Todd Bol, founder of the Little Free Library, has passed away

Todd Bol, the man who founded the Little Free Library and created a global movement, has died after a brief battle with cancer. He was 62.

Bol died October 18, weeks after learning he had pancreatic and peritoneal cancer and entered hospice care.

It should be no surprise that the Little Free Library was inspired by a teacher - Bol's mother. When she died, he honored her memory by taking wood from his old garage door and building a little schoolhouse. He placed it on a post in front of his house, and inside, he placed a handful of books which anyone could borrow on an honor system. Many even left their own books to share with others, and more Little Free Libraries began popping up around his home in Hudson, Wisconsin.

After word of his libraries hit the internet, the movement went viral. Nine years later, there are 75,000 Little Free Libraries in 88 countries around the world.

Shortly before he died, Bol gave one of his final interviews to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, in which he reflected on his legacy and the Little Free Library's impact on the world.

“If I may be so bold, I’m the most successful person I know,” Bol told the Star Tribune. “I stimulate 54 million books to be read and neighbors to talk to each other. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the very definition of success. I wouldn’t switch my existence for Jeff Bezos or any of it.”

Even though Bol suffered from dyslexia, and had difficulty reading, his love for books has become a way for neighbors to bond in communities worldwide. The movement has even expanded, with some law enforcement using police cars as "bookmobiles," and service projects inspired by causes featured in some books.

Even as he faced his own mortality, he was looking to expand the movement's impact for years to come. “Wouldn’t it be cool if every Little Free Library could connect you with tutoring?” Bol said. “There are so many different ways of using Little Free Libraries as a spark within the community.”

The mission of the Little Free Library will continue despite Bol's death. Thirteen employees now work for the non-profit that runs the Little Free Library and connects with volunteer "stewards" who run libraries around the world. Todd's brother Tony is taking over as the "face" of the organization, and the chairwoman of the board is taking over day-to-day operations.

Our condolences go out to Bol's family, friends, and colleagues at The Little Free Library.

You can learn more about the Little Free Library organization by visiting their website at LittleFreeLibrary.org. 

On the Road to Recovery!

To All My Faithful Followers:

In February of 2018, I was diagnosed with an early stage of uterine cancer. At the time, the doctor was hopeful that surgery would resolve the issue without chemo. It turned out to be much more challenging than that. The surgery would reveal that I had a form of cancer called Synchronous Primary, which meant I had a second cancer growing. The cancer was ovarian, which did require chemo. The journey has been a battle, but with the Lord’s help I am finally on the road to recovery!

As I began to restore my health, I started looking for ways to live healthier and limit the toxins that enter my home. A friend told me about an online wellness shopping club. They sell over 400 products such as household cleaners, home fragrances, beauty care, food and beverages, and of course, vitamins & supplements. I have been so pleased with everything I have purchased from them.

As a preferred customer, not only do I get discounted rates but they also have a program in which I am also able to supplement my income. Which is definitely something all teachers could use, am I right?

If you are like me and are trying to recover from a health crisis or if you just want to make your life healthier, send me a message. I can send you the link, or just give you more information on it. Remember, this is a wellness shopping club, so there is no selling, start up costs or gimmicks. It’s just a great way to start buying healthier household products and rid your home and body of toxins. ~Lena   

my email: webmaster@teacherresourceroom.com

Some of my favorite products!

Gets rid of those aches and pains.

Great for a midmorning snack!

Avoids harmful toxins on my face.

The best Kona coffee!

Keeps my feet silky smooth!

Tips for Parents: Bedtime Stories

Bedtime stories play an important role in a child’s development. Not only do bedtime stories create an opportunity for parents to bond with their children, having a reading routine at the same time every night can help them establish healthy sleep. Children with great sleep habits are more likely to retain what they’ve learned in school, grasp new material quickly, and think through problems creatively.

Researchers have found that children who were raised with a regular routine of listening to and reading bedtime stories have a higher-than-average rate of childhood literacy.

Click this link for tips to successful bedtime stories from TUCK. 

By Katrina Schwartz March 26, 2015

Mind/Shift

When students use their bodies in the learning process, it can have a big effect, even if it seems silly or unconnected to the learning goal at hand. Researchers have found that when students use their bodies while doing mathematical storytelling (like with word problems, for example), it changes the way they think about math. “We understand language in a richer, fuller way if we can connect it to the actions we perform,” said Sian Beilock, professor of psychology at the University of Chicago.

“Encouraging kids to use their hands brings out unsaid, and often correct ideas, which then makes them more open to instruction and more likely to learn.”

To read the complete article click the link below.

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/03/26/why-kids-need-to-move-touch-and-experience-to-learn/

Differentiation is a method of teaching that recognizes that students learn in different ways. Carol Ann Tomlinson believes differentiation means giving students multiple options for taking in information. Author Laura Robb said "differentiating instruction means that you observe and understand the differences and similarities among students and use this information to plan instruction."

Here, we focus on a particular differentiated instructional strategy: Museum!

Museum

Students display (on the wall or on a table) their finished product, poster, project, etc. Half of the class stays with their work, ready to answer questions and share information. The other half of the class wanders around (as if in a museum) looking at the projects, asking questions, and listening to the information.

 Once adequate time is given, the two groups trade places and repeat the process.

Click here to purchase our Differentiated Instructional Strategies Posters and Reference Cards.

STEM Lessons You Can Learn From Iconic Robots!

STEM lessons are more fun with famous robots from movies and pop culture!

Website: We Are Teachers

Article Posted by Stacy Tornio

1. THE IRON GIANT

2. WALL-E

3. OPTIMUS PRIME

4. OLIE

5. CLINK

6. C-3PO

7. LEGO^® MINDSTORMS^® EV3

What do these robots have in common?

Besides the big screen, they make great STEM lessons for your students! This article has gathered seven amazing robots from books, movies, and television that offer unique and creative teachable moments for your students.

Click here to check it out:

The Best Part of Me!

The Body of Christ

 

Display Created By: Cheryl Kulp

 

We currently live in a world of "selfies." Our children are raised with an "all about me" focus. If not careful, this type of thinking can quickly develop into self-centeredness.

   

This beautiful activity shifts the focus from ourselves to honoring God!

 

Students select their favorite body part (or the teacher can select one for them) and write a passage on how they can honor the Lord with that part of their body.

 

Recommended scriptures to use with this activity:  

• 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
• Romans 12:4-5
• Colossians14-18
• Ephesians 1:20-23

 

Directions:

1. Take an individual picture of one part of each student.

2. On a sheet of paper have each student write a passage on how they can honor the Lord with the selected body part.

3. Attach two sheets of construction paper lengthwise, then mount picture and written passage. 

4. Display on bulletin board.    



It's May and I'm Tired. How About You?

Editor: Here's a great article from TeacherHabits.com

Are you tired after teaching?

Better question: When was the last time you weren’t tired after teaching?

There are three reasons.

1. Decision Fatigue and Willpower

2. High-intensity emotions

3. Worry

Here's what can be done about it...

Click here to continuing reading the article at TeacherHabits.com. 

A Typeface Designed to Help Dyslexics Read

A Typeface Designed to Help Dyslexics Read

By Kristin Hohenadel

Dutch designer Christian Boer created a dyslexic-friendly font to make reading easier for people with dyslexia, like himself.

“Traditional fonts are designed solely from an aesthetic point of view,” Boer writes on his website, “which means they often have characteristics that make characters difficult to recognize for people with dyslexia. Oftentimes, the letters of a word are confused, turned around or jumbled up because they look too similar.”

Designed to make reading clearer and more enjoyable for people with dyslexia, Dyslexie uses heavy base lines, alternating stick and tail lengths, larger openings, and semicursive slants to ensure that each character has a unique and more easily recognizable form.

To read the rest of the article click the link below.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_eye/2014/11/10/christian_boer_s_dyslexie_is_a_typeface_for_dyslexics.html?wpsrc=fol_fb

STEM Research Report Poster

 
Your students will love using this poster to research and report on their favorite STEM Star.

Activities on the poster include:
1. Picture of STEM Star
2. Important Quote
3. Areas of Contribution
4. Inspiration
5. Achievements
6. Biography

Click here to purchase this unit.

 

 

Curious George: A Holocaust Survior

***For 3rd-6th Grade Students***

We have all grown up loving the mischievous little monkey named Curious George. For years, he has filled our minds and hearts with adventure and excitement!

But do you know about the true-to-life adventure that saved Curious George from nonexistence?

Thanks to author Louise Burden, we now know true story behind our favorite little monkey! In the book entitled The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey, Mrs. Burden unveils the journey taken by the authors and creators of Curious George. 

In 1940, H.A. and Margret Rey had to flee their Paris home as the German army advanced on the capital city. They began their harrowing journey taking only a few possessions, including the book manuscript that was to become Curious George!

 

Softback                                     Hardback

This book is an excellent resource to use as an introduction in teaching students about the Holocaust and the importance of respecting others. The book is available from Amazon by clicking right here.

"A stirring and elegantly packaged saga."- Published Weekly, starred review

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Teacher Resource Room has developed a comprehensive unit to use along with this extraordinary book.

The Journey That Saved Curious George Literature Unit

This Mega Unit for grades 3-6 includes a
44 Page activity unit and a 38 Slide PowerPoint Presentation.

When purchasing this unit you will receive...

• A PowerPoint presentation which includes a script and instruction guide for the teacher. 
• Links and research information on how to introduce the Holocaust.
• A 5 lesson summary on how use the unit.
• A student packet that coincides with the PowerPoint presentation.
• Background information on Curious George.
• Book overview and author introduction.
• Vocabulary Words related to the book.
• Comprehension Questions with an answer key.
• Instructions on how to do a group project with the book, by using the "Jigsaw Method."
• Timeline materials for your students to map out the journey taken by Curious George and his creators.
• Four extended activities which include critical thinking, creative writing, character development, and self-reflection. 
• Click here to purchase the unit!

 

Sample Pages

Sample of the PowerPoint 

Depending on how in-depth you choose to get on the subject, this unit is creatively designed to last between 1 to 3 weeks.

If you have questions on how to implement this amazing unit in your classroom, please contact us at webmaster@teacherresourceroom.com

and we will be happy to help!

 

Samples of
 Instruction Guide, Script, Timeline, and Vocabulary Words

 Samples of
Holocaust Lesson, Critical Thinking Assignment, Comprehension Questions,
Cover Sheet for Student Packet, and Lesson Summary
Click here to purchase!

Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad

Our literature unit will make a nice addition to your Black History Month curriculum.

This is a 13 page literature unit for the book "Unspoken: A Story of the Underground Railroad" by Henry Cole. It includes essay questions on prediction, interpretation, and connection. It also includes a character bubble activity, a creative writing exercise with vocabulary words, and a "Thank You Letter" activity. It also includes bonus Bible verses related to the subject.

Book summary: A young girl's courage is tested in this haunting, wordless story. When a farm girl discovers a runaway slave hiding in the barn, she is at once startled and frightened. But the stranger's fearful eyes weigh upon her conscience, and she must make a difficult choice. Will she have the courage to help him? Unspoken gifts of humanity unite the girl and the runaway as they each face a journey: one following the North Star, the other following her heart. Henry Cole's unusual and original rendering of the Underground Railroad speaks directly to our deepest sense of compassion.

You can order the literature unit through our Teachers Pay Teachers store by clicking here.

You can order the book Unspoken: A Story of the Underground Railroad on Amazon by clicking here.

Free Essential Questions Poster

Essential Questions

1. Where and when does the story take place?

2. Who are the main characters?

3. Name characteristics of the main characters.

4. Who is your favorite character? Why?

5. Which picture in the book do you like the best?

6. Which part of the story do you like best?

7. How do you feel about the end of the story?

8. What do you remember most about the story?

9. Do you think others would like to read this story?          

10. Would you read another book by this author?

Click here to receive this freebie!

Valentine's Day Gifts

Need some inspiration to jazz up your classroom's Valentine's Day theme? Here are some great ideas!

Blowing Kisses

 Cut out paper heart and place them on a blank wall. Have your students pretend they are blowing a kiss. Frame the photo or use it on a Valentine card. It is sure to be a gift parents will treasure for years to come!

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Thumbprint Bookmarks

Supplies Needed:
red construction paper
white paper
scallop scissors
red ribbon
single hole punch
red washable ink
glue

Cut the red and white paper into 2"x 8" strips. Then use scallop scissors to trim down the white paper just enough to let the red show on the sizes. Glue the two papers together. Punch out a hole at the top of the bookmark and run a small ribbon through. Use the child's thumbs to make these adorable hearts with red washable ink.  

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"Be Mine" Valentine card 

Important Note:

Before placing your student's hand down on the card, make sure their thumbs and index fingers are connecting and making a heart shape.

Place the hands on the card, folded size down, so that you can flip it over and see the heart shape.

Write "Be Mine" inside the heart! 

Black History Month

Are you looking to grow your Black History Library collection? We highly recommend these books! 

Use the links below to find some Amazon deals!

From Top to Bottom, Left to Right:

 1.  I Love My Hair by Natasha Trepley
2.  Aunt Flossie's Hats (and Crab Cakes Later) by Elizabeth Howard
3.  Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
4.  Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama
5.  A Picture Book of Rosa Parks by David Adler
6.  If a Bus Could Talk by Faith Ringgold
7.  Garrett Morgan, Inventor by Garnet Jackson
8.  A Picture Book of Frederick Douglass by David Adler
9.  Ellen’s Broom by Kelly Starling Lyons
10.  What Color is My World? By Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
11.  When Grandmama Sings by Margaree King Mitchell
12.  The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
13.  Who Was Harriet Tubman? by Yona Zeldis McDonough
14.  George Washington Carver: Teacher, Scientist, and Inventor by Lori Mortensen
15.  Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
16.  Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull
17.  He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson
18.  Desmond and the Very Mean Word by Desmond Tutu

100 Days of School

Grades 2nd through 6th grade!

This 8-page activity unit covers the first "100 Days of School!"

This is a set of three classroom worksheet activities and projects, all featuring a "100" theme. Included are the following:
 
 "If I Was Turning 100 Today" Poem. Students can fill in blanks to complete the poem, as well as "decorate" a cake for their 100th birthday!

"I'm 100 Days Smarter" Worksheet. This is a worksheet is perfect for your "100 Days of School" activities. Students can describe what they learned in school so far this year.

"If I Were 100 Years Old" Worksheet. Students can describe what it would be like to be 100 years old, and instructions for a craft project in which students can make a portrait of themselves at 100 is included.

You can purchase this kit by clicking here to visit our Teachers Pay Teachers page.



Sharing the Good News of Christmas!

Retell the true meaning of Christmas while eating M&M's!

 

This Christmas tree craft would be fun to do on the last day before Christmas break! Twist a green pipe cleaner in the shape of a tree and glue pompoms to it. Use a low-temp hot glue gun for best results! 

Christmas Break is Almost Here!

Countdown to Christmas!

Your students will love counting down to Christmas by trimming the beard of Santa Claus.

 



Science: Pumpkin Plants

Put those Halloween pumpkins to good use. Fill the pumpkin with soil and add water. Watch the pumpkin seeds that were already in the pumpkin grow!

Fall Poems and Crafts!

Fall Leaves

Red, yellow, orange, brown

Leaves are falling all around.

See them dance

In the cool, Fall air.

Rake them and pile them

And bag them with care.

The Wise Old Owl

A wise old owl

sat on an oak.

The more he heard

the less he spoke.

The less he spoke

the more he heard.

We all should be like

  that wise old bird.



Grow a Pumpkin Patch in Your Classroom!

Use these pumpkins as a
book report display or as a creative writing project! 

Click here for instructions on making your own pumpkin!

Candy Corn Poem and Art for Christian and Sunday Schools!

Enjoy this wonderful poem based on the legend of the candy corn!

Candy Corn Poem

As there are three colors in the candy corn I see;

There are three persons in the Holy Trinity. God our loving Father, Jesus, the Son, and our helper the Holy Spirit.

All three are God yet together they are One.

Discover Seesaw for Your Classroom!

Staying current with teaching techniques is a necessity as an educator.

Take a moment to discover Seesaw for your classroom!

Click here for more information

Seesaw is a student-driven digital portfolio that empowers students of all ages to independently document what they are learning at school. They can then share it with their teachers, parents, classmates, and even the world.

For Students
Seesaw empowers students to independently document their learning and provides an audience for their work—their peers, parents, or the world. 

For Families
Seesaw gives families an immediate and personalized window into their child’s school day, helping to answer: "What did you do at school today?"

 

For Teachers
Seesaw saves you time on organization and parent communication, makes formative assessment easy, and provides a safe place to teach 21st Century skills.

Three ways to use Seesaw

Seesaw for Feedback and Reflection

Some teachers use Seesaw primarily as a place for students to share their work, and specifically encourage individual reflection and peer feedback. Seesaw becomes a place not only where student work can be stored, but where teachers and peers can provide encouragement, constructive criticism, and suggestions for improvement. An authentic audience of peers can encourage students to do their best work. Teachers have the opportunity to review any comments before they are posted, to ensure that feedback is constructive and appropriate.

Seesaw for Assignments & Assessment
Some teachers choose to use Seesaw in a more private way, where they can do student assessments, collect work, and give direct private feedback to students. You can even send assignments to students for them to complete and turn in. This primarily makes Seesaw a place where students and teachers can interact around their work.

Seesaw for Parent Engagement
For other teachers, Seesaw is primarily used as a way to communicate with parents and keep them in the loop on their child's learning progress at school. Students add items to Seesaw they are proud of in a self directed way, as well as work their teacher has assigned. Teachers report that students are motivated to do better work, when they know their parents will provide immediate feedback during the day or ask them about it that evening.

These are just a few of the typical ways we've seen teachers use Seesaw, but you can configure Seesaw in a way that works best for you.  

Click here for more information.

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Unpacking the Standards

"Unpacking a standard" is the process of identifying what students will know and be able to do when they have mastered the standards. Through the process of identifying nouns and verbs in a standard, educators will be able to create learning targets that focus on student content and skill acquisition.

Critical Elements to Remember when "Unpacking the Standards:"

1. Identify key concepts and skills.
2. Identify learning target types.
3. Determine big ideas.

Steps for "Unpacking the Standards" and understanding what is contained within each point.

• Identifying “essential” standards.
• Developing clear learning goals or objectives.
• Shifting students’ focus from “answer getting” to solving problems and critical thinking. 
• Exposing students to a large variety of complex texts in ALL subject areas. 
• Connecting the standard topics to the prior knowledge of students.
• Establishing the classroom environment as a community of learners. 

 Click here to order the "Understanding Design Guide to Creating High Quality Units" from Amazon, a great resource on the teaching technique!