teachersbrain, Author at Teacher's Brain

Thanksgiving Activities Including Tortilla Tepees

November 14, 2017 teachersbrain Craft Ideas, Giveaway, Teaching Tips

Where has all the time gone this school year? It is already time for the turkey which also means Christmas is here now. I must admit I LOVE this time of year, but it is so busy. This blog is all about saving you time and money as a teacher. So, here are a few ideas for Thanksgiving Crafts. Follow this post to the end to see the huge giveaway ending November 15th at 12:00 EST so you can get some holiday CASH.

One of my favorite crafts to do each year no matter what grade I teach is Tortilla Tepees! They are super easy to make and the kids love decorating them!

Materials: 1/2 of a round Tortilla for each student, pretzel sticks, markers, toothpicks

Directions: 1. Cut the tortilla in half. 2. Fold it into a cone shape. 3. Cut the pointed end off. 4. Unfold the tortilla. 5. Let the kids use markers to draw a picture on the tortilla. (I like to go review Native American symbols prior to this activity, so they can use some on the tepee.) 6. Place a small amount of blue on the edge of the fold using a toothpick to hold it together. 7. Use 3 or 4 pretzel sticks with glue in the top of the tepee and lay sideways, so it will dry overnight.

Placemats are always nice to send home as a keepsake. Here is a FREE download to make prep easy. Just have kids cut, color and glue!

Thanksgiving Placemat

MORE Thanksgiving Resources:

Native American Headbands, Disguised Turkey Home Project, A Plump and Perky Turkey, The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey, Turkey Trouble Writing, November Writing Prompts, Turkey Opinion Writing, Thanksgiving Play

As promised, I said if you stick around to the end of this I would tell you how you can win some holiday MONEY! Here is a raffle that you can join easily. I joined up with lots of other authors to bring some lucky teachers some holiday joy! PRIZES include $200 in gift cards to Amazon, TpT, and a Rose Gold Heart Locket. Good Luck!

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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.

Surviving the School Year

September 17, 2017 teachersbrain kindergarten survival, Teacher's Pay Teachers, Teaching Tips

My job is to help make planning a SNAP!

I know a lot of you have been busy with hurricane clean up, fires, flooding, and more. It has been a crazy start to the school year for a lot of you. I personally just finished cleaning up from Irma. Now is the time to show students how we bounce back quickly from disasters and/or help others in need who were less fortunate. To help you with your year, I have a few resources I made free for a limited time, and a SURVIVAL KIT for KINDERGARTEN teachers for a super low price to help your year run smooth. BE SURE to scroll down to get the FREEBIES.

If you want to know when products are 1/2 off, please follow my store by clicking the green follow button found HERE.

Free Happy Birthday Hat

What kid doesn’t want to feel special on their birthday? Treat them with this birthday hat. (Free for 48 Hours)

One last thing…

This is good for any teacher who is having trouble with tattling in their classroom. The best part is that I made it FREE for 48 hours. Hurry and get yours, so your year with be smooth with teaching students the difference between tattling and telling! #lifesaver

NEW RESOURCES to check out:
Author’s Purpose FLIP BOOK
OCTOBER Writing Prompts (JOURNAL)
Constitution Day Flip Book/Activity
3 Week Lesson Plans – ENERGY K-1
3 Week Lesson Plans – What is a Scientist, The Scientific Method, Science TOOLS K-1
Reading Comprehension Passages and Questions Assessment – YEARLONG K-3

Happy to help.

If you need help, have a request, or find any errors in products you have purchased, I am here for you! Unlike big textbook publishers, I can tailor products to meet your needs in most cases. Contact me at cindy@teachersbrain.com

Hurricane Kindness (with a side of coffee)

September 8, 2017 teachersbrain Teacher's Pay Teachers

So after driving 10 hours to evacuate from the hurricane, we wanted or NEEDED a Starbucks coffee . We were in Perry, GA, I think. We went out of our way to find the only one for miles. I walk into a beautiful store. My mouth anticipating Pumpkin Spice. Our noses smelling the aromas of fresh brews. Only to be greeted by a smiling employee who explained nicely that I had entered a forbidden zone. ?They were hosting a private event. My face quickly showed my heartache. The area manager came over to see what the problem was. I explained my disappointment. Tom took time to find out why we were traveling. He told me that the store was new, and hasn’t even opened to the public yet. He directed other managers and employees to take care of my whole family for free. They all wished us safe travels. The coffee helped get us to the next destination. Thank you Tom! Thank you Starbucks for your hospitality and generosity! #starbucks #TomRocks #AwesomeCompany #kindness