{FREE} Spelling Test Templates

Heading into Grade 2 means lots of changes, one of them being Spelling Tests.

I whipped up a Spelling Test template, and made a Bonus Words page that I can copy onto the back.

I also made a Pretest form to use before we start the lessons for the week, to see where the class is at and what words will need some extra practice throughout the week.

You can download all these copies {here} at my TPT shop. They're a freebie :)

For some added spelling practice, we'll be doing some Scrabble Spelling. I found some Scrabble games at yard sales this summer, so I have tons of letter tiles.

Find it {here}

All of our new word learning can be recorded in these books...portable Word Walls!

Find them {here}

Monthly Newsletters

No matter what grade I taught, I have always handed out a monthly newsletter. These notes are my way of communicating what our class is doing for the month. The newsletters begin with a small reflection {what we've done}, then go on to reveal what we'll be learning about/doing for the month.

It includes important dates to remember, class birthdays, and more.

I thought that since ALL teachers could benefit from them, I would create an editable set. This way YOU can type in whatever information you want to!

The newsletters can be printed and sent home with students. They can also be emailed, to make the process quick and paperless. It's up to you!

You can find the editable newsletter pack {here}

Bright Idea: How to Make Anchor Charts Interactive

My last Bright Idea showed how I store my anchor charts. You can find the post {here}

Today I want to share with you how you can make your anchor charts more interactive!

No matter what grade you teach, it is important to include your students in creating anchor charts. This will make the charts more meaningful to your students.

I have only taught primary grades, so the way I have my students interact with the charts is using these two things: Velcro and sticky notes!

On these charts, students attach the pieces to the anchor chart using Velcro dots.

Inspiration for two of these charts from Pinterest!

On these charts, students share their answers and I write them on sticky notes to show their responses.

{The pictures for the topics are removable/replaceable, so the charts can be used for any topics!}

More chart inspiration from Pinterest!

The best part about using Velcro and sticky note interactive anchor charts is that your anchor charts can be reused, saving you time and energy recreating the charts every year!

Find more Bright Ideas by checking out the links below!


An InLinkz Link-up

{FREE} Daily 5 Posters

With my grade change, I am excited for the fresh start it will bring. A new school year, a new grade...and my OWN classroom. And with a grade change comes the daunting task of getting accustomed to the curriculum. But one thing I have always been sure about, and that is implementing the Daily 5. So in September, I am jumping in with both feet. It will most likely be 'my version' of the D5, but I think the kids will LOVE it!

To prepare, I have been creating lots of great activities for each component of the Daily 5. In my last post I shared a little bit about how I have been getting ready for 'Read to Self'.

I have created some posters that will be going on my Daily 5 rotation board.

You can snag them {here}

The Daily 5 and CAFE are registered trademarks of The 2 Sisters, Joan Moser and Gail Boushey. The 2 Sisters do not authorize or endorse these materials.

Classroom Library Organization

It took me 3 days, but I did it. I levelled my classroom library :)

I used the AMAZING tool on Scholastic's website called Book Wizard. You just type in the book title and lots of info. about the book comes up, including what grade the interest level is and what reading level it is {it includes grade level equivalent, guided reading level, DRA level, and Lexile measures} You can find Book Wizard {here}

I had tried scanning in UPC codes of the books using an app called Level It. It did not recognize several of the titles, and for most books it did not have reading level information. Needless to say I wish I had of known this before I purchased the app...I thought it would save me time :(

Once I found the guided reading level of the books, I made labels and attached them to the books.

I put them on the BACK cover. This way it does not take away from the appeal of the picture on the front of the book, but the info. is easily accessible.

I decided to group my books 2 ways. If there were lots of books from a certain series {eg. chapter books} I put them in a tub with a label that names the series.

If I had random books on a certain topic, I put them in a tub with a label that indicates its theme.

I didn't group books by reading level. I think that it's important for students to read books they are interested in, and they can go to a tub of books on a topic of their interest and find a book that's a good fit.

I also put together a Classroom Library binder. It has an inventory of the books, how many copies I have of each book, and what reading level they are.

Now I need to fill up these containers.

What are some good read aloud books for the Grade 2 level? I would LOVE your suggestions! 

{FREE} Pencil Container Labels

Just a quick little post to share another thing I've worked on for my classroom next year.

And I know every classroom can use these :)

 I have included cursive and printed word options!

You can find the labels {here}

If you've missed it, check back {here} for my free teacher planning binder

and {here} for my free sticky note teaching planner.

And don't forget to fill your teaching binder with these handy inserts!

Find the inserts {here}

Hope you're having a fantastic summer!

{FREE} Sticky Note Teaching Planner

In my last post I shared the Teacher Planning Binder that I am using to help me get ready for next school year. If you missed it, you can grab it {here}

Today I am sharing another planning tool that I use to help me stay organized during the school year.

After printing it out, I laminate it for reuse. I use sticky notes to fill in the sections, jotting down notes to myself so I remember what needs to get done. When the list on a note gets done, I just pull it off and replace it with a fresh one. Simple.

You can download your free copy {here}