Sight words are a fundamental element of reading instruction. As such, you need to devote time to these building blocks. After all, they account for nearly 75% of all vocabulary in elementary reading material.

One way to expose students to sight words is with a word wall. Such displays provide constant access to the foundational vocabulary and help to instill independence. To preserve your precious time, I offer a variety of word walls based on the Dolch list. You can find them here. From pandas to cowpokes, you are sure to find a theme you like.

Coloring printables are a popular means of providing practice for instant recognition of the high frequency words. The coloring sheets in my store focus on manageable chunks of the Dolch list. Here's a FREE version to try:

These products offer seasonal and thematic designs.

Bundled products save you 30%.

If you wish to really challenge your learners, try SIGHT WORD SQUARE PUZZLERS.

Each product is specific to a grade level list of the Dolch words. These challenging puzzles are differentiated and require very close attention to the words.

IT'S ABOUT TIME, TEACHERS, for COOL, MINT DECOR

 

It's about time, teachers, for a new product alert.  I'm proud to announce the release of MINT THEMED CLASSROOM DECOR.  This line of products will create a serene, sophisticated, and mellow atmosphere for your upper elementary learners.

Opt for the bundle of these products and you will score a FREE attitude posters AND save 30%!

 

It's the end of the school year and you are probably focused on rest and relaxation. Soon enough, however, you will inevitably think about next year. Some of those thoughts will undoubtedly be about classroom setup. If your goal is a serene and sophisticated atmosphere, you should try these BLUE & BEIGE products:

Buy the bundle and save 30%!

Bits of time spent organizing, editing, and printing now will pay big dividends when the back-to-school frenzy sets in.

IT'S ABOUT TIME, TEACHERS, for SUDOKU!

 

Teaching your students to play SUDOKU has so much more value than just fun. Working on these puzzles gives your learners experience with problem solving skills, critical thinking abilities, perseveration practice, and improved focus. If you haven't introduced SUDOKU to your class, let me help you.

Use this animated PowerPoint presentation to break the process down into digestible bits.

Get it here:

Once you've given your students the tools to solve the puzzles, give them puzzles!  These are differentiated:

I use SUDOKU for:

• a critical thinking center
• differentiated instruction for enrichment and gifted students
• challenging fast finishers
• an anchor activity
• indoor recess
• a class reward

You may wish to provide "pre-sudoku" practice with Latin Squares.  They give similar practice on 3x3 through 7x7 grids. Here's an example:

It's About Time, Teachers, to Roundup Your Cowboys!

 

Every spring, I ❤️ to have thematic weeks in my classroom. One of my favorite themes is a roundup in which I immerse my class in all things cowboy. You can do it, too, with these resources:

FREEBIE

This COWPOKE GLYPH is a fun craftivity that incorporates data collection and writing. It also creates a fun display.

For decades I taught primary children. Thus, I have cowpoke products meant just for them:

PRIMARY

Then I transitioned to intermediate enrichment classes.

INTERMEDIATE

Naturally, I have created differentiated resources that span all elementary grades.

DIFFERENTIATED

  

For those who like the complete immersion into all things cowboy, I have decor. And, all the decor is half-price through 4/30/24.