B-I-N-G-O - Bingo!!! Using Bingo as a Teaching Strategy

The countdown is on! Holiday break is almost over! Here's another teaching tool to put in your arsenal for the first week back. As I mentioned earlier ----  During the next several weeks, I will focus on teaching strategies that combine everyday health and safety topics with academic learning.  I'll provide templates with ideas for using them in the classroom, as well as a basic overview of what the strategy is and why it works! Here's strategy #2!


Bingo

This strategy asks students to read the definition and match the corresponding word from the word bank. A fun way to introduce new vocabulary---or to dig deeper into a particular topic. This bingo game sample focuses on Germ Prevention. 

Find the activity on the KidZ Learning Connection Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kidz-Learning-Connections 

Lesson Procedure: 

This lesson can be an individual, small group, or large group activity. 

1. Introduce the lesson by telling students that by practicing germ prevention safety practices we can stay healthy and well.  

2.  Ask them to write and/or list things they do to prevent germs. List their responses on the white/smartboard. 

3. Ask students to complete the Germ Buster Bingo game.  You can set criteria for bingo using the usual bingo rules. This activity lends itself well to Blackout Bingo where students complete all questions. If time is limited, students groups can complete individual letter columns and share their responses with the large group. 
4. Use the books and/or video below as a follow up activity.

Books and Videos:

The Berenstain Bears Come Clean for School:  

Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPo_FIiA0Wo

Book:  http://www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-Come-Clean-School/dp/0060573953

Energize Your Classroom Learning With Different Teaching Strategies

The holidays are almost over ...and school will be back in full swing soon. What do you do to energize your classroom and make learning fun and relevant during the long winter months?  During the next several weeks, I will focus on teaching strategies that combine everyday health and safety topics with academic learning.  I'll provide templates with ideas for using them in the classroom, as well as a basic overview of what the strategy is and why it works! Let's get started!!


ABC Brainstorming - ABC Summarizing

This strategy asks students to write what they know or brainstrom about a specific topic according to letters of the alphabet. This strategy extends as well as guides thinking.  Let's look at an example!

Find the activity at:  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fruit-and-Veggie-ABC-Challenge-1826678

Lesson Procedure: 

This lesson can be an individual, small group, or large group activity. 

1. Introduce the lesson by telling students that  eating fruits and vegetables help us to grow and stay healthy.  

2.  Ask them to write or draw a picture of a fruit or  vegetable for each letter of the alphabet. 

3. Have them then go back and circle the fruits and veggies they  have eaten in the last five days.  

4. Ask students to share if they ate  two or more fruits or vegetables each day.

Books and Videos:

The Berenstain Bears And Too Much Junk Food:  

Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIMNOFdNINI

Book:  http://www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-Much-Junk-Food/dp/0394872177

A Holiday Reminder----

On a day where my "to do" list is longer than the hours in the day----I'm making time to enjoy all the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Hope you do too!

My Teachers Pay Teachers Side Kick!

Here's a picture of my Teachers Pay Teachers writing partner!  She would really prefer to do the writing!

Christmas Memories

Here's another Christmas display that incorporates treasured items inherited from my parents, new items --and Christmas fun!

The Santa was an item purchased while on a business trip in Florida several years ago.  The Fenton pitcher and glasses where a part of the household decor when growing up. I found a small tree - for a good price - added some matching Christmas balls--all for under $10.

Get Up and Get Moving!

At this time of year - it's important for kids --and all of us to stay active and not give in to the urge to become "couch potatoes"!   Use this poster as a reminder for your students of important fitness goals.

Find the poster at the KidZ Learning Connection Store - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kidz-Learning-Connections

A Merry Little Christmas - and Memories!

This year I'm trying to use what we have for decorations and blending it with the knick knacks in the house. I took a 3 tiered serving tray - added some green pine springs - and old ornaments- and have a new type of memory tree!  A "cost-free' decoration idea--and lots of fun creating it!  Merry Christmas everyone!

Happy December! Happy Holidays!

Here we go on the fast path to Christmas!  The decorating is done---but baking and shopping aren't!  I had so much fun decorating this year. The older I get---the more I cherish memories. Our Christmas decorating this year has a lot of 'memory centers.' Here is one of the them. The vintage Santa is probably older than I am!  It's one of the decorations I inherited from Mom and Dad.  The Christmas balls are a gift from my sister and the copper boiler is a treasured find at an auction my husband and I attended years ago.