The children are loving all of our "Polar Express" activities this week. The book is a classic around Christmas time and there are so many fabulous activities that can be done the classroom. One thing that is hard at this time of the year is to get some academics in. Especially, something that is quick and doesn't take any prep. I made some alphabet practice worksheets for my students to do, that accompany the math sheets from last week. At this time of the year, I still have students that need practice with uppercase and lowercase letter recognition and matching.
While working on letter recognition (both upper and lowercase letters), I wanted my students to also practice some fine motor skills. We have been practicing our scissor skills and they are getting better at cutting out objects without cutting them in half. We have also been practicing using glue sticks. I don't know about you, but I swear sometimes the children are eating them, they disappear so fast. We have been concentrating on rolling up the glue "a little bit" and not smooshing down the whole tube on one letter. We're getting there!
I love these worksheets because they are so practical for this time of year. They are perfect for leaving for the substitute teacher, just copy and leave. I've also used them for my early finishers and for a quick assessment when I need to know who's got the concept and who doesn't.
This year, I added answer keys. This has been a lifesaver for when I have parent helpers or grade eight volunteers. I just give them the answers and have them help. Hey, it's Christmas, we need all the help we can get!
I love teacher reviews. It is so nice to hear how my products are helping you, as a teacher, make it through the holidays. I also love feedback on what you want more of and what you liked. Always feel free to send me a message.
If this product is of interest to you, you can find it at my TpT store my clicking on any of the above pictures.
I love the Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. The pictures are beautiful and the story is a classic. Since my students loved the story so much, I decided to make some practice sheets for them. These can mainly be used without the use of a pencil (our pencil skills are not good). You will need scissors, glue and crayons (or a bingo dabber).
I'm not. Are you? What is considered a perfect body? People with disabilities are underrepresented in the fashion world. Here is someone who is changing that. What would you think if you walked past this display?
Did you ever see something that inspired you? Six weeks ago I saw this video that was truly inspiring. Olivia Wise, of Toronto, sang a rendition of Katy Perry's "Roar". Why was this inspiring? Because Olivia was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. AND STILL SHE SANG. Last year we had three children at our school that had been touched by brain cancer. Do you know someone?
On Monday, Olivia lost her battle. But her song lives on. It's beautiful. It can be purchased from itunes and all the proceeds are going to cancer research. Olivia's song is below.