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Disneyland Classroom Transformation
Are you looking for a way to make your final days of the school year memorable? I have the solution! With this Disneyland Classroom Transformation, you can transform your classroom into a magical space for FREE! In this article, you will be provided with all the tools you need to create an enchanting environment that will leave your pupils eager to learn. From math review pages to problem-based learning activities, get ready to take your teaching to the next level!
Getting Started
When your students walk into the classroom, you have several options to plan what they will see! It can be a minimal amount of work, or you can add these fun extras! You can print out the polaroid cameras and hand them to the kids to “take pictures” of their favorite memories throughout the day. They an draw them on the photo paper at the end of the day.
I give my students some Mickey and Minnie ears to wear (We clean them and reuse them each year.) You can get these through a DonorsChoose Project, ask parents, or use your legislative funds to add these fun extras!
Click here to purchase the ears!
(This is an affiliate link. I get a tiny commission if you purchase at no extra cost to you.)
Math Review Pages
I have pre-made templates for third grade standards that cover creating arrays, multiplication, measurement, fractions, and story problems! If you’re not a third grade teacher, don’t worry! There is an editable PowerPoint file you can change to match your grade level standards. (If you don’t have access to PowerPoint, just drag and drop the file into Google Drive!)
Themed Writing Prompts
Another way to transform your classroom into a magical Disney world is by implementing themed writing prompts. These prompts provide a creative outlet for your students while also strengthening their writing skills. There are templates encouraging them to write about their favorite Disney characters, movies, and theme park experiences.
After completing their writing prompts, your class can move on to STEM activities, which will provide hands-on educational experiences that align with your Disney theme.
If you enjoy themed classroom transformations, you will love Summary Safari!
STEM Activities
After completing their writing prompts, your class can move on to STEM activities. These will provide hands-on educational experiences that align with your Disney theme. For example, you can create a physics lesson centered around the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. You could also design a biology lesson inspired by the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These activities will not only spark your students’ curiosity and also offer a fun and interactive way of learning.
YouTube Rides
Additionally, you can incorporate YouTube videos of popular Disney rides in your lesson plans. For instance, if you are teaching about force and motion, you can show a video of the Space Mountain ride and discuss scientific principles.
Want to try more classroom transformations? Check out this hospital kit!
Souvenir Shop Problem-Based Learning Activities
Building off from the fun and creative ways to incorporate Disney-inspired decor and lessons in your classroom, there are other engaging activities you can integrate to enhance your students’ learning experience. One such activity is problem-based learning centered around a souvenir shop.
By simulating a real-life scenario, your students can develop critical thinking skills and apply what they have learned in a practical setting. For instance, you can challenge your class to come up with a pricing strategy for a souvenir shop or create a marketing campaign for a new Disney product. These activities not only solidify their knowledge, but also prepare them for future careers.
Through these hands-on experiences, your students can gain a deeper understanding of business concepts and develop valuable communication and teamwork skills. Plus, they’ll have fun along the way! By incorporating these creative resources and activities, you can transform your classroom into a magical Disney World that will inspire and engage your students. So, give it a try and see the transformation for yourself! Click here to get the freebie!
In conclusion, transforming your classroom into a magical Disney world is a surefire way to make learning fun and engaging for your students. From math review pages to souvenir shop problem-based learning activities, incorporating Disney-themed elements into your curriculum will not only pique your students’ interest, but it will also improve their retention of the material.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to bring a little bit of magic into your classroom. Sign up for our weekly emails to receive our free resource and stay up to date on more exciting classroom ideas. As Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” So dream big, and create a classroom that your students will never forget!
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Cooperative Learning for Shy Students
For shy students, classroom participation can be a daunting and anxiety-inducing experience. While cooperative learning activities are meant to encourage teamwork and collaboration, these students may feel excluded and unheard. But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are practical strategies teachers can use to break down these barriers and create a more inclusive learning environment for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore five effective methods for encouraging participation and providing a safe and supportive space for introverted students. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for creating an environment where all students feel empowered to share their unique perspectives and insights.
Create a Safe and Supportive Classroom Environment
One effective way to create a safe and supportive classroom environment is to encourage small group work. By breaking students into smaller groups, it allows shy students to feel more comfortable and confident to contribute their thoughts and ideas. In fact, research has shown that students are more likely to participate in group discussions when they are in small groups because they feel more relaxed and less intimidated by their peers. As a teacher, you can facilitate this by assigning tasks that require collaboration or pairing students up for specific activities. Cooperative learning not only provides a more inclusive learning experience, but it also allows students to build stronger relationships with their peers, which can enhance their academic performance and overall well-being.
Try this easy strategy to create an inclusive classroom!
Encourage Small Group Work
As a teacher, you can facilitate this by assigning tasks that require collaboration or pairing students up for specific activities. This not only provides a more inclusive learning experience but it also allows students to build stronger relationships with their peers, which can enhance their academic performance and overall well-being.
Encouraging small group work can also help shy students feel more accountable for their contributions as they work together towards a common goal. They may feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas with a small group and gradually build up the confidence to contribute in larger group settings.
Providing opportunities for small group work can also benefit more outgoing students who may dominate class discussions. By assigning specific roles within groups, such as a leader, note-taker, or timekeeper, you can ensure that all students have a chance to contribute and take on a leadership role.
By creating a safe and supportive classroom environment through small group work, students can feel more comfortable sharing their ideas and thoughts, building relationships with their peers, and ultimately, enhancing their learning experience.
This approach sets up the next section, “Provide Opportunities to Share Ideas in Writing,” which can further support shy students who may feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts through writing.
Provide Opportunities to Share Ideas in Writing
In addition to fostering a safe and supportive classroom environment through small group work, there are other ways to encourage shy students to participate in cooperative learning. Providing opportunities to share ideas in writing can be an effective method for students who may feel more comfortable expressing themselves through written communication. By offering different modes of participation, such as writing down thoughts, ideas, and questions on paper, students who may be hesitant to speak up in a group discussion can still contribute to the collaborative learning experience.
This type of activity can also provide an opportunity for students to refine their writing skills, as well as enhance their critical thinking and communication abilities. Moreover, by allowing different forms of participation, students can feel that their contributions are valued, regardless of how they choose to express themselves. With these strategies in place, educators can create a learning environment that caters to the needs of all students, including those who may be more introverted or hesitant to participate in a public forum. Next, let’s explore how varying the types of cooperative learning activities can provide even more opportunities for students to engage and learn together.
Vary the Types of Cooperative Learning Activities
Varying the types of cooperative learning activities is another way to ensure that all students have an opportunity to participate in class, regardless of their individual learning preferences or personality types. By introducing a variety of approaches, educators can help students engage with content in different ways and create opportunities for all students to shine. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all students will enjoy or excel at every type of cooperative learning activity. When introducing new activities, educators should be mindful of the diverse needs and preferences of their students and respect personal boundaries and learning styles. Try this math group organizer!
In conclusion, creating an inclusive learning environment that respects personal boundaries and learning styles is crucial in encouraging shy students to participate in cooperative learning. By being mindful of these factors and working to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, educators can help all students succeed and thrive in the classroom.
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How to Teach Non-Fiction Text Features
Are you tired of seeing your students struggle to comprehend non-fiction texts? Are you looking for a way to make learning more interactive and effective? Look no further than these 20 pet-themed worksheets designed to enhance text feature comprehension. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of non-fiction learning and text features, as well as how these worksheets can help your students improve their comprehension. Get ready to transform your classroom and engage your students with fun and effective learning.
The Importance of Non-Fiction Learning and Text Features
Understanding the importance of non-fiction learning and text features is essential for students to comprehend the vast amount of information found in these types of texts. Non-fiction texts provide students with a wealth of knowledge, often containing facts and information needed to succeed in today’s world. However, due to the complexity of these texts, students often struggle to comprehend them. This is where text features come into play. Text features, such as headings, subheadings, charts, and graphs, help students understand the key points and main ideas of a text. By using these visual aids, students are better equipped to comprehend and retain the information presented.
The 20 pet-themed worksheets shown in this article help students enhance their text feature comprehension in a fun and engaging way. These worksheets encourage students to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while also improving their reading comprehension. Through these activities, students will learn to recognize the various text features, understand their purpose, and apply them to real-life situations.
By incorporating non-fiction learning and text feature comprehension into your classroom, you will provide your students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their academic and personal lives. These skills will not only benefit them in the classroom but also in their future careers. So, why wait? Transform your classroom today and watch your students thrive with these pet-themed worksheets.
See more animal themed activities here!
How These Worksheets Enhance Text Feature Comprehension
By using the 20 pet-themed worksheets in my shop, teachers can enhance their students’ text feature comprehension skills. These worksheets are not only fun and engaging but also encourage students to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They not only improve reading comprehension but also enable students to recognize the various text features, understand their purpose, and apply them to real-life situations.
Incorporating these non-fiction learning tools and text feature comprehension into your classroom will equip your students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed academically and personally. This will benefit them in the classroom as well as in their future career. So, why not transform your classroom today and watch your students thrive with these pet-themed worksheets?
Pet-Themed Worksheets for Maximum Student Engagement
Non-fiction learning can be dry and boring if not presented in an engaging way. That’s why incorporating pet-themed worksheets into your lesson plans can be a game-changer for both you and your students.
Pets are universally loved, and incorporating them into learning activities will pique the interest of even the most reluctant learners. You can use worksheets with real-life examples of pets, such as dogs and cats, to explain how non-fiction texts use various text features like headings, captions, and subheadings to convey information.
Pet-themed worksheets also help students develop their cognitive abilities. They can learn how to analyze text by identifying the different text features and understanding their purpose. Furthermore, they can improve their critical thinking skills by answering questions based on the information they read, such as why certain text features were used or how they can use similar techniques in their own writing.
In conclusion, incorporating pet-themed worksheets into your lesson plans can be a win-win for both you and your students. Not only will they be engaged in the learning process, but they will also develop valuable skills that will benefit them both academically and personally. So why not bring the love of pets into your classroom today and watch your students thrive?
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Unlock Hidden Savings with TPT Credits
Are you tired of spending a fortune on classroom resources? As an educator, you know how crucial it is to have access to high-quality materials, but finding them at an affordable price can be a challenge. Luckily, there’s a solution that you may not have heard of yet – TPT credits. These credits offer a way to save money on teaching resources and take your classroom to the next level. In this article, you will learn what TPT credits are, how you can earn and redeem them, and most importantly, how to use them to maximize your savings. So let’s dive in and unlock the hidden savings of TPT credits.
What are TPT credits?
TPT credits are essentially a reward system for educators who make purchases on the Teachers Pay Teachers platform. By earning TPT credits, you can save money on future purchases and stretch your budget further. But how do you earn these credits in the first place? It’s actually quite simple. Whenever you make a purchase on TPT, you’ll receive a certain amount of credits based on the price of the item. For example, if you buy a resource that costs $5, you may earn 3 TPT credits. These credits are automatically added to your account and can be used towards a future purchase. It’s a win-win situation: you get the teaching resources you need, and you earn credits to save money on your next purchase.
How do you redeem TPT credits?
Whenever you make a purchase on Teachers Pay Teachers, you have the opportunity to earn TPT credits. These credits can be redeemed towards future purchases, allowing you to save money and get the resources you need. So, how do you redeem your TPT credits? It’s a straightforward process. When you’re ready to checkout, your shopping cart will display the amount of TPT credits you have available to use. Simply click the box next to “Apply TPT Credits” and the system will automatically deduct the corresponding amount from your total. That’s it! You’ve successfully redeemed your TPT credits and saved money on your purchase. In the next section, we’ll dive into all the ways you can use TPT credits to unlock hidden savings on Teachers Pay Teachers.
How can you use TPT credits to save money?
First, make sure to leave feedback on your previous purchases. Teachers Pay Teachers rewards you with one TPT credit for every dollar you spend, but you can earn additional credits by leaving feedback on your purchases. This is a great way to acquire more TPT credits, which can be used towards future purchases.
Next, consider purchasing resources during sales events. TPT frequently has sales events where you can purchase resources at a discounted price. During these events, you can use your TPT credits to further reduce the cost of your purchase. This can provide you with significant savings, allowing you to purchase more resources for your classroom.
Additionally, consider purchasing bundles or sets of resources. This is a great way to save money and maximize your TPT credits. Bundles often provide a discounted price on a collection of resources, so you can use your TPT credits to further discount the price.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can make the most of your TPT credits and unlock hidden savings on Teachers Pay Teachers. In the next section, we’ll share some additional tips for getting the most out of your TPT credits.
Need ideas for your next TPT purchase? Check out these posts.
In short, TPT credits are a teacher’s secret weapon for saving money while still accessing high-quality resources for their classrooms. By understanding how to earn, redeem, and use these credits, you can unlock hidden savings and take your teaching to the next level. Remember to maximize your credits by using them strategically and always be on the lookout for new opportunities to earn them. As you explore the world of TPT credits, keep in mind that saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. So go ahead and take advantage of this valuable tool to achieve your teaching goals and empower your students to succeed. As the saying goes, “A penny saved is a penny earned,” and in the world of education, every penny counts.
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How to Teach Reading with Expression: A Simple and Silly Game
As an educator, you understand the importance of fluency and teaching reading with expression when it comes to reading. However, it can be tough to make the lessons engaging and fun for your students. That’s where this simple and silly game comes into play. By using expression and sentence cards, your students can practice reading with different tones and inflections, which helps them understand the importance of punctuation and how it can change the meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to prepare and play the game, discuss the significance of punctuation, and provide tips on how to incorporate this activity into your lesson plans. Your students are sure to have a blast while developing their reading skills!
Step 1: Prepare the expression cards and sentence cards
To get started with the game, the first step is to prepare the expression cards and sentence cards. The packs in my shop make this easy to print and go! There are a variety of expressions, such as happy, sad, angry, surprised, and confused, as well as a variety of sentences that will allow your students to practice different tones and inflections.
Step 2: Divide the class into groups
To make the most out of this reading with expression game, it’s important to divide your class into groups. This will not only create a more interactive and engaging environment, but it will also allow your students to practice and improve their reading skills with their peers. Depending on the size of your class, you can divide them into groups of three to six students. You can either assign groups randomly or allow your students to choose their own groups. Once the groups are established, it’s time to move on to the next step: playing the game.
Step 3: Play the game
Watch this short clip to see how to how to teach reading with expression!
Bonus Extension Activity
For a fun extension activity, each group should choose a short story or a paragraph from a book that they want to read with expression. The book can be either fiction or non-fiction. Once the groups have selected their reading materials, they can assign roles to each member of the group. For instance, one student can be responsible for reading the dialogue, while another can focus on the descriptions. The rest of the group can help with sound effects or background noises to make the story more engaging.
As the groups begin to read, encourage them to use their voices to create different characters and emotions. Remind them to match the tone of the story with the expression in their voice. Encourage them to use different intonations and vocal inflections to convey different moods and feelings. After each group has completed the reading, you can ask the class to vote on the team that demonstrated the best reading with expression.
Step 4: Discuss the importance of punctuation
As the students become more comfortable with incorporating expression into their reading, it’s important to discuss the role of punctuation in conveying meaning and expression. Punctuation marks like commas, periods, and exclamation points can provide cues for pausing, emphasizing, or changing the tone of a sentence. For example, a comma can indicate a brief pause, while an exclamation point might signify excitement or urgency.
Encourage the students to pay close attention to the punctuation while reading, and to use these signals to guide their expression. You can also provide examples of how different punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence, and how varying expression can enhance or detract from the intended tone.
By emphasizing the importance of punctuation in reading with expression, you’ll help the students develop a deeper understanding of how language works and how to effectively convey meaning and emotion through their voices.
Step 5: Repeat and reinforce
With the foundation of punctuation and expression in place, it’s crucial to reinforce these skills through repetition. Consistent practice is key to ensuring that students internalize the concepts and apply them automatically when reading aloud.
One way to do this is to incorporate regular reading exercises into the curriculum that focus specifically on reading with expression. For example, have students read short passages and then ask them to identify which words or phrases should be emphasized and how they should be articulated.
Another effective strategy is to provide ongoing feedback and encouragement. Praise students for using punctuation effectively and for conveying the appropriate emotions in their readings. Offer constructive criticism when necessary and provide specific examples of where improvements can be made.
By incorporating these strategies into your teaching approach, you will help students develop a true mastery of reading with expression. They will become confident and competent readers who are able to effectively communicate the full range of meaning and emotion in written language.
Read about another fun language arts game: Summary Safari
Incorporating fun and engaging activities into reading lessons can have a significant impact on students’ fluency and expression skills. By playing the silly expression and sentence card game, teachers can effectively teach the importance of punctuation and tone. Remember, practice makes perfect, so be sure to repeat and reinforce this game in your lesson plans. As the great Dr. Seuss once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” So let’s encourage our students to explore the world through reading with enthusiasm and expression.
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Easy and Fun Summarizing Practice with Summary Safari!
Do you find students struggling with summarizing non-fiction texts? You’re not alone. Summarization is a vital skill that can make all the difference in improving reading comprehension. So, how can you make summarization fun and easy for your classroom? Enter, Summary Safari – an interactive and engaging activity that allows students to practice summarization while having fun. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how Summary Safari works, why it’s effective and how you can use it in your classroom. With the help of the included Google Slides presentation, this activity is sure to become a hit in your classroom. Get ready to watch your students’ summarization skills improve!
Summary Safari: The Perfect Activity for Teaching Summarization
This summarizing practice is the perfect activity for teaching summarization to students. It’s an interactive and engaging activity that makes summarizing non-fiction texts fun and easy. With the help of a Google Slides presentation, students can practice summarization while having fun.
Summary Safari is not your average writing exercise. It’s a unique and engaging lesson that can help students sharpen their writing skills and comprehension abilities. By placing students in the driver’s seat to summarize content, Summary Safari promotes active learning and participatory engagement.
This interactive activity is perfect for students who find traditional writing exercises boring or overwhelming. It’s a fun way for students to practice their writing skills while learning about new subjects. Summary Safari encourages creativity and experimentation while also reinforcing key writing concepts.
Through this summarizing practice activity, students develop a deeper understanding of the content they are summarizing. They are prompted to think critically and to identify the most important details in a text. This helps students to develop strong analytical skills that will serve them well in their academic and professional careers.
Overall, Summary Safari is an excellent tool for teachers looking to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. By incorporating this activity into their lesson plans, teachers can help students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Why Summary Safari is Effective
You might wonder why a simple activity like Summary Safari can be so effective. The answer lies in its ability to engage students in a new way of learning. By using a fun and interactive game, learners stay motivated and invested in the lesson, which leads to better retention of information.
Furthermore, Summary Safari incorporates key writing skills such as summarizing and paraphrasing. These skills are essential in academic and professional settings, and practicing them in a game-like setting encourages students to take risks and try new approaches.
In addition, Summary Safari allows for differentiation in the classroom, as students can work at their own pace and level. The game offers various levels of difficulty, enabling teachers to challenge advanced learners while providing support for struggling ones.
Overall, the effectiveness of this summarizing practice lies in its ability to promote active learning, engage students, and develop key writing skills. By incorporating this fun and interactive activity, teachers can create a dynamic learning environment that fosters student achievement.
Through Summary Safari, students can develop and practice the essential writing skills they need to succeed both in school and beyond. This activity sets the foundation for successful academic and professional careers by offering an engaging, educational experience that fosters a love of learning.,
In conclusion, Summary Safari is a fun and effective way to teach summarization and improve reading comprehension skills in your classroom. By utilizing this interactive activity, students can easily identify the main idea and key details of a text and summarize it in their own words. The Google Slides presentation adds an element of excitement to the lesson, making it easy to implement in any classroom. So why not give Summary Safari a try? Your students will thank you for the fun and engaging way to improve their summarization skills.