Don’t Lose the Kid: The Perks of Bus Tags and a Stress-Free Dismissal

 

Picture this....it's almost 3:00 o'clock. You've survived the first day of teaching but the daunting task of getting 25 little ones on the correct bus is the most challenging part of the entire day! 

To anyone outside the profession, it sounds easy, right? Until little Johnny decides he’s suddenly going home with Grandma today, and Emma swears she’s riding Bus 12 even though she's a Bus 9 regular.  Dismissal time, especially with kindergartners after a long day is more like herding cats…if the cats had no idea what bus they’re supposed to be on.

Enter the hero of dismissal time: the almighty bus tag!  It’s a super helpful way to ensure every student gets on the right bus. Bus 12? Check. Bus 9? Check.  No more panic-inducing moments as children get on the bus and you’re triple checking the list for the tenth time.  Students can hand you the tag or you can clip it to their bag.  They also get used to seeing the bus number which will (fingers crossed) help them remember their bus.

So, the next time you’re gearing up for dismissal, just remember: bus tags are your best friend. Print them out, laminate them for year after year use and enjoy that feeling of a job well done—no lost kids and no extra gray hairs!

Grab it here!

Set Goals and Start Your Day Like Sunny the Sun! Freebie Included!

 

 Set Goals and Start Your Day like Sunny the Sun! 

Grab Your FREEBIE below!

Welcome to a brand-new school year which I’m sure will be filled with exciting adventures! Today’s activity is about setting goals.  The purpose is to help students build confidence, stay motivated, and develop a sense of responsibility.

The main character in our story is Sunny, a determined little sun that never gives up on starting the day right! Students will listen to his inspirational story of setting goals for himself and staying positive even when things get hard. 

Afterwards, students will set their own goals for the school year. Here are some examples:

"I want to read one new book each week!" 📚

"I'm going to try to be kind to everyone in my class." 😊

"I'll practice writing my letters every day." ✍

"I want to learn how to tie my shoes by myself." 👟

"I'll eat all my fruits and veggies at lunch!" 🍎

A fun way to explain a goal to young students is to compare it to giving yourself a little mission to accomplish. Reminding them that goals can always change and new ones can be made as the year goes on. The most important part is to always try your best and never give up.

So, be like Sunny and set some fantastic goals to make this school year a bright one!

Check Out Shine Bright! HERE

Grab your FREE inspirational quote and coloring sheet below!

All About Me Apple Tree and An Instant Bulletin Board

                    Create Your Own "All About Me" Apple Tree Poster! 

Let kids celebrate who they are with a fun and creative project and design an apple tree filled with apples that showcase everything about them.

There are a variety of apples to choose from for students young and old (pictures for the younger grades and writing lines for the older students). There are additional apples for students to draw their own pictures and a sign for an instant bulletin board!

Grab yours here!

 

 

Discover U.S. Symbols

 

Hey teachers! Looking for an exciting way to bring American history to life in your classroom?

US Symbols is perfect for second and third graders who are eager to learn about US symbols and at the same time improve their reading comprehension and fact finding skills.

Students will fascinating facts and complete fun activities about some of America’s most iconic symbols.

Why You’ll Love It….

*Engaging Content: The printable pages can be combined into a book and  are packed with facts that captivate young students' attention.  

* Reading Comprehension- Each pages contains reading passages with follow-up comprehension and critical thinking activities. It also includes a culminating activity.

*Interactive Learning: Students will us a combination of drawing, and comprehension activities that make learning about U.S. symbols fun and interactive. 

*Classroom-Friendly: The black and white printables are printer-friendly and there are real life color photographs for students who have never experienced it firsthand.

Click here to grab your U.S. Symbols activity today. Your students will love it, and you’ll love seeing them excited about learning!

Want to try it out first? Grab a sample freebie here!

Happy teaching!

 

10 Easy Ways for Children to Practice Writing and Recognizing Numbers

10 Easy Ways for Children to Practice 

Writing & Recognizing Numbers

1. Tracing: Provide children with number tracing worksheets or you can make your own by drawing large numbers on paper. Encourage them to trace the numbers using their finger or with a pencil. You can also trace numbers on the driveway or a chalkboard using a wet paintbrush.  Tip: Use a highlighter to create the numbers so children see it as a whole number and not at connecting the dots when tracing.

2. Sand, Sugar or Salt Tray: Fill a tray with sand, sugar or salt (lean cuisine trays or similar work great!) and let your child practice writing numbers by using their finger. They can shake the tray and try over and over! Even better, practice at the beach!

3. Number Stamps: Use stamps or stencils to practice stamping or tracing numbers onto paper.

4. Sidewalk Chalk: Have children practice writing numbers on the driveway, and it's super easy to clean it up with a hose!

5. Magnetic Numbers: Grab a set of magnetic numbers for your refrigerator or use a magnetic board.  You can also have them practice basic equations too!

6. Number Puzzles: Use number puzzles or number match where children have to match up numbers with another piece with matching one to one correspondence. Check out an easy center here.

7. Dot-to-Dot Worksheets:/Number Recognition Worksheets Use dot-to-dot worksheets  to reveal a picture so they can practice counting and recognizing numbers. Also, color by code worksheets are great for recognizing numbers as well.  Grab  some freebies here.

8. Number Apps: Check out free educational apps that help children recognize and represent numbers such a RoomRecess and Abcya.

9. Number Flashcards: Make or purchase number flashcards. Create a second set and play a game such as Memory. You can also practice counting and saying the numbers aloud.

10. Number Bingo/Tic Tac Toe: Create a bingo card with numbers or groups of objects. Children have to match the number or the group of objects for the number that is called out. You can use play tic Tac Toe but instead of using Xs and Os children pick a number.  Great for practicing the tricky numbers.

Bonus! Playdough is also a great fine motor skill activity as well! Children can form the numbers and having a placement with the numbers already on it is great for them to match it up.

Remember to keep the activities fun and enjoy! 

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