November Ideas....

7 pages that include a student task card, student recording sheet for assessment, and ten ready to cut and use center cards for matching.  Click on picture to download.

Grade Level(s): Kindergarten, First, Second, Homeschooler  

 

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Need More November Ideas?

November Monthly Idea Book
Harvest a bounty of ideas this autumn with the November Idea Book! This book has dozens of fun, creative patterns and activities for these holidays and topics: Thanksgiving, Children's Book Week, Harvest Celebrations, Woodsy Animals, Election Time, States and Capitals, Working with Parents and much more! Includes activities and ideas that integrate with any curriculum along with motivational awards, bookmarks, open-ended games, paper bag puppets, crafts and bulletin board patterns. 144 pages.
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The kids table: 

 paper bag turkey

Whether you make this for Thanksgiving dinner at home or for a school classroom party, every kids’ table needs a paper bag turkey. And this one has a surprise inside. Been wondering how to make it? We’re going to show you.

You will need: 3-4 bags of popcorn, a large brown grocery bag, 2 small brown lunch bags, a hot glue gun, scissors, white paper for the frills
Directions:
1. For the frill, take a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11″ white paper and cut it in half lengthwise. Fold the paper in half lengthwise and make small cuts with a pair of scissors on the folded half to create loops.
2. For the drumsticks, make one hand into a fist and stick it inside the lunch bag. With your other flat hand, press on the bag to mold and smash it down into a more rounded shape. Fill the bag 2/3 of the way with popcorn. Gather up the bottom of the bag and twist to keep it tight. Hot glue the beginning of the length of frill and wrap it around the bottom, twisted part of the lunch bag. Then hot glue the end of the white paper frill to keep it in place.
3. For the main bag, do the same thing as the drumstick to make the corners rounded. Fill the bag up full with popcorn. Fold the sides of the bag in and tuck the bottom edge under. Hot glue the edge shut. Hot glue the legs onto the sides of the “turkey.” It’s best to use a plain brown bag, but if you can only find one with writing on the outside, you can carefully turn the bag inside out and it will be just fine. Easy Peasy.
*If using buttered popcorn to fill the turkey, use parchment or wax paper to line the paper bag to avoid grease marks.
We used fresh parsley as a garnish on the platter, underneath the turkey.

Invite an adult guest of honor to “carve” the turkey with a real knife. Then everyone can enjoy some popcorn while they wait for the rest of the meal.

Common Core Math Family Fun!

 Want your students to build their addition math fluency? Grab these free resources for your students to practice at home. All of these activities align with the Common Core.

Need other Common Core math resources?

 Welcome to Singapore Math--the leading math program in the world! These workbooks feature math practice and activities for first to seventh grade students based on the Singapore Math method. An introduction at the front of each book explains Singapore Math and its common problem types. Each unit has learning objectives, which clearly define the skills to be learned in that section, and an answer key with step-by-step worked out solutions that help students see how to work the problems. GRADES 1-7

Shop Our Full Line of Singapore Math Resources

The Parent Connection for Singapore Math Resource Book
Singapore Math strategies can do wonders for student achievement-but only if the parents are behind the program. Get them on your side by showing them exactly how the strategies work and why they're so effective. And save hours of prep time by using these ready-to-go handouts to provide explanations and practice. Even includes special tips for winning over difficult parents! 128 pages.

Fall Craft Idea. Too Cute!

Falling Leaves

In this Falling Leaves craft the leaves actually fall! This is a really fun craft for autumn or when learning about the seasons. If you change the color of the leaves to green you could call it a "Windy Day" for a great weather craft!

Ages: 4 and Up
Preschoolers can do this craft if an adult cuts out the template for them ahead of time!


Here's what you'll need...
• Printed Falling Leaves Template
• Construction paper
• Sandwich-size zip-lock baggie
• Hole punch (optional)
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers or crayons

Here's how you make it...
1. Cut off the part of the baggie that is above the zipper, but don't cut off the zipper!


2. Cut out the falling leaves scene and color the tree trunks brown and the grass green. Trace around the rectangle template onto some sky blue paper and cut it out - this will be the background.


3. Cut out small squares of red, orange and yellow paper. Glue them onto the tree. The easiest and quickest way to do this is to spread glue all over tree and stick on each "leaf".


4. With a hole punch make a bunch of yellow, red and orange circles. Put 1½ tablespoons of paper circles into your baggie. Seal the bag, but make sure you don't squeeze out all of the air or the leaves won't fall right. Test the leaves, you can add more or less air to your bag if you need to (more air makes them fall faster, less air makes them fall slower).


5. Get all the paper circles into the center of the bag. Sandwich the baggie between the two papers by spreading glue along the edges of the baggie, front and back. Also spread glue on the outer edges of the paper window. The blue rectangle is glued behind the baggie, and the fall trees is glued on the front.
Now shake your fall scene and watch the leaves fall!
It will take a few minutes to punch all those holes, you could also just cut small squares, which may be quicker, but make sure they are about the same size as a hole punch.

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Stop Bullying and Intolerance

Five Practical Ways to Stop Bullying and Intolerance

1) Recognize and Respond

Bullying and intolerance manifest as verbal, written or physical acts that harm another person.

• Educate students, parents and staff about taking bullying seriously and how to recognize it. Make an action plan to respond swiftly to incidents and daily teasing.
• Identify and monitor places where most bullying happens (e.g., on the way to and from school, in the cafeteria, and on the school yard.)

2) Create Dialogue

Create opportunities for open dialogue with youth about bullying and intolerance. Let students lead through peer-to-peer action.

• Provide opportunities for students to share their feelings, problems or ideas.
• Get students involved in organizing anti-bullying forums where they resolve problems.

3) Encourage Bystanders to Become "Upstanders"

Upstanders are people who stand up for themselves and others.

• Model ways for young people to intervene and speak up. Practice with role-playing.
• Help youth develop effective phrases to reject negative comments or social media posts.

4) Foster Safety and Inclusion

Foster safe and welcoming environments that promote inclusion and acceptance, places where students feel everyone is respected and their identity is valued.

• Connect with young people and create the trust that will help them come forward if they are being bullied.
• Listen to them, pay attention and offer support when students are upset or sad.

5) Educate Your Community

Partner with others to take joint action in educating students, teachers and parents about bullying in your school and community.

• Create a coalition of elected, school and civic community leaders to sign a school-wide pledge to say No Bullying: Not In Our School/Not In Our Town.
• Sponsor a "Not In Our Schools" Week with buttons, banners, slogans, t-shirts and school-wide activities.

 MORE RESOURCES TO STOP BULLYING

 Bullying, Grades 7-8
Identify - Cope - Prevent. Bullying can lead to a significant degree of absenteeism and has the potential to develop into more serious problems such as sexual, physical and emotional abuse. This new and innovative series presents teachers with a conflict-resolution approach to identifying, coping with and preventing this inappropriate behavior using reproducible activities. 72 pages.
Also available Grades 3-4 and 5-6
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 Bullies, Victims & Bystanders Game
An excellent new game designed to raise a child's awareness of bullying. Every incident card has been weighted based on the severity of the bullying so that children can see how harmful this behavior is. Children are encouraged to model good behavior on how to overcome bullying. Now, after a bullying incident, teachers can invite those involved to play the game together in an effort to understand what it is like to be bullied and how to prevent future incidences of bullying. 2-6 players.
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 Let's Talk About Bullying Bulletin Board Sets, 4 pcs
Get students talking about bullies, and how to avoid and resolve conflict. Story web lets you develop scenarios and role-play positive outcomes. 4 pieces. Largest piece is 26" x 17-1/2".
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Thankful Pumpkin Craft

Get you kids thinking about what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving with the Thankful Pumpkin Craft.  

Materials Needed:
-- 2 Sheets of Cardstock
-- Small Hole Punch
-- 2 Brads
-- Green Construction Paper
-- Brown Pipe Cleaner

INSTRUCTIONS:
1.  Cut cardstock paper into strips -- 1.5" x 8.5" 
    (need 10 strips for pumpkin)
2.  Write "I am thankful for (insert your ideas)" on 5 strips of cardstock.
3.  Decorate and write "Happy Thanksgiving" on the
     other 5 strips.  Get Creative!
4.  Make a small hole in the center of both ends of
     each strip.  (Use small hole puncher or another
     tool to make the small holes.)

5.  Alternate the "I am thankful" and "Happy
     Thanksgiving" strips of cardstock and put them
     into a stack.
6.  Feed the prongs of a brad thru the holes on one
     end of the stack with the metal circle of the brad
     resting on the side with the writing.  Secure Brad.
7.  Fan out the slips with the writing side facing the table.
8.  Pull up one strip and feed the prongs of the 2nd brad thru
     the hole with the metal circle resting on the blank side of
     the strips.  Continue putting strips on brad going in a circular
     pattern.
9.  When all of the strips are on the brad and you have
     formed a ball, secure the brad by pushing the prongs
     down in opposite directions.
10. Cut 2 leaf shapes from the green construction paper. 
     Make a small hole at bottom of each leaf.

11. Wrap the brown pipe cleaner around a pencil to make
     a spiral shape.  Gently slide the pipe cleaner off to keep
     spiral shape.
12. Lift up prongs of brad, hold brad in place from below,
     and slide on leaves.
13. Place brown pipe cleaner next to prongs, push prongs
     down on top of pipe cleaner to securely attach the leaves and stem.


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Missing Sound Stamping.

 Click on any picture to download.

  

Includes All Letters A-Z

NEED RUBBER STAMPS?

Lowercase Alphabet Stamps
Easy-grip handles are perfect for little hands.
· Provides tactile practice in letter recognition, letter-sound correspondence, spelling and word building.
· Features all 26 lowercase letters and punctuation marks for sentence-building practice.
· Includes durable plastic storage case.
· Stamps measure approximately 1/2" each.
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Uppercase Alphabet Stamps
Easy-grip handles are perfect for little hands. Provides tactile practice in letter recognition, letter-sound correspondence, spelling and word building. Features all 26 uppercase letters and X punctuation marks for sentence-building practice. Includes durable plastic storage case. Stamps measure approximately 1/2" each.
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Today is....

 

 20% OFF ALL TEACHING SUPPLIES.

IN STORE and ONLINE 

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2012

10am - 6pm

Shopping online... Use Promo Code: Virtual12 

VISIT OUR WEBSITE 

Community Helpers.

CLICK PICTURE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD (11 Pages)

 Need more Community Helpers resources? 

 Community Hat Collection
Developed specifically for the Child Care Industry, the Community Helpers Costume Collection promotes the ultimate in child safety and durability. All details are embroidered right in and the soft hats and plush accessories have a realistic appeal, without any hard surfaces or sharp edges.
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Community Helpers Fun-to-Know® Puzzles, 20 puzzles
Match everyday helpers to the common tools they use. Format adapts to abilities and features interlocking pieces with photographs for easy recognition and retention. 20 puzzles/40 pieces. Sturdy, durable pieces with self-checking design.
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Community Helpers Learning charts, 17" x 22"
Vibrant, engaging design features relevant concepts that prepare kids for tests and encourage learning all year long. 17" x 22" classroom size. Back contains reproducibles and information.
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I Know Achievement Posters !

Download FREE posters with coordinating blank poster for kiddos to sign their names plus twelve months for Birthdays
DOWNLOAD HERE.

Maybe Furry Friends are your theme?

 Furry Friends , Things I can Do, Mini bulletin board set, 8 pcs
Inspire progress and celebrate early learning achievement. Playful pieces include: I can..., dress myself, skip, cut with scissors, write my name, say the alphabet, count from 1 to 30, and zip, button, and tie. 8 pieces, up to 16".
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Furry Friends Birthday Fun Bulletin Board Set
Invite this personable bunch of characters to your next party! 32 pieces; up to 17-1/2" x 25-1/2.
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Walking on Egg Shells!

The phrase “walking on eggshells” is an idiom that is often used to describe a situation in which people must tread lightly around a sensitive topic for fear of offending someone or creating a volatile situation. Literally walking on eggshells would require exceptional caution, incredible skill, and a sense of self-control that would be nothing short of amazing. But what if eggs were really much stronger than most of us imagine? What if nature’s design of the incredible edible egg was so perfect that the thin, white outer coating of an egg was strong enough to withstand the weight of your body? Wake the kids! Phone the neighbors! It’s time for the Walking on Eggshells challenge. 

Materials

• A few dozen eggs that are in egg cartons (Select large-sized eggs)
• Large plastic trash bag
• Bucket of soap and water (and some disinfectant) 
• Barefoot friends 
• Note: There’s a very high probability that you’ll break a few eggs while attempting to learn this amazing trick. Since raw eggs carry the danger of Salmonella, it’s important that you clean up, wash your hands, and disinfect the area. Even if you don’t break an egg, it’s still a good idea to wash your hands (and feet!) after handling eggs. 
• 1. If you just want to attempt the feat of standing on eggs, you’ll only need two cartons of eggs (two dozen eggs). If, however, you’re feeling up to the Walking on Eggs challenge, pick up six or eight cartons of large-sized eggs.
  2. Spread the plastic trash bag (or bags) out on the floor and arrange the egg cartons into two rows.
  3. Inspect all of the eggs to make sure there are no breaks or fractures in any of the eggshells. Make any replacements that might be necessary.
  4. It’s important to make sure all of the eggs are oriented the same way in the cartons too. One end of the egg is more “pointy” while the other end is more round. Just make sure that all of the eggs are oriented in the same direction. By doing this, your foot will have a more level surface on which to stand.
  5. Remove your shoes and socks . . . and pick the lint out from between your toes. (This has no bearing on the success of the challenge, but let’s face it, toe fuzz is kind of gross.)
  6. Find a friend to assist you as you step up onto the first carton of eggs. The key is to make your foot as flat as possible in order to distribute your weight evenly across the tops of the eggs. If the ball of your foot is large, you might try positioning it between two rows of eggs instead of resting it on the top of an egg. 
  7. When your foot is properly positioned, slowly shift all of your weight onto the egg-leg as you position your other foot on top of the second carton of eggs.
  8. There will be creaking sounds coming from the egg carton, but don’t get nervous. Ask your friend to step away and allow your fans to click pictures. Just think . . . for all the right reasons, you’ll be an Internet sensation in just minutes.
  9. If you have more than two cartons of eggs, what are you waiting for? Keep walking! The cheers and wild screams from your fans grow louder with each step you take until finally you land on firm ground and marvel at your success. 
  Okay, there’s a second scenario that we should mention: you forget to make your foot as flat as possible, your friend doesn’t provide any support, and your foot crushes through eight of the twelve eggs. As the goo erupts from between your toes, you think to yourself, “Maybe the other carton will be better.” Quickly you discover that both feet are covered in eggy goo and the experiment is a complete failure. Don’t worry, your fans are still taking pictures and you’re still going to be an Internet sensation, but for a completely different reason. Ah, show business!
  

  How does it work?

  Plain and simple, the shape of the egg is the secret! The egg’s unique shape gives it tremendous strength, despite its seeming fragility. Eggs are similar in shape to a three-dimensional arch, one of the strongest architectural forms. The egg is the strongest at the top and the bottom (or at the highest point of the arch). If you hold an egg in your hand and squeeze it on the top and the bottom, the egg doesn’t break because you are adding pressure to the ends which are the strongest parts of the egg. The curved form of the shell also distributes pressure evenly all over the shell rather than concentrating it at any one point. If you completely surround the egg with your hand and then squeeze, the pressure you apply by squeezing is distributed evenly all over the egg. However, eggs do not stand up well to uneven forces, which is why they crack easily on the side of a bowl (or why it would crack if you just pushed on one side). This also explains how a hen can sit on an egg and not break it, but a tiny little chick can break through the eggshell. The weight of the hen is evenly distributed over the egg, while the pecking of the chick is an uneven force directed at just one spot on the egg. 
  If you guessed that the egg carton probably played a role in keeping the eggs from breaking, you’re right. Joseph Coyle is credited as the inventor of the first container made specifically to keep eggs from breaking as they were transported from the local farm to the store. As the story goes, Coyle invented the egg carton in 1911 as a way to solve a dispute between a farmer and a hotel operator who blamed the farmer for delivering broken eggs. Coyle designed a container made out of thick paper with individual divots that supported each egg from the bottom while keeping the eggs separated from one another. As legend has it, the fully loaded egg carton can even be dropped, and if it lands just right, the eggs will survive the fall.

  Additional Info

  Science Fair Connection:
  Walking on Eggshells would make an "eggcellent" and very dramatic science fair project. An effective science fair experiment changes something, creates a new experiment, and then compares results. In this case, you've already proven that you can walk on eggs and not break them. Very cool, but that's really just a demonstration. Now you have to add a variable, run some new tests, and compare the results. 
  Here are some variables you might want to consider:
• Instead of standing on the eggs, place a board or tile on top of a dozen eggs and then stand on or walk across the board. Do the eggs break? 
• Test the strength of the eggs by stacking books one at a time on top of the board which is set on top of the eggs. How much weight can you put on the board before the eggs break? In other words, how heavy is too heavy? How does that weight compare to your weight as you walked across the eggs? 
• When stacking books onto the board, does it make any difference how the books are arranged? Does one particular arrangement cause more eggs to break?
• Upside-down plastic soda bottle caps can be used in place of an egg carton to keep the eggs in an upright position while you’re attempting your strength test. Does using the upside-down soda bottle caps have any impact on the "breakability" of the eggs? Do the eggs break more easily when they are in the bottle caps than when they are in the egg carton? Why or why not?
• Try arranging the eggs into an “X” pattern instead of in rows to fully support the board. How much weight will five eggs support before cracking under the pressure? Does the number of eggs you use make a difference? Does the positioning of the eggs in the carton make a difference?

Ask yourself any of these questions and run some tests to find the answer. Standardize the conditions as much as possible, change one thing at a time, document the effect of the variable on the eggs, and make some conclusions about the amazing strength of eggs. This is definitely an "eggceptional" science fair experiment!

TRY MORE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS:

In 100+ Science Experiments for School and Home, students use the scientific method to complete a wide variety of activities. Each experiment or demonstration includes a materials list and step-by-step instructions. Students will investigate topics in the areas of weather, the Earth's surface, water, airplanes, jets, rockets, time, and place. Each activity may be completed as an individual student experiment, a teacher demonstration, or as a student team project. As well, the materials needed for the experiments are commonly found in the classroom or home. It is also correlated to state, national, and provincial standards. 128 pages.

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Feelings/Emotions.

This is a poster that helps students identify how they are feeling. You can use this poster with the entire class to discuss feelings or individually with students. This poster can help students who have difficulty or are unable to verbally express their feelings. Students can choose a face or the corresponding number verbally or by pointing if nonverbal. This poster can help you discuss and brainstorm with your students different ways or things that they can do when upset to make themselves feel better. Also, they can think of ways they can help someone else feel better.

Share this with parents as it is a useful resource to use at home in discussing feelings with their children in a more positive way. Often in parent teacher conferences, behavior and feelings come up. This would be a good resource to share during that time. 
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NEED MORE RESOURCES FOR TEACHING/DISCUSSING FEELINGS/EMOTIONS?

Emotions Chartlet
Chartlets are an excellent reference resource for students! Measures 17" x 22" and includes a resource guide on the back.
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Emotions Photographic Learning Cards
Learning cards are a wonderful way to reinforce basic principles, lessons, and skills. The Emotions set includes 22 cards (8.5" x 5.5" each) including photographs of different emotions, plus a resource guide in English and Spanish. It also supports NCTE and NAEYC standards.
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 Monster Feelings Mini Bulletin Board Assortments
Children will have an easier time expressing their feelings with the help of 21 cute monsters that demonstrate various emotions.
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