Years ago when my son was learning to read, he needed extra phonics practice. The phonics curriculum I used didn’t focus on words families, but I thought he would benefit from studying them. I created these If I Can Spell worksheets for him for added support and they really helped fill in some gaps. If […]
This post contains affiliate links of products I recommend. Read my full disclosure statement. I love using The Gingerbread Boy by Paul Galdone to teach the elements of a fairy tale. This book fits perfectly, especially when it comes to finding something in sets of three or seven. After reading the book, use these fractured […]
I always incorporate a word wall into every science unit or theme we study. We call the science vocabulary “Wow Words”. I encourage my kids to use them when they write about a topic. These words make the reader say, “Wow, you know a lot about _______” or “Wow, I learned a lot about _______ […]
Whenever my son finishes a book he loves, I know the question he’ll ask me next: “Has the author written any other books?” Most of the time the answer is yes. We add the author’s other books to our list and check them out on our next library trip. He finds so many amazing books […]
This post contains affiliate links of products I recommend. Read my full disclosure statement. During our recent polar bear unit, I came across the most adorable book called Polar Opposites. It’s an amusing story about how Alex the polar bear and Zina the penguin are complete opposites, yet are able to be friends and enjoy a […]
A fun and hands-on way for first grade students to practice reading and writing CVC words this winter is to build them with snowballs! Materials: ping pong balls permanent marker half dozen egg carton (or a regular egg carton) Take ping pong balls and write letters or place letter stickers on them. Use these “snowballs” […]