Popcorn Words

I like to have lots of different ways for my students to practice their sight words. Using this popcorn word idea lets me provide my students with a hands on approach to learning and also lets me use words that I know my students need.

As you can see it is a pretty easy idea. Simply purchase some foam sheets from the craft store and cut the pieces into a popcorn (more like a cloud) shape. Then use a sharpie to write the words on them. Using popcorn bags or popcorn cups make the activity more unique, but students enjoy using a simple little bag as well.

Another thing I like to do with these words is to put them in a 2 litter soda bottle with popcorn kernels. Students can then turn the bottle and try to find the popcorn words. They can make a list of the words they find and see who can find the most.

Anna Navarre's TpT Store

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Anna-Navarre

Bingo Games for a Rainy Day Rescue

It has been raining quite a bit lately and that makes things pretty crazy in the classroom. The students have energy to burn and can't go out to play. Well, I definitely like to find things to break up the day. Bingo games seem to be a perfect rainy day rescue. My students get excited about the game and yet remain seated and fairly calm as they listen for the next word.

When I first began teaching I found it difficult to find Bingo games that were both academic and had a class set of Bingo boards. I found a couple over the years, but they were kind of expensive and didn't really meet my needs. I ended up creating my own. 

I have made these Bingo games available on my TpT Store. Feel free to check them out if you too are in need of a rainy day rescue or if you just like to provide your students with a fun interactive activity.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Bingo-Games-Set-of-3-605200

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CVC-Word-Bingo-w-30-Boards-190918

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Long-Vowel-CVCe-Word-Bingo-w30-Boards-409529

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Vowel-Team-Bingo-w30-Boards-193582

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Contraction-Bingo-w-30-Boards-217484

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Numbers-to-30-Bingo-Game-w30-Boards-275396

Cozy Christmas Gift Idea

If you are looking for an inexpensive gift idea that works for just about everyone, this is a good one. I have nine classroom helpers that I need gifts for this year, so it could easily be an expensive venture. This gift idea is one of my favorites. I buy a cozy little blanket, which this year I got at Walmart. Then I hit the 99¢ Store/Dollar Store. I usually just get a word search book and a bag of candy, but this year I'm also including hot chocolate. The total cost including the bag is about $7.00. 

While I'm out shopping I always like to pick a few extra sets just in case I need to come up with a last-minute gift for someone else. These also work well as a get-well gift. 

Last year I had to use a different idea because I had a parent in my classroom that I had already given one of these sets to. Instead of a cozy blanket set, I used a cozy scarf and mitten set, which I blogged about last year. That was also an inexpensive and nice gift. I've included the link for you. 

Holiday Gift Idea

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!

Also, if you are looking for teaching resources, please feel free to visit my TPT Store. 

Mrs. Navarre's TPT Store

Holiday's in the Classroom

The three weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break tend to be a little crazy in the classroom. The kids start getting excited and things are just a little off. Since there never seems to be a way to get everyone back on track for those three weeks, I like to spend this time talking about different holidays. I focus on Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Christmas. I share the history and traditions of each one with my students. They really seem to enjoy this.

I usually begin each unit by having students view four posters with pictures on them. There is one for food, one for traditions, one for history, and one for symbols. I place a poster at each table group and students discuss what they know and what they want to know. Then they rotate to another poster. 

The next thing I do is give a brief history of the holiday that we are focusing on. I first do this orally, maybe with a picture or two. Later I read books to provide more information or I show a video. 

As we go through each unit I usually do an art project or two. For Kwanzaa, we do a Kwanzaa flag and/or a Kwanzaa mat. During our Hanukkah unit, we paint a dreidel picture and sprinkle glitter on the symbols. For Christmas, the art project is usually some kind of wreath. I usually use tissue paper, but this year I tried tear art.

During the unit, I provide students with various worksheets and activities. My students love when we are discussing Hanukkah and they get to play the dreidel game and sing the dreidel song. When we are learning about Kwanzaa they enjoy playing a Kwanzaa symbol-matching game that I made. I use it as a center activity. It is a fun way to reinforce some of what students have learned about Kwanzaa.

This Kwanzaa Symbol Matching Game is a freebie that is available at my TpT Store.

Kwanzaa Symbol Matching Game

I also have a Hanukkah themed learning packet that you might be interested in checking out. 

Hanukkah Learning Packet

I hope that I have given you some ideas for teaching holidays in the classroom. It is a fun time of the year and I think that teaching students about different holidays is a nice way to enjoy the season with them.

Anna Navarre's TpT Store 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Anna-Navarre