Blog About A Blog

Kids looove the internet so why not have them publish on the net?!  You can have your own classroom blog!  It's free, it's easy, so why not?!

Each week (or day, it's whatever schedule you want) one student can post something on your classroom blog.  They can choose the topic (or you can, it's also up to you).  Then, they can share the link with their parents, friends, family, neighbors, etc.  Imagine just how proud they'll feel!

Create, Edit, Create Some More

Do your kids dream of being on the front of cover of a magazine? 
Well, why not make your very own magazine with your class (or grade)?! 
They can create a magazine with all the sections a real one would have but it would be personalized just for your class!  They can have an Advice section, Featured Stories, even advertisements!!
Divvy up the responsibilities and getting the writing, editing, photographing, designing going in your classroom!!!

Bonus:  Sell it to the parents and make some money :).

Write to Each Other

I think one of the most fun ways to get kids to write is when they journal about themselves and you comment on their writing, sharing parts of your life as well.  Walking through Barnes&Noble, a book there inspired me to write this post.  It was a book with ideas for journal entries.  I am so totally going to buy that book and USE it!!  Kids like writing about themselves and I like to know my students :).

No English?!

Let's face it, one day you'll have a new student...who doesn't speak any English.  That was me a few years ago...we won't mention how many.  To this day I remember how I cried..and cried...and cried the first few days.  However, I won't forget how my teacher calmed down my anxiety with....

PICTURES!  

That's right!  First of all, I had no idea what was going on, so my teacher made a schedule for me with illustrations so I always knew what in the world was going on!  I don't know...might not work for all crying, anxious little ones, but it sure helped me!

Just Thinking...

I really wish I knew what grade I was teaching in the future so I could be more specific with my blog, but I guess it's nice to have a variety of activities.  Plus, they can sometime be adapted to each grade.  So hopefully, you guys find these useful and even inspiring!  If anyone has cool ideas, send me an email at martyxa91@gmail.com or post a comment on this post.  I looove to hear new ideas!  The more the merrier as they say!!

My little family :)

Children's Meseum

As a kid, a lot of what I remember from school are field trips!  Kids always enjoy field trips, that's for sure.  One place you should go find is your local children's museum.  I found ours downtown in Harrisonburg, VA.  You can find out more at Discovery Museum.  It's an interactive museum and what can be better than that?!  I'll definitely want to take my kids there! 

If you don't have a children's museum in your area, then that's ok...there's plenty of other places your children can visit.  Or just find the nearest one.  I'm sure it will be worth it! :)

Dreaming About Preschool

Today there's no activity, but I just want to say I can't wait to find out where I'll be student teaching!!  Hopefully, I can get my request which is at the Blue Ridge Christian School.  I've never been to a private Christian school so I really want to see how it is.  Maybe I'll even be able to get a job there.  If not, I'll have to open up my Christian preschool.  That's my ultimate dream.  Yes, I even have a name for it already! :)

So Mariam Rossoshanskiy, I'm waiting for you to come here to Virginia and we can start it together!!

ABCs Everywhere

The English language has 26 letters in it.  I knew you already knew that, but that's 26 different things your students can write about in their ABC book.  Whatever the subject may be, an ABC book is easy and fun to do. 

In 4th grade, we did an ABC book for Virginian history.  This idea can transcend into so many other subjects.  Just pick one and have your student write an item for each letter, describe it, and for visual memory, add a picture for each word!

Yummy Books

If your class reads a book that is related to food, then make the food together as a class!  It's fun and tasty, and the kids will remember it for awhile! 

In 5th grade we made doughnuts after we read Homer Price.  Is your class reading a book about Mexican culture?  Make Mexican food!  Ancient Greece?  Have some Greek food!  Whatever it is, don't forget the sense of taste in your lessons once in awhile!!

SSR With a Spin

Not everyone agrees on SSR (Sustained Silent Reading) because you can't hear your students reading so it's not very useful...blah blah blah...but if your school/class practices SSR, then why not give it a little twist?

If it's a nice, warm day outside, take your kids to a quiet (and scenic) place and have SSR under the pretty blue sky and green grass (or picnic tables)!  Of course, the playground should probably be avoided due to noise.