Guest Blog Post from our friends over at ClassroomFreebiesToo.com! Hope you enjoy.



via Classroom Freebies Too http://bit.ly/2J5CVHZ

Guest Blog Post from our friends over at ClassroomFreebiesToo.com! Hope you enjoy.

How do you teach synonyms in the classroom?   Keep reading to find out some ideas!



What if you taught synonyms like a word detective?  The class needs to find the clues that lead to a hidden mystery word.  Each day, you share another synonym for a common word and place it on a word wall or anchor chart.   The master lists of synonyms grows each day, as does the student guesses as their ideas are eliminated when a new word is added.

The look of excitement in their faces is so pleasing to watch.  The thrill of hearing their guesses while realizing that their word choice is suddenly so much larger than it has been before.  Learning  has never been more fun!

Why teach synonyms?

The best reason to teach synonyms is honestly for a wider variety of word choice that expands the vocabulary library.  Isn't our goal to grow students into better readers and thinkers?  By doing specific activities in school where students use their knowledge to create more complex sentences, it enhances their ability to communicate with others.

After working on a classroom brainstorming list to pool together various words that can mean the same thing, make a master list of the words and photocopy one for each child to keep within his or her writing folder for easy reference while writing.

I guarantee if you ask students to swap out just one word from their writing this week for another option in their vocabulary book, you will start to see students using better words more often.  The bonus is that you will start to hear it in their speaking skills as well. // amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "gradonlischo-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "More Teaching Synonyms Resources:"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B000YI39Z6,B0007WONJA,0545426677,B008W09092"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "46cc43f6957c18b5c941d231add77b81"; //

How do you teach synonyms and antonyms?

Usually teaching synonyms and antonyms goes hand in hand, much like peanut butter and jelly.  It doesn't always have to be taught simultaneously, but they are certainly two pieces of the grammar pie that go together very well.

Anchor charts are a great way to teach this strategy too!

This one is super cute and shows how to connect the S in synonym with the word same.



Love that these are petals of flowers!   It would go great with the free synonyms worksheets I have for you below!



You just can't have a post about teaching synonyms with seeing cinnamon rolls - haha!




Another way I have always taught synonyms in the past is through literature.  A few great choices are:

• Pitch and Throw, Grasp, and Know:  What Is a Synonym? by Brian P. Cleary
• If You Were a Synonym (Word Fun) by Michael Dahl
• Stroll and Walk, Babble and Talk:  More About Synonyms by Brian P. Cleary

Need something more hands-on?   How about a free pdf printable pack?

I have created a fun version of a color-by-number activity:   Spring Color-By-Synonyms!  Super fun, right?



This completely free pack of printables includes 6 worksheets - 3 that are simple synonym choices for the K-2 crowd and 3 that are of a higher difficulty level.  {Did someone use the word rigor?}



Of course, they are all included in the free set to use interchangeably with your students' needs.  I know how you probably have a classroom full of students that could use either version, so they will all be at your fingertips for the taking!



A word of warning:  the higher difficulty versions do include some words not regularly used as synonyms as I specifically wanted to make it challenging.  Many students will need a thesaurus or dictionary to look up the meanings of the word in question.

This can be done in traditional book form, my personal favorite way to teach referencing skills in addition to the synonym unit, but students could also feasibly use an online version such as dictionary.com or thesaurus.com to assist them in working through the words.

These free worksheets for synonym practice can be used during your lesson, as a homework assignment, morning work, centers, or even as an extension activity for your gifted students who might be ready to tackle something a bit harder.

All the answer keys are also included in the packet so you can check it in a flash.

Make sure to download your free Spring Color by Synonyms Printable Pack below right now!
  Click here to have your free printable emailed to you now!


How do you usually cover synonyms and/or antonyms in your classroom?   We love ideas around here!  Leave your ideas in a comment at Organized Classroom!  #sharingiscaring

~Charity



This post originally appeared at Organized Classroom.

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.




via Classroom Freebies Too http://bit.ly/2pRmbvo

Guest Blog Post from our friends over at ClassroomFreebiesToo.com! Hope you enjoy.

Spending all weekend and every weeknight grading papers is not the "after school enrichment" I was dreaming about.  Check out this post and video for some other solutions.



  Take a look at my tip in the video below.



If that might not be an option for you or your school, I also asked the same question over at the Facebook Fan Page, and the fans gave plenty of suggestions as well!  Make sure to grab your freebie eBook to get all the ideas in one place.  Thanks to all the fans who participated in the Collaboration Wednesday question!

 
Click Here for your Freebie


What other tips could you add for taking back the grading time commitment?  We would love to hear in the comments at Organized Classroom!

Want to know more about time management strategies for classroom teachers?   Check out Teacher Life Balance Academy HERE!

~Charity


This article originally appeared at Organized Classroom.




via Classroom Freebies Too http://bit.ly/2GmAf6U

Guest Blog Post from our friends over at ClassroomFreebiesToo.com! Hope you enjoy.



Have you always wondered how to print on sticky notes?  I have you covered right here!

How To Make Custom Sticky Notes

It's a lot easier than you think!  The best part with personalized sticky notes is that you can change the font and content to make a cute and cheap learning tool which is perfect for your own classroom of students! Want to learn how to print right on a 3x3 sticky note?  Check it out...  

Materials needed:

• Some 3x3 sticky notes
• Template {grab the free one at the end of this post}
• Printer

// amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "gradonlischo-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Sticky Note Choices!"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "fa9660c4a32c6c244756623ece36228b"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B00CMKA9HK,B0769BVZVT,B0741947Q9,B076S6XT5T"; //

Step One:

After choosing the designs you wish to use, add your sticky notes to a blank template.

Step Two:

Place the page back into the paper carrier, making sure it is facing down if your printer prints on the opposite side as it pulls through.
 

Step Three:

Grab your page out of the printer and start sticking!
 

What could you use custom printed sticky notes for in the classroom?

I have 24 different ways to use custom sticky notes for your classroom that will get your wheels turning at Organized Classroom!

Would you like a FREE pack of templates?

I created a fun template pack of kindness quotes, a reading strategies set, time filler make a word game, and Find Someone Who.  Plus a blank template to place your blank sticky notes on when printing!

Grab it below.



  Click here to get your free pack of templates


What else would you use custom sticky notes for in your classroom?  I would love to hear your ideas in a comment at Organized Classroom!

~Charity


This post was originally published at Organized Classroom.



Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.




via Classroom Freebies Too http://bit.ly/2uqeceb

Guest Blog Post from our friends over at ClassroomFreebiesToo.com! Hope you enjoy.

Need more great ideas for what to give students or do that will make their special day extra sparkly? Stop by and grab a birthday freebie!

I noticed that I had a fun customizable birthdays poster to share with everyone and it seemed like a good time to do so!  If you click on the image below, you can grab this freebie and easily be able to remember when your student birthdays are too.

Want your own Customizable Birthdays Poster?



Head over to Organized Classroom to grab yours for free!

~ Charity




via Classroom Freebies Too http://bit.ly/2DXIuo4

Guest Blog Post from our friends over at ClassroomFreebiesToo.com! Hope you enjoy.



via Classroom Freebies Too http://bit.ly/2pyU0BQ

Guest Blog Post from our friends over at ClassroomFreebiesToo.com! Hope you enjoy.


Do you have a great way to schedule your day?  If not, you'll want to check out this post for some new tips and tricks!



So, I wanted to come through with my promise to share!  I have typed everything up in a handy downloadable guide, which includes pictures for every step, along with the to-do list/schedule template!



I think you are going to change the way you look at scheduling if you give my system a fair chance and try it for just a few weeks.  Personally, I am getting more done each day in a shorter amount of time, and giving myself the gift of extra time during the day to spend with my family - or by taking better care of me {these scary nails aren't going to paint themselves - lol}!  I hope you find the same results as well!

Want to know more about time management strategies for classroom teachers?   Check out Teacher Life Balance Academy HERE!

With all the stress that teachers have, it would be refreshing to see you be able to take back some of the control over things you can manage - such as your daily schedule beyond work hours and get back some life balance.

I hope you enjoy the step-by-step instructions and the template!  One thing I KNOW you will love:  there is not a stitch of colored ink in it!  In fact, I made sure you could still have adorable custom to-do lists without having to spend even more money on new colored ink cartridges - yay!



via Classroom Freebies Too http://bit.ly/2GOf7rg

Guest Blog Post from our friends over at ClassroomFreebiesToo.com! Hope you enjoy.

Do you have so much you want to do for your teacher seller business, but not enough time in the day? Have you been thinking about getting help, but quite honestly don't know how to justify the cost? Check out this blog post where I will share some ideas you may never have thought of before to help you grow your business!


 

What is a virtual assistant?

A virtual assistant can work on pretty much any day-to-day things you do.  This person might do data entry, customer service tasks, or even schedule your social media needs.

Working remotely with high speed internet, this work-for-hire contractor can live anywhere in the world.  The best part: you don't need to have just one person who does it all.  The tasks don't have to be ongoing.  Instead you will want to begin by hiring just one person for one small task that you are either horrible at doing (as in it takes you 5 times longer to do it than anything else) or you just don't do it because you loathe doing it so much or by hiring someone to do it, you can earn an income from it which is a no-brainer.

By taking this small task off your plate you will free up your time to do activities only you can do, which in turn is what people pay for. // amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "gradonlischo-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Additional Book Suggestions:"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "4b25ac53c0acecbd2b78f810f637479c"; amzn_assoc_asins = "1490477608,B01F9FRRJM,B00NEXUBIQ,B01DR896OM"; //

How much does it cost to have a virtual assistant?

What you choose to pay a VA can vary greatly depending on what the VA typically charges for the type of work asked for, how many hours per week or month the VA does the work, and even where the VA lives.

As with most things in the world, you typically get what you pay for.  Paying for good work should be done.  Also, you will find that the effect of paying for good help will be worth every penny.

If you choose to use someone who is willing to take bottom dollar, realize that you might be dealing with someone who has little to no experience (not necessarily a bad thing, but realize that person will also need a learning curve), you may be hiring someone who needs more time than usual, or the work could be subpar.

I like to think that anyone who takes on a job wants to give their best, but I also know that experience and expertise play a huge factor in that - and with experience and expertise comes a higher premium for those services.  And that, my friends, is a good thing.  You want your customers to pay for your work - we want to show that same respect for those that can quite literally be our business's saving grace.

5 ways to pay your VA:

Now that you realize that you can hire someone to do the tasks you prefer not to do - and that you might be losing money by not freeing up your time to do more of what earns you an income, let's talk about some out-of-the-box ideas for paying your virtual assistants:

1 - Payment by Task:   First up, realize you don't have to pay by the hour.  What takes you 30 minutes might take someone else 60 or vice versa.   A good rule of thumb for tasks that aren't specialized is $15-$25 per hour.  Figure out how many hours it would take you to do the task and multiply that number by 1.5 to figure out the task rate.

If you don't have a lot of capital saved up, offer to "pay" in product.  If you find some of your fans who love to proofread or want to moderate comments in your online community, they may be tickled to be able to earn free products every month.

2 - Promotion:  If you have a decent sized network of followers, you might find that potential newer teacher sellers and bloggers might be thrilled with payments of social media shout outs to help them get their growing business off the ground.

3 - Mentoring:  Along those same lines, if you are willing to "trade" your experience by taking a new seller under your wing, you can find some really eager helpers to tasks some of your common tasks off your plate.  You will definitely want to set up an agreement ahead of time, along with setting appointments for hours of work to hours of mentoring earned.

Make sure the mentee knows exactly when his or her work will paid off in one-on-one mentoring so there are no surprises or feeling of being taken advantage of.

4 - Profit Sharing:  If you really want to start out with hiring out work, look for tasks that can earn your money back.  For instance, pitching (and writing the content) for sponsored posts or optimizing your website for advertising revenue can earn you more money.

By offering a fraction of the profits from that work, the contractor only gets paid when you do.

5 - Bartering:  This is a great way to collaborate with blogging friends.

I remember when I taught 3rd grade, my grade level team of 8 used to split up the work.  One person would do the weekly newsletter, another would do the monthly book orders for the entire grade level, and so on.  Everyone chose a task they enjoyed and it covered everyone else.

This works the same way.  Have some discussions would a blogging buddy and find out something they don't enjoy doing that you might enjoy - and vice versa.  Trade out those items to make life better for you both.

Are you curious as to what types of things a VA can do for your teacher seller business?   Grab the freebie below 50 Things Teacher Sellers Can Outsource!





What do you think you'll hire out first?  Share in the comments at the Teaching Blog Traffic School  blog.  I love to hear from you! 

~Charity


This post originally appeared on Teaching Blog Traffic School.




via Classroom Freebies Too http://bit.ly/2u6NtmC

Guest Blog Post from our friends over at ClassroomFreebiesToo.com! Hope you enjoy.

Looking for a novel way to showcase fact families to your students?  This physical house will help students to visualize how fact families are related facts.  While you’re there, grab the free printable packet with dice and a worksheet to practice their new skills!

What is a fact family?

The definition of a fact family is actually quite simple:   Use 3 numbers to create 2 addition and 2 subtraction number sentences. Now - this also holds true for swapping out addition/subtraction for multiplication and division. When you start to realize that the same three numbers can be moved around, it suddenly becomes far easier to memorize your math facts. One example of an addition and subtraction fact family using the numbers 3, 2, and 5:

• 3+2=5
• 2+3=5
• 5-3=2
• 5-2=3

Something I always like to share with students:  That largest number will always be the answer in your addition number sentences and the largest number will always start out your subtraction number sentences.

What is a fact family triangle?

Math games for fact families can be played with fact family triangles.  Fact family triangles are just a triangle shape with each of the fact family numbers placed in each of the 3 corners of the triangle. You play by quizzing yourself or another student by holding a hand over the largest number to see if the student can correctly identify the missing number by stating the related facts. // amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "gradonlischo-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Fact Family Triangles:"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c8cb10ed2cef9664b42edef368c138de"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B0036ZSENQ,B00ATWUBJ4,B01EKO83MS,B00K6T9L6E"; //

Make Your Own Fact Family Funhouse:

Are you ready to make your very own fact family house?   It was super easy {and you all know I'm not super crafty, so if I can do it, anyone can.  Even my hubby was impressed - haha}!

Step 1:

Grab some basic supplies, such as a wooden house (I found mine in the Target Dollar Spot, but we know how long those items last), cardstock, scissors, and washi tape.

  // amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "gradonlischo-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Make Your Own Funhouse:"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B01GQI2M4G,B007S6CO6C,B074KVX45D,B0006HXSU6"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "769ce2271be1587db2255960f97e7a32"; //

Step 2:

Measure and cut pieces of cardstock to fit into the compartments of your house.



Here's what mine looks like when completely filled.  Kind of boring, right?   That washi tape will jazz it up quite a bit!

Step 3:

Add washi tape to the cardstock shapes in any direction you like.  This part is where you get to get creative!  Go all the same color or mix it up.  Plain or pattern is wonderful too!   Want to skip this step?  Use colored cardstock instead as another option!

Step 4:

Now that your house is ready {how cute is that, right?} you will want to download the Fact Family Funhouse Packet of worksheets below and print them off.  Use cardstock for the dice templates. Bonus tip:  Use cardstock for the handout, laminate, and it can be used over and over again by students with a dry erase marker!

Step 5:

Cut out your dice, fold on the dashed lines, and use a little tape to secure.  Place in your house and you are done!



How fun is that?

Now, use your house for small groups and/or center time.  Students are able to use the dice to show a number sentence first, then they can manipulate the dice (without rolling them) to show another fact in the fact family.  Last up - they can show the remaining 2 facts.

Once they have mastered that part, use the worksheet so the student can write down the 4 related facts in the house on the paper.




Make sure to grab your free fact family worksheets below.  I have included the basic number dice, operations dice, a blank template to create your own dice, and the worksheet for showing students' work.



How do you teach fact families in your math class?  I would love to hear in the comments at Organized Classroom!  Talk to you soon!

~Charity


This post originally appeared at Organized Classroom.

via Classroom Freebies Too http://bit.ly/2GMttbz