Hi Everyone! I am so excited to unveil my new children's book MISS SPELLIN' HELEN on Amazon.com. Geared toward the upper elementary/middle grade set, Helen is a funny 5th grader with a big talent for trouble and no talent at all for spelling. It is available in both print version and eBook. 

This is a great choice for reading circles or reading aloud to the class. There are reading group questions at the end of the book, and I am working on getting it into the Accelerated Reader system soon.  

I wrote this book because my daughter had difficulty with spelling but was a very bright child. She had a hard time at school and it impacted her self-confidence. Although this is a work of fiction, many readers identify with Helen and her struggles. I am thrilled to report that my daughter is now an Honors student in high school...who still relies on Spell Check! 

New Landform I Have...Who Has? Game

     Our latest game in the  I have...Who Has series! These are really cool because they include picture hints to support vocabulary.  Enjoy! Jody & LeAnn 

My Teachers Pay Teachers Store

Freebie Posters!

Signposts of Reading Comprehension Posters.


Need help with Common Core Close Reading?

My favorite professional development book I read this summer was:

Notice & Note: Strategies for Close Reading by Kylene Beers and Robert E. Probst

I was looking for some guidance with Common Core Close Reading and found a fantastic guide to explicitly teach students how to read deeper and comprehend more.

The posters enable students to learn the skills of Close Reading to meet Common Core Standards.

You can get this freebie at my TPT Store

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sign-Posts-of-Reading-Comprehension-784151

Mentor Text in Science

Collaboration Cuties Science Mentor Text7-21-13

This is my first time linking up so thank you to Collaboration Cuties for the opportunity to share one of my favorite book Science mentor texts!




One of my favorite books for teaching the food web and cause and effect it has just been re-released in a new easier to read format. The book Wolf Island by Celia Godkin is based on an actual event. This beautiful book illustrates how interconnected we are and how changing one element in an environment can have dramatic effects.

 

LeAnn at 4thgrade4ever.blogspot.com

My Top 5 Reasons Why You'll Love My New California Regions and California Indian Games!

Educational Games: California Social Studies

Games : Califorinia Regions & California Indian Games

Top 5 Reasons Teachers Love Games That Educate!

1. It's FUN! Accelerate Learning- Students learn faster when engaged in having fun.

2. No Prep Time once initial set-up is done

3. Great for substitute teachers or a quick sponge activity

4. Use in small or large groups.

5. Repetitive fun that reinforces academic vocabulary in Social Studies

Buy Now at my Teachers Pay Teachers Store

                              

A Different type of Award for Students

I have found two items at Lakeshore that I am going to add to my positive discipline toolbox.

1. Rainbow Sratch Paper: I cut this paper into 4 strips and make them
bookmark size. The kit includes 30 sheets so I can get a lot of
bookmarks out of the package. It comes with pointed sticks
but you could also use paperclips. Students not only get a reward
they get to personalize it too! It is on sale at Lakeshore til 9-1.

2. Art Frames: I bought this set in order to have weekly class meetings where I recognize good behavior, academics, or improvement. These frames are really cute and have a plastic window so it is easy to switch out the certificates or student work.
 I will hang the certificates up for the week and send home the old one when the new one goes in the frame. I was given one at a meeting recognizing me and I was so proud I thought I can do this with my students! I didn't need as many that came in the package so I split it with another teacher. I used a 20% off coupon at Lakeshore.

 

Geography: "I Have...Who Has?" Roundabout Vocabulary Game

7-4-13

I've created a fun geography game to review vocabulary about globes and maps for 3-5 grade. This game is designed to be whole class and the object is to have every student involved and to beat the class time. It's really fun and my students beg for it. It includes 36 cards but hopefully you won't have a class that large. I have students who want more challenge have multiple cards. Click on the link to go to my TPT store!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Geography-I-HaveWho-Has-Roundabout-Vocabulary-Game-756420