iReady Incentive Ideas: Ways to Boost Student Engagement

This year, my school district implemented the iReady program across all grade levels. It has been an ever evolving journey to find the right fit and engagement for my students to get the most success out of the lessons. Throughout the year, I have been tweaking and changing the incentives in our classroom to get the maximum benefit of the program for as many of my students as possible. Here are a few things you need to know before we continue:

1. iReady is required for 45 minutes in BOTH reading and math each week per my district.

2. We only use the diagnostic tests and adaptive MyPath lessons. 

When we started using this program at the beginning of the year, my students weren't very interested in completing their lessons. There was no incentive for them to complete them. I needed to find something quick. I searched the internet and Instagram to get ideas and then tweaked a few to work for my classroom.

INCENTIVE #1: PUNCH CARDS

Punch cards serve as a tangible and visual reminder of the progress and effort students are making to reaching their goals. It motivates them to complete their iReady lessons consistently. Here a few ways I have implemented them effectively in my classroom:

Set Clear Goals: The goals must be achievable and reasonable. My students must complete 45 minutes of BOTH reading and math lessons.

Celebrate Milestones:  If they reach the goal, they get $1 of our school wide money called Cougar Cash (total of $2 possible for completing minutes). On Friday morning, I have a "mini-conference" with each student. They bring me their punch cards from the pocket chart. We quickly look at how many lessons they passed and mark their punch card. When they have passed 10 lessons, they receive $5 of Cougar Cash. Once they fill up a card, I check it off so I know they received their money and they can take it home to show their family members. 

INCENTIVE #2: REWARD TAGS

Reward tags are another way to incentivize students to reach their goals. It adds an element of fun and excitement to the learning process. Here are a few ways to incorporate them into your classroom:

Establish Clear Goals: Define the criteria for students to earn the reward tag. My students get one for every 30 lessons passed. 

Showcase Success: Display student reward tags in the classroom to show off their achievements and learning goals. As they collect the reward tags, you are building a sense of accomplishment and pride for each student. 

Are you ready to get started with iReady incentives in your classroom? Grab the reading and math punch cards and reward tags by clicking on the image below.

I hope you can use some of these ideas in your classroom and adapt them to work for you and your students as you embark on motivating your students on their iReady journey. 

Weather Wonders: 7 Captivating Read-Aloud Books for the Elementary Classroom

Every spring, I look forward to teaching our unit about weather. My students are always engaged and curious about this unit. As teachers, we understand the magic of read-aloud sessions in our classrooms. Not only do they foster a love for reading, but they also serve as powerful educational tools, allowing us to explore a plethora of topics with our students. Let's get ready for an exciting journey through the world of weather with seven captivating read-aloud books that will spark curiosity and engagement in your students. All the books below come with an affiliate link to Amazon.

Tamara the Tornado by Rana Boulos

Summary: Join Tamara, a spirited tornado, as she embarks on a whirlwind adventure through the countryside. Follow her path as she encounters various obstacles and learns valuable lessons along the way.

Reason to Love It: This charming story personifies a tornado, making it relatable and less intimidating for young minds. It provides a unique perspective on weather phenomena while teaching important life lessons about resilience and adaptation.

Twisters by Rick Thomas

Summary: Dive into the fascinating world of tornadoes with this informative book. Learn about how tornadoes form, their impact on the environment, and safety tips for staying prepared.

Reason to Love It: Rick Thomas presents complex scientific concepts in a clear and accessible manner, making it perfect for introducing elementary students to the wonders of tornadoes. The vivid illustrations further enhance understanding and engagement.

Eye of the Storm by Rick Thomas

Summary: Follow a young girl named Alice as she experiences the eye of a hurricane firsthand. Learn about the calm center of the storm and the chaos that surrounds it.

Reason to Love It: This story skillfully blends narrative storytelling with scientific facts, offering readers a captivating glimpse into the dynamics of hurricanes. This book encourages empathy and understanding of natural disasters.

Hurricanes by Gail Gibbons

Summary: Explore the powerful forces of hurricanes with Gail Gibbons' informative text and vibrant illustrations. From formation to aftermath, this book covers all aspects of these awe-inspiring storms.

Reason to Love It: The meticulous research and engaging writing style make complex topics accessible to young readers. This book serves as an excellent resource for deepening students' understanding of hurricanes.

The Wonder of Thunder by Sharon Purtill

Summary: Discover the mystery and majesty of thunderstorms with this poetic exploration. From the rumble of thunder to the flash of lightning, each page is filled with awe and wonder.

Reason to Love It: The lyrical prose and inspiring illustrations capture the essence of thunderstorms, igniting the imaginations of young readers. This book celebrates the beauty and power of nature in a way that resonates with both children and adults.

Blizzard by John Rocco

Summary: Experience the magic of a winter blizzard through the eyes of a young boy named John. As snow piles up outside, John embarks on a thrilling adventure in the wintry landscape.

Reason to Love It: This autobiographical account of a blizzard the author experienced as a child is filled with nostalgia and wonder. Through his vivid storytelling and stunning illustrations, readers will be transported into the heart of a snowstorm.

Everything Weather by Kathy Furgang

Summary: Jump into the fascinating world of weather with this comprehensive guide. From sunny skies to raging storms, explore the science behind weather phenomena and how they impact our daily lives.

Reason to Love It: This well-organized book covers a wide range of weather topics in an engaging and informative manner. With detailed explanations and fun facts, it serves as an invaluable resource for curious minds eager to learn more about the wonders of weather.

Incorporating these seven read-aloud books into your classroom curriculum will not only enhance your students' understanding of weather but also foster a lifelong love for learning. Happy learning!

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Springtime Learning: Engaging Activities for the Elementary Classroom

As the flowers bloom and the birds chirp, it's time to infuse your classroom with the spirit of spring! With the arrival of this vibrant season, elementary teachers have so many opportunities to engage young minds while celebrating the beauty of nature and fostering essential skills. From art projects to math activities and everything in between, here are some delightful spring-themed activities to enrich your curriculum and keep your students excited about learning.

Sunflower Directed Drawings

Embrace the sunny vibes of spring with sunflower directed drawings! Guiding students through the steps of drawing a bright and cheerful sunflower not only encourages creativity but also helps develop their fine motor skills. Plus, it's a wonderful way to incorporate elements of nature into your art curriculum. Read the blog post for more details: Sunflower Directed Drawings

Spring Math Crafts

Combine the freshness of spring with essential math skills through engaging math crafts. From creating flower patterns to modeling addition and subtraction skills, these hands-on activities make learning math fun and tangible for young learners. Ready to learn more? Grab your freebie craft here

No-Prep Worksheets for Grammar and Math

For busy teachers seeking convenient resources, no-prep worksheets offer a quick and effective way to reinforce grammar and math concepts. With spring-themed worksheets featuring engaging puzzles to enhance vocabulary, review skills and helping them work independently or in small groups, they will  keep your students engaged while reviewing essential skills. Get more details here.

Earth Day Activities

Celebrate Earth Day by engaging students in activities that promote environmental awareness and stewardship. From planting seeds in biodegradable pots to conducting nature scavenger hunts, these activities encourage students to appreciate and protect our planet while learning about ecology and sustainability.

Boom Learning Activities

Incorporate technology into your spring curriculum with Boom Learning activities that offer interactive and engaging learning experiences. Whether practicing grammar skills with digital flashcards or reviewing fact and opinion skills, these activities cater to diverse learning styles and preferences.

Pop Art Bunny Drawings

This is an oldie but a goodie in my classroom! Add a touch of whimsy to your art lessons with pop art bunny drawings! I originally discovered this idea on Pinterest from TeachStarter a gazillion years ago. I adapted the original idea to work for my students. I am happy to let you know that TeachStarter offers the templates for FREE! Hop on over to their site to grab them. This year I used AstroBrights neon cardstock for a POP of color. I just love how they turned out!

Spring Paper Bag Books

Take a multidisciplinary approach to learning with spring paper bag books that cover a range of topics, including Earth Day facts, the life cycle of a chicken, the water cycle, and different types of clouds. By integrating reading, writing, and science content into a single project, students gain a deeper understanding of seasonal themes and concepts.

Incorporating these spring activities into your lesson plans can breathe new life into your classroom and ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity in your students. Whether exploring the beauty of nature through art, reinforcing academic skills through hands-on projects, or fostering environmental consciousness through themed activities, there's something for every teacher and student to enjoy as we welcome the arrival of spring. Let the learning blossom!

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10 Delightful February Read-Aloud Books

February is a month full of love, history, and celebration! This makes it the perfect time to find all those special read aloud books and get your students excited to learn! Let's gather our eager learners and take them on a journey through these ten delightful read-aloud books, each with its unique charm and valuable lessons. All the books below come with an affiliate link to Amazon.

Groundhog's Day Off by Robb Pearlman

Summary: What if the groundhog decided to take a vacation from his annual duties? This hilarious tale follows Groundhog as he takes a much-needed day off, causing quite the commotion in the town.

Reason to Love it: Groundhog's Day Off brings humor and a fresh perspective to the traditional Groundhog Day concept. This story will keep your students engaged while teaching them the importance of taking breaks and enjoying life's simple pleasures.

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli

Summary: Mr. Hatch lives a lonely life until one day he receives a mysterious package with a note that reads, "Somebody loves you." This heartwarming story unfolds as Mr. Hatch discovers the true power of kindness and community.

Reason to Love it: This touching tale highlights the significance of compassion and the positive impact small acts of kindness can have on someone's life. It offers an excellent opportunity for discussions about empathy, friendship, and spreading love.

Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers by Karen B. Winnick

Summary: This fascinating historical fiction revolves around an eleven-year-old girl who writes a letter to Abraham Lincoln, suggesting he grow whiskers. To her surprise, she receives a response from the President himself!

Reason to Love it: Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers blends history and fiction, making it a compelling read for children. It introduces them to the power of ideas and how young voices can have a meaningful impact on the world.

 A Crankenstein Valentine by Samantha Berger

Summary: The Crankensteins are back, and this time, they're not feeling the love on Valentine's Day! Join them on their comical quest to find something to love amidst the mushy holiday.

Reason to Love it: This fun and quirky book offer a lighthearted take on Valentine's Day, perfect for relieving any holiday-induced stress. It emphasizes finding joy in unexpected places and showcases the importance of embracing one's uniqueness.

George Washington's Teeth by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora

Summary: Discover the quirky story behind George Washington's false teeth, made from various materials like hippo ivory and horse teeth.

Reason to Love it: This historically accurate yet amusing account of a significant figure's dental journey will have children giggling while learning about American history and how myths can develop.

The Runaway Wok by Ying Chang Compestine

Summary: This story follows the adventures of a young boy who discovers a magic wok capable of providing endless food. However, he learns the importance of sharing when the wok vanishes.

Reason to Love it: This culturally rich tale introduces students to Chinese traditions and values while imparting a valuable lesson about the rewards of selflessness and community spirit.

Valensteins by Ethan Long

Summary: The town of Frightsville dreads Valentine's Day, especially when the Valensteins (Frankenstein's monster-like creatures) appear. But one brave girl is determined to show them the true meaning of the holiday.

Reason to Love it: This story cleverly combines a spooky theme with a heartwarming message about acceptance, friendship, and the power of love to conquer fear. It's a fantastic way to celebrate both Valentine's Day and individuality.

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin

Summary: Dragons love tacos, but there's one thing they can't handle – spicy salsa! Follow along as a boy hosts a taco party for dragons and navigates this fiery predicament.

Reason to Love it: This story is a whimsical and entertaining story that sparks children's imagination. Its humorous plot teaches them about consequences and the importance of paying attention to detail.

President Taft is Stuck in the Bath by Mac Barnett

Summary: Delight in the hilarious tale of President Taft getting stuck in his bathtub and the various comical attempts to rescue him.

Reason to Love it: This historical fiction injects humor into the life of a former president, bringing history to life for young readers. It also reminds children that everyone, including notable figures, has their quirks and funny moments.

Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio

Summary: When Grace learns there has never been a female president, she decides to run for school president to pave the way for future female leaders.

Reason to Love it: Grace for President empowers young readers by showing strong, determined female characters and encouraging them to dream big. It's a wonderful book to inspire discussions about leadership, equality, and making a difference.

Happy reading and enjoy the adventure of storytelling with your students this February!

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Winter Read Alouds For the Elementary Classroom

As winter approaches and the weather turns frigid, it's the perfect time to gather your elementary students for some cozy read-aloud sessions. I have put together some of my favorite winter books all in one place for you. I hope you find some inspiration to add to your classroom library and to share with your students. All the books below come with an affiliate link to Amazon.

The Mitten by Jan Brett

Reasons I love this book: This book promotes problem-solving skills, introduces the concept of sequencing, and teaches the importance of kindness and sharing.

Synopsis:  This book is a classic winter tale that combines beautiful illustrations with a heartwarming story. The artwork takes readers on a journey as a lost mitten becomes home to a growing number of woodland animals.

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Reasons I love this book: This book celebrates curiosity, scientific exploration, and the beauty of the natural world. It's a great opportunity to introduce children to the wonders of science and inspire them to observe the world around them.

Synopsis: This is the true story of Wilson Bentley, a man fascinated by snowflakes. Through his perseverance and love for nature, Bentley becomes the first person to photograph snowflakes. 

Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright

Reasons I love this book: This book encourages problem-solving, resilience, and the value of creative thinking.

Synopsis: This story weaves a hilarious tale of a snowman who just can't stop sneezing. As Sneezy tries various remedies to stay cold, young readers will enjoy the snowman's silly adventures and cheer for his clever solution. 

Snow by Cynthia Rylant

Reasons I love this book: It's a perfect read-aloud choice for nurturing children's appreciation for nature and descriptive writing with vivid imagery and the five senses.

Synopsis: The poetic language in this story beautifully captures the quiet and magical moments of a snow-covered winter landscape. 

The Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow! by Lucille Colandro

Reasons I love this book: This book enhances sequencing skills, engages with rhyming patterns, and guarantees giggles throughout the read-aloud session.

Synopsis: This story adds a humorous twist to the beloved rhyme. As the old lady devours various winter items, the story builds anticipation and creates opportunities for children to predict what might happen next. 

The Story of Snow by Mark Cassino and Jon Nelson

Reasons I love this book: It nurtures children's curiosity about the natural world and encourages scientific inquiry.

Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to the science behind snowflakes. Filled with captivating close-up photographs of real snow crystals, this book explores the formation and intricate shapes of snowflakes. 

Most Marshmallows by Rowboat Watkins

Reasons I love this book: This book celebrates individuality, the joy of embracing new experiences, and teaches children to be true to themselves.

Synopsis: This delightful story challenges traditional winter expectations. It features a brave, marshmallow-loving character who decides to enjoy the snowy outdoors instead of hiding indoors. 

How to Catch a Snowman by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton

Reasons I love this book: It encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and promotes teamwork among students as they brainstorm their own clever ideas for catching the snowman.

Synopsis: With its catchy rhymes and playful illustrations, the story takes students on an imaginative adventure as children devise creative traps to catch a mischievous snowman. 

Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story by Sean Taylor:

Reasons I love this book: This book offers opportunities for discussion about animal adaptations, seasons, and the importance of rest.

Synopsis: The story explores the theme of hibernation through a whimsical and humorous narrative. It introduces children to various animals and their unique ways of preparing for winter slumber. 

Winter read-aloud sessions are a perfect way to captivate and engage elementary students during the chilly months. Happy reading!

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