Social Studies Vocabulary

Our first graders love to learn new words, especially when we tell them that knowing these words will impress their friends and family and will be on tests when they’re in the third grade! When it comes to content vocabulary the words can be a little tricky for them to remember so we came up with some strategies to help them commit these words to memory.

First we combed through our state standards and found words that are fundamental to building a solid foundation of social studies knowledge. Then we created term cards for each vocabulary word. What are term cards? They are large flashcards (a half sheet of paper) that have the important vocabulary in large print with the definition or other critical information below. These are used for whole class instruction as well as reinforcement at centers. We like to print these on card stock and laminate them for extra durability.

Next we decided to ensure all students had easy and constant access to the words they’ve already learned. To do this we decided to have students make glossaries in their individual social studies journals. Each glossary card has the same vocabulary word and definition or critical information as the term cards. They also include a picture space for students to illustrate the word in a way that will help them make lasting connections.

It’s been great to see students’ knowledge of essential vocabulary grow. If you teach first grade in Virginia we’ve already created a set you can use. You can visit our Teachers pay Teachers site and download all 32 term cards and glossary cards.

Come back to this site next week to learn about our content word wall, which focuses on Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Behavior Charts: A Year’s Supply of Classroom Management

Behavior management can be tricky for any teacher. There are many cute behavior charts out there, but if you’re not good at remembering to give students a sticker each day (like us!), you’re limited in your selection. A few years ago we decided to do something a little different and get students more involved in the process.

We give students their behavior charts, printed onto 8x5 index cards, and let them keep track of their own behavior. If we print one in full color, students cross out items on the card when they display incorrect behavior. If we print one in black and white they can color in the items when they display great behavior. Alternately, students can color the black and white choices for ownership of their behavior chart. In this case, they would cross out items for displaying incorrect behavior.

Since we love these charts so much we decided to share them with you. You can print out this kite behavior chart in color or black and white. These documents are set up to print 2 behavior charts on a full sized sheet of paper (we use cardstock). If you like it, please check out the others we’ve made!

TV Tray Topic

To simplify your morning routine, start off the day with a journal writing activity. Each morning, at the front of the classroom, display an object on a TV tray. The object could be a photograph, an item from nature (like a beehive or bird’s nest), a trinket or a tool. The students’ first task of the day is to examine the object; then illustrate it and write about it in their journals. With your students getting right to work, you can read notes from parents and take care of other urgent matters quickly and efficiently.

A Year of Top Ten Lists

If you liked our Top Ten Favorites for Summer, then you’ll LOVE what we’ve done for the school year. Check out our Teachers pay Teachers store to find lists for September through May. Each list showcases a favorite book, website, snack, author, rainy/snowy day activity, family field trip, animal to research, movie, exercise and craft.

Picture of the Week

Students are always so curious about our private lives - right? So why not give them a little insight into who we are, where we go and what we see?

I keep a variety of photos in a small container at school. Examples might include pictures from my vacations, my weekend outings, creatures in my yard, weather (like the time I saw a tornado!) or shots from my childhood. Every Monday, I tape a new picture on a laminated (so it’s reusable!) paper titled, “Picture of the Week”  and slide it into a clear plastic picture frame. At the end of our morning routine, I close with the viewing of the picture. I take a few moments to tell about it and then leave it out on a table for the rest of the week. The students visit the picture again and again and discuss the tidbits I shared about it. Some even write about it during independent writing time!