As I was doing my daily blog hopping, I came across a great book study that has been happening and bringing many great blogging minds together. Make sure to check out One Extra Degree and follow the rest of the book study schedule. Click the book study link to the left to visit her blog.
This chapter's topic: HUMOR
I tend to think I am pretty funny. I may have a sarcastic sense of humor (lost on my students when teaching 2nd grade), but I love to make kids laugh! I get this from my dad… A man who was known for letting off stink bombs while telling stories to me and my cousins, or crafting tales of a booger man named Wesley. He always found a way to make us laugh. In turn, I strive to make others laugh around me because I think that if we bring joy to others…it's contagious. As teachers, we have an opportunity to spread joy and share our sense of humor. We have a daily audience…and there is no better audience than a group of children. Here are some ways to add a little extra hint of delight and humor into your classroom.
1. Read in accents. Kids LOVE funny voices. As a librarian, it is my joy to read aloud to students and make the characters and their stories come to life. I love to transform into a squeaky squirrel, a British rabbit, or a dastardly pirate. Changing voices and accents when reading is my opportunity to be on stage. It sends K-5th graders giggling, but they sit there enthralled as they enjoy hearing their teacher become different characters. One of my second graders was giving a book recommendation about "Tops and Bottoms" by Janet Stevens and said, "What I liked most about this book was the voices. Especially the rabbit. He sounded so funny." Should I spoil the secret? That bunny was actually-me?!? The students are so into the story, they forget that we are the ones creating these voices. :)
2. Use old magazines and have students write funny captions or thoughts. They will crack themselves up… The otter might be saying: "Girl, this water is COLD!" Or the monkey thinking, "Mom-you really need some new shampoo." Can you think of something the hippo might say?
3. Be an announcer: As the oldest of four kids (3 younger brothers), we were always playing together. However, we always wanted dad to come watch and announce our games. He had an uncanny talent for bringing out games of basketball to life and fill the game with commentary like we were on TV complete with a play by play and announcer voice. I have put this "announcing" into practice in the classroom and kids love to have you announce their successes. I am no "Jeff Probst", but kids do love the attention and it adds a little bit of fun to the daily routine.
4. Spontaneous Movement breaks: Yoga, impromptu dance party, balance challenges…get kids up and moving and the laughter will follow. Teach them some moves from "Hitch"…I love showing them the sprinkler or my signature shopping cart. They think it is hilarious to see their teacher dance. It also helps break up the day and add a little sparkle.
Take a page from the Mary Poppins playbook…"in every job that must be done there is an element of fun. You find the fun and SNAP…the job's a game." Teachers-help find the fun. Share your humor. Remember bring joy to the classroom. It's contagious.
Don't you just love weekends? Definitely a rhetorical question if I have ever heard one. There is nothing like the feeling you have on Friday night...that wonderful feeling anticipating a night's sleep without having to set an alarm. I love sleep. I really do. I may attribute some of this love developing from having mono twice in my life. But today, college memories of consistent weekday naps are but distant flashbacks. Now, waking up at 7:50 on a Saturday actually feels like sleeping in. It's glorious!
When teaching second graders it was an absolute necessity to have occasional desk cleaning days. And I mean DEEP cleaning. It was always amazing to me what we would find….a treasure hunt of disgusting. Socks, old gummies, and chewed on toys of all kids would appear-I have no idea, but the sticky mess was sure interesting. Cleaning and maintaining organization at this age is essential. Meet today's freebie…Clean Desk Pack. This contains slips or desk coupons that you can slip in clean desks along with a little treat to encourage organization. I also always gave out a monthly clean desk award to a student who was always responsible and took pride in their organization. This pack can help motivate those who seem to be taking on the form of Pigpen from Charlie Brown. :)
Welcome to the first edition of "Techie Tuesday" where I will be posting a technology related tidbit. I am so excited about sharing some interesting topics with you each week, but I am starting with a little tip for all those TpT sellers out there.
It's time for FREEBIE FRIDAY and I love sharing this March activity. 
Friday is finally here….and you know what that means----FREEBIE! I am excited to share something that will help make your sub plans take a little less time to write in a pinch. These two writing activities can be used at any time and helps get kids writing and reading. First, "Where is my teacher?"- Students creatively craft a story about the adventures their teacher could be having when not at school. I must admit, these can be hilarious to read! The second writing activity is "Extra! Extra! Read All About It!" Students will independently read during class for 20-30 minutes and then work on a response about their reading that day. These can help add an hour + to your sub plans (perfect for those days you are truly sick and have to put together plans on the spot!)
Also try my creative writing with a substitute pack. Click to view in my TpT store. This is filled with 5 + template pages with options to print with primary or intermediate lined paper. There is also a template to draw your own shapes.
