Need a New Place Value Teaching Tool?

I asked the fans at Organized Classroom what their best tips were for teaching place value and they didn't disappoint!

Using those responses, I created a fun downloadable eBook for everyone to share, because sharing is caring!

Grab it at Organized Classroom now!

Enjoy!

~Charity

Need some new word wall suggestions for setting yours up and what words to use?

I've got you covered at Organized Classroom!

Stop by and check it out now...

~Charity

Thanksgiving Printables!

Need some quick activities to get you through the last week until Thanksgiving Break begins?

Stop at the original Classroom Freebies and check out this great list of quick free downloads for you!

Enjoy!

~Charity
Classroom Freebies Curator

Pumpkin Patch Lesson

I was feeling pretty inspired today and decided to whip up a fun freebie hopefully some of you can use in your classrooms to celebrate the season!

I love pumpkins all fall long! They are a good symbol of the season that I don't have to change in a month's time. I usually can make pumpkins work from September 1st through Thanksgiving Day before needing to swap out for something else.

And with teacher time at a premium, that is just good planning ahead! Saving precious minutes is always on the to-do list.

You can create a Jack-o-latern look for materials in October and a traditional pumpkin in November (or pumpkin pie)!

Printable Pumpkin Pack

This free printable pack includes a regular worksheet, a challenge worksheet, and the pumpkins can either be left on the page - or you cold run them on white cardstock, cut out, and laminate for some hands-on learning fun!

Easy Fall Lesson Plan Ideas

Want a couple other ideas for using them to differentiate your student learning?  Use them for centers or morning work!

1.  Simply have the students take the pumpkins and make their own groups based on attributes.

2.  Hand gifted learners a blank chart (white out the current categories and attributes) and have them make their own to trade and solve.

3.  Have students create math story problems using the pumpkins:  "Jack had 3 pumpkins with 2 eyes each.   How many eyes in all did Jack's pumpkins have?"

4.  Students can take turns adding a sentence and a pumpkin to a spiraling story.

5.  Do a journal prompt about how to carve a pumpkin.

Those are just a few ideas from the top of my head.   What else could you use this worksheet for with your students to expand the learning?   We would love to hear them in the comments or on our Facebook fan page!

Click Here for your Freebie

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy!

~Charity

This post originally appeared at Organized Classroom.

Owl You Ready for November?

Happy November teaching friends!

Need some calendar pieces to use for November that are adorable Thanksgiving owls?

I thought so.

Stop by Organized Classroom to grab your free set now!

~Charity

Do You BOO in the Classroom?

Have you seen the little gift baskets people in neighborhoods leave on a doorstep for their neighbors?

I don't live in a traditional neighborhood where this is possible, so I brought the next best thing:  BOO a Classroom!

Check out all the pictures and a FREE printable gift tag for both students - AND an adult teacher version too - at Organized Classroom right now!

See you there,

~Charity

Student Cubby Labels

How do you label your student cubbies where students pick up their papers to go home or other important pages?

Grab this freebie at Organized Classroom to easily label yours too!

~Charity

No Teacher Desk Classroom Option

Have you ever thought about getting rid of your teacher desk?

If not, check out THIS article at Organized Classroom to at least ponder it.

While you're there, make sure to grab the free labels to use however you like with or without a desk in your room!

Enjoy!

~Charity

Getting on the Teacher Teeter Totter?

Have you mastered work and life balance?  Most teachers have not.

And I'm here to tell you that's ok!

I share 5 tips for teachers HERE at Organized Classroom.

Want a list of 10 classroom “Want Do” ideas that cost little to no money, plus 2 premade templates?

Stop by and grab it now!

~Charity

Simple Chalk Center

Do your students love to use chalk?  Make sure to tap into that novelty and set up a super fun chalkboard comprehension classroom center!

Grab your free comprehension sentence template and read more about it at Organized Classroom!

See you there!

~Charity

Tired of the Tattling?

I know I was tired of the constant telling on one another in the classroom, so I had to come up with a solution that was quiet, didn't interrupt my teaching throughout the day, and yet still made sure students felt like they were being heard.

Stop by Organized Classroom and see it for yourself!  {And grab the freebie template while you're there.}

~Charity

Free Library Checkout Printable

What is your favorite classroom library checkout system?

Stop at Organized Classroom to see our list -

and even grab a free printable checkout form to use if you prefer old school!

See you there!

~Charity

New Teacher = Teacher Suggestions

Hi teacher friends!  In case no one else has said it lately, I will be the first to say:

THANKS for all you do!  You ARE changing lives every single day, whether it is noticed or not.  I truly appreciate all you do for your students.

Speaking of teaching being a difficult profession at times, I know personally for me, my first year was THE toughest!  In fact, my first full month, I secretly cried in my room every day after school.  And normally I am a collected person that can handle stress pretty well.  But it was completely overwhelming.

   

 Had I known then that first year teacher anxiety was normal and just part of the first year teacher struggles almost everyone encounters, I would have probably felt a lot better. 

 Instead, I was trying to tackle new ideas for everything for classroom management, lesson plans, routines, grading, meetings {oh the meetings!}, parent communication, and more.  

And each of these new experiences happened regularly all in a single day. No wonder I felt sad or had feelings of worthlessness.  Luckily, my physical symptoms were minor and didn't require medical attention, but headaches and fatigue were prevalent throughout that school year.  Not sure why I didn't put two and two together to figure out that I was quickly hitting first year teacher burnout levels. 

 Luckily, I made it through and it DID get easier after that initial school year.  But that was almost 15 years ago.  With today's additional stresses of school safety, income tied to student performance, and more, it's a miracle anyone is still interested in entering the education career field these days. 

 But I am thankful there are dedicated and brave souls who have taken on the task of educating tomorrow's future leaders.  Thank you for everything.

How to Deal with the Sunday Night Blues

Even veteran teachers can struggle with optimal mental health.  Many even have loss of interest in their career many times throughout their tenure.  The education field is losing great teachers every year to educators who have had to try and learn how to cope with depression and anxiety on their own.

 As I was thinking about that year (which I did survive and which taught me so many valuable lessons), I posted a thread on Facebook that asked for advice you would give to a First Year Teacher.  There were almost 200 comments and all AMAZING pieces of advice!

 I knew I would have to make a freebie eBook to compile all the responses!

 Thanks to all who contributed - the eBook ended up being 30 pages long and would be a perfect gift for a graduating student teacher, someone new to the field (or even a different grade level), or just to review even for a veteran teacher.

 
Click HERE to grab the free eBook

More Ideas for Helping Yourself and Colleagues with Stress-Related Anxiety

I bet you know the feeling:  Sunday evening rolls around and instead of feeling well-rested from a couple days off work, your chest starts to tighten thinking about setting that alarm clock for the next morning, you immediately begin to run your mile ling to-do list for the next day of everything you need to get done before students even arrive in the morning, and you have nightmares of out-of-control classroom chaos.

 I have been there.

 Job satisfaction is really hard to improve when you are dreading the time you have to spend at work. Something I try to do when I am feeling anxious about work is to brighten a staff member's day.  Not only do I get to see that person smile, but it feels good in return.  Plus, you never know whether he or she has been feeling down in the dumps too.

 Check out these great options for spreading cheer to all who enter your hallways:

  Candy Bar Staff Awards are a fun way for all staff members to recognize each other.  And get a sweet treat as an added reward too!

   

  Secret Staff Buddies are like a cross between room service menus and secret gift exchanges for teachers!  Set the spending limit low (for example:  the cost of a stack of post-its or a morning coffee) and make it optional for participants each time so there is no added stress to something that should be a stress reliever.

 

Teachers Color the World has some free coloring pages for teachers to download and get moving.  Coloring for adults is popular.  It does help to take your mind off things even for a few minutes before you have to go pick up students from their special.

   

 Are there other suggestions you think should be added?  Feel free to leave them in the comments below! 

 ~Charity 

 This post originally appeared at Organized Classroom.

Free Writing Folder Labels for You!

So - today I have a super easy and quick idea for all of you who don't want multiple pocket folders in your students' desks!  DIY multipocket folders from two 2-pocket folders with brads without needing staples, tape, binding machines, or anything else!

   

Of course, you could make them even larger IF you want to cut up classroom folders and use a binding machine, but I think the basic 4-pocket folder will work fantastic for a writing folder or a 4-subject folder!

What are brads in folders?

Brads in folders are the little metal clips inside of a 2 pocket folder. You place the paper(s) onto the fasteners, then open the brads so that the pointed ends are facing away from one another (like a butterfly's wigs when they are open). Now you have locked in your materials into the two-pocket folder easily!

How to make your own folder:

You will need:

• Two 2-pocket folders, one WITH brads and one WITHOUT brads (make sure to check the back to school sales too in the fall!)

• Three-hole punch

• Labels to label the pockets (see below for some I already have made up for you!)

Steps: 1.  Take the folder that does NOT have the brads, and turn it inside out so the pockets are on the outside.

   

2.  Three-hole punch the open EDGE (not the folded edge) 

3.  Insert the holes onto the brads in your other folder and close up.

   

4.  Affix your labels and you are set to go!

   

 I like to add a name on the front cover, and the description of the pockets on the inside.

   

Super simple, right?  Of course since the middle folder is not closed up, you may see a gap, but it really should not matter.  If it drives you insane, you can always take a few extra minutes to glue it shut though. 

 I did try to place more than one folder and when I did, the middle pockets were not able to be opened freely since they were attached at the brads. 

 You could certainly try some different combinations, but I found just one folder to work perfectly.

 

How can you use your new multi folder?

• Different subjects in a self-contained classroom; examples - reading, math, science, social studies
• Specials teachers can ask students to bring their specials folder; examples - PE, Art, Music, Computer Science
• Writing folder for writer's workshop; examples - brainstorming, rough draft, editing, final copy
• Homework folders; examples - work to be left home, work to be reviewed, graded work, homework
• Math story problem processes; examples - keywords are underlined, relevant numbers are circled, a picture is drawn, final sentence is written and final answer circled
• Book reports; examples - book chosen, main ideas list, rough draft and editing, final copy and illustrated cover

Below, I have some labels which match my completed Jungle Theme Classroom Resources and you are even able to customize the student names on the front folder label!

I have included labels for a writing folder to move the pages along in the writing process or for a multi-subject folder to keep those papers that are started, but not quite finished.

 Just have students place their paper into the correct folder and then grab it again the next day when you are ready to start your lesson!

 Happy creating and enjoy your freebie labels below!

 

Click Here for your Freebie


 What else could you use this handy folder trick for in your classroom?  I would love to hear in the comments below!

 ~Charity


 This post originally appeared at Organized Classroom.

Sight Words Parent Activity Sheet

Teaching sight words to new readers is vital to their literacy success when learning to read.  Sight words are those words that come up repeatedly and may or may not follow the typically phonics rules.
  Many teachers like to send home sight word flash cards for students and parents to practice regularly outside of school hours.

   

I would always have parents who wanted to help their struggling reader at home but were unsure of how to steps.  Or they wanted to help, but weren't always available with extra time to constantly be flipping through printed flash cards.  Or they lost the flash cards in every corner of the house and car. 

Turns out, even as a parent myself, I understand ALL those reasons for not practicing at home regularly. 

So how can we help parents who might have limited time and other resources?  Are there other activities that we can share which might work better for certain families? 

Most definitely. 

Keep reading for a list of handy resources for better phonemic awareness comprehension, a way to transport the flash cards so they don't get lost, and even a parent "cheat sheet" for the fridge at home that has 5 activities anyone has time for in their busy day.

Sight Word Teaching Resources

Games

Children learn high frequency sight words even faster when they are excited about the activity at hand.  Using learning games for letter sounds and the ability to recognize these often used words  with help students from preschool to second grade and beyond.

• Super cute bingo and board games can be found at this site.  There are tons of free print and play games for pre-primer to grade three.  Each game comes in both a bingo form and a board game.  Very cute graphics too!
• I love it when a free worksheet or handout includes directions.  On this site, there are tons of printable sight word games that also include a video with directions for play.  Bonus!  18 different games in total.
• If you prefer to have some whole class practice, make sure to check out these online interactive games - perfect for an interactive whiteboard lesson or as a brain break time filler.

YouTube videos for Teaching Sight Words

Kindergarten and first grade teachers are always adding sight word lessons and tips to their teacher toolbox.  What works for one student, might not work for the next.  If having a wide variety of solutions, books, pdfs, and even songs can make the difference in even one child, it's worth it to try. Some great online tutorials for teaching sight words and corrective measures can be found here.

• You can't go wrong with putting learning to music:  VIDEO

• How about a how to teach sight words lesson tutorial?  VIDEO

• And even more sight words teaching tips:  VIDEO

Apps

Apps are popular and super accessible by most parents and schools these days.  They can help to develop even more sight word recognition by working at the student's level to help differentiate the content as needed.  Check out some of these great choices for your next app download.

• Create your own bingo game with your specific choice of sight words to practice with this online generator.
• I mean, who wouldn't want to play a game called Sight Word Ninja?  I'm pretty sure I can't resist either.
• Need games and flash cards in one handy app?  This one has you covered.

Online Flash Cards

Need a list of sight words for your particular grade level or even some remediation lists for specific children?

• Make your own set of flash cards to send home with students with this online generator which allows you to customize your cards.
• Just need a set of Dolch Sight Words to print and send home?  Easy peasy!
• If you prefer Fry Printable Flash Cards instead, head to this site.

How to Store Sight Word Flash Cards

Do you like to have students practice sight words or even flash cards for math facts?  Do they tend to lose them or get them all mixed up in a regular sandwich baggie?  Does it rip?

Here is an easy and inexpensive solution!  Make little folder wallets! Start with a basic 2-pocket folder, something with a large round circumference like a bowl or in my case an Easter bucket, pen, and scissors.

   

Next, open the folder and folder the pockets up just to crease it.  That is where your flap will be.

   

Open everything back up and place your bucket or bowl over one side of the folder and use your pen to trace the half circle.  Next, folder the folder in half with the pockets outward and cut along the line (see how you don't need 2 half circles?  I am all about saving time - lol).

   

Open up your folder the correct way and fold the flaps down.  Some velcro, a button loop, or magnets would be a great addition to keep the flaps down when in use.  Fold it in half like a wallet and you are all set!

   

Finish it off by decorating the front with each student's name.  On the inside, use one pocket for words to be practiced, and the other side for words already mastered.  You could even put them on o-rings, but this would ensure they are both together and stored easily.

 

How can I help my child with sight words?

Five super simple ways for parents and caregivers to help practice sight words at home:

1. Practice flash cards a few a day. See it, Say it together, say it alone.
2. Use shaving cream on a table and have the child practice writing simple words.  Bonus:  It cleans the table in the process.
3. Point out words as you are driving, such as stop signs, the post office, and other familiar business names.
4. Have the child and parent together clap out the word, then the letters, and then the word again.
5. Create the words with modeling clay, Playdoh, or Wikki Stix.

Can you use a parent fridge "cheat sheet" with these ideas shown to hand out to parents on Open House or  Parent Teacher Conference Night?  Download it below for free!  Also includes a grayscale version if color copies aren't allowed.

Click the image below.

 
 I can see the handy little pocket wallet above used for sight words, math facts, vocabulary words, and more.  It would be a great Make It, Take It Parent Night activity too!

 What do you think it could be used for in your classroom?  I would love to hear in the comments below!

 Talk to you soon! ~Charity

 

 This post originally appeared at Organized Classroom.

Let's Do Some Adult Coloring

Teachers have so much stress, they need solutions to relieve that stress before teacher burnout occurs. Free adult coloring pages might be just the ticket to help out.

I personally love coloring inspirational quotes as a way to unwind throughout the day. There's just something soothing about using coloring pencils to make a previously black and white image vivid with all the colors of the rainbow. 

And don't even bother to interrupt me if I have been lucky enough to grab a new mega box of crayons. 

 

By the end of the school day, teachers' minds are fried. 

A "typical" day might involve:

• Forgetting your lunch on your kitchen counter after running around grabbing things to toss in a lunchbox for your own children before rushing out the door 
• Parents that stop by right at the start of the day just to talk about their child's last behavior note that was sent home - and by talk I mean yelling loudly 
• A child throwing up on the carpet
• Another unannounced assembly in the gym - during your math time when you have been struggling to teach fractions to glazed over eyes 
• Your SmartBoard crashes during your reading lesson, which was the "fun" and "interactive" portion of the lesson the students were most looking forward to 
• A teamie needs to go home sick and there are no subs, so her class is split up and you now have an extra 5 students to squeeze into your already cramped classroom 
• One of your students come to you sobbing because his dog died last night and you are currently reading Shiloh (PS - this really happened to me) 
• Indoor recess. And no recess monitor means you will be monitoring in your classroom. 
• Staff meeting? Again? You swear you just had one last month. 

You drag yourself home after school and just need a FEW (hundred) minutes - or glasses of wine - before you pass out on the sofa just to start over and do it all again the next day.

Teacher morale is low because you can't feel anything but be in survival mode all day and night. Perhaps a few quiet minutes of free printable coloring pages for adults will help to take you to a quiet place when you just "can't" anymore today.

Online coloring pages

If you prefer to do your coloring virtually, you'll definitely want to check out some of the following websites. They range from easy to more advanced complex options and could be a great option if you just need a quick break during your planning period at school. 

There are tons of phone apps out there now too for digital coloring, but I found several free sites that won't cost you a penny. 

While this particular site has more simple coloring templates, I thought the teacher seemed appropriate. How to "color"? Click on the color you wish to use and then click on the image where you want the color to fill. 

I added a couple colors so you can see how easy it is. It's quite satisfying to go from a black and white blank slate to a fully colored picture.

   

This site has to be one of my favorites. Instead of choosing your own colors (you can still if you want), but it is more like a color by number painting. 

Each piece has a number in the space and then once you "color" it, the number disappears and is filled in with the chosen color instead. It's a lot of fun.

   

If you are looking for an online coloring page that's more intricate, you'll want to check out the one below. I adore how it has a HEX code box do you can choose any custom color you can dream up. 

It is amazing to me how advanced the coloring image is, plus you can download your image and save it since it will definitely take a bit longer than your normal coloring time.

 

If you love mandalas and geometric designs, here are some fun choices. 

The only drawback (for me anyway) is that the color is not "filled" in to the picture when you click on it, but instead actually allows you to manually color it in. Or erase it or use different writing tools. 

I personally don't have very steady hands, so this would not be a good choice for me, but I am betting there are plenty out there that would prefer the freehand option of this website instead. 

Printable coloring pages

Now, if you love the tactile experience of manually adding color to the page with crayons or colored pencils, then you'll want to print off some of the following PDF choices. 

You can also find lots of unique adult coloring books for sale online, including choices with scenery, fairies, flowers, mandalas, or even swear words - ha! There really is something out there for everyone. 

Make sure to click on the images below to find all the following freebie handouts. 

Download this super cute coloring sheet with an inspired quote to lead the way. 

 

Another quote in the middle, I love the floral arrangement around the edges of this choice.

   

Look at the intricate designs in the one below! You would be able to use colored pencils, crayons, or even markers in all the colors of the rainbow.

 

Geometric designs make this a fun option.

   

So many fun nooks and crannies to color!

   

I love the design just on the top of this page. Reminds me of when I played with a Spirograph as a child.

   

If you love mandalas the best, then this freebie printable will be perfect. 

 

What a fun fall choice! 

No need to go too far away. I pulled together a handful of teacher destress coloring pages just for you too! They each include a quote in the first person so you remember to repeat it to yourself as you are relaxing. Grab them below! 

 

How do you de-stress from your job? We would love to hear your suggestions in the comments below too. 

~Charity 

This post originally appeared at Organized Classroom.