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Celebrating Black History Month In the Classroom

By Julieann Samayoa
on January 08, 2024
Celebrating Black History Month In the Classroom

Every February, we dedicate a month to celebrating and acknowledging the rich and diverse history of Black Americans. Black History Month is not just a time for remembrance; it is a period to honor the remarkable contributions and significant achievements of black individuals throughout history. This year, we are taking a unique approach by celebrating 26 influential leaders in an interactive and engaging way.

Meet the Leaders

We have compiled a list of 26 remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields such as literature, civil rights, science, and sports. From iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Maya Angelou to lesser-known yet equally influential leaders such as Shirley Chisholm and Louis Armstrong, each one has left an indelible mark on our society. As we explore their stories, we also highlight the impact and legacy they have left behind for future generations to learn from and build upon.

Bringing History to Life

Our Black History Month Bulletin Board Posters provide a vibrant and engaging learning tool that helps students and learners of all ages understand the lives and accomplishments of these influential figures. Each of our 26 biography posters, available in both portrait and landscape, features essential facts and insights into these leaders' lives, making history more accessible and engaging.

Our pack includes biography posters and organizers for the following influential leaders:

1. Harriet Tubman

2. Rosa Parks

3. Mae Jemison

4. Shirley Chisholm

5. Marian Anderson

6. Althea Gibson

7. Sojourner Truth

8. Ida B. Wells

9. Ella Fitzgerald

10. Mary McLeod Bethune

11. Bessie Coleman

12. Maya Angelou

13. Zora Neale Hurston

14. Benjamin Banneker

15. Booker T. Washington

16. John Lewis

17. Muhammad Ali

18. Louis Armstrong

19. Frederick Douglass

20. Barrack Obama

21. Langston Hughes

22. Thurgood Marshall

23. Jackie Robinson

24. Dr. Charles Drew

25. Martin Luther King Jr.

26. George Washington Carver

Each leader has played a vital role in shaping our history, and their stories are a testament to their courage, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

Ways to Use These Resources

The colorful posters make for an eye-catching bulletin board display. Alternatively, you can set up an interactive bulletin board, encouraging students to engage with the leaders' stories by reading the posters and filling in their biography organizers. These resources can also be used at different stations, allowing students to explore several influential leaders' lives and complete the organizers throughout the month.

Ideas for Use:

Writing Assignments: Use the biographies as prompts for writing assignments. Students could write a letter to the leader, a diary entry from the leader's perspective, or a short story inspired by the leader's life.

Group Discussions: Facilitate group discussions based on the leaders' lives and their contributions, enhancing critical thinking and collaborative skills among students.

Remember, the key to effective learning is making it fun and interactive, so feel free to get creative with these resources! Let's inspire the next generation of leaders together. 
Let's celebrate their achievements and honor their legacy. And let's continue to draw inspiration from their lives as we strive for a more inclusive and equitable future.
We also have Black History Month Research Poster Project in our shop that goes along perfectly with these posters. 

 

 

8 Fun Ways to Practice the Parts of Speech with Kids

By Julieann Samayoa
on November 26, 2023
8 Fun Ways to Practice the Parts of Speech with Kids

Practicing parts of speech can be both enjoyable and educational for Grade 3 students. Here are some fun activities that align with the Common Core Standards: 

  1. Parts of Speech Bingo: Create bingo cards with different parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.). Call out definitions or examples, and students cover the corresponding part of speech on their cards. This is a fun way to reinforce knowledge of parts of speech.

  2. Word Sorting: Provide students with a mixed list of words. Have them sort the words into categories like nouns, verbs, and adjectives. This can be done individually, in pairs, or in small groups.

  3. Parts of Speech Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt where students find examples of nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., around the classroom or from a text. This encourages them to apply their knowledge in identifying parts of speech in context.

  4. "I Spy" with Parts of Speech: Play a version of "I Spy" where students have to guess an object based on its part of speech (e.g., "I spy something that is a noun").

  5. Story Creation: Have students write short stories, but leave blanks for specific parts of speech. They can then fill these in with their own words or swap stories with a classmate to fill in the blanks.

  6. Color Coding Sentences: Provide sentences where students must color-code words according to their parts of speech. For example, nouns could be blue, verbs red, and adjectives green.

  7. Grammar Journals: Students keep a journal where they write sentences and then identify and label the parts of speech in each sentence. This can be a daily or weekly activity.

  8. Mad Libs: Mad libs are a fun and educational activity that can be a great way to have kids practice the parts of speech without even realizing it. 

Practicing the Parts of Speech through the use of Mad Libs benefits kids in the following ways:

  1. Language Skills Development: These activities help students practice parts of speech like nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. 

  2. Creativity and Imagination: Filling in the blanks with creative words encourages students to use their imagination, fostering creative thinking and expression.

  3. Contextual Learning: By creating humorous or nonsensical sentences, students learn to understand the importance of context in language.

  4. Vocabulary Expansion: Students are exposed to new words and can explore their meanings, which helps in building their vocabulary.

  5. Engagement and Fun: The playful nature of Mad Libs makes learning engaging and enjoyable, which can enhance motivation and participation in class.

  6. Reading and Comprehension Skills: As students read their completed Mad Libs aloud, they practice reading fluency and comprehension.

  7. Collaborative Learning: This activity can be done in pairs or groups, promoting collaboration, discussion, and social skills among students.

  8. Self-Correction and Reflection: When students realize that a word they chose doesn't quite fit, it encourages them to think critically and make corrections.

  9. Customizability for Different Learning Levels: Mad Libs can be easily adapted to suit various learning levels within the Grade 3 classroom.

In summary, Mad Libs are not just a source of entertainment; they are a multifaceted educational tool that can help students develop key language skills in a fun and interactive way.

Check out ALL of our holiday Mad Libs Here!

Be sure to check out all our different holiday packs. Kids will love these fun Mad Libs activities to celebrate the different holidays and not even realize they are reviewing the parts of speech. Each set contains several printable parts of speech fill-in the blank worksheets that are perfect for grammar review.

Happy Holidays!

Student-Centered Seating Layouts: The Key to Creating a Community in the Classroom

By Julieann Samayoa
on August 21, 2023
Student-Centered Seating Layouts: The Key to Creating a Community in the Classroom

As the back-to-school season approaches, we know that setting up your classroom can be both thrilling and a tad overwhelming. But fear not, because we're here to help you make it a breeze!

Back-to-School Classroom Setup Tips

  1. Plan with Purpose: Take a moment to visualize how you want your classroom to look and feel. What atmosphere do you want to create? Having a clear vision will guide your setup decisions.

  2. Organize Strategically: Create designated spaces for different activities. Think cozy reading corners, hands-on experiment zones, and a neatly organized supply area.

  3. Student-Centered Layout: Arrange desks or seating to encourage interaction and collaboration. An open layout can foster a sense of community among your energetic learners.

  4. Personal Touches: Infuse your personality into the classroom. Hang up photos, quotes, or wall decor that reflect your teaching style and make the space inviting.

One of the keys to a successful and engaging classroom environment is the arrangement of desks or seating that promotes interaction, collaboration, and a sense of community among your students. This layout not only encourages teamwork but also helps your energetic learners stay focused and motivated throughout their learning journey.

Traditional Rows of Desks:

Pros:

  • Focused Learning: This setup can be ideal for individual work and focusing on tasks independently.
  • Minimal Distractions: Students facing forward can have fewer distractions from their peers, which can be beneficial for some learners.
  • Teacher-Centered: The teacher's position at the front of the room allows for easy instruction and control of the class.

Cons:

  • Limited Interaction: Students in rows have limited interaction with each other, which can hinder collaboration and peer learning.
  • Teacher-Centric: The setup emphasizes the teacher's role as the sole source of knowledge, potentially reducing student engagement.
  • Isolation: Students at the back may feel isolated or disconnected from the rest of the class.

Flexible Group Seating: Consider arranging desks in clusters or pods to encourage small group collaboration. This setup allows students to easily engage in discussions, share ideas, and work together on projects.

Pros:

  • Collaboration: Students can work together in small groups, fostering collaboration and peer learning.
  • Interactive Learning: The setup encourages discussion, sharing of ideas, and engagement in group activities.
  • Varied Learning Styles: Different seating arrangements cater to diverse learning styles, allowing students to choose what suits them best.

Cons:

  • Noise Level: Collaborative arrangements can be noisier, and managing noise levels might require more proactive classroom management.
  • Conflict Resolution: Group dynamics can lead to conflicts or challenges in managing interactions between students.
  • Distractions: Some students may become distracted by their peers, impacting their focus on the task at hand.

Circle or U-Shape Arrangement: For class discussions or activities that require everyone's participation, arrange desks in a circle or U-shape. This layout promotes inclusivity and ensures that every student's voice is heard. 

Pros:

  • Inclusive Discussions: Everyone can easily see and hear each other, promoting more inclusive class discussions.
  • Equitable Participation: All students have an equal opportunity to contribute to discussions and activities.
  • Teacher Proximity: The teacher's central position allows for better observation and interaction with all students.

Cons:

  • Space Limitations: Depending on the classroom size, arranging desks in a circular or U-shaped formation might limit space for other activities.
  • Classroom Management: The teacher's ability to manage behavior and interactions might be more challenging due to the open setup.
  • Lack of Privacy: Some students might feel uncomfortable when they're in close proximity to their peers, affecting their participation.

Each seating arrangement has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of arrangement often depends on the teaching style, lesson objectives, and the needs of your students. Many educators find that a combination of seating styles can be beneficial, allowing for flexibility and adaptation based on the activities and learning goals of the day.

Other things to Keep in Mind For Classroom Layout

Collaborative Learning Stations: Create different learning stations within your classroom, each with a specific purpose. For instance, a reading nook, a research corner, and a hands-on experiment area. This setup encourages students to move around and explore different activities. Collaborative stations encourage students to explain concepts to their peers, reinforcing their understanding and deepening their knowledge. Teaching others enhances their own grasp of the material.

Student-Centered Materials: Place frequently used materials within easy reach of students. This autonomy empowers them to access resources independently, enhancing their responsibility for their own learning.

Classroom Arrangement Principles: Keep sightlines in mind to ensure that students can comfortably see and interact with each other. Remove unnecessary barriers that might hinder communication and collaboration.

Designated Group Spaces: Designate specific areas for group work and discussions. These spaces can be marked with colorful rugs, cushions, or collaborative work boards, signaling to students that it's a spot for teamwork.

Teacher's Role: As the facilitator, your position within the classroom is crucial. Consider having a mobile teaching station that allows you to move around and engage with different groups as needed.

Positive Behavior Reinforcement: Use the student-centered layout to reward positive behavior. For instance, groups that work well together could earn extra privileges or special recognition.

Reflect and Adapt: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your seating arrangement. Ask for student feedback and be open to making adjustments to better suit their needs and preferences.

By adopting a student-centered layout, you're creating an environment where collaboration, communication, and community-building are at the forefront of the learning experience. This approach not only enhances your energetic learners' academic growth but also cultivates essential life skills that they'll carry with them beyond the classroom.

Back to School BOOM Giveaway

By Julieann Samayoa
on August 12, 2023
Back to School BOOM Giveaway

To show how much we appreciate teachers like you, we are having a SPECIAL BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY.  Four lucky winners will receive a BOOM Learning gift card. 

Enter to Win: 

  • 3 Winners will receive a $20 Boom Gift Card
  • 1 Winner will receive a $25 Boom Gift Card

 

 

You must 18 years of age to enter. No purchase necessary to enter. Winner must provide proof of being a teacher or home educator with a school email address or ID card. All items will be emailed to winners after the contest ends. Not affiliated with Boom Learning, Facebook, or Instagram.

Good Luck and THANK YOU for going above and beyond every single day!

Julie :)

How to Write the Perfect Welcome Back-to-School Letter

By Julieann Samayoa
on August 07, 2023
How to Write the Perfect Welcome Back-to-School Letter

The start of a new school year marks a fresh beginning, a chance to create a positive classroom environment, and an opportunity to establish strong teacher-student connections. A well-crafted welcome back to school letter sets the tone for the entire year. Here's how to write the best welcome letter, along with some examples to inspire you.

Start with a Warm Greeting

Begin with a friendly and warm greeting to immediately establish a positive tone. Address students by their first names for a more personal touch. See the example below for more ideas.

Welcome back to school! I hope you had an incredible summer filled with fun and adventures. I'm thrilled to be your teacher this year and can't wait to get to know each and every one of you.

Expression of Enthusiasm

Convey your excitement for the upcoming year. Let students know that you're looking forward to the learning journey you'll embark on together.

We're going to learn, explore, and grow together in our wonderful classroom.

Or

I'm thrilled to be your teacher and can't wait to embark on this learning journey together.

Share a Personal Connection

Share a brief personal anecdote or funny story to show students that you're approachable and relatable.

Teachers at desk

Introduce Yourself

Introduce yourself briefly, especially if you're a new teacher to the students. Mention your teaching experience, passion for education, and goals for this year. Many teachers add a picture of themselves to personalize the letter.

Share Classroom Expectations

Outline your expectations for behavior, participation, and classroom rules. Keep these positive, emphasizing the classroom community and respectful atmosphere you want to foster. Keep it brief, you'll spend more time going over these in more detail during the first week and month of the school year.

Welcome Back to School Letter Templates for Teachers

Give a Sneak Peek of Curriculum

Provide a sneak peek of exciting topics, projects, and activities you have planned for the year. This builds anticipation and excitement among students. This step is very important to give students something to get excited about and look forward to the upcoming school year. See the examples below as starting points for your own letter.

This year, we'll dive into some fascinating topics like exploring outer space, discovering new animals, and even creating our own stories.

Or

This year, we'll tackle some exciting projects that will push your creativity and critical thinking skills. From designing innovative solutions to real-world problems to exploring historical mysteries, we're going to stretch our minds and expand our horizons.

Or

Some of the activities and projects you’ll be doing this year include monthly book reports, writer’s workshop, interactive notebooks, science experiments, social studies projects, math centers, reader’s theater, and much more! 

Highlight How They Can Get in Touch With You

Highlight the importance of open communication. Let students know how they can reach you, whether through email, notes, or other communication platforms.

Communicating Online

Show Your Commitment to Student Success

Express your commitment to each student's success. Emphasize that you're there to support and guide them throughout the school year.

Be Sensitive and Inclusive

Ensure your letter is inclusive, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds, talents, and strengths that each student brings to the classroom.

Use our Welcome Back to School Letter Templates with examples to easily personalize your own welcome letters. With lots of different backgrounds, vibrant colors, and a variety of themes it has everything needed to craft the perfect back to school letter. And best of all it's editable in Google Slides so you can send it digitally or through regular mail to your new students. 

 

Welcome Back to School Letter Templates for Teachers

Writing a welcome back to school letter is your chance to set the tone for a positive and engaging school year. Through your words, you can inspire curiosity, foster a sense of belonging, and ignite excitement for learning. Whether you're teaching elementary students or middle schoolers, the key is to infuse your letter with authenticity, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to make this year unforgettable.

 

4 Reasons Why Coloring Should Be Part of Every Student's Daily Routine

By Julieann Samayoa
on April 13, 2023
4 Reasons Why Coloring Should Be Part of Every Student's Daily Routine

As a parent or teacher, you might be surprised to find out that coloring is not just a fun activity for kids. In fact, it's something that can benefit students of all ages in ways you might have yet to consider. Research has shown that incorporating coloring into a student's daily routine can have a multitude of benefits that can positively impact their academic and personal life. From improving focus and concentration to reducing stress and anxiety, there are many reasons why coloring should be a part of every student's daily routine. So, let's dive in and explore why coloring is more than just child's play.

Improves Focus and Concentration

Research has shown that incorporating coloring into a student's daily routine can have many benefits that can positively impact their academic and personal life. One such benefit is improved focus and concentration. By engaging in a calming and repetitive activity like coloring, students are able to enter a state of flow, where they lose track of time and become fully immersed in what they're doing. This can help them concentrate better and stay focused on their schoolwork for longer periods of time.

In fact, studies have found that coloring can be just as effective as meditation in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. When students are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, taking a few minutes to color can help them calm down and clear their minds. This can help them approach their schoolwork with a clearer and more focused mindset, leading to better academic performance.

By incorporating coloring into their daily routine, students can reap the benefits of improved focus and concentration, as well as reduced stress and anxiety. These benefits can translate to better academic performance, and a more positive and productive overall experience in school. So, whether you're a parent, teacher, or student yourself, consider adding a little bit of color to your daily routine and see how it can positively impact your life.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Studies have found that incorporating coloring into a daily routine can reduce stress and anxiety, making it an ideal activity for students. When feeling overwhelmed or anxious, taking a few minutes to color can have the same effect as meditation, calming the mind and allowing for clearer focus. This clear mindset can lead to better academic performance and a more positive overall experience in school.

By adding a little bit of color to their day, students can reap the benefits of improved concentration and reduced stress. This, in turn, can positively impact their academic performance and overall well-being. Furthermore, when creativity and imagination are also boosted by coloring, students can see even more benefits in their academic and personal lives.

So, please take a few minutes each day to color and see how it positively impacts your life. With improved focus, reduced stress, and greater creativity, coloring can be a valuable addition to any student's daily routine.

Boosts Creativity and Imagination

Coloring is not only a fun activity but also has numerous benefits for students. Besides reducing stress and improving concentration, coloring can boost creativity and imagination. When students color, they are challenged to select colors and think of creative ways to bring life to their drawings. This stimulates the imagination and encourages out-of-the-box thinking. Coloring also allows students to express themselves artistically without the pressure of being perfect or judged. It is an excellent way for students to relax and let their creative juices flow.

In addition to the mental benefits of coloring, it also positively impacts fine motor skills. As students color, they develop better control over their hands and fingers, which can translate to improved handwriting and other fine motor-related tasks. This, in turn, can positively impact their academic performance and overall well-being.

So, coloring can be a beneficial addition to any student's daily routine, whether during a break between classes or as an after-school activity. By improving focus, reducing stress, and fostering creativity, coloring can have a significant impact on a student's personal and academic life.

Develops Fine Motor Skills

In addition to the many mental benefits of coloring, it's also a great way to develop fine motor skills. For students, this means they can improve control over their hands and fingers, which can translate to better handwriting and other fine motor-related tasks.

Coloring requires students to hold and manipulate pencils or crayons with precision and control. As they fill in coloring pages, they build strength and dexterity in their hands, fingers, and wrists. This can help them improve their grip and ability to manipulate small objects, benefiting many areas of their lives.

Research shows that students with strong fine motor skills often have better academic performance, particularly in math and language arts. In addition, by improving their ability to hold and control writing tools, they can improve their writing speed and legibility, which can help them excel in every subject.

Coloring can also be a relaxing and stress-reducing activity. So, it's an excellent way for students to take a break between classes or as an after-school activity. By improving their focus, reducing stress, and fostering creativity, coloring can have a significant impact on a student's academic and personal life.,

Earth Day Coloring Pages

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by educating the next generation about the importance of taking care of our planet? Use our Earth Day coloring pages for a fun and educational tool for children. This collection of 12 doodle coloring pages is a great way to teach children about environmentalism and the importance of preserving our planet. We've covered it, from the three Rs to appreciating nature. 

 Coloring is far more than just a simple pastime. By incorporating coloring into a student's daily routine, they can benefit from a sharper focus, reduced stress and anxiety, heightened creativity and imagination, and improved motor skills. So, consider adding a splash of color to your daily lesson plans, whether you're a parent or a teacher. As Albert Einstein once said, "Creativity is intelligence having fun," and coloring is a great way to make that happen for your students.

6 Reasons Why You Should Visit a National Park With Kids

By Julieann Samayoa
on April 13, 2023
6 Reasons Why You Should Visit a National Park With Kids

Visiting a national park with kids can be an excellent way to provide them with a unique educational experience and foster a love of nature and the outdoors. And it's fun family time!

Visiting a national park with kids can be beneficial for many reasons:

  1. Educational opportunities: National parks offer many educational opportunities for kids, including learning about the natural environment, ecosystems, geology, wildlife, and more. Many national parks provide ranger-led programs, educational exhibits, and hands-on activities that can help kids learn about science, history, and conservation in fun and engaging ways.
  2. Physical activity: Many national parks offer hiking trails, bike paths, and other opportunities for physical activity. Encouraging kids to be active can help promote physical fitness, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
  3. Exposure to new experiences: Visiting a national park can expose kids to new experiences that they may not have otherwise had, such as seeing unique wildlife or experiencing a different landscape. Exposure to new experiences can help broaden their horizons and develop their sense of curiosity and wonder about the world around them.
  4. Conservation awareness: National parks are important conservation areas, and visiting them can help kids learn about the importance of protecting and preserving natural habitats and ecosystems. By seeing firsthand the beauty and diversity of nature, kids can develop a greater appreciation for the environment and a sense of responsibility for its protection.
  5. Family bonding: Visiting a national park with kids can be a great way to bond as a family and create lasting memories. Spending time together in nature can help build strong relationships and develop a sense of shared experience and adventure.
  6. Kids will love learning about the different animals that live in the National Parks with these creative coloring pages. If you can't go in person, take a peek at our National Park Coloring Book series that feature famous landmarks and animals that call the park home. 

Take a look at some of these unique National Park activity packs to get kids excited about visiting a National Park. Each unit includes information and coloring pages about famous landmarks, history, and animals they might see while visiting the park. This is a great way to introduce to information about the park in a fun and engaging way. 

Visiting a national park with kids can be an enriching and rewarding experience providing numerous educational, physical, and emotional benefits.

The Fight is Real: How to Nix Nature-Deficit Disorder with Your Kids

By Julieann Samayoa
on April 13, 2023
The Fight is Real: How to Nix Nature-Deficit Disorder with Your Kids

Guest post by Susan Good from Retired Educator

Nature-deficit disorder is real, and it's proving to be a real threat. It's a noticeable fact that the children of today are as far removed from nature as humans will ever be as they veer closer and closer to technology. As a result, they're missing out on nature's inherent rewards, which can lead to serious health consequences. So today, we are sharing some resources to help you understand why our connection to the outdoors matters and how to get your kids back to nature for good.

Mother Nature's Gifts

Learn about the many benefits of spending time outdoors and how being in nature can affect your children's well-being.


Best Outdoor Activities

To truly appreciate nature, take the family on an outdoor adventure!

Bring the Outdoors Indoors

When the weather doesn't cooperate, introduce Mother Nature into your living space.

Explore a National Park

Visiting a national park with kids can be an excellent way to provide them with a unique educational experience and foster a love of nature and the outdoors. If you can't go in person, take a peek at our National Park Coloring Book series that feature famous landmarks and animals that call the park home. 

Ultimately, going back to nature is much easier than you might expect as long as you keep it fun and engaging. In time, your kids will recognize what a true gift you're giving them by taking them away from their gadgets and getting them outside.

5 Lucrative Side Hustles for Teachers

By Julieann Samayoa
on March 09, 2023
5 Lucrative Side Hustles for Teachers

Guest post by Susan Good from Retired Educator

As a teacher, you might have struggled through a difficult, tumultuous few years in the workforce. Right now, many people in education are facing numerous challenges at work, from tough conditions in the classroom to wages that aren’t sufficient to meet the rising costs of living. If you’re interested in starting a side hustle for extra income, Heart 2 Heart Teaching has some tips and resources to help you get started!

 Start Your Own Business

No matter what side hustle you choose to focus on, you might benefit from officially forming your own business. Even if you’re only working on these projects for a few hours per week, you can still gain some perks for registering with the right business structure! By filing for LLC status in your state, you can protect your personal financial assets with limited liability. Furthermore, you’ll get some tax breaks to help you save even more money!

5 Lucrative Side Hustles for Teachers

If you don’t want to pay a lawyer to handle the filing process for you, you can either submit the documents on your own or work with an online formation service for additional support. Remember, every state has its own list of requirements for forming an LLC, but there are online formation services that can be a big help, so do some research on the best LLC services in your area before you get started.

Next, don’t forget to advertise! Infographics are a great way to spread the word, thanks to their unique combination of eye-catching pictures and linguistic brevity. If you aren’t sure where to start, there are a number of infographics templates that you can use for free! From there, you can share your new infographics via Instagram to reach a large audience of potential customers.

Tutoring

Lots of teachers pick up tutoring as a side hustle. If you want to maximize your earning potential as a private tutor, We Are Teachers recommends researching tutoring rates in your area and factoring your professional experience into your rates. Make sure to let families in your area know that you’re offering tutoring services, and don’t be afraid to promote yourself online and in-person!

Pet Care

Do you love animals? Why not offer dog walking services on the weekends? You could also walk dogs in your neighborhood before or after school hours. Walking dogs can be a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and de-stress!  5 Lucrative Side Hustles for Teachers

Pet sitting can also be a fantastic side hustle for teachers. While watching your clients’ pets, you can grade papers, write up lesson plans, and tackle other tasks related to your teaching job.

Become a Freelancer

You’re an expert in the world of education, and you can share your wisdom with the world through writing. If you’re interested in becoming a freelance writer, Wise recommends setting up a personal website with a few writing samples and then networking to land your first clients. Many Teacher-trepreneurs hire Virtual Assistants (VAs) to help them run their businesses.

virtual assistant is an independent contractor who provides administrative services to clients. Virtual Assistants often specialize in specific tasks from marketing to product photography to website design. A great place to start looking at freelancing jobs is Upwork. You can also search for Ffacebook groups that are specific to your niche. 

In addition to writing for websites and publications that cover education, you can sell worksheets and lesson plans that you've already created. While designing your own worksheets and templates does require some basic graphic design skills, free design apps make it easier!

Create an Online Course

What if you don’t have the time, or desire, to tutor students one-on-one? You can still bring in additional income by offering an online course that parents or older students can download at any time. Developing an online course does take time and effort, but once you’ve finished it, you can put it up for download and earn passive income. Just remember that you may have to update certain modules as time goes on - you want to make sure that the information provided in the course is always accurate and relevant.

For teachers, having part-time jobs is nothing new. Today, you have more options than ever for starting a side-hustle that doesn’t interfere with your full-time teaching position. By taking on one of these side hustles, you’ll be able to boost your income and expand your skill set.

Heart 2 Heart Teaching offers a variety of activities to use in your classrooms. Please feel free to follow us on Facebook, or browse our Pinterest boards for inspiration on everything from bulletin board displays to seasonal crafts to do with kids.

What's the Deal with Differentiated Instruction?

By Julieann Samayoa
on January 18, 2023
What's the Deal with Differentiated Instruction?

As a teacher, you know that there are many different ways to teach your students. It’s important that you are flexible as a teacher to different strategies that can help make learning easier and more fun for your students. Because students learn in different ways, you need to remain in tune to what your students are feeling and what concepts exist to make it easier for you to teach to your students’ needs.

Differentiated instruction is one of the most important concepts for a teacher to embrace in their classroom. It gives students the best opportunity to learn the material they are being taught. It is based on the concept that not every student learns in the same way. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the importance and benefits of differentiated instruction.

Teaching According to Learning Style

Differentiated instruction is intended to ensure that every student learns in a way that is best suited to them. Students tend to learn differently. There are three learning styles:

  1. Auditory: Students learn through listening.
  2. Visual: Students learn based on the things they see, such as pictures and images.
  3. Kinesthetic: Students learn by being physically involved or through their sense of touch. 

A visual learner will typically have a difficult time learning when they are only given an auditory lesson, while an auditory learner will have a hard time learning through a project that allows them to use their sense of touch.

Differentiated instruction helps ensure that you teach in a way that best accommodates each student’s learning style. 

Teaching in Multiple Ways

When you choose to embrace differentiated instruction, it means delivering the same material in different ways. This not only will help ensure that every student in the room has the chance to learn in a way that best suits their own personal learning style, but students will also go over the same material over and over again. The repetitiveness may make the material easier for them to remember.

One of the most important parts of differentiated instruction is that it allows you to reach every student, no matter where they are in the learning process or what way they learn the best. It creates a more diverse learning experience for everyone involved.

That is why many of our social studies and science units include various activities to help you meet all your student's needs.

Kinesthetic with Outdoor Learning Centers

Take advantage of the pleasant weather and get the students up and moving outdoors. Our Major Landforms Unit for Interactive Notebooks is the perfect example of how this works.  Plan ahead of time of where you could set up your outdoor learning centers.  Remember to review the rules ahead of time. Let students know if they don't follow the rules then you'll have to bring them back inside. That is usually enough to stop any misbehaviors.

The following 12 major landforms are included in this unit:
*Island
*Lakes
*Valley
*Volcano
*Rivers
*Peninsula
*Glaciers
*Mountains
*Canyons
*Oceans
*Swamps and Marshes
*Delta

There are twelve Landform Foldable Booklets with questions and scenes about each landform for students to read, answer questions, cut, paste, and color. These foldable booklets fit perfectly inside their interactive notebooks and provide a tool for students to come back to review at any time.

In addition, there are also twelve Landform Posters with a brief info and a real-life photo so students can visualize and connect to the information. The landform posters can be placed in at centers, a learning station, or a creative bulletin board display.

Create an outdoor learning station about each of the landforms. Be sure to put the foldable booklets and landform photo poster at each station or center. Each passage gives a definition of the landform and an example of one so students can form a connection to the information. You could have the students work in pairs or group work.

The foldable booklets have four questions for students to answer. There is also a related landform scene for students to color. They can use the posters with real-life photos to help them visualize and connect to the information.

Providing different activities like taking the students outside is just one of many ways to differentiate learning in your classroom. These are just some of the benefits of differentiated instruction and why it’s so important to implement it in your classroom.