Critical Thinking Graphing Activity

I needed something special and challenging for my 2nd graders to do that are not in my Gifted group.  I have tons of bright kiddos and I need to challenge them all.  So, I created this critical thinking graphing activity.  I can't wait to see if they like it tomorrow.

Prayers Needed for a Past Student

One of my sweet fifth graders from last year is in the hospital on a ventilator.  She was diagnosed with human metapneumo virus.  I really don't know what that is....but, it sounds scary.  Please, please, please pray for her to get well.  Like all of my past kiddos she means the world to me.  

The Sisters Grimm-The Fairy Tale Detectives

I am fortunate.  I really am.  I have had the opportunity to teach every grade level at the elementary level.  I have even had the opportunity to teach Special Ed and Gifted.  I love that I know where my 2nd graders are coming from, and I am equally glad that I know where they are going.

Sometimes when I switch grade levels there is a big jump...like this year..I went from 5th to 2nd.  (Not my biggest jump...but, a pretty good jump nonetheless)  I was a little worried.  There are things that I 

L-O-V-E about 5th grade and things that I knew that I would M-I-S-S, but I also knew I would find things to L-O-V-E about 2nd grade.  I was right.  I did.  I love teaching 2nd grade.  

I had mixed feelings about Read Alouds.  I love that I can read picture books out loud and show the pictures.  I love that.  Every bit of it.  I was sad that I would have to abandon some of my favorite chapter books for reading out loud.  But, then I got to thinking....  Did I?  Some, yes....some no!  

One that I decided to hold on to is The Sister's Grimm:  The Fairy-Tale Detectives.   Students are so engaged and think that they are truly a big deal because they get to listen to a book that I have read to 5th graders.  There are so many teaching opportunities, and the students love talking about plot lines and characters when there is more "meat" to the story.  

Enjoy this freebie that you can download from my Teacher Pay Teacher store.  

Project Based Learning

Let's face it, we have all had those students that are SO bright, SO gifted, SO smart and they finish whatever they are given instantaneously.  You know the ones...you have just finished passing out an activity and they are done before you have even managed to pull your remedial group to the back table.  So, what should you do with them?  Some teachers solve the problem by giving them MORE...but MORE isn't the answer.  The answer is giving them something to challenge them by making them think and making them do.

I am about to start a measurement unit.  I have about 8 students that don't need practice measuring lines and that don't need to learn the difference between standard and non standard measurement.  They already know it.

I created a project for them to work on.  It will intrigue them and challenge them and I like that.  You can find it in my TPT store as a Freebie.

Project Diminutive 

I will post pictures of our finished products after we complete them.  I hope you enjoy

Passion for Differentiation

My passion for education is simple.  I strive to meet the needs of all learners.  ALL Learners.  Those that are struggling, those that are excelling, and those that are right on grade level.  Each group of students has their own special needs.  This blog will hopefully serve as a place to record my trials and tribulations.