Brain Break YouTube Videos

There are times in my classroom where it is plain to see that my students need a break. They really like it when I call a "Brain Break" and we put on one of our favorite videos. I have a YouTube account, which allows me to save a playlist for these videos. If you don't have one, I highly recommend it. Anyways, here are some links to the ones I use. There are a lot more to choose from, but I really try to watch and listen for what is appropriate for first grades.

                         Click on the links to view:                                                                

                                                          Mario
                                                   The Sid Shuffle
                                                Boom Chicka Boom
                                              Just Dance 2014 - Happy
                                                Happy - Music Video
                                              Just Dance - Dynamite
                              Just Dance Kids 2 - I am a Gummy Bear
                                   Halloween Song - Monster Shuffle


I know that some schools block YouTube. Ours does too, but it has been set up where staff can sign in and be allowed to access it that way. If this isn't an option for you then you could always try recording it.

Note; I have recently had to update this post, because previous videos are no longer available on YouTube. I am sorry if you run into this problem.

Reusable Worksheets with Sheet Protectors

If you have never used sheet protectors with white board markers in the classroom, I have to tell you it is a must, or at least it is in my 1st grade classroom. I'm not really a worksheet person anyways, but when I give worksheets I want them to really be worth the time. Using sheet protectors allows me to: 1) make fewer copies, and 2) reuse them over and over for additional practice. It is not to say that I never give paper and pencil worksheets, I just use sheet protectors whenever it makes more sense.

I especially love using sheet protectors to make reusable workbooks for a center activity. I put worksheets in sheet protectors and then I place them in a three pronged folder or staple them in a sheet of construction paper. Some of the books I have made have lasted several years. Here is a picture of some examples.

I use sheet protectors for math practice, assessment review, comprehension pages, sentence practice folders, writing organizers, Word Wall practice activities, and individual practice sheets. I have used sheet protectors for the past 13 years and I love them. There have been a couple of draw backs though. The first big one is that white board markers can be expensive when you are buying a whole class set, plus extras. Here is what I have done to work around this: 1) ask for parent donations; 2) purchase from the Dollar or 99 Cent Store; and 3) stock up at the beginning of the year during Back-to-School sales. I recommend ONLY using black white board markers. The other colors tend to stain. Also, make sure to train students on how to use the white board markers without destroying them (i.e., don't push too hard, don't lose the cap, cap up marker).

The other problem that I had, which wasn't much of a problem, just more time consuming, was changing out individual sheets. For example, this year I am using a CAT Facts math practice sheet, number writing, Black Bean Activities, and my Roll and Add game. Putting all those activities in sheet protector/changing them out can be a bit of a hassle. This year I had my students purchase reusable pockets from Lakeshore Teaching supply, plus I purchased 10 extra. This gave everyone their own pocket. These pockets are more kid friendly and students can change or switch papers on their own.

As I have already mentioned, I love using sheet protectors. I recommend that you try them if you have never used them before. You don' have to start big, just try it with a small group and see how it works for you.

Descriptive Language Games

I have found that once my students are feeling comfortable with writing simple sentences, that it is a process to have them begin adding more detail to these sentences. They can usually write more, but these extra sentences are still usually pretty basic. I of course give direct instruction on what adjectives are and how to use them in their writing, but it is still difficult for them to begin using these words in their writing. I usually have to ask them to go back and underline these words in red, or to add some of these words. 

I think the main issue is that students don't purposely speak with adjectives, and are definitely not aware if and when they are using them. I created a couple games to help with this language development and awareness. Student play the Dog Describing Game and the Bear Describing Game to verbally practice building sentences using descriptive language. It is a fun way for them to practice and to be more aware of the use of adjectives. Please feel free to visit my TPT Store if you are interested in checking out these products.   

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dog-Describing-Game-745583

 

 http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bear-Describing-Game-745560

Black Bean Math Activities

I love activities that provide students with a hands-on approach to learning. I especially like it when I find an activity that I can do whole class, with everyone involved and everyone learning. I have found that I can do that with Black Beans Math Activities. I provide students with a container of beans and have them do various counting, making ten, place value, and addition activities. Placing the activities in sheet protectors or a reusable pocket, allows for repetative use of the activity and practice. 

I have created a packet that includes 10 activity ideas, supporting activity sheets, and instructions for using black beans in the classroom. Please feel free to check it out at my TPT Store or at my Teacher's Notebook Shop if you are interested.

                                                        TPT Store

       http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Black-Bean-Math-Activities-864005

                                                              or

                                             Teacher's Notebook Shop

       http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/anavarre/black-bean-math-activities

Pencil Dispenser

Sometimes I don't know if things are working well because of the students I have or if I've actually found a better system. The pencil dispenser is one of those things. I originally saw the idea on Pinterest, in which they used a metal straw dispenser, but that was more than I was willing to spend. I ended up ordering a plastic straw dispenser from Amazon. There were quite a few people who had purchased this product and complained that it was damaged when they received it. Mine came well packaged, so I didn't run into that problem.

At the beginning of the year, three weeks ago, I gave every student a big eraser and wrote their name on it. I purchased them from the Dollar Store. They came in a package of 6 for $1.00. I think this has really helped to make the pencil dispenser idea work well, the pencils that get put back in the dispenser are still in pretty good shape.

I don't allow pencil sharpening during class time, because it is too distracting, and of course once one person needs to do it, they all need to do it. If a student needs a new pencil they quickly and quietly get up, go to the back counter, put their broken pencil in the "Please Sharpen" can, and get a new pencil from the dispenser. Quickly getting a pencil has been a big problem in the past. Students would stand at the pencil can and look through every pencil in order to find the best one. With the pencil dispenser they turn the knob and get whatever comes out. I love it!!!! Now, it could just be I have a good class this year, I've only had a couple chewed up pencils, but if this continues to work it will be worth the money. It actually already has been, because just getting through the first few weeks, teaching rules and procedures, can be tough.

Please feel free to visit my TPT Store

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