Helping B and D Reversals (freebie included)

B and D reversals are something I see often in my students reading and writing. 

I've posted before {here} about some of the errors that I often see in struggling readers and how I correct the errors while reading {here}.

Today, I'm sharing with you some of the activities that I use to help students practice differentiating between the letters B and D. Sometimes it seems like my students really just need so much practice and lots of visual cues to help them out. 

I like to give my students consistency with how I describe the formation of B and D. I always use the sayings "bat before the ball" for B and "doughnut on a stick" for D. This helps my students remember what part of the letter they need to form first.

I keep some of these types of activities handy all the time. I can easily pull them out whenever we have a few extra minutes or if I just think my students need some more discrimination practice between the two letters.

 You can check these activities out by clicking on the picture below or {here}.

One of my students favorite games is this B and D Zap! game that's a freebie in my store.

We play this game as a "speed" game. I set my timer for 3 minutes and students must quickly say the correct letter to keep a card. We try to do as many as we can in 3 minutes. There are special cards that students can pull, such as the Zap! card. The Zap! card means students must give all of their cards back to me. There is also a skip and reverse card to keep the game fun. My students love playing Zap!

You can check it out by clicking on the picture below or {here}.

 I hope this gives you some helpful ideas for your students!

Direct Phonics Instruction for Struggling Readers

As a special education teacher, I spend a lot of time focusing on foundational reading skills. Direct phonics instruction is a huge part of our day, and so important for my kids to learn how to be successful readers.

Although my students receive pull-out instruction for reading in the resource room, I try really hard to keep up with the grade level curriculum (Reading Wonders). I do admit that I'm about 3 weeks behind the gen ed classes for pacing.

I teach the same phonics patterns and follow the pacing from our Reading Wonders curriculum. I do make some adjustments as I feel it is necessary. Unit 1 Week 5 of Reading Wonders teaches S-Blends and R-Blends together. I felt like that was too much for my students so I divided the instruction into two weeks.

We start our weekly phonics instruction with a chart similar to this.

We practice reading the words together as a class. When I first introduce the words, I follow a "my turn, your turn" sequence. I first model for students how to blend the students and chunk any word patterns. I use a highlighter to show students the different chunks in words.

I use the same words for 2 days in a row (maybe 3 if they're extra tricky patterns). The first day we practice reading the words first as a whole group. Then I call on individual students to read the different colored rows and sometimes having them read columns just to keep them on their toes. :)

On the 2nd day, we practice reading the words but faster and with less support for me. After we've practiced reading words, students get to do their favorite part.

I call students up and give them a task such as "Circle the word in the purple row that rhymes with top." Not only are they having to practice their decoding skills, but they get to practice other skills as well. I'll use this time to practice things like:

*Rhyming

*Deleting and inserting sounds in words

*Grammar such as nouns, verbs, or adjectives

*Categories like animals, body parts, etc.

My students love being called up to read and circle words, and I like that I can use this time to differentiate extra practice tailored to each student's needs.

Of course, phonics instruction wouldn't be complete without lots of practice experiencing words in different ways during small group. 

I love Sound Boxes for tricky patterns like blends since it forces students to really think about every sound in the word.

I use any extra quick moments I might have to throw in extra practice writing words and differentiating between patterns.

Of course, my students most favorite thing to do is play games. I've created a bunch of phonics games, like this Beach Days CVC Game, to give my students more practice while having fun. I love sneaky practice!

This Catching Insects game focuses on Short I words and is part of my Unit 1 Games for Reading Wonders. We use games like this weekly, and it's always a hit.

And none of this instruction would matter unless we put it into practice reading it in text. I use a lot of decodable readers and leveled readers from the Reading Wonders series, plus other books I find.

On this day, my friend here was sooooo distracted by everything that he couldn't focus on the words at all. Finally, I covered up the pictures so he could focus on the words and not the pictures. Success from a simple sheet of paper!

And there you go, a brief look at phonics instruction in my classroom and some of the tools I use. Next week, I'll be back with how I plan sight word instruction.

2 for Tuesday - Alphabet Charts and Fluency Task Cards

While in Vegas, I was super lucky to meet Cyndie from Chalk One Up for the Teacher. She is seriously one of the sweetest ladies ever. If you haven't checked out, her blog you should! She shares fabulous ideas there.

This summer, Cyndie is hosting a 2 for Tuesday link-up. It's a great way for you to score some great products for only $2!

Today, my Clip Chart in Bright Colors is only $2. I used this in my classroom a few years ago. You can click {here} to see all the classroom pictures from that year.

You can purchase this clip chart for $2 {here} or by clicking on the picture below.

I also love using my Short Vowel Phonics Fluency Task Cards with my students. My students think they are so fun and don't even realize they are practicing reading. During small group, I usually have my students read a few cards as a warm-up. They will read the cards to themselves, turn and read to their partner, and then switch.

These are also only $2 today and can be found {here} or by clicking on the picture below.

Don't forget to stop by the link-up and see what other great products are out available for 2 for Tuesday.

An InLinkz Link-up

Teaching Without a Classroom

Last year, I told you guys about the hard decision I made to leave my teaching position and take a leave of absence.  You can read about that {here}.  One thing that experience taught me was that sometimes you really do have to close one door for a better door to open.  My leave of absence gave me the opportunity to take a part-time intervention position at the same school my sweet friend, Courtney from Teaching in Paradise, works. 

Let me tell you, I love the hours.  Part-time is perfect for those of us that have families and spouses with demanding jobs.  Even better though, I love the students, staff, and school.  I've been able to fall in love with teaching again!

Although there are some logistical challenges to my "classroom".  Much like every school, there just isn't extra room for intervention teachers.  Since we're in Hawaii and get to benefit from this amazing year-round weather, I teach at a picnic table outside.

This is my classroom.  

 A little unusual and does make for some different obstacles to overcome compared to what you would face in a classroom.  But we make the best of it everyday, and I'm constantly reminded how teaching is all about being flexible.  :) 

The big thing is I HAVE to stay organized, and I really had to think about what supplies I really need on a daily basis.  First thing was to order a super cute 31 bag to store all my stuff.

This bag has been a lifesaver!  I keep all the stuff I use everyday inside the bag.

 I've tried to keep a consistent routine with my intervention groups, so I can use the same type of supplies.  Inside the bag, I keep these things:

1.  A wooden chart stand that has a pocket chart on one side and dry erase board on the other.

2.  My The Next Step in Guided Reading by Jan Richardson book.

3.  Making Words folders for building words.  You can find out how to get the cover page and the letter tiles {here}.

4.  My Erin Condren lesson plan book.  Love that thing!

5.  My small group materials binder with all of the pages I use for word work.  You can read a post about those pages and find out how to get your freebies {here}.

6.  Dry erase boards and markers.  I use baby socks for erasers.  :)

7.  A binder where I keep all of my curriculum guides and materials we're currently using (like math pages and reading passages).  I love these pocket folders to keep all of my groups neatly organized.

I use all of the pockets to store things that are smaller like pencils, pens, and all of my Fluency Task Cards.

So there you go!  A little glimpse into my "classroom".  And this just goes to show that sometimes a little thinking outside of the box can help you come up with alternative solutions to get things done.  Now if only I could make the VERY large cockroaches and ants go away!  :)

The Happiest Place on Earth means a FREEBIE!

My husband and I just got back (at 3am...soooo sleepy) from taking the triplets to Disney World.  It was a really fun trip but EXHAUSTING!!!  I feel like I need a vacation to recover from this vacation.  We are plum wore out, yet my children seem to have tons of energy.  Go figure!!!  Here's a few things I learned during this vacation:

1.  6 is really a magical age to go to Disney.  My kids REALLY believe that they saw a real-life mermaid, flew into space, and that if you try and steal a ruby from an Egyptian tomb you WILL turn into a skeleton.  I didn't have the heart to tell them any of it was fake.  They might as well enjoy the magic before they become wise to the ways of the world.

2.  Although Disney was fun, the condo's pool and hot tub were the BIG hits.  Next vacation, we're saving our money, picking a random hotel with a pool and hot tub, and staying there.  The kids will be ecstatic and we'll save money.

3.  Purchasing Camelbacks was the best idea EVER.  We got one for each kid and ourselves.  We filled them up in the morning and placed a frozen ice pack inside it to help keep the water cool.  We didn't have to buy 300 bottles of water, we never heard any complaining that people were thirsty, and we all stayed relatively hydrated.

Since my family got to experience the magic and wonder of the happiest place on Earth, I wanted to give you guys something a little fun, too!  I made this before we left but didn't manage to get the post up before leaving.  Here's a FREEBIE for all of you.....just because!  

One of my followers had asked me to make games for Hard and Soft C & G.  This first game is the FREEBIE for you guys!  It's a game focusing on words with the hard and soft g sounds.  You can get it by clicking on the picture below.

You may also be interested in this game that concentrates on the Hard and Soft C game.  You can purchase it from my TPT store for $2 by clicking on the picture.

I've also spent some time this summer going back and revising some of the first products that I made.  If you've bought some of these games before, you may want to go and redownload.  The majority of changes have to do with changing the font, resizing the cards, adding a blank page, or adding more words.  Here are some of the revised games.  Click on the pictures to take you to the game.

The Silent E in Space game has students practice reading CVC and CVCe words.  These are all words that are changed by adding an 'e' to the word (such as at and ate, can and cane, cap and cape).

Double Dipped features CVC and CVCe words with the -ed ending.  This way students can practice whether the words skated and popped are read with a short vowel or long vowel sound.

Tax Day Sale!

Nobody likes Tax Day but everybody likes a sale!

So everything in my store is 15% off for today!  You can get to my store by clicking {here}.  I just posted this super cute basketball game to help students practice reading words with Short oo & Long oo patterns.  I will admit that I found these patterns even tricky for myself while making the game!  You really have to think about the sounds you hear in the word.  Click on the picture to get the game and for today it's marked down to $1.70!

You might want to also see who else is having a sale today.  Rockin' Teacher Materials has a linky party where you can check out who else is throwing a sale.

Standardized Testing Parent Letter (Freebie) & New Games

I know that many of us are gearing up for standardized testing this month (or maybe have just finished testing).  Honestly, I'm dreading giving the test to my students.  My students are at least a grade level below in reading ability, and it feels like I'm torturing them to give them the test.  They've made so much progress this year, but I don't know if the FCAT (our state test) will show how much progress they've made since they're below grade level.  All I can do is hope for the best for them and try to make their experience positive.

One way I plan on encouraging my students is to send home a parent letter giving parents suggestions on how to help their child be successful during our FCAT week.  The letter will also ask them to write an encouraging note to their child and send back to school in a sealed envelope.  I'll give this note to their child on Monday morning before we start testing.

I'll also be supplying gum and mints to hopefully keep them awake!

I've made a generic form of the letter I'll be sending home in case some of you would like to use it.  You can download a FREE copy by clicking on the picture below.

I've also been busy making some new games that you might be able to use in your classroom.  Many of my students still struggle with whether or not to read read words with short vowels or long vowels.  This can be especially tricky with words like this:

slim ~ slime

kit ~ kite

plan ~ plane

To help them really focus on whether or not these words should be read with a short vowel or long vowel sound, I made this super cute Secret Agent E game.  Click on the picture to check it out at my TPT store.

Ever since I've come back from spring break, I've had a HUGE case of Summeritis.  Is anyone else experiencing it?  So to keep me focused on all things summer, I've made this 2 super cute games.  Click on the pics to check them out!

Pool Party - A Sight Word Game

Take a Vacation! A CVC Game

I hope everyone is hanging in there until summer break!

Math Progress Monitoring (freebie)

I have a small group of 3rd graders that I'm responsible for their math instruction and math grades.  We've had a huge push in our district to have ESE students (what we call special ed) receive the gen ed math instruction, curriculum and assessments.  Luckily, I'm also gen ed certified which means I can still pull my students into the resource room and teach the gen ed curriculum to them in a smaller group setting and at a better pacing for them.

My 3rd graders are getting the gen ed math curriculum with me; however, we're not going as fast as the gen ed classes.  We're 1-2 chapters behind everyone else.  I've also skipped some portions of each chapter to keep my kids going, so we can cover more between now and FCAT.  I also don't except my students to complete multi-step word problems independently.  These types of problems we do together, and I try to talk them through the steps.

For the most part, my students are learning the skills fairly well.  They all do really well on their chapter tests (same one that their peers take).  BUT I've noticed one area where they are really struggling and that is word problems.  When I give them their chapter tests, they usually score an A.  I realized they are doing so well, because they know that every problem is a division problem or whatever other operation we are covering.

Most of my math IEP goals state something like this:

When given a real world math problem, Student will choose the correct operation and solve (write) the problem correctly with 80% accuracy.

Their short term goals are typically skills they need to be able to solve these problems and usually look like this:

When given a 4-digit subtraction problem with and without regrouping, Student will solve the problem with 80% accuracy.

I realized that I needed someway to track how my students are progressing on their IEP goals and a way to see how they are doing solving word problems that don't involve the chapter tests where every problem is the same operation.

So I came up with this plan.  Once a week (usually) I give my students a 5 question "review quiz" that has different word problems requiring different operations to solve.  Now that we've learned division, I usually do a place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problem.  These quizzes look like this:

Not surprisingly, my students struggle with this review quiz.  I usually get a lot of 60's as a grade since my students keep thinking every problem should be solved with addition no matter how many times we've gone over different types of problems!  To help chart their progress and look for patterns, I made this chart for me and I quickly fill it in when I grade their quizzes.  Here's what a couple of mine look like:

This is the place value form.  My kids usually do ok on place value up to 4-digits.  Once we get to 5 & 6-digit numbers they get a little lost.

This is my subtraction form.  Oh my......my kids know how to subtract with regrouping.  It's not the skill of subtracting that causes them to do so poorly on the subtraction problems.  The problem is that they usually ADD instead of subtracting.  We keep going over key words, thinking about what the problem is asking, reviewing why it can't be an addition problem, but this continues to be a problem for them.  Any suggestions on how to help with this?

I don't know if these forms will help anyone else, but I've uploaded them as a freebie just in case.  Click on the picture to get your FREE copy!

I'm on spring break right now!!  Yeah!!!!!  Man, did I need a break!  I've spent today catching up on laundry and making a few things that I wanted to create for my classroom.  I've uploaded some new games to my TPT store.  Click on the pictures to check them out.

I'm really excited about this one.  My kids love Angry Birds and will LOVE this game to practice reading R-Controlled Vowels.

I know my Kindergarten & 1st grade  kiddos will love collecting these eggs as they practice their sight words.

Now I'm off to enjoy more of this spring break (and fold laundry).

Graphics by: KPM Doodles, Scrappin Doodles, JW Illustrations, and Revi Devi