Daily Archives: January 7, 2016


Teaching happiness in elementary?

Happiness Post pic.png

 

Are you a happy person? Do you remember yourself, siblings, friends and classmates as relatively happy children?

When you think back to your own friends and elementary school classmates, those you have taught over the years, does there seem to be an increase in students struggling with anxiety and / or stress, social and /or emotional issues?

It was once assumed that happiness was a child’s birthright, and thankfully, many children do continue to live happy, carefree lives. Some live very difficult lives.

Many of our students live in that grey,middle zone, where a combination of factors, sometimes one’s models, experiences, genes or things we may not yet be aware of,  might sway their perspective on whether one’s glass is half empty or half full.

Years ago, I taught a child who had fled from Syria with his family, and despite having so little, still stands out in my mind as the most content and grateful little boy I may have ever met. I can think of a number of others who appear to have everything, yet rarely seem genuinely happy. Of course, there are children who seem to have more challenges.

The children we collectively teach are unique individuals from different countries, lifestyles, belief systems, religions and experiences. While they are so different, they are still all the same. They’re children. Children with growing, open minds, who respond to humor, positive attention, role models and respect. And stories.

Many of us have worked with a number of very young, struggling children throughout our careers.

This book is for all children, but especially the glass-half-empty kids. There is so much hope there.

Happy Kids Preview

(And I thank those of you who have requested a ‘Happy Feelings’ book for prompting me to get it done!)

It is similar in style and structure to the popular Dealing With Feelings introductory color story All About Feelings with two child narrators interacting with the audience and each other as they observe some of The Secrets of Happy Kids. 

As I was preparing to write this post, I was curious to see if there was such a thing as a Happiness Curriculum for kids, and was so happy to see that there is! In case you wonder why That Fun Reading Teacher writes about #EmotionalLiteracy, I’ll give it to you straight: Research and experience prove that many children who are overwhelmed with emotional concerns have little to no energy, attention or drive to give to learning to read and write.

Let’s start with happiness. Here are some FREE mini-posters from me to you, with thanks!

Happy Kids Poster FREEBIE.png

 

2015 TpT Store Prof pic circle

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Related:


Th1 Secrets Happy Kids Th1 Happy Kids Poster FREEBIE DWF th1 300

Why reading enjoyment is just so important TFRT Family Day Th Dos & don'ts of motivating young children to write

 


FREE LANGUAGE ARTS – Frankenstein Debate Activity and Evaluation

Free debate thumbhttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Frankenstein-Debate-1110546

 

The Frankenstein Debate Package includes topics for students, a Procedure Sheet to help teachers take notes during the debate, as well as an evaluation sheet.

I hope you enjoy this document.

Check out my store more for free items such as this one.  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-Made-Easy123

It’s teaching made easy!

 


FREE SCIENCE LESSON – “Winter Nature Walk FREEBIE”

by Green Grubs Garden Club

2nd – 4th Grade

 

winter nature walk

 

Get your kids bundled up in some warm clothes, grab your magnifying glasses and head outside for a Winter Nature Walk!

This is a fun outside activity allowing your children to experience the simple pleasures of fresh air in their lungs and dirt under their finger nails! The download includes a mini lesson plan and a worksheet based on the 5 senses to follow up their outdoor experience.

Did you know this product is now also available in beautiful FREE seasonal variations in black and white and color? The little graphics have been changed to provide more accurate illustrations of what you might find as the seasons change. You can find these FREE variations here!

Fall/Autumn Nature Walk FREEBIE.
Spring Nature Walk FREEBIE.
Summer Nature Walk FREEBIE.
Nature Walk Activity FREEBIE! {Original}.

Looking for other winter resources? You might want to have a peek at these:

Winter Nature Booklet {A booklet of activities celebrating winter}.
FROZEN! {Fun & facts about the science behind Snow, Frost & Hail}.
Winter Weather {Cool Temperatures Bundle!}.

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https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Nature-Walk-FREEBIE-949752

 

 

 

 

 

 

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