Do Audiobooks count as real books? Does listening to a story have the same impact as reading it? The quick answer is yes and yes. Let’s explore why audiobooks “count” as real reading, how our brains react to listening versus reading ourselves, and how you can utilize audiobooks effectively in your classroom. Why Audiobooks are “Real” Books First, before we…
Helping students to decode can feel overwhelming. What do you do when older students, say 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders, are struggling to decode words that should come easily? It can feel like a conundrum. You don’t want to give them “baby” practice, but it’s important to review foundational ideas and skills that will give them the tools they need.…
Learning letter sounds, letter formation, and building words is an important skill. When done in a tactile and hands on way, students are more likely to remember the skills. It can also help them learn faster. And, of course, it’s simply more fun! We all know that many students benefit from tactile input when learning and reviewing new skills. However,…
Sand Trays are a fun, hands on tool that is the perfect way for little learners to practice skills in an engaging way! Learn how to create your own, rainbow sand trays with some cheap supplies in a few minutes! This post contains affiliate links which means, when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra…
Whiteboards, or dry erase boards, are such a versatile and helpful classroom tool. They’re a great way to reduce paper use, do a quick, informal assessment, and give your students a chance to quickly jot down ideas. Today, I’ll share some ways I like to use whiteboards in my classroom. A Classroom Tool that Every Teacher Needs When first year…