YES, I want the 7 End of the Year Gift Tags

To avoid this email going to spam,
you may want to sign-up using a non-school email account.

By providing your email, you are accepting future emails from Elementary Island.   I promise to never sell your email or spam you!

Thank you!

Keep an eye on your inbox for a confirmation email from me

Don’t forget to check your spam folder and drag me to your inbox or add me to your contact list so you don’t miss out on all the goodies I’ll be sending over the next few weeks!

Are you throwing an end of year awards ceremony? Whether you have a big celebration or a simple classroom gathering, check out these end of the year awards ceremony ideas!

Thank you!

Keep an eye on your inbox for a confirmation email from me

Don’t forget to check your spam folder and drag me to your inbox or add me to your contact list so you don’t miss out on all the goodies I’ll be sending over the next few weeks!

The post Seven Simple End of the Year Gift Tags Teachers Want! appeared first on Elementary Island.

What are STEM Activities?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Undoubtedly, these are all essential skills our students should be exposed to during their learning career, and students are never too young to start. STEM activities are designed to be hands-on learning and allow for a great opportunity to take our elementary engineers through the design process.

 
These St. Patrick’s Day STEM challenges are usually presented as problems for students to solve with specific supplies and parameters to be followed. The best part about STEM activities is that the focus is more on the engineering design process than the final product. Students are encouraged to reflect on their design and think about how they could improve it.

The four basic steps to any STEM activity include:

1. The problem presented to the students

2. Research and plan

3. Construction

4. Analyze and reflect

I can tell you from experience, students will love these fun STEM activities for March. As a matter of fact, they’re more focused during STEM challenges than any other St. Patrick’s Day activity! My students always beg for extra time on STEM challenges—some even ask to skip recess to keep working on their projects! That’s definitely a win-win in my book!

March STEM Activities

To start, let’s talk about some hands-on STEM activities for March that will not only be fun, but educational as well. It can feel overwhelming to try to come up with fun challenges that follow the STEM engineering process and won’t take a hit on the pocketbook! That’s why I’m here with 4 hands-on activities you can easily do with your students using simple, affordable materials!

The Design Process

First, I want to share with you what every STEM challenge will have for the teacher and students. From my research, I have noticed that other STEM activities would often leave off one of these design process steps – either research or reflection. I understand time is limited in the classroom, but ALL these steps are imperative to learning. These materials I have provided will help the teacher plan and prep and will help the students by taking them through the design process.

• Design Brief – The brief is an overview of the STEM challenge. It will display the difficulty level, problem or backstory, the challenge, criteria for the build, and suggested materials.
• Teacher Brief – Materials needed, suggested differentiation options, and rules for the challenge.
• Anchor Chart – A colorful one-page poster to display at the front of the classroom to remind students of the challenge
• Plan Sheets – Students can fill these out individually or in groups. They are asked to get their ideas down on paper first.
• Data Collection Forms – Document the data collected from the challenge
• Reflection Sheet – Asks students to reflect and think about how they can improve their design.

One question I always get from teachers is “Can you include an example in your STEM packets?”  The short answer is absolutely not.  That will deter students from creating their own original ideas together, as a group. Generally, if you give a design example to five student groups, you’ll get five identical results. Sadly, students are trained to believe there is only one correct answer.  Through STEM, your students will learn that there are a variety of ways to accomplish a goal.  Undeniably, that is one big beauty of STEM in the classroom!

Now, let’s take a look at the four awesome STEM challenges for March:

1. Bucket Towers

This challenge asks students to build towers to hide the pot of gold from sneaky leprechauns! The following components are the criteria: (1) The tower must be able to stand on its own and (2) the tower must be able to hold gold coins. That’s it! Then the students are free to create their tower after research.

Essential Skills Practiced:

Let’s get a little more in-depth on the skills this challenge encourages:

1. Engineering and Design: Students design and build towers using materials like straws, masking tape, plastic cups, scissors, string, and marshmallows. This involves planning, creativity, and problem-solving to construct a stable tower that can stand on its own and support the weight of the gold.
2. Structural Engineering: Building towers that can stand independently and support the weight requires an understanding of structural engineering principles. Students need to consider the strength and stability of their designs to ensure they meet the specified criteria.
3. Material Science: The challenge introduces students to different materials (straw, tape, cups, string, marshmallows) and requires them to consider the properties of these materials in constructing their towers. This encourages an understanding of material science and how materials can be used for specific purposes.
4. Problem Solving: As students encounter challenges or difficulties in building their towers, they engage in problem-solving to overcome obstacles. This skill is essential in STEM fields, where finding solutions to real-world problems is a common practice.
5. Collaboration: Working in teams to construct towers promotes collaboration and teamwork. Students share ideas, distribute tasks, and contribute collectively to the success of the project.
6. Creativity: Designing and building towers with limited materials requires creativity. Students must think outside the box to create effective and stable structures to hide the pots of gold.

Wow! Now you can see all the real-life skills a simple themed STEM activity can address! Surprisingly, your students will be on your case for another experiment all. the. time….

2. Lucky Rainbows

This STEM challenge is super fun and easy to complete. Teachers ask students to construct the longest rainbow using pipe cleaners, marshmallows, and Fruit Loops to help the leprechaun find his gold coins. Then, students measure their constructed rainbows to determine which team built the longest one! What I love about these challenges is they are easily adaptable for any grade level. If measurement isn’t your standard, the younger studtns can simply count the Fruit Loops.

This activity is a fun way for students to demonstrate engineering skills, teamwork, measurement skills and adaptability. Once cone, they will collect and analyze data and then interpret the data to answer questions about the challenge.

3. Marshmallow Catapult

In this STEM challenge, students will be using Lucky Charms. We all know the leprechaun loves those sugary marshmallows! Teachers ask students to construct a catapult to launch marshmallows as far as possible. The suggested materials for this challenge are a plastic spoon, rubber bands, popsicle sticks, a small plastic cup, straws, and Lucky Charms marshmallows.

As a teacher, one of the “perks” of STEM is if you don’t have a suggested material, you can substitute it for something else or leave out completely! The same holds true for the rules. If they are too difficult, adjust them for your students. STEM is very versatile and students are always up for the challenge of creating with what they have. You will be amazed at the outcome!

Students are basically constructing simple machines in this St. Patrick’s Day activity. This is the perfect way to expand on the science behind simple machines by introducing vocabulary like level, force, and projectiles.  Depending on your level of students, this challenge not only allows student to have fun with a creative project but also introduces them to the principles of simple machines, force, and energy transfer.

4. Leprechaun Launch

For the final challenge, students are asked to design a launch to take the leprechaun AWAY from all the leprechaun traps that pop up during this time of year! Through research and design, students will come up with amazing ways to fly that leprechaun out of trouble with the leprechaun launcher!

Add STEM to Your March Plans

These fun, affordable St. Patrick’s Day STEM activities keep students engaged while meeting learning goals! These challenges are simple and easy to introduce to your curriculum. Designed with a purpose, each of these STEM challenges includes simple materials and supplies that are easy to find, super affordable (you can even ask parents for donations) and follow the STEM design process. If you’re ready to give them a try, click the cover below!

Try STEM in Your Classroom

If you haven’t jumped on board the STEM train yet, now’s the perfect time to start! These challenges are more than just fun, hands-on activities—they’re opportunities for students to think critically, collaborate, and apply real-world problem-solving skills in a meaningful way.

Still unsure? No problem! I’ve got a FREE STEM Activity Packet for you to test out in your classroom. This engaging activity pairs perfectly with the book Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon and is an excellent introduction to STEM, even if you’ve never tried it before.

STEM isn’t just another trend—it’s a powerful teaching tool that fosters curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young learners. Whether you incorporate these challenges regularly or just sprinkle them in for special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll see firsthand how excited and engaged your students become when faced with a challenge that encourages them to think outside the box.

So why not give it a try? Grab your FREE STEM Activity Packet, and watch your students dive into the engineering process with enthusiasm! You’ll be amazed at what they can create.

Pin It!

Be sure to save these easy and affordable STEM activities for March to your favorite Pinterest teacher board so you can come back anytime in the future for engaging STEM activities during this fun holiday!

The post Easy St. Patrick’s Day STEM Activities for Elementary Kids appeared first on Elementary Island.

How to Prepare Easy Activities for Substitute Teachers

Getting ready for a substitute teacher doesn’t have to be a headache. I usually take a little time during the beginning of the year to prepare my substitute lesson plans. That way, when sick days arise, I don’t have to think twice about putting in for a sub.  The hard part is already done.  Below are the steps that I go through as I prepare and can be used for any elementary grade level. 

Create a Sub Tub or Sub Binder 

You don’t need anything fancy to hold your materials. Whether you choose a  Pinterest-worthy setups, a plastic bin, or a binder, do what works best for you.  I personally have found the best success with a simple substitute binder and plastic bin.

I usually use a 2-inch binder for all the information and keep a well stocked bin with copies of the independent work – both hold all the materials needed and keep them all in one spot for quick and easy access.  What I love most is that with everything done, I can simply tell my admin or another classroom teacher to “grab the yellow binder” or “my sub basket is on the bottom shelf.”

Inside the binder, I include essential information that a sub would need.  Items like a class list, class schedule, emergency procedures, and a list of helpful students stay together in one section. This is also the place where I add a note to the substitute teacher and provide any additional information they would need like class rewards.

Detailed Lesson Plans

The first thing I include is an outline of the day’s schedule and which lessons are taught for which time block. I personally go in with the mentality that more is better. If they don’t get to everything by the end of class, that’s fine – I just want to avoid downtime! I break down each activity with clear instructions, ensuring the substitute can easily follow the lessons. Once completed, this goes into the binder too!

I highlight the needed materials for each activity in the lesson plans. Then, I gather the needed materials, whether they be worksheets, books, or other supplies, and put them in the bin. I label these with a post-it note with the subject and time to help reinforce the schedule. Most lessons do not require a lot of materials. We don’t want to put a lot of work on ourselves.

For elementary students, I have found that limiting the amount of new teaching makes for a smoother sub day when possible.  Choosing activities that help your students review previously taught skills allows them to work more independently.  For this reason, I refresh my sub activities each quarter.  That way I can make sure that the substitute lessons provided align well any time of the year.

This quarterly check-in allows me to make sure all the information in the binder stays up to date too.  If there are unused activities in the sub tub I simply file them away for next year’s sub plans or add them to our early finisher activities in the classroom.

Classroom Procedures

After lesson plans, I then turn my attention to classroom procedures. Sometimes, think it’s an all-day recess when we are out. It’s important to have the expectations clearly laid out for the substitute or guest teacher to reinforce them with the kids. Once the kiddos realize everyone is on the same page, it helps them to step up as the leaders that they are working to become. 

While preparing the expectations, I make sure to include a copy of our classroom rules, how to take attendance, bathroom breaks, who may need to be pulled into small groups, and how they should transition between activities. This helps our students by giving them a sense of routine and consistency while we are away. 

Technology Instructions

For my older students, 4th grade and up, I may leave technology items. Whenever I am preparing, I try to think of all the hiccups that could happen during the day and troubleshoot them ahead of time. Sometimes the activities that I have planned are digital and will require the use of our devices. I make sure to provide clear instructions on how to operate my device and how to navigate to any digital materials needed. Then I explain where the students’ devices are located, how the devices work, where to find log-in information, and where to access the digital materials on the student sides. 

I also leave specific guidelines for student usage of devices so that everyone is aware of expectations and how the devices should be used for the day. 

If you’d like a more detailed look at how I prepare for a sub in advance, make sure to read my other blog post 10 Immediate Actions To Do Now to Prepare for a Substitute Teacher. It’s filled with practical tips and ideas that will help you get your sub plans in order before you ever need them.  

But make sure to keep reading here too, because the rest of this post will help choose what substitute teacher activities to include in your sub plans. 

8 Easy Activities for Substitute Teachers

Now that you’ve got the basics in place, let’s talk about ideal sub lesson plans! In my opinion, there are definitely do’s and don’ts when selecting activities for when you’re out of the classroom. If you’re not quite sure where to start or need some inspiration, here are some of my favorite activities. I even explain why I think they’re a clear winner for subs! 

1. Color By Code Puzzle Activities

I always make sure to include one or more of these color-by-code activities in my substitute teacher lesson plans. The math class periods fly by when my students are engaged in this activity! Since students know just what to do they can focus on the activity leaving the substitute free to answer questions as they arise.

With color-by-code puzzles focused on place value, addition, subtraction, and multiplication I know they can be used all year long. Students solve the problem and then color in the space with the color that aligns with their answer. 

My students love working on these which is another reason they are great to leave in your sub lesson plans. You can easily use them for morning work, review in math class, or to fill in extra time. It’s an activity that is relevant to their learning, even if it’s just a review. 

Add a Color By Code activity to your sub lesson plans with this Addition Color By Code freebie! Or find more color by code resources in the Elementary Island store on TPT.

2. Math Races 

Playing a whole class game is another great activity that students love which makes them great for a sub day. For this game, choose a math skill you want your students to practice.  Make sure to leave the substitute a list of math problems they can use for this quick activity so they don’t have to come up with their own.   

One student from each team will come up to the board where they’ll solve the problem given by the substitute teacher. The one who correctly solves the problem first earns a point for the team. 

You can also divide your class into smaller groups and give each group a whiteboard. Since groups are involved, I have them pre-planned out. This helps your substitute teacher stay organized and efficiently save time, ensuring most of the time is spent on skill practice rather than on who gets to be with whom in a group. 

3. Spelling Activities

Make spelling practice fun with these themed spelling activities that are perfect no matter when in the year you need to take a day! 

These activities have come in handy many times and take very little prep time. All you have to do is type in your spelling words once and the resource automatically generates a variety of practice pages for your words! All the pages were strategically designed to have students use different strategies to help them remember how to spell the words. 

Adding one of these engaging spelling activities to your sub tub is a great way to know that students will be working on their spelling words while you are out.

4. Seasonal Math Activities with a Writing Extension 

While you’re away, have your students review their addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division skills with a math craft! The students love them, and they’re a fun way to add a little out of the ordinary fun to your math block! 

To prepare, simply choose the seasonal math craft you’d like to use. In each set, there are two math craft options. For example, the winter craft packet has a snowman and a snow globe to choose from. Plus each set includes math problem pages for a variety of math skills.  It’s so easy to leave the craft page and a page of problems that align with the skill I want students to practice. 

Students can work independently or with a partner on the problems. That’s a choice you can make depending on the dynamic of your class. If I allow them to work in partners, I leave a pre-made list of partners in the sub plans for the substitute teacher.  This helps to avoid conflicts that may arise with some students. 

Once each problem has been solved, students will check their answers with the sub. I always make sure to include the answer keys in my sub plans. Once approved, the students begin to color, cut, and assemble their craft. If possible, have a completed example so both your guest teacher and your students know what the end product should look like. 

To take it further I love to connect their math craft to a writing activity.  You can keep it math-related and have students write a word problem about their craft. But you can also use the craft as the jumping off place for a creative writing activity. Students can write a story with their craft being the main character. Students love this and I love to see their creativity soar! 

If you add the writing extension, don’t forget to add writing paper to your sub tub.  That way the substitute teacher will have everything they need.

5. Read Aloud and Story Elements Exploration

One of my favorite parts of the day with my kiddos is our read-aloud time. To keep the same routine while I am out, I always ensure that part of the day stays the same. 

I pre-choose a short story and have it ready with the rest of the materials for the day. The substitute teacher will read the story to the class. Then, afterward, the class will complete a reading response activity. 

For younger students in first grade and second grade, one of my go-to activities only requires that students get a blank sheet of paper. The students will fold the paper into four sections. Each section will be labeled with a story element, such as character, setting, problem, and solution. Then the substitute teacher and the class will talk about each one. As they move through each section, the students can draw or write down the elements of the story they read. You can leave a completed version of the elements paper to help guide your substitute teacher. 

Instead of story elements, my older students may be asked to draw their favorite part of the story and write a few sentences about it, or I might stop before the ending and ask them to illustrate what they think will happen next!

The other thing I do is give the substitute permission to do a second read-aloud during the day.  Since this is a time that students love and are generally well-behaved for, I want the substitute to know they can do this more than once.  I either leave some extra books for them to choose from or let them know where they can find a book of their choosing.

6. Seasonal Activity Packets

Meet your secret weapon for banishing downtime and keeping your students not just occupied but excited about learning! These no prep activities are the perfect way to add some seasonal fun into your sub plans while also knowing that students will be reviewing and practicing key skills. 

I always keep these seasonal no prep packets in my sub tub or binder for when I am out. I don’t have to worry about my students having too much downtime and starting to get off track. This whole bundle is a lifesaver for any substitute because it provides ready-to-go, engaging activities that align with the skills and concepts students have been learning. You can rest easy knowing that your substitute will effortlessly guide your students through crossword puzzles, creative math challenges, writing prompts, word search puzzles, and grammar adventures!

You can find a variety of no prep packets for holidays and seasons in my store.

7. QR Code Activities

Whenever technology is involved, student engagement skyrockets! Making learning fun and game-like through the use of technology helps engage our learners. Not only does this help students with the learning process, but it also helps a substitute teacher with classroom management.

My QR Code Activities are a wonderful way to work on important skills while using technology. Each of the QR Code sets includes task cards with a QR code on it.  These task cards can be used independently, with partners, or for centers.  

For each card, students work on solving the math problem or answering the question on the recording page. To check their answers, they use a digital device, such as a tablet, to scan the QR code to see if their answer is correct. If they’re correct, they color in the smiley face on their papers but if incorrect they color in the sad face.  It’s a great self-checking activity that not only saves me grading time but also allows students a chance to find their mistakes in real time. 

If you don’t have devices that have QR readers, that’s totally okay! Each of my activities has an answer key. Even if you do have QR readers, I always print out the answer key in case of technology mishaps and ensure my substitute teacher has quick access and does not have to figure it out as they go. 

8. BOOM Cards

If you still need to discover the magic of BOOM Cards, get ready for a game-changing moment for your classroom and substitute lesson plans. BOOM Cards are digital task cards that students complete on the Boom platform. Say goodbye to printing, cutting, and the hassle of recording sheets as you prep for your day out of the classroom. 

I love including BOOM Cards in my plans for my substitute teacher because they are hassle-free. My students can independently work on them and they stay engaged from start to finish. These cards are self-checking so students get immediate feedback as they are prompted to try again as needed. 

Plus you can find Boom Cards for many different skills and concepts.  That means no matter when you need them, Boom Cards provide a great activity.   

Learn more about BOOM Cards by reading BOOM Cards in the Classroom! When leaving Boom Cards for a substitute make sure that you leave detailed instructions on how students will access the Boom Card activities. 

Time to Prepare Easy Activities for Substitute Teachers

So what are you waiting for? Don’t wait until you are sick to prepare your sub plans. The key to being prepared for substitutes is being proactive. By creating a sub tub or binder now that is filled with everything a substitute teacher would need, you set the stage for a smooth substitute experience for your guest teacher and for your students. 

Choose a variety of activities that will help your students practice or review skills they have already been taught.  Add in something out of the ordinary, like a math craft, for instant engagement.  And. . . engage them with activities you know they love like read-alouds, games, and technology.  The next time you need to step away, your plans will be done and ready to go.  No stress and no worry! After all, a well-prepared substitute plan is the ultimate gift to your substitute, your students, and yourself! 

Save for Later

Remember to pin this post to your favorite teaching Pinterest board so that you can come back when you need ideas for your sub plans. 

The post Easy Elementary Ideas & Activities for Substitute Teachers appeared first on Elementary Island.

The Quest for Enriched Vocabulary with Word of the Week

How Word of the Week Can Transform Your Classroom

Are you on a mission to supercharge your students’ vocabularies while keeping things exciting? My Word of the Week Vocabulary Activities packet is your trusty sidekick in the word power quest. Let’s take a look into how this resource can add a dash of word magic to your classroom: 

Word Integration at Its Best

It’s not just about learning new words but also about using them! Word of the Week encourages students to sprinkle these magical words into their writing, conversation, and even while reading their favorite books. 

We don’t want our students to become passive learners of words. Our goal is to help them weave these new words into the activities and conversations they take part in! It helps them to go from acquiring the vocab to applying it in real-world situations!

As they become more comfortable, your students (readers, writers, conversationalists) will discover how powerful words can be when expressing themselves. Their confidence and excitement heighten when they uncover one of these words while reading or conversing with someone. They’re like lightbulb moments or ah-ha moments because they can better understand what is being said!

Effortless Integration into Your Busy Schedule

Here’s the cherry on top: implementing Word of the Week activities is as easy as pie! I understand that your schedule as a teacher is often packed to the brim with lessons, activities, and responsibilities. That’s why I have designed this resource to seamlessly blend into your daily routine without adding extra stress or time-consuming tasks. 

Believe it or not, sprinkling this word magic into your lessons takes only 10 minutes a day.  Think about it – just a short coffee break’s worth of time can help your students grow in confidence when it comes to new vocabulary! No need for complex planning, never-ending preparation, or late-night adjustments. Word of the Week effortlessly weaves vocabulary enrichment into your existing schedule.

This resource will enhance your teaching experience and make vocabulary expansion a natural and enjoyable part of your classroom routine. Whether you have a jam-packed day of lessons or a hectic week of grading ahead, Word of the Week fits snugly into your agenda, leaving you more time to focus on what truly matters — inspiring your students and igniting their passion for learning. 

What’s Inside Word of the Week

Let’s dig a bit deeper into the treasure chest that is our Word of the Week Vocabulary Activities resource: 

• 36 Handpicked Words: I’ve carefully chosen words that will set your students’ vocabularies on fire!
• Teacher Tips: Need some guidance on making the most of this resource? I’ve got you covered with tips on setup, introduction, and reinforcement. 
• Quarterly Assessments: Worried about tracking progress? I’ve got that sorted with 4 Quarter Tests and answer keys.
• Student-Friendly Layout: Every word gets a two-page spread with daily activities, so no one’s left scratching their heads. 

• Customizable Covers: Having choice adds a bit of fun to life, right? Students can choose from 12 different covers for their workbook. 
• Comprehensive Word Pages: Each vocabulary word comes with a header, definition sheet, and a sentence that shows it in action. 
• Easy Printing: Our student workbook is a piece of cake to print, so no tech stress here!

Benefits of Using Word of the Week Vocabulary Activities

• Expanding Vocabulary: In just 10 minutes a day, watch your students’ vocabulary begin to soar!
• Enhanced Comprehension: Their reading comprehension levels will rise as they become comfortable with new words. 
• Context Analysis Skills: The activities will sharpen their ability to understand words in conversations, in texts they read, and in shows they listen to, resulting in them using the words on their own! 
• Better Communication: Your students will be able to express their thoughts more clearly, both verbally and written. 

• Memory Boost: Repetition and active use make words stick like glue.
• Academic Success: Improved performance across the board in all subject areas. 

Empower Your Teaching with Word of the Week Vocabulary  Activities 

In the whirlwind world of education, I get it – you’re swamped. There’s hardly a moment to spare between lesson planning, grading, and guiding your students toward progress! That’s precisely why Word of the Week Vocabulary Activities isn’t just another resource. It’s here to make your life easier and your students’ learning experience more enriching than ever. 

It seamlessly integrates into your already-hectic schedule by only requiring 10 minutes a day to work its magic. You won’t be sacrificing time for it. I know how precious your time is, but truthfully, you’ll be gifting your students a great vocabulary tool. 

Watch as your students begin to confidently express themselves and understand the world around them as they navigate the topsy-turvy world full of words! 

Save for Later

Remember to save this pin to your favorite teacher Pinterest board for when you need vocabulary activities to enhance your students’ learning experience. 

The post Enhance Vocabulary Skills with Word of the Week Activities for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Graders! appeared first on Elementary Island.

What is Differentiation? 

Differentiation is all about tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs of each of your students. That means using specific content, processes, products, or learning environments to help meet the needs of the individual students in your classroom. 

For helpful ways to get started with the basics of differentiation in your classroom, be sure to check out the previous post in this differentiation series, Practical Steps to Effectively Differentiate in Your Classroom. 

Even though differentiation has been around for a while now, it doesn’t mean everyone does it. But, I can tell you from lots of experience that it’s one of the most helpful “tools” I’ve used in my classroom over the years. And, differentiation doesn’t have to be overly complicated or include tons of lesson plans that take hours to write. Differentiation is all about finding out where your students are currently and meeting the m there. 

For example, you may have a group of students who you see need a little more help with addition facts. So, to help them, put them in a small group and give them differentiated instruction with a fun center activity, worksheet, Boom Card activity, or anything else that would help give them the extra skills practice they need. At the same time, you may have a group of kiddos who have mastered simple addition and are ready for two or even three-digit addition. You can do exactly the same thing and put them together in a group with worksheets, Boom Cards, etc. for more advanced skills practice to keep them engaged. 

See what I mean? It’s all about meeting your kiddos where they are, identifying their needs, and moving on from that point. Easy-peasy!

GRAB THIS FREE DIFFERENTIATION GUIDE TO HELP YOU GET STARTED WITH ALL THINGS DIFFERENTIATION!

1. How to Differentiate Instruction by Product

So, now that we have a basic understanding of what differentiation is, let’s talk about the different ways you can differentiate in your classroom. The first way is by product. 

Differentiating by product for elementary students involves offering a range of options for students to demonstrate their understanding of the material. Some practical strategies to implement differentiation by product could include:

Tiered Assignments

Using assignments with different levels of complexity for your students is a great way to effectively differentiate instruction. You are still teaching the same skill to all of your students, but you are able to create tiered assignments for students at different levels of the particular skill mastery. For example, in your math lesson, you can create three sets of problems: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Then, it’s as easy as assigning the tier based on each student’s ability. 

Learning Stations

Whether you call these learning stations or centers is up to you. Basically, they are the same with one difference. Learning stations allow you to set up different activities or tasks related to the targeted skill you want your students to practice. As your students rotate through the stations, they will have several different tasks to choose from. Each task helps them practice the same skill, but your students will be able to choose the task that appeals most to them. This means you will have more buy in and your students will stay more engaged and essentially get the most out of their learning experience. 

Choice Boards or Menus

You can design a choice board or menu with various assignment options for your students to select from. Include activities that would appeal to the various learning styles and interests of your students. For example, a choice board for a project may include an option to write a story, create a comic strip, make a diorama, or record a video presentation. Not only does this give you the ability to meet your students where they are skill-wise, but it also gives them a sense of independence. 

2. How to Differentiate Instruction by Process

Differentiating by process means providing a variety of approaches, resources, and opportunities for your students. By providing a variety of ways for your students to learn, practice, and master key skills and concepts you can be sure each of your students can thrive and achieve their full potential in your classroom. Differentiation by process not only enhances academic achievement but also fosters a love for learning and empowers students to take an active role in their education. How cool is that? 

Some easy ways to differentiate by process include:

Individualized Learning Paths

Develop individualized learning paths for students. This means you are creating a specialized learning goal for your students and giving them the opportunity to reach those goals in ways that work best for their learning styles. These paths can be based on pre-assessments or ongoing formative assessments and guide each student’s progress through the curriculum at their own pace. 

Cooperative Learning Opportunities

I can’t stress enough how valuable it is to give your students the opportunity to learn from and teach one another. When you are able to incorporate cooperative learning activities in your classroom, your students will feel empowered and excited about learning. For example, for a novel study, it would be helpful to group students with different learning styles together. If you have a student who is fantastic at researching but doesn’t love drawing, putting them together in a group with another student who LOVES any opportunity to be creative means they can work together to find the information they need and creatively show their learning. Not only does collaborative learning enhance understanding of key concepts, but it also fosters an environment of problem solving.

Scaffolded Instruction

Use scaffolding techniques to support your students as they learn new concepts or skills. This is a great “sister” process to the individualized learning paths because you are able to make your scaffolded instruction unique for each student. As your students progress through the skill you are able to gradually reduce support as they become more proficient which allows them to take ownership of their learning. It’s an amazing experience for teachers and students alike!

3. How to Differentiate Instruction by Content

To differentiate by content means you are tailoring your instruction or curriculum to meet the diverse learning needs, abilities, interests, and readiness levels of each of your students. It’s important to remember that each of our students has different prior knowledge, learning styles, and individual strengths. 

Ways to effectively differentiate by content could include:

Curriculum Compacting

Curriculum compacting is basically identifying students who have already mastered certain aspects of the content you are teaching and providing them the opportunity to explore them more in-depth. I like to think of these as enrichment activities my students can do that will help them stay engaged in the learning, but also choose something that feels fun for them. Curriculum compacting pairs perfectly with tiered assignments because it gives your students the opportunity to have more voice and choice in their learning. 

Use of Technology

We all know how much our students love any opportunity to use technology in the classroom. So, if we can use technology to our advantage when differentiating by content it’s a win-win situation! You can use technology to deliver personalized content or adaptive learning experiences based on the skill level of your individual students. Boom Cards are a perfect resource for differentiating because you can assign decks to students based on the specific skills you want them to be practicing. 

Varied Learning Resources

Providing a range of learning materials like textbooks, articles, videos, interactive websites, and hands-on manipulatives helps your students feel more comfortable with how they are learning. When your kiddos are feeling excited about what they are learning because of how the information is presented, you will find them more engaged and actually learning MORE! 

You know your students better than anyone and you can probably identify several students who would be more engaged in what they are learning by watching a video. On the flip side, you know there are also several students who wouldn’t have the focus for a video but would excel with an interactive website. Just because your kiddos are learning the content in different ways doesn’t mean one is better than the other. This is where your differentiation is such a success. You are giving every one of your students the opportunity to learn in the way that works best for them!

4. How to Differentiate Instruction by Environment

You may not immediately think of your classroom environment as a tool for differentiation, but it absolutely can be! Differentiation by environment involves adapting the classroom setting, routines, and atmosphere to accommodate the diverse needs of students. By creating a supportive and flexible environment, teachers can optimize learning experiences and ensure that every child feels valued, safe, and motivated to learn. Differentiating by environment recognizes that students respond differently to their surroundings, and it aims to create a space that nurtures their strengths and addresses their challenges. 

Some examples of differentiating by environment include:

Classroom Layout

Arranging your classroom to provide multiple learning spaces, such as quiet corners for independent work, collaborative areas for group activities, and designated spaces for hands-on projects is a great way to naturally foster an environment of differentiated learning. You can even create flexible seating options to cater to different learning preferences. These could include standing desks, bean bags, traditional desks, group tables, and more. 

Choice and Autonomy

This one might sound a little “out there”, but believe me when I say this can work! At the beginning of the year, quarterly, monthly, or how often you feel is acceptable, offer your students the ability to choose where they sit within the classroom. This might be flexible seating, but it could also be sitting with a specific group. 

You can also work together with your class to design the layout of your classroom. This could include a more home-like feel with floor lamps, window coverings, or even a couch. Giving your class (and individual students) the opportunity to have a differentiated learning environment will go a long way in the overall success of your school year. 

Calm Corners and Active Areas

Within your class, you are going to have some students who prefer a lot of space to move around when learning. But, you will also probably have several students who do better learning in a snug, cozy and quiet environment. Creating a safe space for both types of learners within your classroom environment can seem impossible, but I promise it’s doable. 

Create a designated calm corner workspace for students who need some quiet to focus while working on school work. This can be an area with a special table, comfortable beanbag chairs, etc. But, work together with your class to discuss what this area should look and sound like so the expectations are clear at the beginning of the year. For your active areas, the same concept applies. Working collaboratively with your students, talk about what sort of activities will be appropriate for the active area and what it should look and sound like. 

This will help your students take ownership of their learning and give you differentiated areas of your classroom environment for learning to take place in the way that works best for your students. 

Differentiation is the Key to Success in Your Classroom

By embracing differentiation by product, process, content, and environment in our classrooms we can create a nurturing and empowering learning environment for our students. This will help each and every one of our students thrive and reach their full potential. 

Whether this is your first or 40th year in the classroom, you are sure to find that differentiating instruction is an incredible way to help each of your students feel successful in your classroom. 

Differentiation Resources for You

If you are ready to jump into differentiation, I have some amazing resources for you! Check out the Math Differentiation Bundle in the Elementary Island TPT store today! From skip counting and fractions to money and learning about time, I’ve got your differentiated instruction covered!

Don’t Forget this FREE Differentiation Guide

Grab this FREE guide that includes specific instructional strategies for each of the core subjects, a student interest form, and more! It’s the perfect resource to keep in your teacher binder or with your lesson planning supplies so you always have practical tips and ideas right at your fingertips. 

Pin it!

Be sure to save these 4 main ways to differentiate instruction in the elementary classroom to your favorite education Pinterest board today!

The post 4 Ways to Differentiate Instruction in the Elementary Classroom appeared first on Elementary Island.

So, What is Differentiation?

How do I Start Using Differentiation in my Classroom? 

1. Understand the Concept

2. Identifying Student Needs

3. Flexibility in Lesson Planning

4. Varied Instructional Strategies

6. Individualization and Grouping

7. Classroom Environment

8. Ongoing Reflection and Professional Development

Grab Your FREE Differentiation Guide 

Grab this FREE guide that includes specific instructional strategies for each of the core subject matters, a student interest form, and more! It’s the perfect resource to keep in your teacher binder or with your lesson planning supplies so you always have practical tips and ideas right at your fingertips. 

Differentiation is Here to Stay!

Save These Practical Differentiation Tips and Ideas

The post Practical Steps to Effectively Differentiate in Your Classroom appeared first on Elementary Island.

We are all familiar with the excitement and pride we have on the days it feels like we have every student engaged in some way. You caught their attention from the start, and they are actively working on the activities.  Plus, the skills and concepts are clicking. That’s a great day in any classroom.

On the flip side, what can you do when engagement seems to be waning? I have nine effective strategies for increasing student engagement that you can pull out anytime you need to pump up the engagement levels! 

Strategy #1: Get Students Up and Moving with Task Cards

Strategy #2: Encouraging Student Participation with Posters

Strategy #3: Did Someone Say Digital? 

Strategy #4: Student Choice Options

Strategy #5: Differentiate, Differentiate, Differentiate

Strategy #6: Using Student Names in the Classroom

Strategy #7: Make Cross-Curricular Connections

Strategy #8: Use Active Response Techniques 

Strategy #9: Hands-On Activities to Promote Active Learning

BONUS Strategy: Songs and Chants

Looking for More Engagement Ideas?

Save for the Future!

The post 9 Effective Strategies for Increasing Student Engagement appeared first on Elementary Island.

Why Should You Teach Biographies?

Biographies are the perfect complement to any Social Studies Unit or Thematic Unit! Students can relate to history more easily through personal stories because historical events are explained from the perspective of real people who lived through those times. Check out this blog post about how I use biographies to teach about Martin Luther King Jr.!

Now that we know why teaching biographies is important, let’s jump into HOW!

1. Introduce Students to Biographies with Read Alouds 

I can’t say enough about how much I love reading a good picture book to my students to stir up excitement for a lesson. Sharing a great biography is no exception! Start with a beautiful book like:

• Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker
• Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville
• Who SaysCan’tn Can’t Be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone

These books are incredible stories of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. Students see a glimpse of what life was like years before they were born and how things were very different! Did I mention the illustrations? They are gorgeous!

You could allow students to share what they learned in their interviews with the class or take this activity further by writing a biography about their friend! 

This type of project can take a bit of preparation on your part to keep it running smoothly. However, with my Biography Student Reports pack, this “interview and write a biography” activity is a breeze to incorporate into your classroom!

Included are 2 Student Interview Pages filled with interesting questions to get your kids talking! Plus, printable pages where students write the information they learned. They then piece the pages together to create a friend’s biography! Your students will love learning about each other and feel accomplished because they wrote a biography!

3. Research a Famous Person and Write About Their Life!

• When was this person born? When did they die?
• Describe this person as a child.
• Did this person get married or have children?
• How did this person contribute to society?

These pages have differentiated versions so students of all ability levels can participate in this activity. Each version has questions, but some are more specific and require more detail. This allows you to easily differentiate for your students and push some to think a little more deeply, while other students can answer the questions more broadly while still experiencing success!

A booklet with labeled pages is included so that students can practice transferring the information from their Notes Pages into an actual biography of their famous person! Your students will feel fulfilled when they finish their biographies and see all the hard work that went into that challenging (but fun!) project! 

Introduce your students to biography research and make learning fun with this Biography Report and Research Activities Unit from my TPT Store!

The set includes templates for biography reports that can be used all year long, catering to the needs of different levels of learners. Differentiated research activities are included, along with anchor chart sets that can be printed in black and white or color for student reference during the unit. A classmate research activity is also included, fostering community building within the classroom. Engage your students in the excitement of learning from history through biographies!

Pin this Post on Pinterest

Not ready for ideas on teaching biographies but need them later? Save this post to your favorite Teaching board on Pinterest. You’ll have them when you need them!

The post 4 Fun Ways to Teach Biographies appeared first on Elementary Island.

What are digraphs and why are they important?

1. Start With Hands-On Activities!

• Have students work with letter tiles or magnetic letters to create digraphs and repeat the sound it makes. You can extend this by adding some picture cards and having students say the word, listen for the digraph sound, and then build the proper digraph.
• Spray foam shaving cream on students’ desks and have students write the digraph after listening to you say the sound. Then have them repeat the sound.
• Allow students to dig through a sensory bin to find hidden letter tiles. Then let them work together to make a digraph. Once they find a match they can say the sound the digraph makes.
• Have students string letter beads onto pipe cleaners to make a digraph and repeat the sound it makes as they slide the beads toward each other.

When you allow your students to use their hands and bodies to explore new ideas, their brains make connections quicker and the information is less likely to be forgotten. By starting off with hands-on activities, you are explicitly teaching the concept of digraphs and can now move on to practice!

2. Give students lots of isolated practice with specific digraphs

• repeated reading of words
• sorting based on beginning/ending digraph sounds
• unscrambling words
• completing sentences with the correct word

and more! They are also a great activity for building vocabulary, which is an added bonus!

This practice page gives students lots of interaction with how to say the digraph, what it looks like in actual words, as well as how to write it. Once students have practiced this digraph in isolated words, it’s time to help them easily recognize digraphs as quickly as possible.

3. Build automaticity of digraphs

This continued repetition helps to reinforce learning and makes these digraphs stick in students’ long-term memory. When kids are repeatedly exposed to digraphs, they are more likely to remember the sounds associated with those letter combinations. Using these worksheets as morning work or centers are a great way to make repetition more fun!

4. Put students’ knowledge to the test

Want to give Challenge Phonics a try in your classroom?

I know just how helpful and effective Challenge Phonics has been in my classroom.  That’s why I want you to try it out in your classroom! I truly believe that it won’t take you long to see how valuable Challenge Phonics is for your students. 

Grab this FREE 4-week pack of Challenge Phonics activities.  In this free set, I have included 4 different phonics skills or concepts.  That way, no matter what time of year you grab this, there is something you can use right away! This free Challenge Phonics pack includes activities for teaching and practicing digraphs, diphthongs, long vowels, and -or words.

Are you ready to challenge your students?

 

Pin this Post on Pinterest

The post 4 Ways to Use Challenge Phonics to Teach Digraphs appeared first on Elementary Island.

Why is Teaching Prefixes Important?

Use Interactive Notebooks for Teaching Prefixes

Not only do I display these premade posters, but I have my students make a “fill-in” poster to supplement each premade poster! To make these fill-in posters, students simply:

Prefix Centers are a Great “Next Step”

Games Make a Great Prefix Assessment

Wow! Teaching Prefixes Can Be Fun!

Pin this Teaching Prefixes Post

The post 4 Fun Ways to Teach Prefixes appeared first on Elementary Island.

Here are my best tips on how to write Report Card Comments

1. Start out with a compliment

2. Tell the truth in a caring way

Don’t know where to start?

Need more report card comment inspiration?

Positive Comments

Feeling Better about writing Report Card Comments?

Pin these Report Card Comments!

The post 25 Meaningful Report Card Comments appeared first on Elementary Island.

1. Spring Dots Drawing

• green leaves budding on trees
• warmer temperatures
• seasonal flowers blooming (ex-tulips, daffodils)
• new animal babies (ex-bunnies, chicks)

Ask students to choose their favorite thing about Spring and create a dot drawing!  Simply give each student a piece of dot paper, and students will color the dots in a pattern to create a picture.  If you would like the dot paper I use (plus some other spring activities), you can grab mine here for free!

2. Spring Math Crafts 

Crafts and coloring are so much fun, but we still have to get work done.  Right?  Why not do both with Spring themed Craftivities?  

A “craftivity” is the combination of an educational activity with a craft that involves cutting, coloring, and/or gluing.  Students enjoy these because as they are working on reviewing important standards, they get to have the fun of being artistic!

If you are interested in using craftivities in your classroom, you’ve got to check out these amazing Spring themed math crafts! 

• Spring Caterpillar and Flower Craftivity 
• Spring Bunny and Basket Craftivity

Each of these craftivity sets includes math practice for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Simply choose the option that best meets the needs of your students. Not only will students get the chance to review important math standards, but they will create the most adorable spring crafts!  These finished projects, along with the cross-curricular writing prompts included, make a sweet Spring bulletin board that your students will be proud to have helped make!

3. Spring Adjectives

• bunnies: soft, furry, cuddly
• tulips: bright, colorful, slender
• leaves: green, waxy, tender

4. Easter Egg Hunt

5. Flower Graphic Organizer

6. Spring STEM Activities

With Spring Fever in full swing as soon as the weather warms, every teacher needs some engaging activities to keep those restless bodies moving!  The best way to allow students movement and chatter is to incorporate STEM activities!

Students get to work in partners or groups, talk and share ideas, and think creatively while solving a problem!  

Sounds amazing, I know!  Check out these Spring themed STEM activities which require only a few simple materials, most of which you already have, and very little prep!

Your students are sure to be engaged with activities like:

• Creating the fastest Egg Race
• Constructing a Peeps Parachute
• Creating a nest to hold an egg
• Constructing a Peeps Boat

When students are engaged in STEM activities like these, they are much more likely to push through that Spring Fever that causes them to lose motivation to learn.  

7. Rainbow Clouds

8. Spring Mystery

While Spring is a beautiful season, it can also be pretty hectic with everything going on this time of year.  A print-and-go activity that requires virtually no prep is such a lifesaver for busy teachers!

When dealing with Spring though, not just any old boring worksheet will do.  Choose printable resources that are different from what you might typically do in class but also require students to review previously taught skills and think critically.

It sounds like a lot to ask, but a solution is easier than you think!  Try a Spring “Who Done It?” Mystery!  Students work out math problems to crack codes to figure out which bunny stole the missing Easter eggs!

Students will love the fact they have to solve a mystery, but you will love that they are actively engaged in reviewing important math standards!

9. Grass Buddies

• Give students cups to decorate to look like a person.  
• Students should add soil, then poke holes in the soil.  
• Have students place seeds in the holes and cover them with soil.  
• Students should then add a little water to dampen the soil and leave their cups in the sun.

Once students have created their Grass Buddies, they should write their own version of the directions and illustrate each step.  Grab your free “How To” paper here!

Be sure to give students time in class to check out their Grass Buddies over the next few days!  It’s the perfect science connection for life cycles and needs of a plant.  Let them document their day-to-day observations in their science journal. 

10. Spring Observations

Give your students the chance to observe and share what they think is important about Spring!  On a nice day, take your students outside and let them choose a place to sit where they can focus and not be distracted.  Tell them to sit quietly and focus on what they smell, hear, feel, taste, and see.

Once back in the classroom, ask each student to fill out and color a Spring Observation sheet.  Not only will students write information they found while they were outside, but they can use their prior knowledge about Spring as well.

Allow students to share their finished pages with the class, then hang them in the hallway for a sweet reminder of why they love Spring!

Spring Activities for the Win!

Pin these Spring Activities for later!

  

The post 10 Amazing Spring Activities For Your Classroom appeared first on Elementary Island.

Supplies for Melted Plastic Cup Ornaments

Step 1: Prep

Step 2: Design your Ornament

 

Step 3: Melt the Ornament

Step 4: Cool Down

Step 5: Add the Extras!

Fake student added!  Haha! 

Step 6: Turn into an Ornament

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS AND QUESTIONS

My ornaments curled up some. What do I do?

Can I use bigger size cups?

Do I need to use sharpies?

Does it really melt in under one minute?

Do I need to flatten them with a spatula?

Did you melt all your students’ ornaments at home?

Can I use a microwave?

Would love for you to share! Spread the fun or save for later! 

The post How To Melt Cups into Ornaments: A Teacher’s Simple, Cheap and Cute Christmas Craft appeared first on Elementary Island.

1. Invite Guest Readers

2. Have a Picture Book Scavenger Hunt

3. Track Books Read with a Sticker Chart

4. Hold a Book Character Dress Up Day

5. Play Book Bingo

6. Have a Bookmark-Making Contest

7. Hold a Book Tournament

8. Make a Book Buddies Date

9. Use Special Reading Accessories

10. Create Interest in Reading with a Book Tasting

Are You Ready for Read Across America Day?

Pin These Read Across America Ideas for Later

The post 10 Creative and Fun Ways to Celebrate Read Across America Day appeared first on Elementary Island.

1. The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day

2. Lucky Tucker

3. Ten Lucky Leprechauns

4. How To Catch A Leprechaun

5. St. Patrick’s Day

6. The Leprechaun’s Gold 

7. The Luckiest Leprechaun

So Many Fun St. Patrick’s Day Books!

The post 7 Engaging and Fun St. Patrick’s Day Books For The Elementary Classroom appeared first on Elementary Island.