Independent Tools for Learning at School OR Distance Learning


We have put together some of our favorite tools that can be used independently.  Because they are independent tools; they work for in class learning (no germs!) or distance learning (send them home with students!). 


MATH

Math Strategy Tools provide your students with reminders of all the strategies they can use to solve different types of math problems (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).  As you teach each strategy, you can hand out the tool; or you can give them all out at once.  


Rainbow Math is a system that challenges students to learn their facts - through the rainbow. As they learn their facts, they add the next color to their ring. 



READING

Reading Comprehension Tools provide your students with reminders of all the strategies they can use while working on their reading comprehension skills.  As you teach each comprehension strategy, you can hand out the tool; or you can give them all out at once.   

Our Reading Retell Bracelet (and bookmark) allows your students to practice retelling a story by telling about the characters, setting, problem, and solution.  Each bead represents one part of the story.  The poem that goes along with the bracelet helps them remember what each story element means.  Moving the beads as they retell is a great kinesthetic activity!  You can also just use the bookmark, and not worry about the bracelet!  


WRITING, SPELLING, WORD WORK

This Handy Helper Folder is a great tool to help kiddos when they are writing (and so much more!).  The folder has many helpful tips; such as a word wall, ideas of things to write about, words commonly used in writing, and tips on writing their best.  

Find out even more about the Handy Helper Folder HERE. It's a FREE download on our blog!



Wikki Stix are a great tool for students to practice their words (spelling words, sight words, etc.).  Amazon sells individual packs (affiliate link) that would be great to send home OR would work in each child's cubby, supply pouch, etc. 


CLASSROOM SUPPLIES

To make supplies where students are not sharing, our favorite is a pencil pouch that zips.  A few things you can add to keep from sharing....

Peronsal pencil sharpeners 

Post It Note pad 

and of course the basics; crayons, pencils, scissors, glue.  


We wish you the best of luck for the new school year, regardless of how you are starting! 


Simple Science: Color Mixing

Simple Science: Fireworks in a Jar

Teacher Tips: 10 Ideas for Word Work!


We have put together some of our favorite Word Work ideas to share with you!  These are activities that students can use to practice sight words, words they are practicing for their weekly spelling list, or words based on specific patterns you are practicing!  All of the activities can be done independently or in partners / small groups. These also work well for Word Work centers or the Word Work part of Daily 5. 

7 Tips for Virtual Class Meetings during Distance Learning

Are you hosting virtual class meetings on Zoom, Google Meet, or other such platform?  If so, this blog post will give you several ideas you can use to keep your meetings simple yet engaging!

BOOM Cards: Perfect for Distance Learning



We have created BOOM Cards to help with Distance Learning (and beyond!).   BOOM Cards are a great tool to have students practice skills in a digital format.


Mother's Day / Father's Day FREE Mini Books

We're sharing FREE mini books for Mother's Day and Father's Day!  Make them as a simple and easy gift to send home or attach them to special gift and they can be like a card!

Using Resources Digitally for Distance Learning

Keep using your favorite PDF task sheets online with these tools to make printable resources digital!

Teacher Tip: Velcro Popsicle Sticks are Great!

Love little crafty projects?!  Velcro popsicle sticks are so fun and are a great addition in the classroom!  You can use them for your shapes unit, for making alphabet letters, or for creative building!

Resources for At-Home and Distance Learning

We've gathered up our most helpful resources for at-home and distance learning.  Students love these rigorous and purposeful resources that make great learning tools outside of the classroom!

Comprehension Practice with a Primary Grade Favorite: Junie B. Jones!

Junie B. Jones is a popular character among primary grade students!  Junie B. books make great read alouds.  If you need a way for your students to practice their comprehension, we have comprehension journals for the Junie B. Jones books.

Standards...Simplified! Print a Standard for MATH!



Do you have MATH standards to teach?? 
If so, we have a Print a Standard for that!  

Our Print a Standard packs simplify your teaching!  Each pack can be used to teach, assess, and everything in between for one standard! 

Standards...Simplified! Print a Standard for ELA!


Do you have ELA standards to teach?? 
If so, we have a Print a Standard for that!  

Our Print a Standard packs simplify your teaching!  Each pack can be used to teach, assess, and everything in between for one standard! 

Spring Resources and Activities

Welcome spring into your classroom with FREE reading and writing activities!

Spring Egg Activities

Welcome spring into your classroom with our favorite FREE spring themed activities...Guess My Egg Design and Classroom Egg Hunt.  While having fun, you'll keep your students engaged in writing, reading, math, and science tasks!

Math Strategy Tools

Here's a way to give your students a visual tool of math strategies for solving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division equations!

Classroom Leprechaun Visit

Ready to add a little luck to your classroom?  Check out our Leprechaun on a Classroom Shelf pack and see how we use a Leprechaun visit to encourage fun writing, making good choices, and working hard!

Don't Forget Grammar! Add it in Easily!

Purposefully add in Grammar to your lesson plans!  We show you how to do it and with which materials to use!

Math and ELA Centers Simplified

Simplify your classroom centers with our 'Bag Centers'! Read on to see how you can create easy to manage and easy to implement Math and Literacy Centers!

A Solution for Fast Finishers: Monthly Print + Play Math and Word Work Games



We've got an idea for Fast Finishers that is easy for you to prep and engaging for kiddos!  Come find out about our Print + Play Math and Word Work Games!