10 Benefits of Word Searches (5 Free Words Searches, too!)

I used to think word searches were four-letter words. Perhaps because I met a mom on a plane once who was completing several in a row that were obviously word searches for kids.  Turns out, her daughter was ill and missed several months of gym class. Her alternative assignment: dozen and dozens of word searches.  ICK.  Busy work. Meaningless. That convo stuck with me for many, many years.

But over the last few years, my colleague has given me some for Morning Work to do during arrival time as they unpack and settle in. While some are just plain fun, most support our curriculum. So, my thoughts on Word Searches has changed. A lot!

Word searches can offer several benefits when incorporated into the curriculum for younger grades:

1. Vocabulary Expansion: Word searches introduce new words to children and reinforce their spelling and recognition of familiar words. This helps in building a strong vocabulary foundation especially when supporting curriculum lessons.  I have kids tuck their searches into their Writing Folders to use during writing workshop time.  Handy!

2. Reading Practice: Searching for words in a grid encourages children to read carefully and attentively as they scan horizontally, vertically, and diagonally to find words.  Can this activity be difficult for some? Yes! So I let them work on them together.  They use highlighters, markers, colored pencils or crayons to circle/cover the words. Fun! Low stress activity that has lots of good discussion going on!

3. Enhanced Visual Perception: Completing word searches improves visual scanning skills and enhances visual perception. Children learn to identify patterns and distinguish between letters and words more effectively.

4. Improves Focus and Attention: Word searches require concentration and attention to detail, which are essential skills for academic success and everyday tasks.

5. Boosts Problem-Solving Skills: Finding words in a grid involves problem-solving and critical thinking as children analyze the letters and their arrangement to locate each word. You can actually see/hear the way kids approach these improving as they complete more of them.

6. Promotes Cognitive Development: Engaging in word searches stimulates cognitive processes such as memory retrieval, pattern recognition, and spatial reasoning.  Before Covid, I rarely did puzzles.  Now I do Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee and a few others daily to simply keep my mind sharp and active.  Studies show that ALL puzzle working helps keeps Dementia away as you get older.  Hmmm. I am older. Sigh

7. Encourages Independent Learning: Word searches can be used as independent activities, fostering self-directed learning and encouraging children to work at their own pace. Again, low stress FUN activity.

8. Supports Relaxation and Stress Relief: Completing word searches can be a calming and enjoyable activity for children, providing a break from more intensive academic tasks. While they are given usually ten minutes when I first give it to them, they then will use it to complete when they have a few spare minutes after finishing an assignment. 

9. Builds Confidence: Successfully completing a word search can boost children's self-esteem and confidence in their reading and problem-solving abilities.

10. Fun and Engaging Learning Tool: Above all, word searches are a fun and interactive way to reinforce literacy skills, making learning enjoyable and motivating for younger students.

I hope you can use these free world searches with your students in September. If you do enjoy them and want to see what I made for October, here it is:

Fact Family Fun: Discovering the Magic of Numbers!

Call me crazy but I'm already thinking of my personal math goal with my First Graders come September: Fully comprehending Fact Families and the relationships of the numbers. I'm hoping 3/4 of my kids to be able to see a subtraction problem with a missing number and solve mentally.  Example: ___-6=5. I want them to be like, "It's 11 of course!" Or 11-____= 5 and them to shout out, "6!" because they understand the relationship between addition/subtraction.  A teacher can dream, right?

For new teachers: A fact family refers to a set of related addition and subtraction facts (multiplication and division for older grades) using the same three numbers. For example, for the numbers 3, 4, and 7, the fact family consists of the following equations:

• 3 + 4 = 7
• 4 + 3 = 7
• 7 - 3 = 4
• 7 - 4 = 3

These four equations form a fact family because they involve the same three numbers and demonstrate both addition and subtraction relationships between them. My kids get related facts for addition but when it comes to subtraction and seeing the whole relationship between addition and subtraction, they fall short.  NOTE: Some kids struggle throughout the year remembering to start subtraction equations with the highest number.  My goal is to change that, too! 

Actually, I fall short.  I need to spend more time on Fact Families so the students can solve problems mentally.  It's when they see an equation with an unknown number, in a subtraction problem, that many freeze.  ( ___ - 2=7)  If they truly understood fact families, they'd be able to get the answer- 9- immediately.  So, that's my goal!  (Solving for an unknown number happens to be on every test now, too hence the realization the goal needed.)

How Fact Families Help Students:

1. Understanding Relationships: Fact families help students understand how addition and subtraction are related. They see that addition and subtraction are inverse operations, and they can derive one fact from another.

2. Building Fluency: By practicing fact families, students can improve their speed and accuracy in both addition and subtraction. They learn that knowing one fact (e.g., 3 + 4 = 7) helps them quickly determine related facts (4 + 3 = 7, 7 - 3 = 4, 7 - 4 = 3).

3. Mental Math Skills: Fact families encourage mental math strategies. For instance, if a student knows 3 + 4 = 7, they can use this fact to mentally solve 7 - 4 = 3 without needing to count or use manipulatives.

Teaching Fact Families:

Here are some effective ways to teach fact families to students:

1. Concrete Manipulatives: Start with physical objects like counters or blocks. For the fact family 3, 4, and 7, physically combine and separate objects to show how the numbers relate through addition and subtraction.
   
   

   

2. Visual Representation: Use diagrams or drawings to represent fact families. Draw circles or squares to represent each number and use arrows to show addition and subtraction relationships between them. And as a visual reminder, download this FREE Fact Family Poster I found on TPT from Gluesticks and Crayons. Isn't it adorable?

   
   
   

3. Number Bonds: Introduce number bonds to show how numbers can be broken down and combined. For example, show how 7 can be split into 3 and 4, and vice versa.

   
   
   

4. Practice Worksheets: Provide worksheets where students fill in the missing numbers in fact families. Start with guided practice and then move to independent practice as they become more confident.

5. Games and Activities: Use games like "Fact Family Triangles" where students match related addition and subtraction facts. Create fact family puzzles or use online interactive tools for practice. Here's a free center I found on TPT from Sparkling in First:  Fall Fun Fact Families Freebie  

   
   
   

6. Verbal Practice: Encourage students to verbally explain how addition and subtraction facts are related within a fact family. This helps reinforce understanding and language development in math. This is a must! Sneak the conversations in throughout the day: during Morning Meeting, Warm Ups, in line, etc. 

7. Daily Review: Incorporate fact family practice into daily math routines to ensure continuous reinforcement. My goal: to revisit throughout the year! I want the skills fresh in their minds. We are always adding and subtracting so it makes sense that Fact Families need to be a part of the daily conversation.  (I have fallen short here!)  You may be interested in my packet here:

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

By teaching fact families effectively, you help students develop a deeper understanding of number relationships and build foundational skills that support more complex mathematical concepts in the future.

Unlock the Power of Shapes with Pattern Blocks

Good news: My friend's daughter just got her first teaching job. She'll be a First Grade teacher in just 3 weeks.

Bad news: All her student teaching experience was in Grades 3-5.

Her first question to me: What do I have all the kids do upon arrival when I'm trying to help kids unpack, calm kids down, etc.?

My answer: PATTERN BLOCKS! 

They are perfect for arrival time because they keep little hands busy while I'm trying to get everyone settled. She knew nothing about them so I thought maybe I'd do a post on them in case someone out there is moving down a few grades and needs the lowdown.

What are Pattern Blocks?

Pattern blocks are a valuable tool for fostering mathematical understanding and spatial reasoning skills in young learners through hands-on, interactive activities in the classroom.

Pattern blocks consist of six different shapes:

1. Green Triangle
2. Blue Large Rhombus 
3. Red Trapezoid
4. Yellow Hexagon
5. Orange Square
6. Tan Smaller Rhombus

These shapes are typically made of plastic or wood and are designed to fit together in specific ways. However, I have foam ones, too. The foam blocks come in "thin" and "thick" pieces which the kids find fascinating. But if I could only get one type, I'd get the plastic ones for durability and price.

How to Use Pattern Blocks in the Classroom:

Pattern blocks can be used in a variety of activities and lessons to support learning across the curriculum.

1. Exploring Shapes and Attributes:

• Begin by allowing students to explore the shapes freely. Make pictures and designs. A perfect first day morning activity! Laster on, you can discuss the attributes of each shape (number of sides, angles, etc.).
• Sort the blocks based on attributes like color, number of sides, or angles.

2. Pattern Recognition:

• Introduce students to creating and extending patterns using the blocks. Patterns can be based on shape, color, or both.
• For example, create an AB pattern (triangle, hexagon, triangle, hexagon) and ask students to continue it. Then move on to more intricate patterns. 

3. Geometry and Spatial Reasoning:

• Use pattern blocks to teach concepts like symmetry, congruence, and transformations (rotation, reflection).
• Have students create symmetrical designs using the blocks, or explore how shapes fit together to cover a given area.

4. Fractions:

• Introduce fractions visually using pattern blocks. For example, show that two small triangles fit into one large triangle, illustrating 1/2.
• Explore equivalent fractions by combining different shapes to make whole shapes.

5. Problem Solving and Critical Thinking:

• Pose challenges where students need to figure out how many different ways they can combine blocks to fill a shape or a given space. A hexagon is a great shape to start with.
• Encourage students to explain their reasoning and strategies for solving problems involving pattern blocks.

6. Integration with Other Subjects:

• Use pattern blocks in art activities to create geometric designs.
• Incorporate them into literacy by having students create stories or describe scenes using the blocks.
• I see some TPT Sellers have products that use pattern blocks to make sight words, letters of the day, etc.  Endless possibilities!

Benefits of Using Pattern Blocks:

• Hands-on Learning: Manipulating physical objects helps reinforce abstract concepts.
• Visual and Spatial Understanding: Enhances understanding of shapes, geometry, and spatial relationships.
• High Engagement: Students are often motivated by the colorful and tactile nature of pattern blocks. My students are always excited to see the pattern blocks and get to exploring them.
• Differentiation: Activities can be easily adapted to challenge different levels of learners.

I added some Pattern Block Picture Puzzles to my store. All on sale for just $2 each through the end of the month. A great time to grab them!  Showing the bundle here which I'm going to put on sale for $7 until June 30th too.  A great deal!

Quick and Easy Valentine's Day Craft

Are you short on time and a little patience this time of year?  I am! There is so much I want to squeeze in to create those special memories in First Grade.  My class loves crafts.  But some take soooooo long and need so much direction from me.  So, I created one that can be done quickly and independently (When I'm meeting with Reading Groups) in about 30 minutes.

Cute? I think so!

There aren't that many pieces to copy and hand out.  Yea! And it can be used again for other holidays! That is what I love most! 

I wanted to make a visual for myself to think about all other color possibilities. Possibilities are endless.

I try to include a simple coloring page for really busy teachers and to let my students take home and give to siblings.  That's always fun!

Quick question: What do you use for Valentine's "collecting" in your classroom?  I know some teachers have kids make bags. I send home this Make a Valentine Box at Home letter with my students. I love seeing what they create at home with their families.  Grab the letter if you want!

                 

Here's a Valentine's Day Clear the Board game that's free, too.  Fun to play! 

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it!  If you want to see my two favorite books to read this time a year and a must-watch quick video/song with a powerful message, click on links!

Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Day  and the awesome LifeVest Video.

Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch

Enjoy!

Birthday Celebrations in the Classroom (Update)

This is an update to the post Birthday Celebrations in the Classroom.

What's different?

No.

More.

Making.

Individual.

Cards.

They are so stinkin' cute though, aren't they?

Then why did I stop this year? My class was taking FOREVER (and a day!) to make them.  Seriously!  

Our schedule is SO TIGHT this year (don't get me started!) and all the kids were taking WAY more than the 15 minutes "Do-Now" time. I mean WAYYYYYY more than 15 minutes.  Heck, some kids are still making a card from October as I write this...

Seriously, it became a huge time suck and I found myself getting agitated.

Way.

Too.

Agitated.

What do I do now?  

Yep. That's what they get. Nothing fancy, I know. (They still do other things in the original post. This replaces cards.)

What do they think? They LOVE IT! They get to take it home and hang up in their room.

What do I think? I LOVE it because kids can sign name and draw a small pic if they want throughout the day and it doesn't take up really any time since kids sign during "down times."

Note: 3/4 of my class took F-O-R-E-V-E-R. The other ones took about 2.2 seconds and Id have to remind them to put in effort, etc. Their final card never changed much. So, this change, for me, was a "good for all" change.

Honestly, I sort of feel like the Birthday Scrooge by not allowing them to make cards but it works,  For me.  What works for you?  I'd honestly love to know!

COMING NEXT WEEK: SQUASH THE BUG: A Writing Workshop Tip.

Affirmation Station

I'm a big believer in Positivity over Negativity! And there is such an easy way to help foster a positive classroom: an Affirmation Station!

  

What Are Affirmations?

• They are short phrases that are positive and empowering.
• They boost a child's self-esteem, confidence, and foster a can-do attitude. A great way to introduce Growth Mindset!
• When you say affirmations often enough, they shape your reality.
• You can say them anywhere and it only takes a few minutes a day to feel the positive effects.

How to Use My Affirmation Station

• Set up an area in your room where you have affirmations visible for the kids to read. I use a mirror but a bulletin board or simply a wall works fine.
• I tape affirmations around a mirror for the kids to say when they want. Some kids stop by daily. When I introduced the affirmations, we said them together after lunch for a month straight before kids could do so independently. 
• You can print out cards and give to kids so they can say them at desks or some where more private if needed.
• Print out and send home a few a day to have kids share with families. 
• By request, I printed out extra sets for some of my students who said them each morning at their desks after arrival AND I had two requests from parents last year to send home so they could create their own at home. (I'm fine with you sharing this with families. I encourage you to!) 
• Although I continued to say as a class each day, there were days I would include them in Do-Nows or in center rotations.
• This resource includes editable affirmations so I did switch out when an opportunity presented itself. For example, after reading the wonderful book The Thing Lou Couldn't Do, we switched out one for the included "I am determined" and typed up one that said, "I have grit."

These also come in black and white so you can print on any color paper you'd like to match your classroom. There is also a separate EDITABLE file so you can add specific affirmations you may want for your students.

Affirmations Included: 

✿ I am smart.
✿ I am clever.
✿ I am brave.
✿ I am loved.
✿ I am positive.
✿ I am talented.
✿ I am confident.
✿ I am amazing.
✿ I am persistent.
✿ I am caring.
✿ I am polite.
✿ I am unique.
✿ I am wise.
✿ I am friendly.
✿ I am fun.
✿ I am empathetic.
✿ I am responsible.
✿ I am respectful.
✿ I am assertive.
✿ I am flexible.
✿ I am honest.
✿ I am grateful.
✿ I am present.
✿ I am helpful.
✿ I am cheerful.
✿ I am inspiring.
✿ I am generous.
✿ I am creative.
✿ I am focused.
✿ I am eager.
✿ I am patient.
✿ I am interesting.
✿ I am reliable.
✿ I am independent.
✿ I am happy.
✿ I am nice.
✿ I am determined.
✿ I am successful.
✿ I am awesome.
✿ I am in control.

Between my Affirmation Station and My Power Of Yet Bulletin Board, I feel like I'm starting off the year ready to jump in and amp up not only my students' confidence in tackling new situations but the belief that they WILL succeed.  

Have a great day!

Using Crowns and Headbands In My Classroom

I'm a crown and headband kind of girl!  Always have been! When I was little, it wasn't really dress-up without a tiara or two on my head! My love of headbands and crowns has extended to the classroom. I use them monthly and invite other optional opportunities for kids to make and bring home.

Why Use Crowns and Headbands In Your Classroom?

• a quick, easy, yet meaningful "hat" that highlights a specific day or holiday to celebrate
• an activity that promotes classroom community and school spirit
• perfect for a quick Do-Now as kids arrive in the morning
• reinforce curriculum
• helps kids practice fine motor skills with coloring and cutting
• sparks conversations in class and at home which strengthens the home-school connection

How To Make Crowns and Headbands

• print out the crown you want 
• use crayons or markers to color in the crown
• cut out
• glue onto a sentence strip and size to head
• staple it

I use 2-3 crowns a month BUT I often out out the ones I didn't use during centers that kids can make and take home if they want. For example, we celebrated coding in September in school and I did a lesson on it but I didn't offer a crown to make. Some kids picked it during centers and brought it home to make while a few decided to make it in school.  

I've packed lots of crowns into each monthly packet. The best part? Many of them can be used ANY time of the year! Gotta love that!

Scholastic News: A Must Have!

Do you subscribe to Scholastic News? I'm lucky that our school pays for the subscription for all of our First Grade classes. If I didn't have it and it wasn't in the budget, I would see if your PTO could purchase a subscription or earmark a fundraiser for it.  It's that good!

What is Scholastic News?

• It's a weekly "magazine" that features timely non-fiction topics that support your curriculum. It's always engaging and I love the way it builds and reinforces nonfiction reading skills. Here are Grades 1-5 recent topics.

• You get 4 issues delivered in a bundle each month. Some months are combined which makes sense. That's 32 issues a year. I think it's a really good deal BUT it still costs around $5-6 per student. So it's not like a teacher could purchase a class subscription on their own.

Here are the themes listed for next year.

While I've always loved the content, it wasn't until two years ago that I fully took advantage of everything it has to offer which includes the digital content.

What's included in Scholastic News:

Print: 

• A magazine for every student (4 sides total. Just the right size for First Graders.)
• Lesson Plans/Ideas to implement/discuss
• Printable activity sheets which I never used until a few years ago.  

Digital:

• The news accessible on any device
• Nonfiction videos that are always spot-on
• Read-Aloud Audio Option which I use
• Interactive activity Sheets
• Games
• Back Issues which I do access. Sometimes videos are the same but often can get short videos that are so well made on a specific topic.

This is what the online version looks like:

For a long time, I simply read the magazine to the kids and discussed it. But a few years ago, after a lot of nudging from my colleague, I discovered the online version and WOW! A great news "magazine" was made even better. (Thanks, Jane!)

How I Use With My First Graders:

Fridays: I share the online version with the kids. This usually takes 30 minutes by the time I introduce the vocabulary, listen to it online (as it highlights each word) watch the video, do the "dance break" offered, and the learning game that is part of it.  No matter the topic, we always learn SO MANY interesting facts! 

Here is my favorite one from this year:

An example of the vocabulary. You click it and it defines the word then asks class to say the word together.

I will definitely do this one again next year.  Truly inspiring!

After We Read On Fridays:

• On Monday or Tuesday, I pass out the extension pages that I make into a booklet  Then I allow the students to work together OR work independently on completing the pages. While most want to work with a partner, I usually have 3-5 that prefer to work alone.

The kids are so engaged and take this seriously. It's a great way to reinforce so many skills as they work.

Here is a free online sample that you can see for yourself.  

And in case you are wondering, I don't know anyone there and don't benefit in any way at all if you sign up.  I just wanted to share a product I truly love!

NOTES: 

• The only thing I'd change that I find really annoying is that you have to print our each PDF worksheet separately.  Why not just have them all together? It would save time. The way it is, I have to open up onw page, print. Then go to next, etc. 
• It seems like my district renews late each year. We usually don't get the print versions of first set until late September. Since you need a code to log on, it's annoying. We are at the mercy of our secretaries. just know that if they received your P.O., they will give you the code even if they haven't sent out the printed copies yet. Just call and ask. 
• I know Second and Third grade teachers who are equally happy and my sister teaches Middle School and uses that version which she loves. I believe it's called SCOPE.

Enjoy! Let me know if you use Scholastic News in your class and what you think?