What will be YOUR word for 2021?

Have you picked a word of the year before?

This will be my first year doing so, and I love the simplicity of choosing one word to help steer my goals for the year.  Instead of selecting multiple specific goals to try and achieve, I will be choosing one word that will be present at the forefront of my mind.  This word will be a word that is overarching, allowing smaller goals and accomplishments to fit within it.  

So....what is my word? 

I am selecting the word open.

I want my mind to be open to taking risks professionally.  I want to be open to trying new things and receiving advice.     

I want my heart to be open to forgiveness.  I want to move on from hurt and heartache, and push forward to a happier future.

I want to be open in every situation.  Be truly present.  Enjoy every moment without distraction. 

Need help selecting a word of the year? Check out this post from blogger Elizabeth McKnight.  She gives some great inspirational word examples and a more in-depth explanation on the benefits of choosing one word to guide your focus.   

What will be your word?  I would love if you would share!

Have a happy new year!  Stay safe and healthy!

8 Virtual Holiday Classroom Party Ideas

Tomorrow is the last day with kids (remotely) before we depart for our winter break.  Typically, when our learning mode is in-person, it is a day filled with Christmas caroling (other school's visit us), holiday sing-a-longs, festive art projects, seasonal games, yummy treats....ohhhh and a splash of learning (Ha!).  I sure am going to miss the sights, sounds and smells this year....

Since school began, we have been hitting the ground running.  When our district switched to fully remote, we didn't take our foot off the gas of academics.  We have been teaching, teaching, teaching......so I think it is high time I gave my students a little break.  Tomorrow I plan to spend some of our zoom times doing something a little merry!  

Check out the ideas below (that require little to no prep), if you want to plan something merry too! 

1. Directed Drawings: Share your screen and play a video that walks students (step by step) on how to draw seasonal sights.  Some of my favorite directed drawings are by Whimsy Workshop Teaching  and One Fab Teacher. 

2. Zoom in/Zoom Out Game: Create a Powerpoint or Google Slides presentation of various festive images.  Share your screen zoomed really far in on the image.  Gradually zoom out and have students guess what the image is. 

3. Charades: Send students a private message in Zoom, and have them act out a holiday item, movie or song!

4. Pictionary: Send students a private message in Zoom, and have them draw a holiday item, movie or song.  Students could use the whiteboard feature on zoom, or just grab a piece of paper and pencil!.

5. Read-A-Louds: Who doesn't love a good story read aloud to them?  Pick one of your favorite holiday books and share it with your class.  If you don't have any good holiday books on hand, check out Storyline Online which has celebrities read popular book titles.  There are some great holiday books on their website!  You can also find A LOT of read alouds on YouTube!

6. Christmas Movies:  Share your screen and play a quick Chirstmas cartoon or short movie!  There are lots of great options on multiple streaming sites.  Make sure to not violate any copyright laws! :) 

7. Holiday snack time:  Have students bring their favorite snack or drink to the zoom.  Or maybe you want it to be more specific, like a popcorn party.  Maybe a hot cocoa party?  Munching while working is always fun!

8. Scavenger Hunt: This idea is a bit more engaging and interactive, but also super easy!  Create a list of household items most students would have in their homes.  During your zoom class call or show an item on the screen to see who can find it the fastest.  You can show/say the items one at a time, or give them the whole list all at once. 

While I know these ideas aren't the holiday party we all want or are used to, they are still fun and memorable for the kids.  So enjoy your time and Merry Christmas! 

Classroom Christmas Gifts

Each year I get my kiddos a little something for Christmas. I keep it small and affordable--because, let's face it--buying gifts for 25+ kids can get expensive!

In past years I have made Rudolph suckers. They are adorable--and cheap!  If you want the full set of directions on how to make them, click here.  

I have also had a hot cocoa party with lots of toppings.  We sipped this delicious treat while we watched a Christmas movie.  

I know, I know....watching a movie in school is a big loss of instructional time...but it was tasty and fun! :)  If you are looking for a good hot cocoa recipe that can be made in a crock pot, click here. 

This year I am struggling with ideas, as we will more than likely be fully remote.  I was thinking of doing a dress up day (dress like an elf, in Christmas colors, ugly sweater, etc.).  Or perhaps, we will do a virtual sing along?!?

How do you plan to celebrate Christmas with you class this year if you are fully remote?  

All About Word Sorts Part 2: Types of Sorts

Welcome to post two in the All About Word Sorts series. :)  Today I will describe the many types of sorts you can have your students complete!  

But...before I get to that, if you are interested in the "why" behind using sorts, make sure you check out post one by clicking here.  

Below are 13 different sorts you can have your students complete with their list of words.  If you are unsure what words to include in a word sort, you can administer a spelling inventory to the student to determine what encoding level they are at.  Or, you could pair your word list with the phonics concept you are teaching to your class. Word lists don't have to be limited to a phonics skill--they could also be organized around vocabulary or grammar. 

1. Closed Sort (regular sort): Students sort their words by a specific spelling pattern determined by the teacher.  Words could also be sorted by meaning. 

2. Open Sort (alternate sort): Students sort their words any way they wish.  All options are open, as long as the student is able to explain they way he/she sorted.

3. Buddy Sort (partner sort): The student selects a partner.  Both partners work together to sort the words.  

4. Blind Sort: Students work with a partner.  Headers are placed at the top of the page.  Partner A picks up the word and reads the word aloud without showing it to Partner A.  Partner B points to the category in which the word belongs. 

5. Blind Sort (Writing): Students work with a partner.  Headers are placed at the top of the page.  Partner A picks up the word and reads the word aloud without showing it to Partner A.  Partner B writes the word in the correct category.  Partner A checks the spelling. 

6. Speed Sort (timed sort): Students will sort words as fast as they can.  For extra fun have students keep track of their time, and then try to sort faster a second time.  

7. Memory Sort: Lay words face down.  Flip up two words.  If they have the same pattern or concept, you have a match.  If you wend with odd cards, the game is over.

8. Sentence Sort: Write sentences using your words.

9. Magazine Sort: Use a magazine and find words that fit the pattern you are using.  Write them down using headings to organize the words.

10. Change Sort: Take words from your list and create a new word by changing one letter (ex. cat to hat) 

11. Concept Sort: Pictures and words are sorted by meaning and categories, instead of a spelling pattern.

12. Word Hunt: Use a book and find words that fit the pattern you are using.  Write them down using headings to organize the words.

13. Draw and Label: Take words from you list and draw pictures to match.  Write the word under the picture..

See.....So. Many. Things!  Isn't it great!!  

For post three, we will be talking about word sort instructional routines....so stay tuned!

If you would like to download the 13 activities listed above on a one-pager, just click the image below which will take you to Mind Sparks Teachers Pay Teacher's Store.  Once there, you will be able to download the description of the sort activities for free.