The Complete Valentine’s Day Party Plan for 1st & 2nd Grade Classrooms
It is that time of year again....Valentine's Day is right around the corner! To prepare you for this holiday, (and to take another load off your way too full plate), we have planned out your classroom Valentine's Day party for you, down to the decorations! If you used...
How to Make Personal Finance Standards Fun & Kid Friendly
Have you ever looked through your social studies personal finance standards and thought, "Blek! How can I get these kids engaged in learning about economics?!) We've all been there! But, our team has a solution! Unit 4 of our Lucky to Learn Math curriculum has several...
Classroom Procedures: Tips for Increasing Student Participation When Giving Directions
Getting and keeping student attention appears to become more difficult each year! Students are distracted by a wide array of things, so is there a way to get their attention, give clear directions and increase their participation?! We think so! This post will feature...
Tips & Tricks For a January Classroom Reset
The December classroom rush is done. Winter break is over. It is time for students to return to the classroom, and, you might find, time for a January reset. What is the purpose of this mid year reset? Sometimes, and maybe it has happened to you in previous years,...
Classroom Procedures: Lining Up & Walking in the Hallway
Learning how to behave IN the classroom is one thing. Learning the proper procedures when leaving the classroom and walking in the hallway is another story! Read on for tips & tricks for keeping students (and yourself) sane when outside of the classroom. Lining Up...
Science of Reading: Easy At Home Phonics Practice
The Science of Reading (SoR) is THE hot topic in literacy. SoR is not another one of those educational fads that will come in and out. It is years of extensive research that proves which pedagogical methods and practices are effective in teaching students to read. Now...
How to Teach Silent Letters
Do your students know how to read and write silent letter words? There's no doubt that your students will master this fascinating fact of the English Language with these silent letter teaching tips and highlights! This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. What is a...
Ideas for Handling Tattling in the Classroom
Tattling in the classroom is one of the most challenging behaviors to manage. It can be draining, distracting, and downright frustrating! Keep reading for creative and constructive ways to tame the tattling. Why Do Students Tattle? It is essential to create a...
Teaching Commas in 2nd Grade
I always get a chuckle out of the "Punctuation saves lives" memes and signs. They usually go something like this: Let's eat, Grandpa! Let's eat Grandpa. It may seem silly, but it is a great example of why proper use of commas in a sentence can make all the difference!...
Celebrate Winter With a SnowGlobe Classroom Transformation
If you are looking to create a memorable fun day for your students AND you want it completely planned out for you, then you are in the right spot! Read on for winter party ideas galore and to find out how to transform your classroom into a Snow Globe winter...
The Complete Winter Holiday Party Plan for 1st and 2nd Grade
A teacher has been on Pinterest sifting through Christmas party themes for hours, not finding anything easy or affordable to put together. Planning for and coming up with classroom party ideas can be stressful with a capital S! Luckily, team Lucky Little Learners is...
How to Teach an Explicit Phonics Lesson
New and experienced teachers alike are diving deep into explicit phonics instruction. According to one of our Lucky 2nd grade teachers, "I am learning that explicit phonics instruction is important but it's SO much - it's going to take me hours to plan and prepare -...
Teaching Diphthongs
There are few phonics words that will elicit more giggles in the classroom than diphthongs. But what exactly is a diphthong, and why is it important for students to learn? Keep reading for resources and strategies to teach this essential phonics skill. What are...
Teaching Math Through Science and Social Studies Themes
Have you ever looked at your scope and sequence across subjects and thought, "How will I ever have enough time to teach all this?!" With so much knowledge to share, it often seems like there aren't enough hours in the day to teach everything on the list. Our Lucky to...
Using Phonics Ladders in the Classroom
Looking for a new way to introduce or reinforce phonics skills in the classroom? Look no further than our Phonics Ladders. This activity will have students climbing their way to phonics success! What are Phonics Ladders? Also known as word chains or word ladders, they...
5 Collaborative Math Activities to Boost Number Sense
Are your students struggling to engage with math instruction? We've got activities and lessons to encourage math collaboration between students. When students work together to learn a new skill, they are more likely to engage in a lesson overall. Keep reading to find...
New Routines for Number Talks and Math Chats
Number talks, math chats, solve and share. No matter what you call it, this small part of daily math instruction can make a huge difference in students' critical thinking, communication skills, and overall math comprehension. Keep reading to find out some new ideas...
Graphic Organizers to Support Students With Reading Comprehension
2nd grade is a mixed bag when it comes to student reading fluency and comprehension skills. On one hand, you may have students reading and comprehending at or above grade level. On the other hand, there are students that need that extra push to read and comprehend on...
Strategies for a Talkative Class
Our Lucky Little Learners community is a special place. It's a forum where teachers from around the world gather to discuss best practices, look for advice and inspiration, shower praise on their students and colleagues, and sometimes - just vent. One of the most...
How To Create Custom Toothy Mats
Ready to turn student selfies into highly engaging skills practice? Use the Toothy Yourself filter on Facebook & Instagram to create fun and personal mats for your students. Then sit back and watch as the fun of drawing their own teeth gets your students excited...
4 Hispanic Heritage Month Activities For The Classroom
"...But when they see themselves represented, then they are told ... ‘You are important. You are authors. You are scientists. You are explorers. You are special. You are leaders. You are respected. You are the reason we are here.’" -John Leguizamo on the importance of...
Quick Guide to Understanding Reading Levels
With so many different types of reading assessments and leveling systems, it can be hard to keep track of which books are just right for your growing readers. Let's take a look at some of the reading level systems to get a better understanding of each, and how they...
Captivate Your Students During Whole Group Lessons With Toothy
Toothy is a fun way to review different skills across all subjects. It is especially fun to use Toothy as a whole group activity. With just a click of a button, students will be engaged and excited about practicing their math facts, digraphs, nouns, and more! Once you...
Morning Bin Ideas for 1st & 2nd Grade
Are you ready for a change to your morning routine? Discover the buzz about morning tubs, and give these morning bin ideas a try! Morning bins are a popular idea for preschool and kindergarten classrooms. Are you wondering how this routine could be successful in 1st...
The Perfect Routine to Jumpstart Explicit Phonics Lessons
Activating phonological awareness at the beginning of explicit phonics instruction is a SUPER important component of Science of Reading. But this is just 5 minutes out of the day.. What can teachers use that is quick, easy, and always engaging for kids? Read on to...
All About Lucky to Learn Math: 2nd Grade Math Curriculum
Have you heard the word? Team Lucky Little Learners has a 2nd grade math curriculum called Lucky to Learn Math! Think EVERYTHING you need to effectively teach your math block all year long! Learn all about why this curriculum is different than others and get answers...
11 Patriot Day Books for the Elementary Classroom
On Patriot Day, we honor and remember the people who lost their lives in the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. We also honor the first responders who risked their lives to help others on that day and beyond. This collection of picture book...
Informational Writing Types, Prompts and Projects for 1st & 2nd Grade
We are in an age of endless information. Teaching students how to identify key details in all the swirling information presented to them is no easy task! With practice, learners will be able to use facts, definitions, and examples in their own writing. Let's inform...
Beginning of the Year Writing Mini Lessons
Are you sitting there thinking, "how do I even begin with writing?" For years writing instruction felt like a weakness for me. Maybe it feels like that for you too. If so, let's fix that! In this post, we're talking about simple writing mini lessons that get your...
Level Up Your Reading Instruction With a Digital Sound Wall
If you would have told me a few years ago that a global pandemic would fundamentally change the way I teach my students I would have laughed. Teaching is teaching, right? I would say - kind of. If those challenging months of distance learning taught me anything it's...
Spiral ELA Review Routine Ideas
A great way to review skills is to have them spiral throughout the school year. Team Lucky Little Learners has the perfect resource for this, our Spiral ELA Review. Read on for the why and how on using this resource. Benefits of using Spiral ELA Review As teachers we...
13 Clever Class Gifts
As teachers, we give students the gift of our time and creativity daily. Gifts from the heart are the greatest of all. But sometimes, a little something extra to celebrate or show appreciation for your students and fellow teachers can go a long way! Check out these...
Lucky to Learn 2nd Grade Math Curriculum: Step-By-Step Lesson
Have you heard the amazing news?! Team Lucky Little Learners has been working hard on creating a full year math curriculum! This 2nd grade math curriculum, called Lucky to Learn Math, is standards-based, engaging and easy to teach! This post will serve as a...
An Easy Way To Set Up Writing Goals In 2nd Grade
Teaching 2nd grade writing is SO rewarding because you get to see great writers emerge throughout the year. At the beginning of the year, you're going to find that your students are all over the ability map. Some may still be mastering letter formation while others...
How Centers Support Explicit Instruction in the Primary Grades
If you’ve been in any PD lately you’ve heard the term "explicit instruction" thrown around a lot. With the big push for Science of Reading (SOR)-aligned curriculum explicit instruction is getting a lot of buzz lately. For good reason, too. It’s an effective teaching...
Joke of the Day Routine in 2nd grade
Knock, Knock! Who's there? Teachers. Teachers who? Teachers who use jokes in the classroom to up student engagement! Now that you are done rolling on the floor with laughter, you can focus on this post on humor in the classroom. How can teachers use a joke of the day...
First Day of School Activities for 1st or 2nd Grade
Wise teachers know this saying to be true - "You only get one first day of school." Luckily, we've sourced some of the best first day of school activities from experienced and enthusiastic teachers across the country. Make the first day of the new school year count...
Bulletin Board Tips, Tricks & Ideas
If you're a new teacher and you're staring at those blank bulletin boards thinking, "What in the world do I put on these??" Don't stress. Bulletin boards are all about what is helpful for you and your students. They can serve as academic anchors to be used for student...
Classroom Set Up: Ideas for Organizing School Supplies and Learning Materials
The average teacher spends close to 1,500 hours in the classroom each year. With so much time spent here, the classroom should be a place you and your students can all enjoy! An organized classroom brings a sense of calm, purpose, and efficiency to the everyday...
13 Student Desk/Table Arrangement Ideas
Guess what time it is? If you guessed back to school time, you are right! With the back to school season, comes classroom setup time. Teachers have a blast decorating their rooms, creating bulletin board masterpieces and making their classroom a home away from home....
ABC Order: An Important Skill for 2nd Grade
Your second grade students have been singing their ABCs since they were toddlers. Now that they are growing readers and writers, teaching ABC order is an important literacy and life skill. Did you know that when kids can alphabetize words, they not only improve...
The Impact of English Word Origins on Modern Spelling
The English language is filled with some delightful sounding words. Melody. Precipitation. Choreography. Surprise - these words originated from other languages! Many of the words in our contemporary English language are influenced by centuries of oral and written...
Must Have Classroom Bulletin Boards for 2nd Grade
Here's the thing about classroom bulletin boards... some people LOVE making them and some totally despise them. I've always been a bit of a mixture. Putting them up is fun but taking them down is something I have to force myself to do. No matter what side of the...
Planning Tools For 1st Grade/2nd Grade
If you're reading this while thinking, "How do I even begin planning for 1st or 2nd grade?" or "What I did last year didn't work and I need to try out something new!" this is the post for you! Let's start by going over the basics for planning for 1st grade/2nd grade....
Multiple Ways to Teach Multiple Meaning Words in 2nd Grade
Hey teacher friends! It is time for our next installment in our grammar blog post series. This post focuses on multiple meaning words: What are they? Why teach them? How to teach them? Read on for tips, tricks and resources that will help cement this skill with your...
The 5 Most Important Skills for the Beginning of 2nd Grade
Believe it or not, the beginning of the school year is right around the corner! The start of the school year is the prime time to cement routines, procedures and foundational academic skills. This post dives into the top 5 beginning of the year skills for 2nd grade,...
Must-Do Events for the 2nd Grade School Year
Are you looking for a unique, memorable activity for your 2nd grade class? Look no further than this list of must-do 2nd grade events and activities! The teachers in our amazing Lucky 2nd Grade Teachers Facebook Group shared their favorite, student-friendly events and...
Compound Words for 2nd Graders: Tips & Tricks
Hey, teacher friends! We are back with another grammar skill post, and this time we are featuring compound words for 2nd graders. This skill is actually pretty fun for kids, and one they can easily grasp. Keep reading for a definition, chart, resource ideas and free...
Back to School Bulletin Board ideas
Whether you are deep in back to school classroom set up mode, or you're looking for a glow up idea mid year, you're sure to find a bulletin board design you'll love in this post! Save your favorite ideas for next year too... One of our favorite pro teacher tips is to...
How to Create a Bucket Filler Classroom
I am a firm believer in positive and encouraging classroom environments. Students who feel safe and encouraged are being set up to take risks, challenge themselves, and work hard. There are a few ways that I achieve this in my classroom. This post...
