Last week when I presented in Atlanta I had nostalgic thoughts as I visited the city where I lived for 50 years. I remember the sign on Peachtree Street that posted Atlanta’s population. How thrilled we were in 1958 when it reached one million!! Atlanta now has over SIX million! That’s what I call growth! The amazing thing is that whether you live in a city with millions or a small town of 100, teachers everywhere are they same. They want their children to feel loved and they want to make learning FUN!
Amy H. wrote me the sweetest note and handed it to me at the end of the day:
If you ever miss being in the classroom or singing with the kids,
just know that you’re singing with me everyday!
Bubble Bath Birthday Celebration (Angela Ochsenkrecht)
Children sit in a special chair when it’s their birthday. The teacher blows bubbles around them as the rest of the class sings “Happy Birthday…”
Carpet Square Flannel Boards (Kelcey Schmidt)
Did you know that you could purchase carpet squares from the dollar store and use like a flannel board?
Stars and Flashlights (Kelcey Schmidt)
Tape construction paper stars under the table. Turn the lights off and let the children light stars and read the words.
2 by 4 Cheer
Hold out one palm and with the other hand like a fist tap the palm as you say, “Bam, bam, bam.” Point fingers as you say, “You nailed it!”
Good Job
After children do a partner activity, encourage them to shake hands and tell each other, “Good job!”
A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue (Fran Sandon)
I’ve ordered this book by Julia Cook and I can’t wait to read it because it teaches children when it is appropriate to tell the teacher and what happens when you cry wolf. I’m going to do a blog about the book and tattling as soon as it comes in the mail.
rachelschallenge.org
Rachel was a young girl who was killed in the Columbine shooting. Her family has created a powerful program in her memory based on Rachel’s philosophy:
I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show
compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will
never know how far a little kindness can go.
Coin Value Song (Paris Garrett)
(Tune: “Who Let the Dogs Out?”)
Who let the penny out?
1, 1, 1, 1 (Hold up one finger.)
Who let the nickel out?
5, 5, 5, 5 (Hold up five fingers.)
Who let the dime out?
10, 10, 10, 10 (Both hands up.)
Who let the quarter out?
25, 25, 25, 25 (Two fingers on one hand and five fingers on the other.)
Playlist Spin (Julie Defusco)
Link your iTunes with activities on the smart board with this tip. Number the tunes and then let children use a spinner to click on the song that matches their spin.
*Let children roll dice to choose a song.