Step 5: Filling In
I certainly don't expect that you are anywhere near being finished with steps 1-4, so don't panic! When you get to step 5, you should have your box set up and your curriculum on hand or at least the table of contents.
Filling in means that you fill in your weekly lessons with activities that are not included in your purchased curriculum. Sometimes publishers include hands-on activities, but most do not. When it comes to learning, reinforcement and repetition are key ingredients. Giving your child many opportunities to learn a concept will help cement the idea and make the learning more meaningful and fun! The lessons provided by the curricula you purchase should be thought of as the meat and potatoes of your school. They do just fine by themselves but sometimes we need a bit more. Filling in with some side items or even dessert can make a boring meal into a extraordinary one. Are you ready to get started?
my box with some fun side items
First, you will need to gather a few supplies. You will need the table of contents for curriculum or scope and sequence if you've created one or been provided with one. You will also need plenty of printer paper and toner. If you plan on keeping what you make, you will want to invest the $30 on a laminator, trust me, it's worth it.
a small sampling of the table of contents I've printed out
Now that you've got your gear, let's get cooking! This is where we make our boring meal into a fun and memorable one. Take one subject at a time. Warning: this may take awhile.
Here is a close up of my son's math curriculum for next year.
The number of the lesson refers to the day. So I can see that on day 15, my son will be working on rounding and estimating. By no means am I going to find an extra activity for each day. But I will find a few for each week that cover the big concepts.
What activities?
Good question.
Good question.
Fill in your lesson with:
File Folder Games
Online Games
File Folder Games
Online Games
Projects
Lap Books
Notebook Pages
Experiments
Take It To Your Seat Centers
Field Trips
Lap Books
Notebook Pages
Experiments
Take It To Your Seat Centers
Field Trips
These might be things you already do, but for many of us, they are not planned way in advance. The way to WIN at planning is to be way ahead, not barely keeping up.
Here are some places to look for activities to Fill In:
Teachers Pay Teachers
Teachers Pay Teachers
This is just a small sampling of the resources that are out there. Of course, my favorites are Teachers Pay Teachers and Teachers Notebook because these are materials that are crafted by teachers. Not only are the activities kid-tested, but there is a ton of items that are free or almost free.
Go get busy!
Go get busy!
I just wanted to say that I am in LOVE with your doodle frames!! I will be purchasing soon! So creative, so pretty! Thanks for all your organizing tips too!
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