorate your whiteboards, file cabinets, or even magnetic chalkboards! Teacher Direct A very...

Free Books : This is an app that provides access to over 23,469 classic materials. History:  Maps of the World : Here is a free app that is an excellent resource for social studies instruction. The Best Free 22 iPad Educational Apps for Kids Go2Web20.net is a wonderful blog that has descriptions and links to all these wonderful apps! Animal Fun This app has a large variety of animals and the sounds that they make.  I would use this in a compare and contrast lesson. Draw Free for iPad Great drawing app to inspire stories. ABC Magnetic Alphabet Lite A great variation to using magnetic manipulatives (less messy)! Flower Garden Free An excellent resource to use when teaching students about plant growth. Free Spelling Apps for Kids This link connects you to a wide variety of free spelling resources. PBS Kids Video You can watch clips of shows on PBS. ABC Letter Tracing A great app for both handwriting practice and letter name practice. Kids Song-207 Mo...

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...

When I began this blog it was my thirteenth year of teaching and my first year as a mom .  Talk about a perspective shift!  As an educator, I constantly reflect on what went well and what can be improved.  I am always interested in new ideas. Currently, I am not teaching due to my fibromyalgia.  Long story... When I started this blog the goal was to simplify and get super organized yet remain creative.  Now the goal is to share any inspiration, insights, and knowledge that may be helpful to fellow teachers and families. Periodically I add items to my Teachers Pay Teachers store.  Please take a moment to check it out. More recently I have started another blog to go along with my eBay store (Lowery's Loft).   Thank You for Visiting!   A little more about me:  I have taught on both the eastern and western sides of the United States.   In 2006, I was honored as Teacher of the Year for my school.  I...