Category: TeachersPayTeachers

CELEBRATION #Blog365 Day 136

1/14/2017

Many years ago, I can remember being in one of my TAH classes and having a friend ask me if I knew about TeachersPayTeachers. I did not. Can you imagine any teacher that would respond that way now?

I do love to work on my computer and design pieces that my students can use. Marketing is the challenge, as it takes time and is not always my favorite thing to do. I do believe that many of the pieces that I have created are unique and beneficial in for students to use in the classroom.

One of my favorite creations is the collection of timelines for different periods in history. I have created ones for the American Revolution, Westward Expansion, the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution and African American History.

What I believe to be so powerful is the differentiation of instruction in the timelines. It is possible to foster strong math questioning and critical thinking skills at multiple levels. I also believe that my students are walking away with a stronger sense of time and where key figures in American history are in relation to each other.

I encourage you to take a look at these timelines and see how they might fit into your classroom. Not only do they create critical thinking conversations, but they can also be a valuable tool for assessment.

Timelines on TPT

Student sample of writing using timeline for support.

Student modeling critical thinking while looking at the Civil Rights to Present timeline. The question was were Eleanor Roosevelt and President Obama alive at the same time? What other information do you need?

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January...so many people to read about! #Blog 365 Day 129

1/7/2017

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The holidays are over and we are all returning to our regular routines in the classroom. As I spent some of the work days in my room organizing, it was a new month and time to redo the calendar of course. For years as a primary teacher, I had different numbers and themes to match each month. However, I have now simplified my calendar to a simple "old school" look but I celebrate different birthdays and events for the kids to learn from. It's my sneaky way of tucking yet one more book in! Ha!

Just look at the January images above! Talk about some historic icons to read about. As part of our morning routine, the students each receieve a mini sticker to place in their planner and we follow up with a book or short video clip of the person. It doen't take much effort, but I see my kids make new connections everyday. I believe it is important for the kids to be taking this information home to their parents and make further connection for learning. I have had parents admit to me that they don't know about some of the people that we learn about!

Please see below for some of my favorite books/videos for the people above. Trust me, this is a simple and engaging way to pour more information into our kids in a fun way!

If you would like to see my full calendar kit that I have designed including images above and the entire year, you can find in in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

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TeachersPayTeachers Calendar