Writing Archives - Page 5 of 5

Journaling During the Coronavirus

March 30, 2020 teachersbrain Teacher's Pay Teachers, Teaching Tips, Writing

Journaling to Keep Kids Calm

NOW is the time to be journaling! We are all living history right now. Even though this is a time of uncertainty, there is a lot to learn, feelings to explore, thoughts to organize and people coming together to turn lemons into lemonade. We didn’t ask for this Coronavirus. Everyday is like living in a strange movie. One moment you are fine and the next moment the sky is falling. Journaling is a great way to organize your thoughts. Students right now should be taking notes of news headlines, observing the stock market fluctuate, and learning about healthy habits.

Should Adults Keep a Journal?

Writing is a great way to confront your emotions during difficult times. It helps you face your fears. Taking notes of what is going on in your world, your mind and your home can help you stay mentally healthy. Journaling serves as a great tool for people at any age! Start journaling today.

Spring Teaching Ideas for Kindergarten and First Grade

March 27, 2018 teachersbrain Craft Ideas, Science, Teacher's Pay Teachers, Writing

Springtime is one of my favorite times of the year to teach! Flowers bloom, everything is new, sun shining, and engaging resources. I use lots of spring themed lessons including Easter activities. My all time favorite thing to do, is to step away from the curriculum, just a little and teach poetry! Students really learn to love literature when they see how much fun they can have with words!

Spring also means new plants and flowers are in the process of growing. Students have a blast learning all about plant parts, dissecting the plants, germinating their own seeds and more in this 3 week Plant Unit.

I also use Spring Worksheets with my kindergarten students that are themed in all subject areas! This creates a connection across the curriculum areas. The printables also meet most state standards in reading, writing, math, and science.

Of course celebrating springtime would not be the same without some fun spring and Easter activities in the classroom for our students! Students get creative with art supplies making butterfly glasses, bunny headbands, jellybean math, and life cycle books. Whatever you do with your students, make sure you are having fun right a long with them! Happy SPRING!

Writing Prompts for the YEAR

October 3, 2017 teachersbrain Writing

Why is writing important? It is important because we can communicate easier in creative ways with others. Writing is necessary for life. This skill helps express feelings and thoughts. Writing builds a connection with reading skills. It is different from oral communication. Writing helps organize thoughts. Studies show that teachers should spend more time teaching writing both explicit and naturally. This is where it is helpful for a teacher to provide a daily writing journal. If students finish work early, give them the option to write in a journal. It is unclear through research just how much time is needed to teach writing because every student learns differently. Also, many teachers integrate writing in other subject areas. Share different types of writing with your students. Let them have opportunities for a real audience and a chance to hear feedback not just with the teacher. I used monthly journals. Every Friday I allowed a few students to be the featured author, and share their writing with the class. Each author could choose 3 people to give feedback or a positive comment. I had to model this the first couple weeks, but students are quick to pick it up. No matter what, make sure you teach writing in elementary everyday. It will build a great foundation for your students.