Venus Flytrap Fact Book

The kids are eager to learn more about the Venus Flytrap.  I created an Easy Science Reader to provide students with real images!

 Click Image for Freebie Download

Canivorous Plants!!

I'm excited about my new science exploration.  I received the Venus Flytrap, dried flies, and Hungry Plants book today from My Carnivore.  The kids are VERY excited about Camping with Books.  We will feature a Kid Pool for an additional center this year! Stay Tuned!!



Comprehension Connections



Comprehension Connections: Bridges to Strategic Reading was recommended by a colleague.  It is written by a teacher whom provides concrete connections for anchor lessons in reading strategies. Metacognition, schema, inferring, questioning, determining importance, visualizing, and synthesizing can be difficult for many primary students.  Tanny's book spells out interactive meaningful connections to understanding the strategies taught with easy to read lessons to align.  

Reading Resource (dot) net has pictures demonstrating activities from Tanny's book and printable sheets to use with activities.  Link here.

Music Supporting Curriculum



Lindsey at The Teacher Wife asked what kind of music we use in our classroom.  I just love Sam Jones: Puppy Dog Blues.  Sam Jones has been teaching for more than 15 years in California and is well known for using music to supplement his curriculum.  

My county adopted Duval Reading by Houghton Mifflin.  I did back flips three years ago when I was introduced to Sam Jones by a teacher on my grade level.  He has adapted Houghton Mifflin basal selections and infused the songs with weekly high frequency and vocabulary words.  The songs are sung to familiar tunes and the kids quickly caught on!  I also found an increase in comprehension and often see a student singing to themselves while taking their selection test.  Funny!

While making our Mother's Day gifts, I filmed the students working and singing various songs.  I edited so the videos wouldn't be so long to view.  If you use Houghton Mifflin, I HIGHLY recommend you invest the $10 for any of his CDs.

Jennifer at Rowdy in First Grade asked a great question in my comments.  The songs are TOTALLY worth purchasing if you don't have Houghton Mifflin.  Please read below see a few stories featured in Sam Jones CDs. 

 1st grade songs and a video of my kids singing a few...



 2nd grade songs and my students singing a few...


Sam Jones does have 3rd grade songs available.
I haven't purchased this CD.

The Avery Bunch: Fractions



The Avery Bunch - Fractions from Mr. Avery on Vimeo.



You can visit Mr. Avery's Blog and Fraction Post here.