Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Research Differentiation for Students

With Black History Month and Presidents' Day both in February, it's a perfect time to introduce our younger students to research. Think primary students are too young for a research project? Guess again! Continue reading for resources and ideas for differentiating research.

Every year in second grade, we do a Famous Black American research project. I created research sources for students to use. I like to have students use both the QR Codes and books to locate information and facts.Click on the picture below for a closer look at this product in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.

This product is designed to be used and broken apart as needed for your class. Each research passage includes two graphic organizers, and an optional interactive notebook page. 

I look forward to seeing these posters every year! The students work so hard on putting it all together just right. I'm always blown away by the dedication and hard work that goes into the finished products.

Students can use the research passages individually, or work with partners. Look at the amazing work one third grade class did with my MLK Jr. Research Freebie!
I love how the groups were able to personalize their posters! This year, we'll dive deeper into research for Presidents' Day. 



Each website linked through the QR Codes are from kid friendly websites. If you're looking for quality picture books this month, click on my Amazon affiliate links below of my recommendations. 

                                         

                                                       


Saturday, January 14, 2017

100th Day Activities

We may have just returned to school from winter break, but another holiday is quickly approaching. Believe it or not the 100th day of school will be here before we know it! Over the years I've definitely began a collection of 100th day favorites.
Here's a quick look at some of my must haves for the 100th day of school that are free or low cost. You can take a closer look at some of my favorite read alouds by clicking on my Amazon affiliate links.
      

One of the easiest activities is to have students make a picture out of the number 100. All you need is construction paper or card stock and die cuts!
Check out this awesome monster truck!

Just an ordinary girl, boy, and their pet dinosaur ha!

Add some STEM challenges to the 100th day of school by having students build a structure with plastic cups or unifix cubes.

In addition to STEM, how about adding some technology to your 100th day of school activities? My 100th Day QR Code Challenge is perfect to get your students up and moving!

Students work in pairs with an iPad to complete 12 challenges in increments of 100 seconds.


For some laughs, have your students draw a picture of themselves when they are 100 years old! 

Want even more laughs? Use the free AgingBooth app to instantly transform you and your students into 100 year olds.
I may be wrinkled and gray, but at least I'll still have hair when I'm 100!
No 100th day celebration is complete without some pictures. It's quick and easy to create a picture frame with a few low cost materials.


I bought a cheap, large picture frame from Wal-Mart and spray painted it. Add a black chalkboard piece and some bulletin board letters for a cute frame you can use all year.
What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate the 100th day of school?