It is not normal for a 4 year old to teach themselves how to read, but it’s not super rare, either. Reading is like any other area of giftedness; some kids seem to just magically “get it.” But most children require explicit, systematic phonics instruction. I’ll never forget the moment I watched in amazement as…
The number one favorite toy in our household used to be the Yoto original audio player. I loved it so much that I wrote an entire Yoto player review about it. And then I wrote another post about our favorite Yoto cards, too! (Spoiler – While we love all our cards, my favorites are the blank cards!) So naturally, when…
I wanted to write this Yoto player review because it’s my #2 favorite kid gadget OF ALL TIME (behind the Yoto Mini player), and I don’t think most Americans know about it! This is NOT a sponsored post, I’m just writing this review because I love ours with every cell of my being. Last fall, I was irritated because…
For generations, mathematics has been celebrated as the ultimate language of logic, laying the groundwork for the disciplines of science, engineering, economics, and more. It’s an art, a science, and a universal key to understanding the intricate patterns of our universe. Yet, for many students, this beautiful subject becomes a source of anxiety and apprehension. …
Valentine’s Day poems are a great way for your child to show their teacher some love, and to lift her spirits during an otherwise challenging part of the school year. These Valentine’s Day poems for teachers from students are easy to use in many different ways: try writing one in an old-fashioned Valentine card cut…
I’ve been an elementary school reading teacher, a reading interventionist, and now a reading instructional coach. I’ve had so much fun compiling this list of the best, most appropriate books for 5th graders. Some are timeless treasures and others are modern winners. Most are likely to inspire some social emotional learning and expand the imagination….