New Challenges

So, you may have noticed (stark reality) that I have not posted since September! I have taken on the role of care provider for my aging father, and it is a daily learning challenge to navigate this reality. Time for posting is hard to find. However, I am determined to figure it all out! This new year presents new challenges, but also opportunities for new solutions.

Do you have a new challenge? Or an old challenge that is wearing you down? I cannot imagine teaching in this uncertain time, but have thought about the classroom, and what activities would be most valued for either in-person, or at home learning.

New Solutions

There are many things we cannot control, but there are things we can! We should focus on keeping learning fun, while also keeping it relevant to normal activities in our classrooms.

How do you conduct guided groups when you have a hybrid classroom situation? Do you have a lesson format for your guided table that carries over to online learning?

When creating this set of activities, I planned for the basic components of a guided lesson as it would be in my room. It can be used in the room with your laptop or ipads/tablets, or with distance learning during your zoom sessions. For a closer look, click the image.

How do I teach using this resource?

Every good guided group lesson includes a review of previous letters or skills, reviews words, and teaches new words, sounds, letters, etc. This resource allows you to make a copy and set up lessons for each day. I included letter tiles for forming words, and word tiles for sentences. Students also have an opportunity to type their sentence using the letters or words at the bottom. Just type in the letters, words, etc., that you need for each lesson.

Solutions for Extending Practice

During guided group time it is always apparent kids will need additioal support. How can you support students at school, or at home if need be?

At school, students have many options for hands-on practice for letters, sounds, words, sentences, poetry, and reading. Many of my digital centers are set up in the classroom in a computer center/tablet center. They follow a daily rotation until everyone has had two sessions per week with the skills they need to practice. However, how does that work when students are quarantined at home?

At home, students can access the activities on google drive or seesaw. Google drive includes draw on/trace on Jamboard activities for tablets.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

The topic of equality for all is difficult at best with young children. I wanted to teach the basic concepts of equality in an age appropriate way while also setting the behavioral goals of our classroom community. This color and read printable book was the best solution for my class. Dr. King’s Dream is an important concept for everyone.

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