Syl-lab-i-ca-tion

This week in Reading Intervention, we are working on syllabication.  This phonemic awareness activity can be difficult for young students.  My Kindergarteners tend to streeeeeeetch out one syllable words to give them 2 or three syllables!  Maybe it's a southern thing.  :)  We "clap it out" to count our syllables, but this takes practice.  Along with picture flashcards, I use some fun cut and paste activities to reinforce this important skill.  My first graders are getting to be pros at the segmentation, but we will continue to review this to help with their blending skills.

Click on the picture below for a great freebie!  Thanks to Of Primary Importance for this classroom resource.

Happy Heart Day!

Positive Reinforcement Rituals

Hello, all!
Today's post is a topic that is near and dear to my heart- behavior modification.  I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, so naturally this is a subject that I find fascinating.  In the classroom, teachers must model and set expectations of how they want their students to act.  We do this in many ways- we talk about rules, we praise proper behavior and correct negative behavior.  The key is that it must be done swiftly, positively, and consistently.  We create classroom rules posters, keep sticker charts, stock treasure boxes, and give lots of high fives.  But, one of the most effective ways that I keep my students observant of expected behaviors is by using one simple phrase.  Want to hear it?  Here it goes.....

"I really like/love/appreciate the way that (insert child's name here) is (sharing/reading quietly/following directions/capitalizing and punctuating, etc....).  Boy, does that make Mrs. Filas happy!!!!

Children snap right into line, folks.  It's as easy as that- most of the time.  :)  In addition to my magic statement, I am using a new behavior modification system that I adopted this year.  It works great with my small groups and could work well in just about any classroom setting.  And here's a bonus- you can also use this one at home with your own kiddos!

 I have created these punch cards for my classes to monitor their good behavior.  Every day when they come to see me, if they have stayed on task and have been well behaved during our lesson, I will give them one or two punches on their card.  I use a cool hole punch in the shape of a star, and I have a fully stocked treasure chest with lots of goodies- pencils, bookmarks, erasers, little toys, and candy (allergen-free, of course).  My students LIVE for their special day when they finally fill their card, earn their treat, and get a fresh new card.  I always make a point to have them take it home to show their family.  I want the moms and dads to be as proud of their star student as I am!

I have constructed a set of ten different punch cards for use in the classroom, a few of which are shown above.  This project is my latest submission to both Teachers Pay Teachers and Teachers Notebook, two amazing marketplace websites for teacher-created materials. Please visit either of my storefronts (just click the links above) if you'd like to purchase this item.

I'd love to hear what kind of behavior programs you are using in your classroom or at home.  Please post below if you have an idea to share.  Questions or comments?  Leave those too!  :)

Website of the Week

Teaching grades K-5 means that I have to have a wide range of knowledge about a wide range of subjects.  Not to mention, I have a seventh grader whose studies are quite rigorous. My prayers have been answered today, my friends.

No more frowns when it comes to fractions and decimals...
No more pouting about protons, neutrons, and electrons!

I have found an AMAZING website- this is no joke, y'all!  It's so awesome, 

I hereby name it the "Website of the Week" (and it's only Monday)!

The site is called Study Jams and it is hosted by Scholastic, one of my favorite educational companies on the planet.  You MUST check out the plethora of in-depth math and science lessons on the site.  It is super cool- even for the big kids.  It's highly interactive and engaging for kids of all ages.
In addition, the graphics and navigational tools are very user friendly.  

JACKPOT!!

Love is in the air!

Good morning, sweethearts!!!  It's a special week here at school.  The kids are very excited about exchanging Valentines with their classmates on Thursday.  I love when everybody feels the love!  I've found a sweet little activity that is great for Valentine's Day or any other day of the year.  I wanted to share it with you so you could use it this week- What a great way to celebrate the children's friendships!  It would also be a great get-to-know-you game for the beginning of the year.  Thanks to A Year of Many Firsts for this free download!

Firstie Math Review

Happy weekend, all!  Many of us are preparing for benchmarks and mid-year assessments now that February is here.  I wanted to share a very comprehensive, very wonderful math freebie to use with your little ones.  Thanks to Positively Learning for sharing this mega-file!!

It's Rhyme Time!

This week in Intervention, we have been working on rhyming sounds. We have done lots of picture matching and auditory discrimination exercises. In addition, we have recorded many, many pairs of rhyming words. We are really getting the hang of listening for those similar ending sounds.

One of my favorite activities this week has been "Wild About Rhymes."  Click on the image to download this FANTASTIC freebie!