Transform Your Teaching Style with These Essential Educational GadgetsAre you looking to take your teaching style to the next level? Imagine a classroom where digital literacy is enhanced through cutting-edge technology gadgets, and learning outcomes are maximized with innovative digital tools. In this article, we will explore how incorporating essential educational gadgets can revolutionize your classroom and elevate student engagement. Join us as we unlock new possibilities for student learning and create a dynamic and interactive environment that empowers students for success. Dive in and discover the transformative power of educational gadgets in education.,

Enhancing Digital Literacy with Technology Gadgets
One way to enhance digital literacy in the classroom is through the integration of technology gadgets that promote interactive learning experiences. By incorporating tools such as interactive whiteboards, digital tablets, and educational apps, educators can create a dynamic learning environment that fosters digital literacy skills. These gadgets not only engage students in the learning process but also provide them with valuable hands-on experience using technology to access information, collaborate with peers, and create digital content. As we delve into maximizing learning outcomes with digital learning tools, let's explore how these gadgets can enhance digital literacy skills and empower students to become proficient digital learners.,
Maximizing Learning Outcomes with Digital Learning Tools
By incorporating digital learning tools such as interactive whiteboards, digital tablets, and educational apps, educators can create a dynamic learning environment that fosters digital literacy skills. These gadgets not only engage students in the learning process but also provide them with valuable hands-on experience using technology to access information, collaborate with peers, and create digital content. As we delve into maximizing learning outcomes with digital learning tools, let's explore how these gadgets can enhance digital literacy skills and empower students to become proficient digital learners. Ultimately, integrating these digital learning tools into the classroom can revolutionize teaching practices and significantly impact students' educational experiences.,
Incorporating essential educational gadgets into your teaching arsenal has the potential to revolutionize your classroom and elevate student engagement. By enhancing digital literacy and maximizing learning outcomes through the use of technology tools, educators can unlock new possibilities for student learning and create a dynamic and interactive classroom environment. As you start integrating these tools into your teaching practice, remember that the key to empowering your students for success lies in your willingness to adapt and innovate. Embrace the power of educational gadgets to transform your teaching style and inspire a new era of learning in your classroom. Remember, the future of education is in your hands.
Apps and websites I recommend:

Unlock the Power of Multisensory Learning: ASL and Visuals for Teaching Letter Names and Sounds
Are you looking for a game-changing approach to teaching letter names and sounds? Imagine a classroom where students are fully engaged, actively learning, and excelling in literacy. By combining the power of American Sign Language (ASL) and striking visuals, you can revolutionize the way you teach and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. In this article, we'll explore the impact of multisensory learning on literacy development, how to incorporate ASL into phonics instruction, creating a sound wall for visual reinforcement, utilizing balanced literacy strategies, enhancing reading skills, and empowering every student to excel in literacy. Get ready to transform your teaching approach and make learning more engaging for your students today!,
The Impact of Multisensory Learning on Literacy Development
Multisensory learning has shown immense benefits for literacy development, engaging students on a deeper level and enhancing their understanding of letter names and sounds. In the following discussion, we will delve into the innovative approach of incorporating ASL into phonics instruction, expanding on the power of visual and kinesthetic learning in boosting literacy skills.,
Incorporating ASL into Phonics Instruction

Incorporating ASL into phonics instruction can provide a valuable tool for students to connect the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic aspects of learning letter names and sounds. By introducing ASL signs alongside phonics instruction, students can make stronger connections between the visual representation of a letter, the sound it makes, and the physical act of forming the sign. This multisensory approach not only creates a more engaging learning experience but also reinforces the connections between letters and sounds in a more comprehensive way. As students interact with ASL signs for each letter, they are actively engaging with the material and reinforcing their understanding of phonics concepts.
This interactive approach to phonics instruction sets a solid foundation for students to build upon as they continue to develop their literacy skills. By incorporating ASL into phonics instruction, educators can provide students with a unique and effective way to learn letter names and sounds, setting the stage for further literacy development.,
Creating a Sound Wall for Visual Reinforcement

To further reinforce the connections between letters and sounds in a visual way, educators can create a "Sound Wall" in the classroom. This interactive display can feature each letter of the alphabet alongside its ASL sign, providing a visual reinforcement of the phonics concepts being taught. By incorporating this visual aid into the learning environment, students can continuously engage with the ASL signs and letter-sound associations throughout the day, further solidifying their understanding of phonics concepts. This multisensory approach to phonics instruction not only enhances learning but also promotes a deeper understanding of letter names and sounds for students. 
Utilizing Balanced Literacy Strategies for Comprehensive Learning, educators can integrate ASL signs and visual aids into their phonics instruction to provide a more holistic approach to teaching letter names and sounds.,
Utilizing Balanced Literacy Strategies for Comprehensive Learning

Incorporating balanced literacy strategies into phonics instruction can further enhance students' learning of letter names and sounds by combining visual aids and ASL signs. This comprehensive approach creates a more immersive and engaging learning environment, allowing students to make meaningful connections between letters, sounds, and their corresponding ASL signs. By integrating these techniques into daily instruction, educators can provide a well-rounded learning experience that caters to a variety of learning styles and enhances overall comprehension. Enhancing reading skills through the Science of Reading is the next step in building a strong foundation for literacy development.,
Enhancing Reading Skills through the Science of Reading
Utilizing evidence-based practices rooted in the science of reading can further support students in developing strong literacy skills, building upon the multisensory approach of incorporating ASL and visuals. By understanding the cognitive processes involved in reading and implementing strategies that have been proven effective, educators can empower every student to excel in literacy.,
Empowering Every Student to Excel in Literacy

Through personalized learning plans tailored to individual students' needs and incorporating a variety of teaching methods, such as phonics instruction, interactive read-alouds, and small group activities, educators can create a supportive environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential in literacy. By fostering a love for reading and providing the necessary tools and support, educators can equip students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed not only in reading but in all areas of their academic and personal lives.,
Incorporating American Sign Language (ASL) and vibrant visuals into your phonics instruction can truly revolutionize the way your students learn letter names and sounds. By embracing multisensory learning, you are not only making learning more engaging, but you are also catering to different learning styles, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to excel in literacy. Take the first step towards transforming your teaching approach today and empower your students to unlock the power of language through ASL and visuals. As Helen Keller once said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

Welcome Spring!

Check out our new spring arrivals and some of our spring favorites!

Nurture a Love of Reading!

Encouraging Mindset for All!

As I returned for inservice training this past week, I was extremely nervous. I didn't know what the beginning of the year would look like. Not only am I teaching online, but I am also moving up to fifth grade! I've only taught fifth grade in a self contained special education setting. I also taught fifth grade during my practicum way back in 2000. 
My principal and our fifth grade team helped me to rid my fears that they had no idea I was going through. On Monday my principal went over what comprehensive distance learning was going to look like. At first everything sounded overwhelming to me. In the afternoon I had the opportunity to meet with my team. Together we created a schedule, and my nerves began to slowly go away. Somehow being able to talk to someone in the same shoes, brainstorm ideas, and put together a plan really seemed to help. By the end of the week we had our plan ironed out, and created a list of important items we would discuss during our online parent orientation. Thankfully my district decided to give us two weeks to prepare to plan. I know that I can accomplish these tasks that lay ahead. It's the fear of the unknown that made me the most nervous. 
As I am pondering my own feelings of beginning the school year and how I was so nervous, I'm now thinking of my own students. I am actually moving up a grade so some of my students were in my class last year. Still this year will be different. We will actually be reteaching lessons students struggle with. Also we will be beginning the day by taking role, and doing a read aloud. 
How do we encourage a positive mindset for all students during this time? 
1. I'm going to put myself in their shoes. I already knew how I was feeling to begin with when I didn't know what our beginning of the year was going to be like. So students and parents might be very nervous at this time.2. I'm going to first discuss our schedule and how Comprehensive Distance Learning will be supportive. 3. Parents and students will know that I am there to help them be successful online. They will know that they will not have to do this alone. 4. In addition to going over how the program will work online, I will send them a letter with the same information. Remember not everyone learns the same way. 5. As I begin the school year with students, I will go over the schedule with them in the morning each day so they know what to expect.6. I will contact students to find out how they are feeling.
For our children, throwing them in the water with nothing to help them swim will not encourage a positive mindset. Going through the process with them, providing positive feedback as they are learning the new system, and encouraging them by showing them the things they have accomplished, will help to promote a positive mindset for students to be successful learners!
If you are looking for digital resources to begin your school year, check these out!

Learn letter names and sounds using Boom Cards!

Back to school already?

I got a text yesterday asking if I was ready to go back to school from a friend. I hadn't received a formal letter from the superintendent like I typically do. It is only the second week in August. I forgot that in our district we go back to school earlier. She told me to check my email, and that is where I found out that next Monday is our first day back! The beginning of this school year is not like any that I have experienced in the past. Even though this will be my 18th year as a teacher, it feels like a first year. There is so much uncertainty. At least I will have some of the same students as I had last year. I taught 4th grade before, and now I will be teaching 5th grade. Now that the shock has worn off, it's time to get organized!

I have one activity I will send to them as we begin the school year. It's a great review for many of my students who probably have forgotten how to do multiplication. 

It's on sale for only $1.00 for one more day.

Here is a freebie from my TPT store that might be a huge help for you to get to know your students during the new school year.

Beginning the new school year

 

Hello... It's been a while

It's great to be back blogging. At a time when parents are having to step into our shoes, I admire their perseverance. I'm reminded weekly of how much parents have been doing to ensure that their child continues to learn. Parents have taken a leave of absence from work to make sure they can help their child. I'm in awe of these incredible parents!
I'm currently working on a Novel Study for the book, "Charlotte's Web." I can't wait to use it in the classroom next year! It should be available in about two weeks. All of my lesson plans are based on Bloom's Revised Taxonomy. It has been so much fun to revisit this classic book, that I loved so much as a child. Here are some of the pages so far! Feel free to download them and use them. 

When the Corona Virus hit, I decided to create a free product that could be used with packets. My students needed practice with long division. Please enjoy:

If you are interested in adding cursive to your student's/child's distance learning, this is a recent cursive resource that teaches letters in a specific order based on their design.