Mrs. Turner Teaches

For this week we were given the option to write about books we would use during out unit or books for children about things that are happening in the world right now. I am choosing to do a mix of both. BUTTERFLY UNIT BOOKS  This book is about a caterpillar who really wants to know what happens next. It takes kids on a journey of patience and how that can pay off in the end.  This is a bilingual book about the Monarch butterfly migration.  This book is a great example of the butterfly life cycle.   This book shows the butterfly life cycle and has flaps which I've found students really like.  I love National Geographic and this book is full of great real life butterfly pictures. It has many facts and easy to read words. BOOKS FOR THE WORLD NOW  This book is told through the eyes of a little boy named Daniel. It is about the LA riots in the 90's, but could still pertain to what is happening now.  I love Peter H. Reynolds books. This book is a...

This week we gave short synopsis on what we are working on for our unit plans. I enjoyed hearing about everyone's lessons and love how many different ideas that we all have. I thought it was funny that Miranda and I are both doing the butterfly life cycle. While I always don't like to present things to class, I really appreciate hearing about what other classmates are doing. I think a huge part of what makes you a great teacher is listening to feedback and really applying it to what and how you teach. I also get some great ideas because sometimes thinking of a lesson is a struggle for me. I've worked in Early Childhood Special Education for 5 years, so most of my ideas are geared towards 3-5 year olds and not only that but they don't require a lot of time. I love having this opportunity to collaborate with other 'future' teachers.

5 ways to teach Vocabulary 1. SONGS! Students LOVE songs and it is a great way to learn new words (and how to spell them!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHzIA2xui4U  --I think older students would really like this one! 2. Word Wheel-- you can make your own out of card stock, a brad and a paper clip. Have different things written on the wheel such as Act it out, Define it, Rhyme Time, Draw it, Use it in a sentence. ( https://www.giftedguru.com/21_ideas_for_teaching_vocabulary/ ) 3. BINGO! A great way to introduce or even a refresher of words is by playing games. Bingo is always a fun game and motivational if students get a prize (like candy or a little trinket). 4.  Picture dictionary is another way to teach vocabulary.  5. Another way, which would be fun would have them write a book using as many vocabulary words as they can. Peers will edit the book and then you can have them professionally bound (my school has a spiral binder & lamina...

All of these images are off of Pinterest. To be honest, I want to continue on to become and Early Childhood Special Education teacher. We have Fundations up in the class that I am an Instructional Aide in right now, as well as shape and color "word" walls. I really like the interactive word walls because I like that they get students up and moving. If I were to teach Elementary school I would want a Math word wall. I am not the best at math, so I know teaching that subject will be tough for me. I think having something the students (and myself) can look at to guide us will be helpful. I also like the specific word walls based on units, like this plant word wall.

Hi all, I'm Tiffany (aka Ms. Tiffany to my students, Momma to my daughter and 'babe' to my husband). I work in Early Childhood Special Ed and LOVE IT. I've been an Instructional Aide for the past 5 years and the plan is to continue on to become an Early Childhood SPED teacher. My daughter, Lila is our sweet rainbow baby and is almost 2 years old (still can't believe it!). I've been married, going on 4 years but my husband and I have been together for the past 9 years. We have a Golden doodle, named Daisy, who is our other child. Lately, I've spent most of my time hanging with my mini-me because of #'Rona. I enjoy being outside, I love to sing & dance, and my favorite past time is eating. Here are my two truths and a lie: 1. My paternal Grandfather was a clown. Not only was he a clown, but he was also a magician. His name was Professor Zappo. 2. My maternal Grandmother wrote a series of Children's books. They were called 'Adventures o...

You all did a great job presenting tonight! All of your lesson plans made me want to go back and change some things on mine before I am finished with them all. Rebekah: I loved the title of your lesson plan. It was so well thought out and if I was a sub I would know EXACTLY what to do. Your attention to detail is awesome and going to be so helpful when you have a class of your own. What a fun lesson to eat S'mores! Karen: While I didn't hear you the best (darn highway noise!) I really liked the idea of using a popular song for a lesson on figurative language. Using Katy Perry is a plus in my book because I love her. Marley: I love your lesson on cloud formation and the water cycle. High pressure=Happy Weather is something that I will have to remember for myself! Angela: Dot to Dot worksheets are so much fun! We use those now with my early childhood SPED students who are pre-kinders. Many of them have OT so fine motor (like writing with a pencil) is so hard. We practic...