8 Easy Ways to Integrate Maps and Globe Studies

I've told you in the past I am a Reading Specialist from a K-2 school. At my previous K-2 school, we had half-day kindergarten. That's right...3 hours to get it all done. "How?" you might ask. Well, we never taught one thing at a time, in isolation. It all had to be integrated. Here are eight examples of how we integrated the social studies standard of Maps and Globes into our day.

1. Integrating Maps and Globes into Read Alouds

I am not going to lie...I love this activity. To take them around the world in through books was really fun. We had a map of all seven continents on the bulletin board and each day we read a book set in a different continent. We can look at the different environments through the books making special notice of the clothes, the weather, the animals, you get the idea. Here are my list of favorites

• North America - Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joosse
• South America - "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," said the Sloth by Eric Carle
• Europe - Strena Nona by Tomie dePaola
• Africa - Where Are You Going, Manyoni, by Catherine Stock
• Asia - Daisy Comes Home, by Jan Brett
• Oceania - Koala Lou, by Mem Fox
• Antartica - Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice, by Steve Metzger

Fractions for Early Learners

As you know, math isn't my thing...but even I can do kindergarten math. Fractions at the kindergarten level area all about understanding equal parts and fair shares. We do not talk about numeral representations of fractions and we don't label fractions as 1/2 or 1/4. We only talk about fair shares.
Thankfully, all students know when something is a fair share...so use that to your advantage.

6 Steps for Success with Sequencing

I blogged about a sequencing center in 2015, but I'd like to talk about a six different steps for teaching sequence and creating success. Students can be directed through a variety of experiences moving experiences from teacher-led, teacher-directed to student-led, student-directed. As with any lesson teachers need to be direct and specific and give quick feedback. The success needs to be ensured, but the lesson needs to be interactive and practiced in a variety of ways. Here are six ways to help ensure your students succeed.

Jump Into Summer Writing

Summer is (almost) here. In Coastal Virginia, we have a few more weeks of distance learning and we can rest, recharge, and review the year and reinvent some lessons while we refresh others. Whew!

A few years ago I wanted something to offer my parents and students to keep them writing. BUT it needed to be easy to follow, quick activities and fun...because it's summer! I made this set. I just updated it with 2020 dates and added black and white versions of each month for easy copying.

Making Predictions with Early Learners

I blogged about Predicting back in April 2014, but I think it's worth talking about again.  (Click here to see the original post.)  When students can use predicting effortlessly, their comprehension can increase.  Predicting allows students to put pieces of the puzzle in front of them.

We got this...

Wow, me made it to May, but it wasn't easy.

The world has somehow flipped on a dime and likewise, our teaching world has also flipped. There was so much uncertainty about what teaching would look like, not only in my own city, but in the world of education. One of the best quotes I've seen is about so far is about the boats we are in. We are NOT all in the same boat, but we are all in the same storm. My boat is very different from other boats. I have no children at home I am responsible for homeschooling. I have internet and digital capabilities. I am really just responsible for me. I WILL NOT tell you how to make all of this new world to work for you. I wouldn't be so bold or so clueless.