I love the idea of a new beginning. The truth is, we all have the chance to start again every single day. Start a new habit, start shedding a bad one. This applies to everything - work, school, life!
Well, New Year's Day is the traditional time for resolutions, to begin anew. So this year let's take a step toward new school rules. Here are my Top 5 resolutions based on my own homeschooling experience:
5. Get more organized!
4. Stay less stressed!
3. Encourage my little darlings more!
2. Do less, love more!
1. Trust more. Trust God. Trust my kids will get it (eventually) and trust that I simply cannot do it all and it is not going to disadvantage my children in life!
Have I always succeeded at these resolutions? Well, no. But I think a frequent reminder helps me be a better parent. I think it will help you be a better teacher.
Why did we chose to homeschool in the first place? Wasn't it more about love and less about cracking the whip, turning out perfect kids, or filling every nook and cranny of their brains with knowledge?
The thing is, I can be my own biggest critic, my own worst enemy.
Let it go!
Enjoy the process!
Don't overachieve!
Take a deep breath. Step into the new year and, by all means, let your little darlings fall in love with life!
I'll be back next week with some more free language arts tips and encouragement for you as you strive to give your little darlings a good education!
Happy New Year!
Darla (at Little Darlings Press)
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
A Wish and a List
Well, it is that time of year again. The time when teachers do a happy dance and put away the lessons for a bit. The time when the little darlings are too preoccupied with what's under the tree to get any homework, housework, or any other sort of work done.
So, dear reader-teacher, Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
However, there are those who need a little help keeping the little darlings busy for two (yes, two) weeks. Just in case, below is a list of holiday writing prompts. It's not Scrooge-like, not the Grinch who passes out writing assignments over break. No, it is a loving parent who has TOO MUCH TO DO!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing! (Make this assignment a no-correct, no red-pen, no-worries one.)
The List:
By all means, over break check out some of the excellent Language Arts units for your little darlings. Start the New Year off right with just a CLICK!
See you next year!!!
So, dear reader-teacher, Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
However, there are those who need a little help keeping the little darlings busy for two (yes, two) weeks. Just in case, below is a list of holiday writing prompts. It's not Scrooge-like, not the Grinch who passes out writing assignments over break. No, it is a loving parent who has TOO MUCH TO DO!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing! (Make this assignment a no-correct, no red-pen, no-worries one.)
The List:
- My favorite part of Christmas is...
- If I had a pet reindeer...
- My one Christmas wish is...
- Last year I remember Christmas morning...
- If I could invent a new toy...
- My favorite Christmas song is... (because...)
- My favorite Christmas movie is... (because...)
- My favorite Christmas cookie is...
- I can't wait to...
- On New Year's Eve I am going to...
- All I want for Christmas is...
By all means, over break check out some of the excellent Language Arts units for your little darlings. Start the New Year off right with just a CLICK!
See you next year!!!
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Why Keep a Journal?
Today talk to your little darlings about keeping a journal. It can include words, pictures, stories, whatever! The thing is, journals are great tools for students!
Here are my favorite things about journals:
While you are encouraging your little darlings to write in a journal, pick up a notebook and start one yourself (if you haven't already)! Make writing in a journal a daily habit. It can be a quick exercise or a long one - you choose!
And by all means, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
Here are my favorite things about journals:
- They make great historical documents for the family!
- They are an excellent way to express oneself!
- Journals help purge some of the many thoughts in our heads!
- Journals are a great way to save ideas for... anything!
- They inspire creativity!
- They get your little darlings writing!
While you are encouraging your little darlings to write in a journal, pick up a notebook and start one yourself (if you haven't already)! Make writing in a journal a daily habit. It can be a quick exercise or a long one - you choose!
And by all means, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Building on Basics of Grammar
Check out this grammar lesson for early learners and kids with learning difficulties!
Yesterday's lesson was about the eight parts of speech and their simple meanings. Today, let's build on that lesson by using each part of speech in a sentence!
You will need some paper and writing utensils. Index cards also work great. Coloring tools are good for the very young; adding color is always a great addition to lessons!
Review yesterday's lesson with your little darlings. Then, write a few examples for each part of speech on a piece of paper or index cards. The cards are nice since you can write one word per card and the part of speech on the back.
Have students come up with sentences using each of the eight parts of speech.
~For very young students, take it one word at a time and write the sentences for them.
~For students who are currently practicing writing in sentences, let them write!
~For students with learning difficulties, do whatever works, you know their level!
Extra challenge: Have your students see how many parts of speech they can fit into one sentence, using the word examples. The sentence has to make sense!
This is a great lesson to do over (and over) with your students.
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!
For fun and effective informal grammar units, visit CURRLICK.COM. All of the grammar units by Little Darlings Press offer a full preview prior to purchase!
Yesterday's lesson was about the eight parts of speech and their simple meanings. Today, let's build on that lesson by using each part of speech in a sentence!
You will need some paper and writing utensils. Index cards also work great. Coloring tools are good for the very young; adding color is always a great addition to lessons!
Review yesterday's lesson with your little darlings. Then, write a few examples for each part of speech on a piece of paper or index cards. The cards are nice since you can write one word per card and the part of speech on the back.
Have students come up with sentences using each of the eight parts of speech.
~For very young students, take it one word at a time and write the sentences for them.
~For students who are currently practicing writing in sentences, let them write!
~For students with learning difficulties, do whatever works, you know their level!
Extra challenge: Have your students see how many parts of speech they can fit into one sentence, using the word examples. The sentence has to make sense!
This is a great lesson to do over (and over) with your students.
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!
For fun and effective informal grammar units, visit CURRLICK.COM. All of the grammar units by Little Darlings Press offer a full preview prior to purchase!
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Grammar Practice Today!
Grammar for your little guys and gals (a.k.a. little darlings) is as easy as one bite at a time. No need to shove and drill the grammar into them. Take it easy, take it slowly, in small bites. Let them have fun and learn about grammar in an informal way! (There's time for shoving and drilling later...)
Today do a mini lesson on the eight parts of speech. While it takes years for students to fully grasp the eight parts of speech and their meanings, just familiarizing them with each part on occasion will get the names and basic concepts into their pliable brains.
Here's the mini lesson! It is designed for very young students in its simplicity. It is also great for older students with learning challenges! Don't worry about students grasping all of these simple definitions right away. It can take years!
Eight Parts of Speech (basic, simple definitions)
Noun: A name for a person, place, or thing. Examples: mom, park, glass
Pronoun: A word that replaces a noun. Examples: her, she, it
Verb: A doing word that tells about something being done. Examples: write, jump, sit
Adverb: A word that tells how things are done (used with a verb). Examples: slowly, badly
Adjective: A word that describes a noun. Examples: pretty, green, silly
Preposition: A word that sits before another word to show word relationship. Examples: up, over, to
Conjunction: A word that joins other words together. Examples: and, but, or
Interjection: A word that expresses emotion. Examples: Hey! Ouch!
Add a manipulative to this lesson to make it go a little deeper (a bigger bite, but manageable). In fact, have your little darlings make a manipulative or two. Index cards area a great, inexpensive tool. Make a matching game with one word and one definition on each card (there will be 16 one-sided cards total). Students should match the word with the definition.
Or, write each part of speech on a card and have the student hold up, or point to, the correct part of speech when you give the definition (or reverse this and write the definitions).
The key is to make a little game of it!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!
For short, affordable grammar units for early learners CLICK HERE!
Today do a mini lesson on the eight parts of speech. While it takes years for students to fully grasp the eight parts of speech and their meanings, just familiarizing them with each part on occasion will get the names and basic concepts into their pliable brains.
Here's the mini lesson! It is designed for very young students in its simplicity. It is also great for older students with learning challenges! Don't worry about students grasping all of these simple definitions right away. It can take years!
Eight Parts of Speech (basic, simple definitions)
Noun: A name for a person, place, or thing. Examples: mom, park, glass
Pronoun: A word that replaces a noun. Examples: her, she, it
Verb: A doing word that tells about something being done. Examples: write, jump, sit
Adverb: A word that tells how things are done (used with a verb). Examples: slowly, badly
Adjective: A word that describes a noun. Examples: pretty, green, silly
Preposition: A word that sits before another word to show word relationship. Examples: up, over, to
Conjunction: A word that joins other words together. Examples: and, but, or
Interjection: A word that expresses emotion. Examples: Hey! Ouch!
Add a manipulative to this lesson to make it go a little deeper (a bigger bite, but manageable). In fact, have your little darlings make a manipulative or two. Index cards area a great, inexpensive tool. Make a matching game with one word and one definition on each card (there will be 16 one-sided cards total). Students should match the word with the definition.
Or, write each part of speech on a card and have the student hold up, or point to, the correct part of speech when you give the definition (or reverse this and write the definitions).
The key is to make a little game of it!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!
For short, affordable grammar units for early learners CLICK HERE!
Monday, December 14, 2015
Creative Writing Topics
Hey, I'll be here all week, but today I want to provide you with a list of creative writing topics. Use it whenever. Simply assign a paragraph, a short story, an essay, whatever! Let your student(s) choose the topic and have them write, write, and write!
Topics:
If one of your little darlings has his own idea for a writing topic, let him run (or write) with it!
By all means, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
CLICK to check out Language Arts curriculum by Little Darlings Press!
Topics:
- When I grow up I want to be...
- If I was a super hero...
- If I could be invisible...
- If I had $100 to give away...
- With one wish I would...
- On my trip to the moon...
- Yesterday at the store I met...
- My flying pet is...
- One time, while in the desert...
- If all the animals could talk...
If one of your little darlings has his own idea for a writing topic, let him run (or write) with it!
By all means, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
CLICK to check out Language Arts curriculum by Little Darlings Press!
Friday, December 11, 2015
Get a Little Exercise!
Today, have your little darlings get a little exercise and work those creative writing muscles.
This project can take a little bit of time or a lot of time. You decide! Here's the workout:
Building Characters
1. Find a good spot for creative juices to work. It can be a couch, the kitchen table (my personal favorite), or any spot that allows for writing and, maybe, drawing.
2. Have students collect supplies. They will need a notebook with lines, paper without lines (optional), a pencil or pen, and colored paper or crayons (also optional).
3. Instruct students to begin making a list of characters. This is a sort of "character bank" that can be used in future writing projects. The list should include potential names and some character traits for each name. This is an early writer's exercise in character development (a very important part of writing).
4. Allow students to draw pictures characters on the blank paper and color them. This is the optional part of the exercise, but it is a fun part and some students prefer drawing to writing. You decide!
This "workout" can be short. In fact, if time is an issue, assign a number of characters for your student(s) to create (one, two, three, whatever!). If time is no issue, let them create more characters.
Now get them creating!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
Short, fun, user-friendly (and affordable) Language Arts units by Little Darlings Press are available HERE!
This project can take a little bit of time or a lot of time. You decide! Here's the workout:
Building Characters
1. Find a good spot for creative juices to work. It can be a couch, the kitchen table (my personal favorite), or any spot that allows for writing and, maybe, drawing.
2. Have students collect supplies. They will need a notebook with lines, paper without lines (optional), a pencil or pen, and colored paper or crayons (also optional).
3. Instruct students to begin making a list of characters. This is a sort of "character bank" that can be used in future writing projects. The list should include potential names and some character traits for each name. This is an early writer's exercise in character development (a very important part of writing).
4. Allow students to draw pictures characters on the blank paper and color them. This is the optional part of the exercise, but it is a fun part and some students prefer drawing to writing. You decide!
This "workout" can be short. In fact, if time is an issue, assign a number of characters for your student(s) to create (one, two, three, whatever!). If time is no issue, let them create more characters.
Now get them creating!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
Short, fun, user-friendly (and affordable) Language Arts units by Little Darlings Press are available HERE!
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Thursday Grammar Game
Hey, Teacher! Why not play a grammar game today? Here are three ideas:
1) Action Verbs Musical Chairs. You need at least three kids to do this one. Put chairs in a circle (more chairs than kids is fine, or one per kid) and play some music that has lyrics (Christmas music is perfect!). Each time there is an action verb in the lyrics kids should sit down. The rest of the time they are walking in a circle (or, dancing to the beat in a circle) while the music plays. This game will go well if you give a mini lesson on action verbs first.
Remember: Action verbs are simply doing words. Something is happening, like running, jumping, singing, eat, love... ANY ACTION!
If someone misses and action verb, or sits down for a word that isn't an action verb, they are out of the game. Make sure you ask the kids what the word was after they sit!
2) Noun and Verb Charades. Have students take turns acting out a person, place, thing (nouns), or action verb. This can be done with you and one student or with as many kids as there are in the house. If you want to make the game a little easier, spend some time writing nouns and verbs on index cards that can be acted out. (Examples: dog, teacher, jump, run, sleep, etc.) The nouns will probably be more difficult so the audience may want to guess if it is a noun or verb first. Once that is established, it is time to guess the word!
3) Grammar Matching Game: Spend some time with students making a matching game out of index cards. Write the words for nouns and verbs on one side of the cards. Then, on separate cards, draw a picture to represent that word. Some words may be too hard to draw. In that case, simply write the word again. If you have any creative kids in the house, let them color the cards. Make sure all the back sides of the cards are plain white with no marks on them. Then, mix the cards up and lay them out on the table as with any matching game. Time to play!
The key is to have fun!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!
Don't forget to CHECK OUT early learning grammar (and other) curriculum units by Little Darlings Press!
1) Action Verbs Musical Chairs. You need at least three kids to do this one. Put chairs in a circle (more chairs than kids is fine, or one per kid) and play some music that has lyrics (Christmas music is perfect!). Each time there is an action verb in the lyrics kids should sit down. The rest of the time they are walking in a circle (or, dancing to the beat in a circle) while the music plays. This game will go well if you give a mini lesson on action verbs first.
Remember: Action verbs are simply doing words. Something is happening, like running, jumping, singing, eat, love... ANY ACTION!
If someone misses and action verb, or sits down for a word that isn't an action verb, they are out of the game. Make sure you ask the kids what the word was after they sit!
2) Noun and Verb Charades. Have students take turns acting out a person, place, thing (nouns), or action verb. This can be done with you and one student or with as many kids as there are in the house. If you want to make the game a little easier, spend some time writing nouns and verbs on index cards that can be acted out. (Examples: dog, teacher, jump, run, sleep, etc.) The nouns will probably be more difficult so the audience may want to guess if it is a noun or verb first. Once that is established, it is time to guess the word!
3) Grammar Matching Game: Spend some time with students making a matching game out of index cards. Write the words for nouns and verbs on one side of the cards. Then, on separate cards, draw a picture to represent that word. Some words may be too hard to draw. In that case, simply write the word again. If you have any creative kids in the house, let them color the cards. Make sure all the back sides of the cards are plain white with no marks on them. Then, mix the cards up and lay them out on the table as with any matching game. Time to play!
The key is to have fun!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!
Don't forget to CHECK OUT early learning grammar (and other) curriculum units by Little Darlings Press!
Wednesday, December 09, 2015
Kids Love to Write!
Do you believe most kids love the idea of writing?
I do.
While not all of them love the practice of writing, they love the idea of writing.
The truth is, some kids struggle with writing (and reading) and some don't. Oftentimes those who struggle mask it as a lack of desire to write (or read). It has been said that kids want to write before they want to read.
With many of them, all they need is a little encouragement.
Today, encourage your little darlings do a fun writing project (whether they struggle or not!).
Here are two ideas for writing topics:
Descriptive Writing
Have your writers pick an object and write about it. Let it be a stuffed animal. Let it be a pet. Let it be a lamp - whatever! Most importantly, let your writers have the freedom to write about any object they want!
Character Writing
Have students write about a character. They should pick a real-live person in the home or neighborhood and write about that person. A character sketch can include physical features, behaviors, and manner of speech.
For today's writing assignment, throw grammar out the window. Give your students the freedom to make mistakes, write a sloppy draft, and express creativity. If you must have some grammar and spelling satisfaction, try and let your students self-edit their work!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing.
CLICK HERE to check out Language Arts curriculum by Little Darlings Press.
I do.
While not all of them love the practice of writing, they love the idea of writing.
The truth is, some kids struggle with writing (and reading) and some don't. Oftentimes those who struggle mask it as a lack of desire to write (or read). It has been said that kids want to write before they want to read.
With many of them, all they need is a little encouragement.
Today, encourage your little darlings do a fun writing project (whether they struggle or not!).
Here are two ideas for writing topics:
Descriptive Writing
Have your writers pick an object and write about it. Let it be a stuffed animal. Let it be a pet. Let it be a lamp - whatever! Most importantly, let your writers have the freedom to write about any object they want!
Character Writing
Have students write about a character. They should pick a real-live person in the home or neighborhood and write about that person. A character sketch can include physical features, behaviors, and manner of speech.
For today's writing assignment, throw grammar out the window. Give your students the freedom to make mistakes, write a sloppy draft, and express creativity. If you must have some grammar and spelling satisfaction, try and let your students self-edit their work!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing.
CLICK HERE to check out Language Arts curriculum by Little Darlings Press.
Tuesday, December 08, 2015
Christmas Sight Words Unit
If you have young learners who are still working on reading proficiency, check out the new unit by Little Darlings Press, "50 Sight Words for Christmas." It's a color, cut, and paste unit with 50 sight words to help your little darlings begin to master reading skills! All this for only $1.50 and a Christmas theme. This the season to practice sight words!
CLICK HERE to check it out!
CLICK HERE to check it out!
Creative Writing Today - Nature Topic
Today is a great day to have your little darlings do a bit of creative writing about nature!
No matter the age, the topic can be the same (see topics below). Simply adjust the nature of the assignment!
For very young writers:
Have him/her choose a topic. After a topic is chosen draw a brainstorming diagram with one circle in the middle of the page for the main topic and ideas branching off from that. Then, help him/her fill it in with ideas that have to do with the chosen topic. For the written work have the student write a few sentences. Make one the topic sentence (main idea) with a few more sentences before the concluding sentence (wrap it up). If the student needs help and there are older kids in the house, put them on the task.
For older/independent writers:
Have him/her choose a topic. After a topic is chosen draw a brainstorming diagram with one circle in the middle of the page for the main topic and ideas branching off from that. The student should be able to write a paragraph about the topic (or a whole page if you prefer) independently.
Let the student(s) have fun and be creative! For very young writers you can narrow down one of the topics. Also, allow students to come up with his/her own topic about nature if he/she prefers.
LIST OF TOPICS:
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
CLICK HERE to check out Language Arts (and other) curriculum by Little Darlings Press!
No matter the age, the topic can be the same (see topics below). Simply adjust the nature of the assignment!
For very young writers:
Have him/her choose a topic. After a topic is chosen draw a brainstorming diagram with one circle in the middle of the page for the main topic and ideas branching off from that. Then, help him/her fill it in with ideas that have to do with the chosen topic. For the written work have the student write a few sentences. Make one the topic sentence (main idea) with a few more sentences before the concluding sentence (wrap it up). If the student needs help and there are older kids in the house, put them on the task.
For older/independent writers:
Have him/her choose a topic. After a topic is chosen draw a brainstorming diagram with one circle in the middle of the page for the main topic and ideas branching off from that. The student should be able to write a paragraph about the topic (or a whole page if you prefer) independently.
Let the student(s) have fun and be creative! For very young writers you can narrow down one of the topics. Also, allow students to come up with his/her own topic about nature if he/she prefers.
LIST OF TOPICS:
- My favorite animal
- What I love about nature
- If I had a dog
- If I lived in a tree
- My favorite thing to do outside
- Why nature is amazing
- The sun
- The moon
- Animals in the wild
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
CLICK HERE to check out Language Arts (and other) curriculum by Little Darlings Press!
Monday, December 07, 2015
Put a Little Poetry into Monday!
Mondays can be so, well, Monday-ish. And I don't say "ish" lightly! Years ago I wrote a Monday poem. It goes like this:
Oh Monday, oh Monday
Why are you so busy?
Oh, Monday, oh Monday
You make me feel dizzy!
Oh Monday, oh Monday
You run me around-
Oh, Monday, oh Monday
When will you slow down?
Oh, Monday, you're coming-
I heave a big sigh!
Oh, Monday, you're leaving-
A happy goodbye!
Now Mondays really aren't all that bad! I certainly would never encourage letting the Monday blues rub off on the little darlings around the house. They will likely pick up on Monday issues themselves! Maybe it's just an attitude? For me it is, anyway.
I have to tell my brain that Monday is a new beginning. It's a starting again and another chance to start the week off great! What can we do to make Monday less of an "Oh, the weekend is over" day and more of an "Oh, yeah, it's Monday!" sort of day?
Write a little poetry, of course! (Or, better yet, get your little darlings writing poetry so you can get a few other "Monday" type tasks done!)
I love rhyming poetry, like "My Shadow" by Robert Louis Stevenson:
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head.
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed. (more)
Or, Shel Silverstein's "Sick" From Where the Sidewalk Ends:
"I cannot go to school today,"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay,
I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash, and purple bumps. (more)
You get the idea. Rhyming poetry is fun! Kids love it!
Spend some time on this, "Oh, Monday," assigning rhyming poetry to your little darlings. Let them be creative! Let them have fun! The poem(s) can be about an object, about the holidays, about an animal, or about Monday. The sky's the limit! Poetry is freedom, poetry is pun, poetry can be a tool to have a little fun! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)
If you want even MORE time to work on your Monday chores, download this super simple, fun poetry unit by Little Darlings Press. For just $1 you can get your little darlings writing while you get... well, that's up to you!
The unit includes:
CLICK RIGHT HERE to see a full preview of this unit and get it now!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with poetry!
Oh Monday, oh Monday
Why are you so busy?
Oh, Monday, oh Monday
You make me feel dizzy!
Oh Monday, oh Monday
You run me around-
Oh, Monday, oh Monday
When will you slow down?
Oh, Monday, you're coming-
I heave a big sigh!
Oh, Monday, you're leaving-
A happy goodbye!
Now Mondays really aren't all that bad! I certainly would never encourage letting the Monday blues rub off on the little darlings around the house. They will likely pick up on Monday issues themselves! Maybe it's just an attitude? For me it is, anyway.
I have to tell my brain that Monday is a new beginning. It's a starting again and another chance to start the week off great! What can we do to make Monday less of an "Oh, the weekend is over" day and more of an "Oh, yeah, it's Monday!" sort of day?
Write a little poetry, of course! (Or, better yet, get your little darlings writing poetry so you can get a few other "Monday" type tasks done!)
I love rhyming poetry, like "My Shadow" by Robert Louis Stevenson:
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head.
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed. (more)
Or, Shel Silverstein's "Sick" From Where the Sidewalk Ends:
"I cannot go to school today,"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay,
I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash, and purple bumps. (more)
You get the idea. Rhyming poetry is fun! Kids love it!
Spend some time on this, "Oh, Monday," assigning rhyming poetry to your little darlings. Let them be creative! Let them have fun! The poem(s) can be about an object, about the holidays, about an animal, or about Monday. The sky's the limit! Poetry is freedom, poetry is pun, poetry can be a tool to have a little fun! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)
If you want even MORE time to work on your Monday chores, download this super simple, fun poetry unit by Little Darlings Press. For just $1 you can get your little darlings writing while you get... well, that's up to you!
The unit includes:
- Examples of rhyming poems
- Exercises
- Assignments
- Glossary of Terms
CLICK RIGHT HERE to see a full preview of this unit and get it now!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with poetry!
Friday, December 04, 2015
Fun Friday!
Hey, what's Friday without a little fun? How about doing a grammar project with your little darlings?
A Few of My Favorite Things!
This project is for early learners (pre-K through mid- elementary). It's all about nouns that are names for things. Here's what you do:
1. Explain to students that nouns are name words. They name people (grandma, sister, brother, etc.), places (city, home, park, etc.), and things (cup, cat, log, pencil, etc.). This is your "nouns" mini lesson. If your student already knows about nouns, give the mini lesson anyway. Grammar during the early years is all about solidifying the basics so you can move on to the more formal topics at a later date.
2. Explain that today's grammar lesson will focus on names of "things." Have your student(s) hunt around the house for favorite things!
3. Things that can be collected should be brought to a central location (kitchen table). The things that cannot be collected should drawn. Make sure each student has a notepad and pencil. Instruct them to draw a picture of each "thing" that cannot be brought to the table.
4. After the pile and pictures are complete, sit down and discuss each one by name.
HEY, TEACHER: Have a whiteboard or piece of paper and a writing utensil. As you go over the "things" with your student(s) write each word down and show discuss its pronunciation and meaning. Reading and vocab make nice additions to grammar lessons!
If there are food items in the "things" pile, let your little darlings sample them. Perhaps a lesson on names of foods is in order during the lunch hour. A feast of nouns!
Have fun! And by all means, go ahead and let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!
Grammar units for early learners by Little Darlings Press sold HERE! (If this link doesn't work try later... the currclick website seems to be temporarily down. Happy Friday!!!)
A Few of My Favorite Things!
This project is for early learners (pre-K through mid- elementary). It's all about nouns that are names for things. Here's what you do:
1. Explain to students that nouns are name words. They name people (grandma, sister, brother, etc.), places (city, home, park, etc.), and things (cup, cat, log, pencil, etc.). This is your "nouns" mini lesson. If your student already knows about nouns, give the mini lesson anyway. Grammar during the early years is all about solidifying the basics so you can move on to the more formal topics at a later date.
2. Explain that today's grammar lesson will focus on names of "things." Have your student(s) hunt around the house for favorite things!
3. Things that can be collected should be brought to a central location (kitchen table). The things that cannot be collected should drawn. Make sure each student has a notepad and pencil. Instruct them to draw a picture of each "thing" that cannot be brought to the table.
4. After the pile and pictures are complete, sit down and discuss each one by name.
HEY, TEACHER: Have a whiteboard or piece of paper and a writing utensil. As you go over the "things" with your student(s) write each word down and show discuss its pronunciation and meaning. Reading and vocab make nice additions to grammar lessons!
If there are food items in the "things" pile, let your little darlings sample them. Perhaps a lesson on names of foods is in order during the lunch hour. A feast of nouns!
Have fun! And by all means, go ahead and let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!
Grammar units for early learners by Little Darlings Press sold HERE! (If this link doesn't work try later... the currclick website seems to be temporarily down. Happy Friday!!!)
Thursday, December 03, 2015
Practicing Nouns at Home
Practicing what a noun is - person, place, or thing - at home is a simple, fun activity. You don't need a desk (in fact, it's discouraged), you just need a notebook and pencil.
Preschool through mid-elementary students will love this activity!
1. Gather your notebook and pencil (one for each child). If your student is too young to write the teacher should take on the writing task.
2. Go on a "noun" hunt. Make three columns on a sheet of paper. Label your columns! (people (person), place(s), thing(s)).
3. Set out on your hunt. Go around the house and around your property or neighborhood. If you have any photographers in the group, take along a camera!
Noun hunts are fun (the kids won't even know they're learning grammar!
For fun, interactive, informal grammar for the early years, click the link below:
GRAMMAR BASICS
If you click on any unit on the site you can see a quick preview of the entire unit!
Preschool through mid-elementary students will love this activity!
1. Gather your notebook and pencil (one for each child). If your student is too young to write the teacher should take on the writing task.
2. Go on a "noun" hunt. Make three columns on a sheet of paper. Label your columns! (people (person), place(s), thing(s)).
3. Set out on your hunt. Go around the house and around your property or neighborhood. If you have any photographers in the group, take along a camera!
 |
| Person: Grandma |
 |
| Place: The woods |
 |
| Thing: Cat |
For fun, interactive, informal grammar for the early years, click the link below:
GRAMMAR BASICS
If you click on any unit on the site you can see a quick preview of the entire unit!
Wednesday, December 02, 2015
GET GRAMMAR For Your Little Darlings!
Get all three of the Grammar Basics series for your early learners or kids with learning challenges!
Grammar Basics is a fun and interactive series that will help your little darlings begin to grasp basic grammar concepts. The series was designed by a homeschool mom and professional grammar teacher with a B.A. in English who knows about grammar! Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s boring, and sometimes it’s intimidating. Well, no more! Welcome to Grammar Basics!
Grammar Basics Levels 1, 2, and 3, by Little Darlings Press, will provide knowledge about nouns, verbs, and simple sentences through identifying, matching, writing, drawing, and coloring.
The Grammar Basics series has been designed to teach grammar concepts vital to the Preschool through early elementary age group. In black and white, students will have fun adding color to the pages and you’ll save money on colored ink!
This unit provides:
Easy to understand lesson pages your student will love!
Critical thinking pages to stretch the young mind!
Teacher pages to save you time! Who doesn’t need to save time?
This unit is also great for older students who have learning challenges!
At only $2.50 each, ordering these units (downloadable PDFs) is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!!!
GET LEVEL ONE HERE
GET LEVEL TWO HERE
GET LEVEL THREE HERE
Grammar Basics is a fun and interactive series that will help your little darlings begin to grasp basic grammar concepts. The series was designed by a homeschool mom and professional grammar teacher with a B.A. in English who knows about grammar! Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s boring, and sometimes it’s intimidating. Well, no more! Welcome to Grammar Basics!
Grammar Basics Levels 1, 2, and 3, by Little Darlings Press, will provide knowledge about nouns, verbs, and simple sentences through identifying, matching, writing, drawing, and coloring.
The Grammar Basics series has been designed to teach grammar concepts vital to the Preschool through early elementary age group. In black and white, students will have fun adding color to the pages and you’ll save money on colored ink!
This unit provides:
Easy to understand lesson pages your student will love!
Critical thinking pages to stretch the young mind!
Teacher pages to save you time! Who doesn’t need to save time?
This unit is also great for older students who have learning challenges!
At only $2.50 each, ordering these units (downloadable PDFs) is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!!!
GET LEVEL ONE HERE
GET LEVEL TWO HERE
GET LEVEL THREE HERE
Grammar Basics For Early Learners!
Grammar can be a daunting course to teach. It is a deep, deep well of information. For the homeschooling parent, the question is often, "Where do I begin?"
Well, it is as easy as getting the right curriculum for the right age. Here at Little Darlings Press we believe informal grammar during the early years (Pre-K through 2rd or 3rd grade) is the best way to get kids started without all the stress. Simple, basic grammar, designed to be fun and interactive, will help your little darlings avoid the "I hate grammar!" attitude.
After the creator of Little Darlings Press homeschooled and used informal grammar, providing more formal grammar at an older age, results confirmed that informal grammar in the early years is the best option!
Created by a teacher with a B.A. in English, the "Grammar Basics For the Early Years" series (there are three) is perfect for Pre-K through 2nd grade students. These units are also great for older kids with learning difficulties.
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!
About Grammar Basics: It is a fun and interactive series that will help your little darlings begin to grasp basic grammar concepts. All three levels will provide knowledge about nouns, verbs, and simple sentences through identifying, matching, drawing, writing, and coloring.
These units include:
Easy to understand lessons your students will love!
Critical thinking pages to stretch the young mind!
Teacher pages to save you time! Who doesn't need to save time?
Also great for young and older kids with learning difficulties!
CLICK HERE to check out all of the grammar units by Little Darlings Press!
Well, it is as easy as getting the right curriculum for the right age. Here at Little Darlings Press we believe informal grammar during the early years (Pre-K through 2rd or 3rd grade) is the best way to get kids started without all the stress. Simple, basic grammar, designed to be fun and interactive, will help your little darlings avoid the "I hate grammar!" attitude.
After the creator of Little Darlings Press homeschooled and used informal grammar, providing more formal grammar at an older age, results confirmed that informal grammar in the early years is the best option!
Created by a teacher with a B.A. in English, the "Grammar Basics For the Early Years" series (there are three) is perfect for Pre-K through 2nd grade students. These units are also great for older kids with learning difficulties.
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!
About Grammar Basics: It is a fun and interactive series that will help your little darlings begin to grasp basic grammar concepts. All three levels will provide knowledge about nouns, verbs, and simple sentences through identifying, matching, drawing, writing, and coloring.
These units include:
Easy to understand lessons your students will love!
Critical thinking pages to stretch the young mind!
Teacher pages to save you time! Who doesn't need to save time?
Also great for young and older kids with learning difficulties!
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