Young learners need to move, but that doesn’t mean losing instructional time! In this post, I’m sharing how I combine brain breaks with purposeful, standards-based learning activities to build focus, boost retention, and make lessons more fun.
Lessons for Little Ones by Tina O'Block
Preschool & kindergarten teacher for over 25 years with a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Curriculum author of resources for preschool - grade 2.
Halloween Math Activities with Movement, Brain Breaks + A Free Counting Activity
Put that Halloween excitement to use during math review! These Halloween movement activities give your students a chance to get up and move, but they need to count and choose their answer to know which exercise to do. See how the animated characters guide their movements, explore options for different learners. Download the free Numbers to 10 activity to try with your class.
Self Regulation Activities & Coping Skills Using a Bucket Filler Approach
See how I use a familiar bucket filler approach to help students recognize their feelings, notice what their bucket may be doing, and practice coping strategies that can help. I’m sharing the visuals, activities, self-check-ins, and calm down corner tools I use to make self regulation easier for young learners to understand.
How and Why to Use a Mnemonic Alphabet to Teach Letters and Sounds
Embedded mnemonic alphabet instruction gives young learners a meaningful way to connect letter sounds, shapes, and letter names. In this post, I share what research says about embedded mnemonics and how I use them in a speech-to-print routine with mnemonic cards, real mouth photos, alphabet posters, and handwriting practice.
Our Class Is a Family Activities for Building Classroom Community
Help young students understand what it means to belong to a classroom community with meaningful Our Class Is a Family activities. This post shares ideas for a class promise poster, bracelets with poems that help remind them of the bracelet’s meaning, an anchor chart, an editable class book with predictable text and student photos, a collaborative puzzle, and a coordinating bulletin board that help the class-family message stay with students.
Water Bottle Gift Tags for Back to School, Open House, Meet the Teacher Student Gifts
Water bottles make a practical back-to-school student gift that students can actually use throughout the day. These editable water bottle gift tags are perfect for Meet the Teacher, Open House, the first day of school, or introducing a classroom hydration station. See how to use them to welcome students while encouraging healthy hydration habits from the start.
Fun Ocean Math Crafts for Preschool and Kindergarten Plus a Freebie!
One of my favorite themes to use during the end of the school year and summer is an ocean theme! It is probably because the beach is my favorite vacation destination. 😊 Ocean themes are always a hit with young children because they naturally spark curiosity. Students love learning about ocean animals, and that excitement […]
Christian, Religious Diplomas & Graduation Invitations for Preschool – Grade 6
Celebrate your students with editable Christian diplomas and graduation invitations designed for preschool through 6th grade. These faith-based templates feature religious and educational clip art, perfect for Christian schools, Sunday Schools, and end-of-year events.
Simple and Meaningful Father’s Day Questionnaires for Young Students
These Father’s Day questionnaires were designed specifically for young learners. With simple prompts, drawing space, and fun themed designs, students can share their thoughts without feeling overwhelmed by too much writing. They make meaningful keepsakes and are perfect for Father’s Day activities in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade classrooms.