Write sight words on the sides of cups. Put a teddy bear counter under one of the cups. The children say a word and the teacher lifts the cup to see if the teddy bear counter is under that cup. Tally who finds the bear and count who has the most, least, etc.
*This activity has endless possibilities. You could use it for letters, numerals, math facts, etc. You could also hide seasonal objects or treats under the cups.
Marshmallow Mouths
To teach the kids how to walk in the halls quietly tell them to pretend to put a marshmallow in their mouths.
*Just for fun give them a real marshmallow.
Jingle Bell Club (Kitty Allen)
Kids get to sign their name as members of the “Jingle Bell Club” when they learn to tie their shoes. They also get a jingle bell on a ribbon to tie on their shoe laces.
Expert Chart (Karen Stone)
Every student can see themselves as an “expert” with this idea. Make a poster with areas of expertise, such as cutting, writing numerals, writing letters, spelling, tying shoes, etc. Children get to sign their name and put their picture on the poster where they feel they are an expert. Students must consult at least “3 experts” before asking the teacher.
Rhyming Hunt (Sara Christensen)
Chant while tapping your lap and then clapping:
We’re going on a rhyming hunt and I know what to do.
I need to listen well and rhyme a word with you.
Teacher: Cat (Teacher calls on a student to say a rhyming word.)
Student: Hat
Dance and Point
Jingle Bell Club (Kitty Allen)
Kids get to sign their name as members of the “Jingle Bell Club” when they learn to tie their shoes. They also get a jingle bell on a ribbon to tie on their shoe laces.
Expert Chart (Karen Stone)
Every student can see themselves as an “expert” with this idea. Make a poster with areas of expertise, such as cutting, writing numerals, writing letters, spelling, tying shoes, etc. Children get to sign their name and put their picture on the poster where they feel they are an expert. Students must consult at least “3 experts” before asking the teacher.
Rhyming Hunt (Sara Christensen)
Chant while tapping your lap and then clapping:
We’re going on a rhyming hunt and I know what to do.
I need to listen well and rhyme a word with you.
Teacher: Cat (Teacher calls on a student to say a rhyming word.)
Student: Hat
Dance and Point
Tape words, letters, numbers, etc. around the room. Play some music so the children can dance. When the music stops the children point to a word. The teacher calls on students to read their word.
Magic Pointer (Lana from Minneapolis)
To help children learn high frequency words, choose a magic pointer and wave it across a word as you say (with expression);
Magic pointer, magic pointer, where will it land?
I don’t know where it will land?
Point to a word for the children to read. After a few weeks, the children get to take turns with the magic pointer.
Table Captain (Jennifer Hill)
At each table there are four children, each with a nametag. On each tag is a red, blue, green, or yellow circle sticker. Each week choose a different color sticker to be “table captain.”
*Colored stickers can be used for other transition activities. For example, “Yellow stickers go to the art center.”
Envelope Assessment (Cowan Elementary)
Laminate envelopes and then cut them in half. Children can write on the laminated envelope with a dry erase marker. This can be used for formative assessment.
Pony Beads (Vonda Stamm)
Place 10 pony beads on a string (5 of each color). Use for number identification, addition, counting, etc. If the teacher calls out a math fact they can hold up the answer and hide the beads they don’t want to show in their fist.
*Students could also use these with a partner. For example, one student shows a number of beads and the partner tells the number.
Hint! I tied a black bead on both ends of the string so the beads wouldn’t fall off.
Sight Words and Sign Language (Kris Buss)
Teach sight words by using sign language. Put a picture of the sign on the back of every sight word. Use this for every word you teach. By having the signs on the back of the cards, the parents can use these at home to help their children learn.
Magic Pointer (Lana from Minneapolis)
To help children learn high frequency words, choose a magic pointer and wave it across a word as you say (with expression);
Magic pointer, magic pointer, where will it land?
I don’t know where it will land?
Point to a word for the children to read. After a few weeks, the children get to take turns with the magic pointer.
Table Captain (Jennifer Hill)
At each table there are four children, each with a nametag. On each tag is a red, blue, green, or yellow circle sticker. Each week choose a different color sticker to be “table captain.”
*Colored stickers can be used for other transition activities. For example, “Yellow stickers go to the art center.”
Envelope Assessment (Cowan Elementary)
Laminate envelopes and then cut them in half. Children can write on the laminated envelope with a dry erase marker. This can be used for formative assessment.
Pony Beads (Vonda Stamm)
Place 10 pony beads on a string (5 of each color). Use for number identification, addition, counting, etc. If the teacher calls out a math fact they can hold up the answer and hide the beads they don’t want to show in their fist.
*Students could also use these with a partner. For example, one student shows a number of beads and the partner tells the number.
Hint! I tied a black bead on both ends of the string so the beads wouldn’t fall off.
Sight Words and Sign Language (Kris Buss)
Teach sight words by using sign language. Put a picture of the sign on the back of every sight word. Use this for every word you teach. By having the signs on the back of the cards, the parents can use these at home to help their children learn.
Some old ideas, but how about a new video?
YouTube - https://bit.ly/drJHugs
Handout - https://bit.ly/drJHugsPDF