Kindergarten Reading Instruction: It's More Than Just Phonics
When you think of teaching Kindergarten literacy, the word phonics probably pops right into your head. Although phonics is vital, it is only one piece of the Kindergarten reading puzzle. Without focusing on the other areas of reading like comprehension, vocabulary or...
6 Easy-to-Prep Stations for a Family Math Night in K-1
Hosting a Family Math Night doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 6 easy-to-set-up math stations that will get families involved in fun, hands-on activities while practicing essential math skills. Each station is designed to help kids in grades K-1 build math...
Science of Reading Small Group Lessons: A 20-Minute Model for K-2
If you’ve been teaching for a while, you’ve probably noticed that small group reading instruction has changed. The old Guided Reading model—where kids read leveled books and used picture clues to figure out words—is no longer considered best practice. Research tells...
Test Prep Parent Guide: Help Your Child Get Ready for End-of-Year Testing
The end of the school year is approaching, and along with it, end-of-year tests. The testing period can feel stressful or even scary for kids. To help eliminate test-taking anxiety, this test prep parent guide offers simple ways to build your child’s confidence and...
Test Prep Guide For K-3 Teachers
Imagine this: It’s a few weeks before testing, and you’re wondering if your students are ready. Do they understand the format? Will they freeze up on test day? Many teachers feel this pressure, but the good news is that test prep doesn’t have to be a last-minute...
The Stop and Think Folder: A Gentle Solution for Classroom Behaviors
What if there were a simple tool to help students manage their emotions and behaviors, without disrupting learning for the whole class? Teachers often face behavior issues that interrupt lessons, making it hard to maintain focus and momentum for all students....
Kindergarten Math Centers That Can Be Done Independently
As a teacher, you know how important it is for your Kindergarten students to practice math skills introduced in class. Centers are a great way to reinforce learning while fostering independence—a key skill at this age. But finding simple, engaging centers that don’t...
Student Self-Regulation Strategies
Does this sound familiar—one student melts down over a small mistake, another blurts out answers without thinking, and someone else rushes through their work just to be “done”? Self-regulation isn’t something kids just have—it’s a skill that needs to be...
St. Patrick's Day Activities for the Classroom
Are you searching for St. Patricks Day activities for your classroom? The fun can last all day, while still sticking to academic concepts: STEM, math, reading, writing, you name it! Our team has put together another Lucky Little Party Plan for St. Patrick's Day...
11 Ways to Use Lucky Little Decodable Readers in Kindergarten
Have you tried using decodable readers in kindergarten? These amazing tools help young learners practice phonics skills in a way that builds confidence and keeps reading simple and fun. They’re especially helpful for struggling readers, making them feel successful and...
Better Together: Lucky Little Learners & All Students Can Shine
All Students Can Shine is part of the Lucky Little Learners family! What does this mean for you? How about even more resources to help your students thrive?! Now All Access members will have access to all their favorite LLL materials, plus exciting new additions! More...
Tools to Easily Differentiate Math Centers
Teachers know that a one-size-fits-all approach to math centers doesn’t work. Our classrooms are filled with diverse learners, which is why taking the steps to differentiate math centers can ensure students get the on-level practice they need. This week I am teaching...
Student Book Clubs: Book Recommendations
Are you constantly searching for the perfect chapter book read for your student book clubs? Whether your students are just diving into the world of chapter books, or are seasoned readers, there are sure to be books that are a perfect fit. Let us end the search with...
11 Easy-to-Set-Up Stations for the 100th Day of School
Celebrate the 100th Day of School with 11 interactive stations that combine learning, fun, and creativity! These stations are designed for students to rotate through during the day, keeping them engaged while practicing essential skills. Each station is simple to set...
5 Things AI Can Take Off Your Teacher Plate
As teachers, our plates are constantly overflowing. Luckily, emerging technology can help with that. In this post I am talking about AI for teachers, and 5 ways this assistive technology can save you time…and sanity! The five tools we will be exploring are:...
Phoneme-Grapheme Mapping Guide
This week we will put on our Science of Reading hats, and dig into the importance of phoneme-graphing mapping in early literacy. If these terms are unfamiliar, phoneme-grapheme mapping is a game-changer for helping early readers connect sounds to symbols & this post...
Keep Teaching Resources Tidy with Google Drive
Getting your Lucky Little Learners All Access Membership organized with Google Drive can be a real lifesaver. It’s all about keeping things simple and easy to find when you need them most. Let’s walk through some quick and effective tips to help you set up Google...
Trello for Teacher Resource Organization
Truth time… Has your desktop become a little bit like a digital junk drawer? Is it so packed with folders, PDFs, and random downloads that you can’t even remember what your background looks like? Don’t feel bad—most teachers barely have time to eat lunch, let alone...
How to Identify Gaps in Phonics Using a Phonics Screener
Phonics is a big part of helping young readers become strong readers by teaching them how letters and sounds work together. A phonics screener can be a great way to spot any gaps in a child's phonetic understanding, so you know exactly where to focus instruction....
Transform Your Classroom Into a Gingerbread Village
Imagine, as a child, walking into a classroom filled with gingerbread, and buzzing with holiday excitement! You can make this a reality for your students with almost no prep with our Gingerbread Day classroom transformation. Let's take a sneak peek into a classroom...
Small Groups: Guided Reading is Out; Science of Reading is In
For a long time, guided reading, where students work in small groups on books matched to their independent reading level, was a staple in many classrooms, mine included. However, research on the Science of Reading has started to cast doubt on its effectiveness,...
How to Set Up a Writing Stamina Station
Do your students struggle to keep writing beyond a few sentences, losing focus or energy too quickly? This easy-to-set-up station encourages students to gradually increase their writing time in a fun, engaging way, without overwhelming them. In this post, we’ll...
Inclusive and Fun Holiday Classroom Celebrations
Celebrating holidays in the classroom can be challenging. Here's how to honor students' diverse backgrounds while keeping your schedule intact. Whether your classroom includes students celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or no holidays at all, here are some...
How Lucky to Learn Math Supports English Language Learners
Helping English language learners (ELLs) feel confident and succeed in the classroom is so important! Lucky to Learn Math is the perfect solution, with features designed to support ELLs and at the same time, make math fun and accessible for everyone. Let's take a...
Writing Support for English Language Learners
Writing is such a great way to help students grow their language skills! Lucky to Learn Writing makes it easier for English Language Learners (ELLs) by offering fun, structured activities that support their writing development every step of the way. Now let's dive...
7 Strategies for Supporting English Language Learners in Any Classroom
Teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can create a classroom where every student feels seen or supported. Whether you're new to working with ELLs or looking to refresh your approach, these seven,...
Hacks to Calm Down Your Chatty Class
This year, more than ever, we are seeing comments in our Facebook groups concerning an overly chatty class. With a chatty class being the trend, we tapped into the wealth of knowledge in these online groups. Below is a list of top tier teacher hacks for talkative...
New Student? No Problem!
It has happened to all of us…a new student shows up on your roster with little to no time to prepare. But, no need to stress! We have a teaching hack to share that will have you ready for new students at the drop of a hat. The secret to being new student ready?...
Writing Curriculum for 2nd Grade: Lucky to Learn Writing
Struggling to teach writing effectively while keeping your students engaged? Or, are you seeing a lack of writing skill growth? If you answered yes to either of these questions, our easy to follow, Science of Reading aligned curriculum, Lucky to Learn Writing, covers...
Rainy Day Classroom Activities for 1st & 2nd Grade
When the weather doesn't allow for outside play, it can be a challenge to keep students entertained. Or maybe you're a teacher looking for a change from the usual school day routine. Either way, give one of these fun rainy day classroom activities ideas a try! 1....
Seasonal Classroom Activities for 1st & 2nd grade
As the seasons change, so does the opportunity to bring fresh and exciting ideas into the classroom! Let's explore a variety of seasonal classroom activities that will not only engage your students' imaginations but also enhance their learning experiences throughout...
From Mundane to Magical! A Case Study of the Lucky to Learn Phonics Curriculum
Through our interaction with teachers and students, we have identified a common issue when it comes to teaching phonics…finding engaging instruction materials that are effective and research based. To solve this problem, our team of master teachers, set to work...
Kid Favorite Books for Summer Reading
As summer approaches, the dreaded summer slide might pop into mind. The best way to combat academic loss over the summer is to keep reading. Explore our list of teacher-approved, kid-loved book series for 1st grade & 2nd grade to keep the love of reading alive this...
Black History Books for Children
Including classroom books that represent and celebrate Black history is essential for fostering inclusivity, understanding, and respect among students. If you're looking to expand your collection, be sure to explore our top picks for black history books for children,...
Easy Science Experiments for 1st and 2nd Grade
Looking to stir up some excitement in your science lessons? Hands-on experiments are the way to go! But how can you plan easy experiments for your students, gather materials without spending a lot of money, and keep things organized and not chaotic? The answer is...
Children's Books for Celebrating Hispanic Culture
Hola, teachers! Are you looking to add diversity to your classroom library and read aloud collections? Today, we want to embrace and honor the rich and vibrant Hispanic American culture. Here's a list of our favorite children's books on Hispanic culture, perfect for...
Children's Books for Celebrating Asian American Culture
Bring diversity to your classroom library and read alouds by highlighting the rich traditions, histories, and contributions of Asian Americans. Here's a list of our favorite Asian American read aloud books for celebrating this culture in primary classrooms. 1- I Am...
Ideas for Parents: How to Prevent Summer Slide in 1st and 2nd Grade
With summer approaching, you may want to share resources to help parents prevent summer slide. Maybe you have parents asking what they can do to help their child stay ahead of the game during their long break. Or, perhaps you are a parent searching for screen free...
1st & 2nd Grade Friendly Reader's Theater Scripts
Are you or your students feeling restless or bored of the same old phonics routine, but you fear skills will be lost if you try something new? We've got good news for you! There is a new phonics routine that practices phonics, decoding, fluency and even comprehension!...
How to Teach Science in Just 30 Minutes a Day!
Hey there, fellow 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade teachers! Do you find yourself putting all the fun stuff you want to bring into your classrooms (like science) on the back burner because literacy and math take up all your time? Literacy and math are super important,...
Teaching Skip Counting in 1st Grade vs 2nd Grade
As a primary grade teacher, do you know which skip counting strategies work best at your grade level? Or, are you looking to differentiate your teaching strategies to meet all your learners where they're at? Let's delve into the wide array of teaching strategies and...
Top 10 Classroom Transformations
Get ready to sprinkle some extra magic into your classrooms because we've got something special for you. If you're all about making learning super fun and unforgettable for your elementary-aged students, then you're in for a treat! We've rounded up the top 10...
Solar Eclipse in the Classroom
At least twice a year, a solar eclipse is visible somewhere on Earth. Once in awhile, your school community just might be located in or close to the viewable path of an eclipse. Tap into the excitement of these scientific events while still focusing on academics with...
20 Ways to Use Plastic Easter Eggs in the Classroom
When I was younger, my mom hid Easter eggs all throughout the house. My young self felt a surge of excitement upon seeing each of those bright plastic eggs! Chances are, many of your students feel the same egg hunting excitement as my mid-80s self. Tap into this...
Books and Basketball Classroom Transformation
March is right around the corner, bringing with it March Madness. Even if you're not a basketball fan, there are sure to be young sports enthusiasts in your classroom. As March Madness approaches, so does Read Across America Week. While we're gearing up for basketball...
4 High Engagement Classroom Management Tools to Try Today!
If you're looking for engaging and effective classroom management tools, (and you'd also love to keep it simple) you're in the right spot. In this post, we'll introduce you to our top four “must-have” management tools primary teachers are loving right now....
The b and d Dilemma: A Teacher's Guide to Letter Reversals
Have you noticed some of your students turning their letters into acrobatic champions, flipping and reversing all over the page? Well, guess what? Until about the ripe old age of 8 or 9, kids can basically be letter gymnasts, and that's totally normal! And nope, it...
Celebrate the Extra Day: Leap Year Classroom Activities
The gift of an extra day is coming your way! Yep, that's right – every four years, we get a bonus day on February 29th. Why let this special day pass by without some classroom fun and learning? In this blog post, we've got the whole day planned, from morning work to...
7 Subtraction With Regrouping Activities Kids Love
Teaching subtraction with regrouping can be tricky! That's why our team went on the search to round up hands-on and creative subtraction with regrouping activities that are fun to teach and engaging for students. Peruse the ideas below, and share any others you may...
Beyond Flashcards: 9 Creative Ways to Use Phonics Cards
Do you use phonics cards to teach spelling patterns? If so, great news! You're aligning with the latest research on effective phonics instruction. SOR-aligned instruction uses phonics cards to help students establish connections between letters and the specific sounds...
