Lomasney Gifted and Talented Plus Bell Ringers

Why is reading important?  Reading is important, because it is difficult to function in society if one is illiterate.  Of course you wouldn't be reading this blog post if you were illiterate.  Everything in school stems on the ability of a child to be able to read.  If a child cannot read on grade level, then he or she falls behind.  In some cases not being able to read above grade level, when reading a science textbook, can actually cause problems. Can parents help this process?  Yes.  Read to your child at an early age.  Develop an attachment to books in the child.  Make reading a cozy happy time.  Make it a rewarding time. Can young children read?  Yes.  I have seen plenty of young children read.  They read cereal boxes and other sight words.  Sometimes they read their own books.  This, however, may be imitation, but that's not bad either.  There is nothing wrong in encouraging young children to read ...

I believe all students can learn.  I currently have a mixture of abilities in my classroom.  I do, however, believe in pull-out education, too.  I think there are times when one teacher has trouble reaching all levels all of the time.  I personally taught gifted education for several years, and I don't believe it is elitist to teach children who are academically gifted.  Sometimes, they actually get left behind, when they are left in the regular classroom. These students need a challenge, because they may become bored, begin to daydream, and get lost in the daily grind.  Many of these students won't even complete classroom work.  Why...you may ask?  Because it is boring.  They already know how to do the work. There are special emotional needs that need to be met by a specialist as well.  Furthermore, some generalists don't understand why the child, who tests so well, is a poor student in the class. Finally, my advice for the gene...

Is having high expectations for all children to succeed too much to ask?  I don't think so.  All children have potential.  It may not be the potential we perceive at first, but all children have strengths.  I currently teach children with various abilities, but I believe in them to succeed to their fullest potential.  I try to find their strengths and teach to those abilities.  I expect the other weaker abilities to come along with time.  Sometimes, there is just no way for a child to learn to spell his or her name, but perhaps that child can carry a tune.  Maybe that child can shake a maraca.  Whatever the case, I believe that I am the teacher of the classroom for a reason, and that is to reach children at their level. On the other hand, some children are incredibly gifted and talented, and I enjoy helping them reach their potential, too.  These children frequently need motivation to succeed.  Therefore, I try to be the motiv...

Do you need some printables to send home for unsavory winter weather?  Perhaps, you need some math practice sheets to keep students interested with clip art that can be colored after math is done.  What about "bell ringers"?  The following can help: Martin Luther King, Jr. Bell Ringer First Grade Math Bundle

I often hear teachers say they don't want to teach to the test.  I, however, think it is important to teach children how to evaluate test questions, so they can make the best selection.  There is no need to allow students to fail on a test, just because they don't understand how to take a test. We as educators, are in deep thought about how to prepare students for that end-of-the-school-year test.  You know...the big one.  Well, then help students explore how to cancel wrong answers and narrow their choices to only 2-3 possible answers.  In addition, teach them how to read directions.  Finally, teach students the test vocabulary.  There may be action verbs on the test that students don't understand.  That's why I created a product of posters that gives definitions for those words.  Sure, you'll have to take them down, when it is test time.  But these mini-posters can help you teach these words throughout the year.  They can ...

Every teacher can use some free resources!  Here is one I would like to share: Hope you can use these for back  to school time!  You may also find these for a free download at my Teachers pay Teachers store.  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Math-Mystery-Picture-on-120-Grid-Math-Secret-Snapshots-1339711

Every teacher has a tight budget for school, so we all need free resources...right? I know I do. That's why I enjoy Teachers pay Teachers free products. It is fun to share free items and get free items from other Teachers pay Teachers sellers. Thankfully, teachers are willing to share resources for free or little cost! One of my favorite decorating ideas is the owl theme. This theme is great for primary grades. Whoooo doesn't like owls? They are so cute and look wise! All you have to do is draw 2 big round circles, then draw 2 small circles for pupils. Make a small pointed beak and a head with 2 points! Then you have a face that you can place at the opening of a paper bag placed at a learning center! The students will have fun digging into the bag with the learning center activities!