May you all have a blessed day!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Halloween Context Clues Task Cards
Halloween Context Clues Task Cards
Yes, we all need a Halloween-themed activity for our students. Check out these context clues task cards. I have used these every year in my classroom, and the students definitely approve.
Build your students’ vocabulary skills with these 28 Halloween-Themed Context Clues Task Cards (black and white and color). These task Cards are perfect for partner work, center/station work, SCOOT game, Quiz Quiz Trade, Inside Outside Circle, or whole group activity.
What other buyers are saying:
“My students enjoyed the task cards. The Halloween theme was fun and the questions were well aligned.”
“Pull this out every year for Halloween for kids to practice their context clue skills.”
“Good word choice! The students really needed to use context clues because many words were unknown words!”
You can purchase this product by clicking HERE:
Happy Teaching!
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Friday is Here! TGIF!
Friday is here! TGIF! Now what?
If you’re a teacher, then you know that means you better rest up for the next week to come. As the saying goes, there’s no tired like “teacher tired,” and it’s true.
SOOOO…..how can we rest up? Here’s just a few ideas to embrace the weekend, nourish your well-being, and replenish your energy:
- Nature Walks: Step outside and immerse yourself in nature. Whether it’s a stroll in the park, a hike in the woods, or a walk along the beach, connecting with nature can soothe the mind and refresh the spirit. The rhythmic sound of your footsteps and the beauty of your surroundings will help you unwind and find peace.
- Mindful Meditation: Dedicate some time to mindful meditation. Find a quiet corner, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath. Allow yourself to be present in the moment, letting go of stress and tension. Even a short session can enhance your mental clarity and promote inner calmness.
- Creative Pursuits: Engage in a creative activity that brings you joy, whether it’s painting, writing, exercising, or gardening. These pursuits allow you to express yourself while worries seem to fade away.
- Digital Detox: Disconnect from your digital devices for a few hours or even a day. Yikes! 🤣 The constant sounds of notifications can be overwhelming, so give yourself the gift of presence. Use this time to connect with loved ones, read a book, or simply enjoy the quietness.
- Pampering Session: Indulge in some self-care by creating a spa-like experience at home. Run a warm bath, light some scented candles, and unwind with soothing music. Relax and feel renewed.
As we head into the weekend, think about what you’ll do to restore your balance and nurture your soul. Remember, the weekend is not only a break from routine but also an opportunity to invest in your well-being.
Happy Friday, everyone!
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Monday Motivation – Protect Your Energy
Protect Your Energy!
As a teacher, I wish I would have learned this MUCH earlier. Instead, I worked, worked, and worked even more to stay caught up in the never-ending amount of work we get in the teaching field. As a result, I didn’t protect my energy. I had NONE left for those around me that deserved and needed my energy.
Remember, the work WILL still be there – go home and spend the time with your loved ones, your animals, time resting, and time decompressing. Your body, mind, spirit (and loved ones) will thank you!
Have a marvelous Monday!
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Time Saving Teacher Tip: Batch Planning & Grading
Time-Saving Teacher Tip:
As a teacher, I NEVER felt like I had enough time. Our days are packed with lesson planning, grading, meetings, and, of course, teaching. It can often feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on our to-do lists (which always grows longer and longer). Here’s one effective tip that made a BIG difference for me: Batch Planning and Grading.
What is batch planning and batch grading? This is where you group similar tasks together and complete them in DEDICATED blocks of time.
BATCH PLANNING
Batch planning involves setting aside a specific time each week to plan all your lessons. Instead of planning day-by-day or even hour-by-hour, dedicate a couple of hours at the start or end of your week to outline all your lessons. This approach has several benefits:
1. Consistency: By planning your lessons in one block of time, you can ensure that your lessons flow logically from one to the next, creating a cohesive learning experience for your students.
2. Efficiency: You enter a “planning mode” mindset, which helps you work more efficiently. You’re not constantly stopping and starting, which can waste time and mental energy.
3. Flexibility: With the week’s lessons planned out, you have the flexibility to adjust as needed without the stress of having to create entirely new content on the go.
BATCH GRADING
Similarly, batch grading means setting aside a block of time to grade all assignments at once rather than grading a few here and there throughout the week. Here’s why this can be a game-changer:
1. Focus: When you dedicate a specific time for grading, you can focus more fully on assessing your students’ work, leading to more consistent and fair grading.
2. Time Management: Grading in batches allows you to better manage your time. You can set limits on how long you spend on each assignment and avoid the trap of over-grading.
3. Reduced Stress: Knowing that you have dedicated grading time can reduce the stress of feeling like you need to grade everything immediately. This can also help you maintain a better work-life balance.
How do I Implement Batch Planning and Grading?
To get started with batch planning and grading, follow these steps:
1. Schedule Dedicated Time: Block out specific times in your calendar each week for planning and grading. Treat these blocks as non-negotiable appointments.
2. Prepare Your Materials: Before your planning or grading session, gather ALL the necessary materials. This might include your curriculum guide, student assignments, and any resources you need. I also found myself pulling up all the tabs of online sites I used for planning as well.
3. Minimize Distractions (yes, I know this is hard to do): Find a quiet space where you can work without interruptions. Turn off notifications on your devices to stay focused.
4. Set Goals: Before you start, set clear goals for what you want to accomplish in each session. This could be planning a week’s worth of lessons or grading a specific set of assignments.
5. Be sure and take breaks: To maintain your sanity, energy and focus, take short breaks during your planning or grading sessions. A quick walk or a few minutes of stretching can make a big difference. Enjoy that cup of tea, coffee, or specialty drink that brings you happiness.
Batch planning and grading really helped me manage my time more effectively (I just wish I would have done it sooner). I felt more organized and much less stressed out (which who doesn’t need that?)!
Give batch planning and grading a try, and see how it changes your teaching routine (and STRESS). You might be surprised at how much more manageable your workload becomes.
Happy teaching!
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Freebie Friday – Free Verb Practice
Freebie Friday – Free Verb Practice is the product for you if you’re heading into action verbs.
Grammar has always always a favorite subject of mine to teach. If you’re old like me 😂, then you remember diagramming sentences in school (shows my age). I was good at it; therefore, I liked it. Now math, that’s another topic! Moving on!
I have created many grammar products to use in the classroom. These products are tried and tested. My students always enjoyed completing these activities.
I hope you’ll also find these helpful in your classroom.
Happy Teaching!
