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...
Take Back Your Out Of Control Class!
Teacher friend, have you ever felt like you have an out of control class? Believe me when I tell you, all teachers have had this moment, and it can be difficult to rein in the feelings of helplessness. Luckily, you have the Lucky Little Learners teacher community by...
Teacher Gift Guide: 11 Gift Ideas Teachers Will Truly Love
With the holidays coming up, you might be looking for the perfect gift to show your appreciation for a teacher or colleague. Finding something affordable and useful can be tricky, so save time with our quick teacher gift guide—it’s got something for every educator on...
January Math Centers for 1st & 2nd Grade
It's time to talk math centers for January! Winter has officially arrived. Up here in Minnesota the snow is piling up, the temperatures are below freezing, and the snow sports are in full force. I use these winter themed math centers as a way of...
9 Principles for Syllable Division
By now you have surely heard about the importance of teaching syllables to your young learners. If not, read why right here. However, keeping students engaged in the process of syllable division can be difficult. Teaching syllable breaks is vital to students being...
Teacher Maternity Leave Made Easy
Welcome, fellow teacher moms and dads, to a topic that's close to the hearts of many of us: preparing for maternity leave as an elementary teacher. It's a wonderful, life-changing moment, and it also brings with it the need for careful planning to ensure that your...
11 Easy Holiday Crafts for Kids Roundup
Are you looking for winter holiday art projects to create with your students that won't bust the bank? We are here to tell you affordable (or even free) winter crafting is possible! Let's take a deep dive into crafts made with materials you might even be able to...
Balloons Over Broadway in the Classroom
Have you heard of the book, ‘Balloons over Broadway', by Melissa Sweet? This engaging read, focusing on the true story of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade puppeteer, is sure to enthrall your young learners. Not only will they learn the true story behind the...
Unpacking Standards: A Guide for 1st & 2nd Grade Teachers
As educators, we know that the road to effective teaching and successful student learning begins with a clear understanding of the standards we are tasked with. In this blog post, we'll delve into the crucial process of unpacking standards, and we've tailored this...
Dive into Native American Heritage Month: Resources for Primary Teachers
November is Native American Heritage Month, and while we know we are not experts on the subject, we're excited to help you bring the rich cultures and histories of Native American communities into your classrooms. We're all about amplifying Native American voices,...
Fresh Ideas to Teach Similes and Metaphors
Teaching is like a roller coaster. Some days you're up, some days you're down. But when it comes to teaching figurative language like similes and metaphors, there's no need to spiral out! When you use these ideas to teach similes and metaphors in your classroom, your...
Using Gratitude to Fight Burn Out
Teacher and student burn out seems to be at an all time high right now. Our team has an idea to fight the burn out…focusing on the gratitude in your daily teaching life. Putting gratitude at the forefront of your mind can help the negative seem, well, less...
50 Teacher Mindset Mantras to Build Your Resilience
Teaching is truly one of the most rewarding professions, and for a good reason. It's a journey filled with moments of inspiration, growth, and transformation. However, like any journey, it can also come with its fair share of challenges and obstacles. Sometimes those...
Growth Mindset Tips for 1st Graders (and Teachers Too!)
Have you ever heard your students say something like, “I can't do this” or “This is too hard”? Of course you have! These are common human feelings. However, with a bit of work on growth mindset in first grade, you can create a solid foundation...
Homophone How-To for 2nd Grade
Have you found yourself in a homophones teaching funk? Are your students just not understanding this important grammar skill? If so, keep reading this post set up as a “homophone how to for 2nd grade”, to learn tips, tricks and strategies to launch you and...
Tips to Help Kids Build Stamina in 1st Grade Reading & Writing
The beginning stage of the year is over, and teachers are itching to dig into content and small group instruction. However, there is a problem. 1st graders can lack the stamina to sit down and get work done! (For sure not long enough for teachers to successfully run...
Teaching Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases
Enhance Literacy with Embedded Grammar Lessons Research on the Science of Reading (SOR) dating back to the 1970s shows that teaching grammar as isolated rules doesn't effectively transfer to writing and speaking. What works better is embedding grammar within the...
Differentiate in Seconds With This Create Your Own Spelling Lists Tool!
Do the curriculum provided spelling lists just not meet the needs of your diverse learners? Or do you wish to have more than one week per phonics sound? All of this is possible with our new tool that allows you to create your own spelling lists, customized...
Spooky Delights: 13 Halloween Read Alouds and Interactive Classroom Activities
With the spooky season approaching, it's time to dig into some fun Halloween read alouds and activities to keep your little goblins learning and engaged. 1 – Creepy Pair of Underwear By Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown Purchase on Amazon In addition to...
