Hey Homeschoolers!
Check out our early learning curriculum units! We have many Language Arts units and lapbooks for math and science.
Plus, much more!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with education!
Monday, February 08, 2016
Monday, February 01, 2016
Writing Assignments for the Week of Feb. 1 – 5
Get those little darlings writing this week with some fun topics,
compliments of Little Darlings Press.
Since Groundhog’s Day is on Feb. 2 we will throw in a few fun topics about hibernation,
critters, and the end of winter weather!
- If you had to hibernate, where would you want to be?
- If I hibernated for a month, I would do it during…
- My favorite winter animal is…
- What I know about Groundhog’s Day.
- I’ll be glad when winter is over because…
- I’ll be sad when winter is over because…
- What I will miss most about winter.
- When spring gets here I will…
- My favorite time of year.
· Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with
writing!
Monday, January 25, 2016
Winter Writing Assignments for the Week of Jan. 25 - 29
Hey, get those little darlings writing again this week! On Wednesday, January 27, the United Nations remembers the Holocaust that affected millions of Jewish people during WWII. The remembrance is called the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.
How about some topics that have to do with valuing people, all people?
Here are some topic ideas by Little Darlings Press!
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
CLICK HERE to check out writing, grammar, and other educational units for homeschool families by Little Darlings Press!
How about some topics that have to do with valuing people, all people?
Here are some topic ideas by Little Darlings Press!
- Some things that all people have in common are...
- If I lived in another country I would want it to be... because...
- I think everybody should be treated as equals because...
- When someone treats me unkindly I feel...
- If I saw someone being bullied I would...
- What I think it would be like to live on an island.
- What I think it would be like to in the arctic.
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
CLICK HERE to check out writing, grammar, and other educational units for homeschool families by Little Darlings Press!
Monday, January 18, 2016
Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Cold Weather Writing Topics for the Week of Jan. 18 - 22
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is a time when the birthday of the American Baptist minister, humanitarian, and leader of the African-American Civil Rights Movement is celebrated. This is a great time to write about doing the right thing!
"The time is always right to do what is right." ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Also, I don't know about your neck of the woods, but up here in the north our neck of the woods is really, really cold at present! (Did I say really?) We'll add some chilly topics into the mix for the week, also.
Topics for the week to keep your little darlings writing:
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
To check out some great Language Arts units for early learners, CLICK HERE!
"The time is always right to do what is right." ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Also, I don't know about your neck of the woods, but up here in the north our neck of the woods is really, really cold at present! (Did I say really?) We'll add some chilly topics into the mix for the week, also.
Topics for the week to keep your little darlings writing:
- Write about a time you had to chose to do the right thing...
- Have you ever seen some do the wrong thing?
- If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
- If people celebrated my birthday, I would want them to...
- Peace is important because...
- What I want people to know about me..
- Help! A dog is chasing me...
- What would you do if you were stuck outside in a blizzard?
- If it's too cold to go outside I am going to...
- Once when I was playing in the snow...
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
To check out some great Language Arts units for early learners, CLICK HERE!
Monday, January 11, 2016
Writing Topics For The Week of Jan. 11 - Jan. 15
Writing is a critical part of education, and life! Whether you have your little darlings write in a notebook or journal, or have them write essays, the key is to get them writing!
Topics for this week:
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
CLICK HERE to check out the Language Arts units by Little Darlings Press!
Topics for this week:
- Looking back: My Favorite Christmas Event
- What I Love About Winter
- My Favorite Winter Sport
- Best and Worst Things About Winter
- If I Lived In an Igloo...
- If I Hibernated Like a Bear...
- If Winter Never Ended...
- Describe the Perfect Snowman
- Describe a Snowflake
- My Favorite Indoor Activity
Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!
CLICK HERE to check out the Language Arts units by Little Darlings Press!
Tuesday, January 05, 2016
Is There Any Value Left in Cursive Writing?
It has come to my attention that many teachers are throwing
out the cursive (script) curriculum. And while some still teach it, the reality
is, few young people use it.
I know my own kids hit keys to communication. And while we
required them to write letters when they were young, they are growing up and they
seldom write long-hand anymore.
At some point, I set aside the issue and decided it wasn’t
important.
Until a few days ago.
I was visiting my mother-in-law. She’s 80 and she still
writes letters in cursive. She commented on how some of her grandchildren don’t use
cursive and cannot read it. Hmm.
That got me thinking about it. Maybe the value isn’t so much
in the future of cursive handwriting, but the present.
We all know generation gaps exist. They always have. But
this one, this inability to read a grandparent’s letters, has me a bit
disturbed. I think the value in cursive writing is simply one of communication
across the generations. At least kids can learn enough to read it. Do you
think so?
I don’t write cursive writing curriculum. I’m more of a
grammar and creative writing girl.
However, CURRCLICK has many excellent publishers that do put
out curriculum units (short and long) that provide lessons and practice for cursive
writing. CHECK IT OUT!
Hey, it's not always about teaching kids the things that will benefit them in the future! Sometimes it's simply giving them a tool that will help them be better people today.
Monday, January 04, 2016
Start the New Year Off With a Fresh Look at Grammar!
Yes, I said grammar!
I know, it’s the subject the kids balk at. The subject
homeschooling parents (some, anyway) shudder at and the subject that, well, you
get my point.
But it doesn’t have to be that way!
If you have early learners, say K4-3rd grade, you
still have a good chance at fostering a positive attitude in them about this difficult
subject.
How?
Make it fun!
Make it interactive!
Make it interesting!
The internet is full of free grammar games and ideas. There
is absolutely no reason kids have to grow up hating grammar. None.
And for those who struggle with the subject? No worries. They’ll get it eventually (and if they don’t get
much of it, still no worries, we’re not all destined to be English teachers)!
Try this today: Intermingle grammar with other subjects.
Find the nouns in a science lesson. Have students underline action verbs in
history. Nouns and action verbs are probably the simplest topics in grammar and
young students can typically grasp their concepts fairly quickly.
Start with nouns that are names for people. Then, look for
action verbs in the same sentence. Someone is doing something. Who is it and
what are they doing? Many sentences will not have people or action verbs. Have
your students circle the sentences that do.
The key is to have fun and step outside the box (the rigid,
drill-driven grammar box that is)!
By all means, let your little darlings fall in love with
grammar this year!
Check out our inexpensive, effective, and fun grammar units
for early learners by CLICKING HERE!
Happy New Year!
Little Darlings Press
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
A New Year and A New Start
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)
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)
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!!!)
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