I recently put together a clean and colorful version of the Dolch Sight Words to help make reading practice a little more eye-catching and enjoyable—especially for my four-year-old who appreciates anything that looks “fun.” If you’re a homeschool parent or early educator looking for a simple, cheerful way to introduce sight words, this list is for you!
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If you’re looking for even more ways to make reading engaging for your child, be sure to check out Sight Words & Simple Phonics: An Essential Word List for Early Readers. In that post, I share the free list I created for my son, along with tips for making word reading more fun, active, and developmentally appropriate for young learners.

I've recently been working on a phonics and sight words list for my 4-year-old son to help him practice reading. Creating this list was both fun and rewarding because it showed me just how far he's come—and it's something I'd love to share with you, too.

To start, I gathered all the CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words I could think of and added some simple phonetically correct words with four or more letters. After introducing him to the "ing" word endings, our list grew even longer since we could easily build on words he already knew.
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I also incorporated sight words—those tricky words that can't be sounded out using phonics alone. Some he's already mastered, while others he still needs a bit more exposure to. Using the Dolch Sight Word List by grade level was the simplest way to ensure he gets consistent practice. This extensive list amazes me, especially seeing my son confidently read so many words at such a young age!

To keep our sessions fun and manageable, we usually focus on one page a day. At his age, sitting still isn't exactly at the top of his list, so we keep it active. If he reads a word like "hop," "jump," or "run," he immediately acts it out. For household objects, I send him off to find and bring them to me, turning the exercise into an energetic game. Numbers become counting games with his favorite toys, like counting out seven Hot Wheels cars.
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Speed is a huge motivator for my son—he absolutely loves timers. Remember Lightning McQueen from Disney Pixar's Cars? His affirmation before his races, "I am speed," is practically my son's motto! Setting a timer to see how fast he can read through a column of words is a surefire way to get him excited. We always go at his pace, making sure the experience remains positive and pressure-free.

Sometimes, we take breaks for short conversations about the words, which can be great for both comprehension and bonding. The key is staying flexible, patient, and making learning enjoyable for a young, energetic learner.

What's your favorite way to make reading practice exciting for your child?

What's one creative game or activity you've tried that turned reading into something your child truly enjoys?

How do you keep reading fun and stress-free when your child gets frustrated or impatient?

What challenges have you faced when teaching your child to read, and how have you overcome them?
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Do you remember a special moment or milestone when you realized your child's reading skills were really blossoming? Share your story!

​I've been on a mission to find creative ways for my toddler to complete math worksheets. While he’s a whiz with numbers, he’s just not quite ready to tackle handwriting practice yet.  He’s actually really good at solving problems quickly in his head using mental math. It's super impressive and I'm so proud it's inexplicable, but I sometimes want to slow him down a bit so he can fully grasp the concept of counting fingers and objects when adding and subtracting.

Making Math Fun and Engaging

To make this process more enjoyable and less about handwriting, I give him activities that require him to circle the correct answer or fill in a bubble below the sum or difference. We've also been using number stickers that he can peel and stick onto worksheets. That has been a HUGE hit! 
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Recently, we tried something new—drawing lines between the problems and their corresponding answers. This adds a different level of interaction to the mix and continues to give him a little more practice holding and using writing utensils.

Bringing in His Favorite Characters

Knowing how much he LOVES Numberblocks and Numberblobs, I've been incorporating these action figures into our math time for quite a while now.  Using these characters as his manipulatives helps him physically count and visualize each addition problem.  He's also far more engaged when these toys are part of the learning process.

Counting Together

When we’re working through the problems, I have him count on his fingers—sometimes even using mine depending on the equation. This hands-on approach helps him slow down and really understand and think about the addition process. It’s not just about getting the right answer; it’s about reinforcing the basics of counting and making sure those concepts stick.

Materials Needed: 1 sheet of graph paper (per student)

2 page lesson with answer key (bar graph graded separately)

Lesson Involves:
Creating a bar graph
Adding and subtracting 2 digit numbers
Subtracting money with coins
$99.00
-$50.75
How much more than
Most and least

Directions: Use the information below to fill in the chart and answer the following questions. Re-read the passage and double check your answers!

Lesson: 5 children have birthdays in the same month. Students are instructed to read the word problem, then fill in the chart below with details of how much birthday money each kid received.

Afterwards, students are instructed to use the same chart to answer questions regarding HOW MUCH MORE money does one birthday kid have over another, who has the LEAST / MOST amount of money and various scenarios of how much money a birthday kid will have left if they spend it on particular objects.

Finally, students are asked to use their graph paper to create a bar graph to chart how much money each person received for their birthday.

This can either be used as a homework assignment, in-class practice or quiz.

Happy Teaching!

4 Pages
​1 Addition Worksheet 
1 Subtraction Worksheet 
1 Multiplication Worksheet 
1 Division Worksheet

A Worksheet for Reflection and Feedback

Classrooms and homeschool settings are always buzzing with non-stop activity, and after a long day of learning, it's crucial to reflect on what resonated with students. One of the most effective ways to gather this information is through an "exit ticket," a quick worksheet that students fill out before leaving the classroom or finishing their homeschooling day. 

This simple and straightforward Exit Ticket worksheet is designed to be a fun activity that encourages self-reflection and a safe space for providing feedback to teachers, parents and guardians. It incorporates various shapes, each asking a different question that provides insights into the child's day.

What's On The Worksheet?

Here are the shapes and corresponding questions featured in this unique exit ticket:

• Glue Bottle: "What stuck with you today?" 
• Heart Shape: "What did you love about today?"
• Lightbulb: "What ideas did you have or discuss today?"
• Puzzle Piece: "What was challenging for you today?"
• Sticker: "What did you accomplish today?"
• Speech Bubble: "What feedback do you want to share with your teacher/family?"

What's Included in the Download?

Every educational setting is unique, which is why this resource was designed to be a versatile 10-page download to suit various needs. Here's what you'll find inside:

• Teacher's Option: Specifically tailored for classroom use.
  • 1 version without a frame/border and has slightly larger shapes
  • 4 versions with various frames/borders for added flair
• Parent's Option: Ideal for homeschooling or supplemental learning at home.
  • 1 version without a frame/border and has slightly larger shapes
  • 4 versions with different frames/borders for a personal touch

Whether you're a teacher looking to implement this in a classroom or a parent keen on enhancing your child's learning experience, there's an option for you.

When and How to Use It

• In the Classroom - Teachers can hand out this worksheet at the end of the day or after a significant activity or lesson. It takes just a few minutes to complete and can be done while students are packing up their belongings.

 

• At Home - For homeschoolers or students looking to reflect on their day, this worksheet is also a fantastic tool. Parents can hand it out at the end of the educational day to get a sense of what resonated with their child.  

 

• Add Some Color! - Once the questions are answered, students have the option to color in the shapes, adding a personal and creative touch to their exit ticket. This small act of creativity can make the process more engaging for the students and adds an element of art into their day.  To take it a step further, consider printing the exit tickets on colored paper. The added pop of color can make the activity even more visually appealing, inviting, and engaging for the students. It's a simple change that can have a big impact on how students interact with this important reflective exercise

Why Adults Should Participate

You might also consider taking part in the Exit Ticket activity yourself. It's not just for kids! Whether you're a parent or a teacher, completing an Exit Ticket offers several benefits:

• Deepens Conversations - Doing this activity together can serve as a great conversation starter. For families, you can review them together before, during, or after dinner, turning mealtime into a richer bonding experience. For teachers, this could serve as a springboard for classroom discussions, giving students insights into the teacher's perspective and making the educational experience more relatable.

 

• Encourages Mutual Understanding - When both adult and child fill out an Exit Ticket, it opens up avenues for mutual understanding. For parents, your child gets to see what challenges you or what you've accomplished during the day, and vice versa. For teachers, sharing your Exit Ticket with the class can humanize you in the eyes of your students, breaking down barriers and building rapport.

 

• Fosters a Culture of Reflection - Making Exit Tickets a regular habit can help instill the importance of daily reflection and continuous learning. For parents, this skill is invaluable throughout life. For teachers, it sets a positive example for students and encourages them to be reflective learners, enhancing not just their academic skills but also their personal growth.

 

• Incorporates into Existing Routines - The best part? This activity can be seamlessly incorporated into your existing routines. For families, whether it's a dinner table discussion or a part of your bedtime ritual, it's flexible enough to fit into your day. For teachers, this could be an end-of-day activity or even a weekly reflection session, allowing you to check in with your students regularly without disrupting the academic schedule.

So, the next time you hand your child or student an Exit Ticket, consider filling one out yourself. It's a small step that can make a big difference in enhancing communication and fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Why Is This Resource Valuable?

Benefits for Students

• Self-Reflection: It encourages students to reflect on their learning experiences and emotions.
• Voice and Choice: Gives students an avenue to express their thoughts and feelings.

Benefits for Teachers

• Insightful Feedback: Teachers get to understand what parts of the lesson resonated, what was challenging, and what might need to be revisited.
• Classroom Dynamics: Knowing what students loved or found challenging can help in future lesson planning.

Benefits for Parents and Guardians

• Connection: For parents, particularly those who homeschool, this worksheet provides a window into what their child found memorable or challenging.
• Support: Understanding what "stuck" or was challenging for their child can help parents provide targeted support at home.

What's Next?

Exit tickets have been a staple in educational settings for quite some time, but I wanted to add some flair and fun to this essential tool. With this simple and straightforward Exit Ticket, students, teachers, parents and guardians have a versatile tool for reflection, feedback, and even a touch of creativity.

So why not make this resource a staple in your daily routine? It's a small step that can make a big difference.

"Have you used exit tickets in your educational setting before? What was your experience?"
"What features do you look for in an effective exit ticket?"
"Would you prefer the teacher's or parent's option for your situation? Why?"
"Do you have any other creative ways to make exit tickets more engaging?"

Introduce your young readers to the contrasting lifestyles of urban and rural settings with these insightful reading passages. This resource includes two passages with three accompanying questions each, designed to encourage detailed understanding and critical thinking.

Passage 1 explores the bustling life in New York City, touching on its transportation systems, iconic landmarks, and vibrant sports scene. Students are prompted to compare their own living environments with that of NYC, delve into the city’s nicknames, and reflect on its urban character.
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Passage 2 takes students to a serene countryside setting, portraying the calm and nature-centric life it offers. It nudges students to compare city life with country life, evaluate the author's stance, and understand the distinct attributes of urban and rural areas.
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This resource not only enhances reading comprehension but also stimulates thoughtful discussions on different living environments.

2 pages, 4 word problems per page.
​Mostly used with 3rd and 4th grade.  

4 worksheets requiring students to write 5 complete sentences.

The directions are as follows:

Page 1:
Write 5 complete sentences using action verbs. Complete sentences begin with a capital letter and end with a period.

Page 2:
Write 5 complete sentences using nouns and verbs.
Complete sentences begin with a capital letter and end with a period.

​Page 3:
Write 5 complete sentences. Circle the verbs and underline the nouns.

Page 4:
​Write 5 complete sentences. Circle the verbs. Underline the nouns. Draw a rectangle around the adjectives.

I used these sheets as warm-ups/mini-lessons and homework assignments.

Directions:
What was the most fun you had this summer?
​Write about it inside the sun below. Remember to use details and complete sentences.

This product perfect for class discussions and bulletin boards!
You can either use the full page or have students cut out the suns before you put them on display.

This activity is part of a larger set - The Ultimate Back to School Activities Pack!!!, but each product is also sold separately.

Have fun!

2 pages, 8 questions

This lesson asks students to identify Acute, Obtuse and Right angles.

It was successful with my 4th grade students.

This can either be used as a morning warm-up, math warm-up, homework, in-class practice or quiz.

1 graphic organizer
​Great for independent reading and homework.

2 pages, 2 design options

​Add these personal word walls to reading and/or writing folders to help remind
​students that sequence words tell us when events happen.

My students would also refer to this word wall to help them with spelling when completing writing assignments.

3 pages, 3 color options
This personal word wall can be kept in homework and math folders to assist students when needed.
Small place value chart included.
For the best results, please select the "Fit to Printable Area“ or "Fit to Printer Margins“ options in settings before printing. 

This lesson requires students to round 2 - 5 digit numbers to the nearest tens, hundreds and thousands.
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Students are also asked to estimate the sum for 3 - 5 digit numbers.
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3 pages
5 word problems
1 page for work space
​Answer sheets included

4 pages
Find the equivalent fractions.  Circle the correct answer.
Draw pictures to help you find the equivalent fraction.  Circle the correct answer.