DIY POINTERS

I’ll get to the POINT! Pointers are a fun way to engage students’ attention. Make some of these before the school year begins and you can pull them out of your “bag of tricks” when needed.

What? craft sticks, chop sticks, googly eyes, fake jewels and fingernails, E6000 (or other craft glue)

Why? Children love anything novel and different. These pointers just add some “hands-on” to the task at hand.

When? Small group, independent

How? Take a look at the list below and choose your favorite.

*Use to track print from left to right.

*Identify key details in a picture.

*Point out letters, words, punctuation, etc. in print.

*Touch shapes, numbers, etc.

*Space between words with pointers.

Magic wand – dip the end of a chopstick in glue and roll in glitter

Finger nail – glue a fake fingernail to a craft stick

I Spy – glue a googly eye to a craft stick

Jewel – glue a fake jewel to a craft stick

Witches’ finger – great fun

Magnifying glass - pipe cleaner formed in a circle

              

Swizzle stick – buy these at a dollar store

Pretzel stick – point and then eat

Seasonal – glue small seasonal toys or stickers to craft sticks or purchase seasonal pencils

Bugles - point, read, and eat!!!
                                                       
Giant Pointers

Glue a toy to the end of a cardboard pants hanger or decorate a butterfly net.



Smart Center

This was one of those simple, yet clever ideas that a teacher shared years ago. She said she had a center called the "smart center" with an old pair of glasses and a hand pointer. Children wore the glasses and walked around the room and pointed to words, shapes, colors, letters, etc. to show how "smart" they were. The only rule was you had to use a whisper voice. The teacher who shared this said the kids LOVED this center. She said nobody paid any attention to them, but they thought they were smart just the same!

                          

DIY CLIP BOARDS

“Ownership” is important to children. They like their own space and materials. Yes, you can buy clipboards, but don’t you think that children will find it more meaningful if they get to decorate their very own clipboard.

Note!When I made things like this for my class I would also remind them that I made it special – just for them! They seemed to take pride in this.

What? 9” x 12” piece of corrugated cardboard, 1” butterfly clip

Why? writing, science observations, sight words, surveys

When? Learning center, independent, partner work

How? Attach a butterfly clip, insert paper, and let the writing begin!

Use the clip boards for:

Observations  (weather, nature walk, clouds, etc.)

Surveys (favorite food, ice cream, animal, sports team, etc.)

Write the room  (2 syllable words, seasonal words, nouns, shapes, letters, etc.)

Read the room (check off words they find, shapes, letters)

Note taking (write or draw pictures as they listen to a book or watch a video)

Interviews  (parents, grandparents, friends)

What I learned (record what they learn as you do a unit of study)

Lists
And here's a LIST of lists children can make on clipboards.

     List of what they are thankful for.

     List of their favorite books, songs.

     List of their favorite foods.

     List of their favorite subjects at school.

     List of their favorite animals/pets.

     List of their favorite sports or games.

     List of what they can do if they finish their work early.

     List of things that make them happy.

     List of how to be a buddy/friend.

     List of “cheers” and “goals.”

                                                              

Wipe Off Boards
Many lumber companies will cut shower board into 9” x 12” pieces that you can use like clipboards.

    

Hint! Plastic plates or laminated white card stock are great substitutes for white boards.

Hint! For morning work at the beginning of the school year a teacher told me that she had her children use clipboards to settle down in the morning. Initially, she asked them to practice making shapes each morning. Then she started to play my “Chant and Write” song to work on numerals. Later they listened to alphabet songs and practiced writing letters of the alphabet.

DIY DISCOVERY BOTTLES

Let’s make a few bottles for the science center today. If you have children of your own, they will totally get “into” making these bottles. They are inexpensive, simple to make, and are a great way to model “recycling.” Just remember to glue the lids on (E6000) because the children might be tempted to do a little too much exploration!!

Note! These bottles will also come in handy if you have a child that who stressed or anxious. Just hand them a bottle and they will become engaged looking at the bottle and moving it around.

What? plastic bottles, E6000 (or super glue), common materials below

Why? observing, experimenting, predicting, focusing

When? Independent exploration

How? Take a look at the ingredients in the bottles below. What have you got in your kitchen or around your house? Well, what are you waiting for? Get busy and make some of these or come up with your own creations.

Mindful Bottle

Materials: plastic bottle, old crayons, scissors

Directions: Take the paper off the old crayons. Make crayon shavings by scraping the side of the scissors. Put the crayon shavings in the bottle and then fill with water. Secure the top with glue. Turn the bottle upside down and then observe as the crayon shavings float around.

Party Bottle

Materials: clear corn syrup, food coloring, sequins or party confetti
                       
Directions: Put about 1/2 cup of corn syrup in the bottle. Add a few drops of food coloring and a spoonful of confetti. Roll the bottle around to coat the sides and watch the confetti move around.

*Make seasonal bottles by adding plastic spiders at Halloween or small heart erasers for Valentine’s Day.

Muddy Water Bottle

Materials: plastic bottle, dirt, water
                                             
Directions: Put ½ cup of dirt in the bottom of the bottle. Fill 2/3 full with water.

Glue on the lid. Children can shake up the bottle and observe the dirt as it settles to the bottom.

Beach Bottle

Materials: plastic bottle, sand, blue food coloring, small shells, fun foam
                                                                   
Directions: Put ¾ cup of sand in the bottom of the bottle. (Rinse the sand out until the water is clear.) Fill the bottle almost to the top with water. Add a drop of blue food coloring and the shells. Cut fish or other small sea creatures out of fun foam.

Wave Bottle

Materials: plastic bottle, food coloring, baby oil or vegetable oil

Directions: Fill the bottle 2/3 full with water. Add several drops of food coloring. Fill the bottle to the top with the oil, and then glue on the lid. Slowly move the bottle on its side to create waves. Shake the bottle up and then observe as the oil and water separate.


Bubble Bottle

Materials: plastic bottle, dish detergent, food coloring
                           
Directions: Put ½ cup of water in the bottle. Add a drop of detergent and a drop of food coloring. Glue on the lid. Shake up the bottle and observe.

What happens to the bubbles if the bottle sits for a while?

Variations: Use shampoo and different types of detergent to make bubble bottles. Which one makes the most bubbles?


I Spy Bottle

Materials: plastic bottle, sand, salt, or rice, 5-10 small toys or objects (crayon, eraser, hair bow, penny, counting bear, etc.)
                                                      
Directions: Fill the bottle 2/3 full with sand or salt. Drop the toys and other items into the bottle and glue on the lid. Shake to hide the objects. How many things can the children “spy” in the bottle? Have them draw pictures or write down all the objects that they see.

More! Make holiday bottles with Halloween toys, conversation hearts, spring things, etc.

*Use a larger plastic bottle (such as cheese balls or pretzels come in) and fill it with confetti or Styrofoam packing. Insert magnetic letters. Children write the that they find in the bottle.

DIY STINKY CHEESE

You definitely want a stinky cheese game in your hip pocket when school begins. This game is the perfect way to nurture social skills and the executive function (self-regulation, task initiation and completion). Children will learn to take turns and practice “losing.” (Your silly reaction to “stinky cheese” will encourage the children to laugh along with you.

Stinky Cheese

What? lunch bag, yellow construction paper or poster board, marker

*Hint! An empty cheese cracker box will make a more durable container for the game.

Why? sight words, fluency phrases, letters, math facts, shapes, etc.

     

When? Large group or small group

How? Cut cheese slices out of poster board or construction paper using the pattern. Write letters, words, numbers, etc. or any skill you want to reinforce on the cheese slices. On two slices write “Stinky Cheese!” Place the cheese slices in the lunch sack. Children pass around the sack drawing out one slice at a time. If they can identify the information on the slice they get to keep it. If they get “Stinky Cheese!” everyone holds their noses and says, “Stinky Cheese!” That person must then put all her slices back in the bag.

Hint! If children can’t identify what is on their cheese slice invite them to “phone a friend” (ask a friend) or “ask the audience” (ask the group).

Role Model

Some children need to learn how to “lose.” Explain that when something doesn’t go your way you just say, “OH, WELL!” as you open your palms and shrug your shoulders. Have children practice saying, “Oh, well!” when they lose.

                                                          
*How about a game of “stinky feet” or “stinky socks”?

https://www.drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljMXZseHZFTjNxQ3c/view?usp=sharing

DIY LETTER BEARS

If you’ve never made my Letter Bears you are going to be thankful when school starts if you make them. They are a perfect way to transition children and reinforce skills at the same time.

What? construction paper or colored card stock, scissors, markers

Why? letters, colors, numbers, shapes, sight words

When? Large group transitions, dismissal

How? Cut 26 bears out of the construction paper. Write upper and lowercase letters on all the bears. Mix up the bears and then sing this song to the tune of “Twinkle Little Star” as the letters are revealed:

     Dd bear, Dd bear, what do you see?
     I see Kk bear looking at me.
     Kk bear, Kk bear, what do you see…

Focus children’s attention while they settle down for a story or lesson with the letter bears.

*Use the bears as a transition activity. Dismiss children to line up, wash their hands, etc. when the letter that their name starts with appears.

*At the beginning of the school year make bears with the children's names. For younger children use their names and photos.

                   

*For younger children make color bears or shape bears.
                                        

*Use the bears to reinforce other skills, such as the numerals 10-20 or sight words.
                                                                 

*Hide the bears around the classroom or playground for the children to find and identify.

*Each month make a similar game using seasonal cutouts. Adapt to different skills you are working on each month.

Here's a link where you can download the bear pattern.

https://www.drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljUjloN1BNSUxlOUU/view?usp=sharing

DIY SONG POPS/JUKE BOX

There will be transition times in every school day when you will need a bag of tricks to entertain the children. If you don’t direct children’s attention in a positive way they will become restless and troublesome. With this juke box you will always have a song or rhyme handy when you have a few extra minutes or can’t think of anything to do.

Juke Box

What? gift bag, poster board or fun foam, marker, scissors

Why? focus children’s attention, oral language, social skills

When? Transitions, in between times, preparing for group activities

How? Decorate the gift bag with the words “Juke Box.” To make CDs cut 4” circles out of fun foam or heavy cardboard. Write words to songs, finger plays, rhymes, and chants on the CDs and place them in the “juke box.” When you’ve got a few extra minutes pretend to give a child a quarter. Tell them to put it in the juke box and pull out a song or rhyme.

Hint! Invite that child to lead the class in the song or poem.


Song Pops

Cut 3" circles out of card stock or heavy paper. Write song titles on the circles and glue to craft sticks to make "song pops." Place in a can and when you need to wiggle and smile pull out a song pop and sing and dance!

             

Tide Tricks

Use an empty box or jug from Tide detergent. Keep simple games, stories, play dough, puzzles, blank books, etc. in it for when you need something to “tide” children over to the next activity.

                                                                                  

DIY CELL PHONE

Have you ever wanted to grab someone’s cell phone and throw it out the window? So have I! Cell phones can be a nuisance, but they call also be a “rabbit trap” for children to learn.

Giant Cell Phone

What? shower curtain liner, permanent marker, fly swatter

Why? numeral recognition, letter recognition, phone numbers, math concepts

When? Large group, small group, independent

How? Cut the shower curtain liner in half lengthwise. Make a template (cardboard pattern) for the keys so they will all be the same.

Use the attached pattern to draw the cell phone.

*Type out phone numbers with the fly swatter.

*Type bus numbers or lunchroom numbers.

*Throw a beanbag and identify the number

*Throw a beanbag and do that many jumping jacks.

*Throw two beanbags and add up the numbers.

*Play Twister by putting hands and feet on different numbers.

*Add up the numbers for different sight words.

*Let children make up their own games.


Personal Cell Phones

Children will also enjoy having their own cell phone. 

                
What? copies of the cell phone, heavy paper, scissors, markers, glue

Why? numeral recognition, counting, math facts, phone numbers, phonics, names, sight words

When? Small group, transition times

How? Make copies of the attached cell phone. Have the children cut out the front of the phone. Next, let them trace around the back of the phone on heavy paper and cut it out. Glue the front of the cell phone to the back. Decorate the back with markers.
                                                                          
                                                                     
Note! If your copy machine will work with card stock you can copy the pattern on that.

https://www.drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljb0hMY2hKSjJPV1k/view?usp=sharing

Hint! Use a hole punch to make a viewfinder so they can take pictures with their phones. They can take pictures of shapes, words, letters, nouns, tools, friends, and so forth.

*Call out letters or numbers for children to identify.

*Type out phone numbers or zip codes.

*Spell words. How much is a word worth?

*Use for math facts or number stories.

*Teach children how to type 911 in emergencies.

*Let children make up their own learning activities to do with their phones.

DIY REWARD STICKS AND GIFT CARDS

Tired of giving out candy and stickers? Here are some inexpensive rewards to use for special treats! Make the sticks or gift cards and you’ll be all set when school starts again.

What? jumbo craft sticks, Sharpie markers, plastic cup

Why? non-tangible rewards

When? To celebrate a special accomplishment, good behavior, kindness, etc.

How? Choose activities that you think would work best for your students from the list below. Write these on jumbo craft sticks with a permanent Sharpie and then put the sticks in a cup. Pretend like children are “winning” something when they draw a stick from the can.

Choose a song and lead the class.

Eat lunch with your teacher or a special friend.

Be excused from a homework assignment.

Choose an indoor game to play.

Select the book for story time.

Sit by a favorite person all day.

15 minutes of free time.

Help the teacher do a special job.

Decorate the bulletin board or door.

Sit at the teacher’s desk.

Take off your shoes.

Listen to an IPod or headset while you work.

Take a class game or book home for the night.

Chew sugar free gum.

Be first in line for lunch

Use the teacher’s stamps, pens, or markers.

Choose a board game and play it with a friend.

Hand out supplies.

Be leader of a class game.

Be excused from a written assignment.

Play games on the computer for 10 minutes.

Visit another class in the school.

Work with a friend.

Be a helper in the office, lunchroom, or in another classroom.

Read a story to the principal or another class.

Have the teacher call your parents to tell them what a great kid you are!

Take a note to the principal about what a great kid you are.

Make something at the art center.

Have your work displayed in the hall or on the classroom door.

One special wish!

Gift Cards

What? plastic gift cards or cardboard, markers, gift bag

How? Save plastic gift cards and hotel room keys and cover them with paper. (You can also cut cardboard into 2” x 3 ½” rectangles). Write non-tangible rewards on these and place them in a small gift bag. Let children choose a “gift card” for a reward.

             
Note! Let your students suggest activities that they would like for rewards.

DIY PLAY DOUGH PLATES

Play dough is multi-sensory, engaging, creative, and open-ended. Talk about PURPOSEFUL PLAY! These play dough plates are a perfect way to strengthen those small muscles and reinforce skills.

Letter Plates

What? plastic plates, play dough, permanent marker

Why? small motor skills, letters, sounds, numbers, shapes

When? Learning center

How? Write letters on the plastic plates with a permanent marker. Children roll the play dough and place it on top of the letters. Challenge them to make something that starts with that sound.


Note! I traced around the letter on the front and back of the plate. You can use upper case letters, lowercase letters, or both like I do.


Number Plates

Write numbers on plastic plates. Children can roll play dough and place it on top of the numbers and then make sets to equal that amount. 

                             

*Challenge them to make different combinations of that number?

Shape Plates

You can also make shape plates for the children to reproduce.

                                                     

*Can they draw the shape with paper and pencil after they make it?

DIY READING HOMEWORK

In the book THE SMARTEST KIDS IN THE WORLD, one key finding was the impact parents have on their child’s academic success. When parents are interested in what their children are learning at school and talk to them about it, the results are amazing. Parents who model reading and read to their children also contribute to school success.

What? copies of reading calendars for each month

Why? home/school connection, love of reading

When? Monthly

How? Run off these monthly reading calendars so you’ll be all set for the year. Each month send one home to encourage families to read with their children. 

http://www.drjean.org/html/monthly_act/act_2011/07_Jul_css/pg00.html

Note! Save these to review with your parents at conference time.

Hint! One teacher said she tells her parents, “All the children in my classroom need a laptop this year. Two laptops would be even better. These are not the kind of laptops that you plug in. They are the kind that come with two knees and are just right for talking and reading and loving!”


Monthly Activity Calendars

I also have free downloads for monthly activity calendars that would be fantastic “homework” for pre-k and k. One teacher suggested asking parents to do at least 10 and return it by the end of the month. Whether the parents choose to participate or not, you have to TRY! And if one parent sings a song, reads a book, or plays a game with their child because of you – that’s a good thing!!!

                                                              
http://www.drjean.org/html/monthly_act/act_2011/07_Jul_css/pg03.html

DIY GIVE ME A CHEER

You’ve never downloaded my cheer cards? Well, today is the day!

These cheer cards can be used to focus children’s attention and put a smile on their faces. Every child in your classroom can feel good with these cheers. 

What? cheer cards, Cheerios box or Cheer detergent box, heavy paper, scissors

Why? attention grabbers, positive self-esteem, classroom family

When? Large group, small group, all day long

How? Copy the cheer cards below on heavy paper. Cut apart. Introduce one new cheer each day. Use the cheer throughout the day. At the end of the day take a Cheerios box or a Cheer detergent box and say, “We’ve learned a new cheer. Let’s save it in our “cheer box.”

Hint! You can also tape these cheers to a bulletin, classroom door, or the front of your desk.

*When you want to encourage a child, have her reach into the “cheer box” and lead the class in that cheer.

I have two different sets of cheer cards so you can choose the one that you like best.

http://www.drjean.org/html/monthly_act/act_2004/06_june/06_2004_pdf.html

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dr-Jeans-Cheer-Cards-1270706

                                                        

Here are two videos where you can watch me demonstrate many of the cheers.

                               https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWPA-jYdWe8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hsOFYEMSvI

DIY CLOTHESPIN CLIP

How about another tool that can be used in multiple ways throughout the school year.

Clip It

What? jumbo craft sticks, clothes pins, markers

Why? letters, sight words, names

When? Learning center, independent

How? Write the letters of the alphabet on the clothespins. Write words on the craft sticks. Children match letters and clip them on the stick to make the words.

Have children write the words after they make them with the clothespins.

*At the beginning of the school year use children’s names and pictures for this activity.


Teddy Bear Clip

Clothespins are a natural way to develop small muscles and pincer grip. Use this game pattern for skills you’ll want to reinforce in a learning center.

What? heavy paper, clothespins, markers

Why? color words, upper and lowercase letters, pictures and sounds, sets and numerals, math facts and answers, etc.

How? Cut bears out of different colors of paper. Cut shirts out of white paper and write color words on them. Children match bears with the appropriate color word and chip them on the bears.

            

*Younger children can use this game for matching like colors.

* Write uppercase letters on the bears and lowercase letters on the shirts.

*Write math facts on the bears and answers on the shirts.
                                                        
*Put pictures that rhyme for the children to match.

*Match antonyms or synonyms.

https://www.drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljTTAxcXBUZzU1dHc/view?usp=sharing

DIY POETRY SONGBOOK

If I were in charge of the world, this is something that I would put in each child's hands. It's so simple and inexpensive, but it could give a lasting memory to a child.  This idea could be adapted for any age group or skill level.

On a personal note!  I have a friend with Alzheimer's who has a difficult time carrying on a conversation.  Another friend took her out to lunch, and I asked, "What did you talk about?"  She replied, "Oh, we don't talk.  I put on the 50's radio station and we sing!"  And that's why we must sing with children and teach them poems.  Those songs and rhymes will stay tucked in their brain, and they might give them a smile and a few minutes of happy memories one day!

What?  pocket folders with 3 prongs, copies of poems and songs, markers, art media

Why?  love of reading, oral language, phonological awareness, social skills, reading skills

When?  large group, small group, independent, home/school

How?  Purchase a pocket folder for each child.  This will be a good project for them to decorate the first week of school.  Think of 4 or 5 simple songs, nursery rhymes, or poems that you would like to introduce the first month of school.  (I would not put illustrations on these because the children will be able to make a personal connection with their own drawings.)  Run off copies of these and insert them in the pocket folder.  Each week introduce one of the songs using the strategies below.  As the year progresses add new songs or rhymes that would engage the children or relate to a theme or season.

Hint!  Some good songs might include: “Twinkle Little Star,” “BINGO,” “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “The Farmer in the Dell,” “London Bridge,” “Yankee Doodle,” “Jack and Jill,” “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” “The Alphabet Song,” or “Rain, Rain, Go Away.”



Monday - Introduce the poem as a shared reading experience. Reread the poem several times using one of these strategies:

     Shadow Reading– Teacher reads a line and then students repeat.

     Magic Word– Choose a “magic word” (high frequency word) in the text. Every time you   come to that word, the children get to clap, jump, snap, etc.

     Say What?Read the wrong way and have children correct you by shouting out, “Say what?”

     Missing Word – Omit a word and have the children fill it in.

     Read with me IF you…like chocolate ice cream
     like broccoli have a dog
     can ride a bike are wearing red

     Stand and Read – Children stand and take a small step to the right for each word. At end of the line jump “down” to the next line. Everyone moves back to the left and quickly moves to the right with every word until the end of the next line. Repeat until the end of the poem.

     Take a Turn- Divide children into groups and each section reads a different line. For example: Let boys and girls alternate reading lines.

               
Tuesday - Let children use pointers to find letters or words they can recognize, point out words that rhyme, punctuation, etc.  Have children illustrate the poem or song as an independent activity.

Wednesday - Use the poem for skill work during small group. Highlight parts of speech, sight words, etc.

Thursday - Children bring notebooks to large group and reread this week’s rhyme and review previous poems.

Friday - Children read poems independently or with a buddy.

Weekend Homework - On Friday, let children take home their poetry notebooks. Ask children to read the poem to someone in their family over the weekend. Encourage parents to sign their name and write their comments and compliments on each poem.

Carolyn has created the COOLEST alphabet poems that are just right for your poetry songbook.  What a great way to start your year!

http://drjean.org/html/songs/Playing-index.php