Posts

Showing posts with the label teaching

Exploring the World of Literature with Open Library: A Teacher's Secret Weapon

Image
As an educator, one of the greatest joys is witnessing the excitement and wonder that reading can bring to young minds. In my quest to provide my students with a diverse array of fiction and non-fiction texts , I stumbled upon a hidden gem that has become an indispensable tool in my teaching arsenal: Open Library , (Internet Archive) . This incredible website has revolutionised the way I curate resources for my classroom, offering a vast selection of books that cater to a wide range of interests and learning objectives. At our school, while we can afford basic texts, it's the additional resources that truly enrich our curriculum and provide students with a well-rounded literary experience. Open Library , (Internet Archive) has become my go-to resource for sourcing these supplementary texts, offering an extensive collection that spans genres, topics, and reading levels. From classic novels to contemporary non-fiction, the website boasts a treasure trove of literary gems waiting to

Explore the World of Classic Literature with LibriVox: A Treasure Trove of Free Audiobooks

Image
In the realm of teaching reading and writing, there are a handful of crucial websites and apps, and one that deserves a resounding endorsement is LibriVox . In the bustling world of digital content, finding access to classic literature can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, thanks to websites like LibriVox , discovering timeless literary treasures has never been easier. LibriVox is a remarkable online platform that offers a vast collection of free audiobooks , all of which are lovingly narrated by volunteers from around the globe. From beloved children's classics like Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" to gripping adventures such as Jack London's "White Fang ," LibriVox opens the doors to a world of imagination and storytelling. One of the most appealing aspects of LibriVox is its dedication to making classic literature accessible to everyone . With a simple interface and user-friendly design, the website allow

Exploring Science: A Week of Discovery and Delicious Experiments

Image
Science Week at our school was a whirlwind of excitement, curiosity, and hands-on exploration as students from Early Years to Year 6 delved into a variety of fascinating experiments and activities . From making oat milk from scratch to conducting colourful skittle experiments, our week was filled with wonder and discovery. I shared a fun science video with my class, and the children loved deciding which experiments to conduct for Science Week. Among the experiments, the Skittle experiment stood out as a favourite, largely because of the sweet reward awaiting them at the end. To my surprise, they were captivated by the slow dissolution of the Skittles throughout the day. As the sugar at the base of the Skittle began to dissolve in the water, they transformed into intriguing shapes resembling little mushrooms. This unexpected observation led to an impromptu lesson on diffusion . Who would have thought such a simple experiment could spark such profound learning and engagement in our cl

Embracing Diversity: The Power of Representation in Children's Literature

Image
As an educator, I've always believed in the transformative power of storytelling, especially when it comes to introducing young minds to the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that make up our world. In my classroom, one of my favourite activities is exploring traditional tales from various cultures , highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in children's literature. Let's delve into why this is so crucial and how it enriches the learning experience for both students and educators alike. Celebrating Cultural Heritage : Traditional tales serve as windows into the cultural heritage and values of different societies. By sharing stories from around the world , we not only expose children to diverse perspectives and experiences but also celebrate the richness of human culture. Whether it's exploring the folklore of Native American tribes, the myths of ancient Greece, or the legends of African tribes, each story offers valuable insights into the cus

Beyond Books: Everyday Adventures in Literacy with Your Child - Teach Your Child to Read

Image
Hey there, fellow adventurers in the world of literacy! Today, let's embark on a journey that goes beyond books and pages. We're diving into the vast ocean of literacy that surrounds us in our daily lives. From the supermarket to the park, there are countless opportunities to explore and engage with language and literacy. Let's dive in and discover the magic of incorporating literacy into everyday activities with your child! Shopping Adventures : Next time you head to the shops, turn it into a literacy treasure hunt ! Make a list together and have your child help you find the items. Encourage them to read the labels and signs , and maybe even have them make their own shopping list. Culinary Creations : Cooking and baking are not only delicious, but they're also great literacy activities ! Have your child read the recipe , measure ingredients, and follow instructions. You can even turn it into a math and science lesson too! Nature Walks : Take a stroll through the great

Another World Book Day Adventure: Celebrating 'Leaf' by Sandra Dieckmann

Image
As a primary teacher, World Book Day is one of the highlights of the school year—a day filled with imagination, creativity, and literary magic. This year, our celebration took us on an unforgettable journey inspired by the enchanting tale of "Leaf" by Sandra Dieckmann. From dressing up as polar bears to planting a tree named 'Leaf,' our World Book Day festivities were nothing short of extraordinary. Join me as I recount the whimsical adventures and heart-warming moments that made this year's celebration truly memorable. As the anticipation for World Book Day grew, I knew I wanted to bring the magical world of "Leaf" to life for our students. Donning a polar bear costume, I took centre stage and transported the entire school into the snowy landscapes of Sandra Dieckmann's beautifully illustrated book. With wide-eyed excitement, the children embarked on a journey filled with wonder and discovery. Inspired by the themes of nature and friendship in "