****************************************************************
The Perfect Snowman Craft!
By Tammy DeShaw of The Owl Teacher
Do you want to create the most adorable Winter Craft as a gift or just for fun? Check out this inexpensive and fun craft idea of making snowmen – out of socks!
****************************************************************
Can You Make a Snowman?
By Susan Berkowitz of Susan Berkowitz
Making a snowman is a favorite activity for kids in the winter. Almost everyone knows how to make a snowman. But can they tell someone else how to make one? Can they articulate the steps? Join Max and Mo in their story and learn sequencing and comparing language skills.
****************************************************************
Teacher Talk: Student Self Assessment
By Marypat Mahoney of Just Add Students
Give students the opportunity to self-assess their growth and learning thus far in the school year.
****************************************************************
Teaching Young Children to Write Their Names
ByThia Triggs of Print Path
An unfortunate myth is that young children, 3 & 4 years old, should learn to write their name with an initial capital letter followed by lowercase, rather than all capitals. Research shows that to be incorrect and even detrimental, for several reasons.
****************************************************************
Christmas-Winter STEM Olympics
By Kerry Tracy of Kerry Tracy
Keep kids engaged this holiday season with five festive, fun, & fabulous Christmas/Winter themed STEM challenges that can be modified for use with grades 2-8!
****************************************************************
Five Ways to Increase Students’ NWEA Math Scores
By Crystal Brown of Dr Crystal Brown
Do you want to make sure your students reach their growth targets in math? Learn five ways you can easily implement into your math instruction.
****************************************************************
How to Help Beat the Holiday Blues
By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern
We all know that kids love to send notes to each other. This activity allows them to do that.
****************************************************************
What’s My Error? Extraordinary Math Hack
By Tammy Roose of The Tarheelstate Teacher
Do your students continue to make common errors when computing and learning different math concepts? Mine were too, until I instituted some fun error analysis with “What’s My Error?” problems!
****************************************************************
Our Homes Have Stars
By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning
Sharing the holiday spirit in a classroom of diverse faiths.
****************************************************************
Critical Thinking with Pattern Blocks
By Shametria Routt of The Routty Math Teacher
Did you know that pattern blocks can be used for more than just teaching shapes in your geometry unit– pattern blocks can be used all year long! The proportionality of the pieces extends the number of ways in which they can be used, including analyzing the characteristics and common attributes of two-dimensional shapes, identifying fractional relationships, and building an understanding of operations with whole numbers. Check out this 5-part series to explore ways to get your students thinking critically with pattern blocks!
****************************************************************
Tantalizing Tessellations: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
By Tracy Willis of Wild Child Designs
Project-orientated learning engages students and leads to critical thinking. It’s differentiation at its finest!
****************************************************************
Tips To Enjoy Holiday Teaching
By Michele Webb of Teaching Ideas for Those Who Love Teaching
Tips to keep holiday teaching fun and stress free.
****************************************************************
December in the Classroom
By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing
Enjoy December in your classroom. Learn how to keep the curriculum challenging, your days calm, and find links to several “go to” items to help you enjoy December in your classroom.
****************************************************************
Magic Books Motivate Writing!
By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools
Students buy-in to writing if it is in a book. This magic book motivates students to compare and contrast!
***************************************************************
