When I was a beginning teacher, I did not know what Process Art meant or was. I organized a lot of craft projects for my students. These were the kind of activities where I had preplanned everything—I made a sample to show the children, laid out all the materials they
This week, I used the story The Little Red Hen to help my students build their comprehension skills in a playful, meaningful way. Instead of relying on worksheets, we explored the story through conversation, comparison, and creative play. We read several different versions of the book and even watched a
Ten years ago, I had the privilege of working as a developer for a program that supported families with young children. One of the key features of the program was a drop-in play and learn space—a welcoming environment where families could gather, explore, and connect. Designing spaces that felt warm
Our brains are wired for spoken language but we must be taught how to read starting with letter sounds. Reading is a skill that needs to be taught and practiced. While the brain already has areas for visual processing, understanding spoken language, and producing speech, learning to read requires building
The characteristics of play can not be defined with one term. I imagine if I were to ask you about the image that pops into your mind when I say the word play, the results would vary. Were you thinking of a child building with blocks? Or were thinking of
Earth Day is a great time to help your students learn about caring for the planet. With the right books and videos, you can bring Earth Day to life in a fun, playful way. Before jumping into Earth Day activities, it’s important to help young learners build background knowledge. Many
Jack and The Beanstalk in my Grade 1 Classroom This week, we focused on the classic tale Jack and the Beanstalk. We read several different versions of the story and spent time comparing and contrasting the characters, settings, and key events. We also watched a few video versions, giving students
One of the Saskatchewan Grade 1 Curriculum Outcomes focuses on the Needs and Characteristics of Living Things. In order to make the learning more hands on, I involve the students in various learning about plants experiences. Hands-On Learning About Plants Hands-on learning brings science to life for young learners. When
Play-Doh is more than just colorful and squishy; it’s a versatile tool that supports various aspects of child development. When children engage with the dough, they are not only having fun but also building essential skills that contribute to their overall growth. Here’s how Play-Doh play can benefit children in
Outdoor play is essential for children’s development. When children play outside, they engage in activities that contribute to their overall well-being and learning in ways that indoor activities often cannot match. Here’s how outdoor play benefits children in the classroom and beyond: 1. Develops Gross Motor Muscles Playing outside allows
I share teaching tips, strategies, lesson experiences and classroom snapshots to support your 3 to 6 year old learners.
