About the store
TEACHING is a life long journey with many twists and turns in the road. Some days you want to shout from the highest mountain how much you LOVE it. Other days you feel like Sisyphus, the guy from Greek mythology, pushing a huge BOULDER up a hill. I’ve felt this way before and I know you have too… Am I right?
I’m Deann and I want to be the beacon that lightens the path to this incredible JOURNEY you’re on. I know this because I’ve been there and done that.
My journey as a SPED teacher began years ago, before there was inclusion. I worked with predominately Down’s Syndrome teens. They were with me all day so it was a challenge to dream up great lessons. Many of the kids would one day work in sheltered workshops, so we spent time preparing for that. One of my fondest memories was getting ready for the Special Olympics, the kids practiced by running up and down hills, learning to throw a ball as far as they could, and doing the standing broad jump. I can still remember their smiling faces when they received their medals. Talk about being proud!
With a minor in psychology, I was ready to take on another challenge, I worked with emotionally handicapped elementary and middle school aged children. My heart went out to these kids, most from dysfunctional families. Talk about behavior issues, I became the QUEEN of BEHAVIOR MOD. For many years I struggled with principals and main stream teachers who just didn’t get it. These hurdles eventually took their toll on me so burnout was inevitable.
Being that I’m certified to teach both SPED and Regular Ed, I was offered a position in 6th grade Social Studies/English. I was ecstatic, not only would I be able to change positions, but I’d be co-teaching with one of my closest friends.
Teaching 6th grade was a dream come true. Most of the kids listened and were eager to learn. Creating exciting lessons that would turn them on to ANCIENT HISTORY and make it come alive, not the way I was taught as a child, was my new CHALLENGE. Instead of saying, “Why do I have to learn this,” or “This is boring,” They couldn’t wait for the lesson to begin. They loved the DEBATES, PLAYS, TRIALS, the films and even the ELA WRITING ACTIVITIES that went with them.
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Greek Theater Unit (6-11)
IF COMING UP WITH an interesting way to teach your 6-8 graders about ancient history is difficult for you, look no further. This Greek Theater Unit is a project based activity for your collaborative groups that is enticing, challenging and fun. When you see your kids being actively engaged and truly enjoying their learning experience, it will help you to once again discover a joy of learning with them. After completing this hands on activity, your kiddos will understand why and how the fi
6th - 8th
Ancient History, Creative Writing, Drama
Greek Theater:Power Point Introduction (Distance Learning for Grades 6-10)
IF COMING UP WITH an interesting way to teach your 6-10th graders about ancient history is difficult for you, look no further. This Greek Theater Power Point Introduction will give your students a basic understanding of the earliest theater. They’ll love this interactive power point lesson that shows what an ancient theater looked like. The kids may wonder who invented theater and why people put on plays or what the first play was like. This program will answer their questions. SO MUCH of to
5th - 11th
Ancient History, World History
New Year's Resolutions Writing Activity (Grades 6-8)
IF YOU”RE LOOKING FOR AN ENGAGING WRITING AND CHARACTER BUILDING ACTIVITY to use after your long deserved Christmas break, I’ve got you covered with this New Year’s Resolutions Writing Activity. YOUR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS AND SPED kids will write personal New Year’s resolutions for themselves, for their family and friends, for school, and for the world around them. It will help them to realize their personal goals, and to feel good about themselves after they’ve achieved them. IN ADDITION, pre-wr
6th - 8th
Grammar, Writing-Essays
CCSS
W.6.3
, W.6.3a
, W.6.3b
+8
Project Based History Bundle (grades 6-8)
IF COMING UP WITH an interesting way to teach your 6-8 graders about ancient history is difficult for you, look no further. This Project Based History Bundle is a set of hands on activities for your collaborative groups that is enticing, challenging and fun. When you see your kids being actively engaged and truly enjoying their learning experience, it will help you to once again discover a joy of learning with them. So many kids love to role play, which they’ll do in these lessons. For your W
6th - 8th
Ancient History, Social Studies, World History
CCSS
WHST.6-8.1
, WHST.6-8.1a
, WHST.6-8.1b
+14
End of the Year Awards with Growth Mindset Quotes (Grades 6-8)
THIS SET of End of the Year Awards with Growth Mind-Set Quotes (Grades 6-8)…is just what you've been looking for because you’ve run out of steam. You're ready for summer, but you want to reward your students with something meaningful and special for all their hard work and effort. This is a unique resource offering, more than ordinary awards as it includes thought provoking statements from various philosophers, artists, scientists, historians, psychologists, writers and more. This item can be
6th - 8th
Classroom Community, For All Subjects
Greek Theater Power Point Introduction & PBL Theater Bundle Grades 6-8
I'VE PUT TWO of my most popular resources together in a bundle to save you money. This Greek Theater Power Point Introduction and PBL Greek Theater resource is all you'll need to teach your students these fascinating subjects. THE POWER POINT program will give your students useful background images and information to help understand vocabulary and concepts for completing the activity. In addition, the kiddos will learn why and how the first theater came about. Then they’ll work in collaborativ
6th - 8th
Ancient History, Social Studies, World History
Also included in: Project Based History Bundle (grades 6-8)
FREE...Literacy Activity(English Warm-Ups)
sandyandfree Find more FREEBIES and deals for grades K-12 and information about giveaways here! Link: http://www.bit.ly/2021SunSandSavings Looking to settle your ELA classes down as they come into the room? Do you want to reinforce concepts taught in class? These FREE 5 Minute English Warm-ups that come with complete lesson plans as well as worksheets, and a writing prompt will be your best friend. This is 4 weeks of 5-10 minute warm-up exercises for the beginning of English that will help
2nd - 12th
English Language Arts
Project Based History:What Is It Like To Be An Archaeologist? (6-8)
IF COMING UP WITH an interesting way to teach your 6-8 graders about archaeology is difficult for you, look no further, What is it Like to Be an Archaeologist? is a project based activity for your collaborative groups that is enticing, challenging and fun. When you see that your students are engaged and excited about learning, you may remember why you became a teacher in the first place. ⎈ SO MANY KIDS LOVE TO ROLE PLAY⎈They’ll have their chance because they’ll become a member of an archaeolog
6th - 8th
Ancient History, Writing
CCSS
WHST.6-8.2b
, WHST.6-8.2c
, WHST.6-8.2d
+3
Also included in: Project Based History Bundle (grades 6-8)
Behavior Modification Binder (4-8 & SPED)
IF YOU’VE BEEN HAVING DIFFICULTY with classroom control, you’re not alone, a Behavior Modification Binder (4th-8th grade & SPED)will be your best friend. We all know a well disciplined Classroom that emanates a calm and happy atmosphere enhances learning. But sometimes you have a class with so many behavior issues that you can’t seem to get anything done, and the good kids suffer. You go home at night feeling like Sisyphus, the guy from Greek Mythology, pushing a huge BOULDER up a never endin
5th - 8th
Character Education, Classroom Community
Become a Grammar Rock Star (Grades 5-6)
◈ IF PLANNING INTERESTING GRAMMAR ACTIVITIES for your Upper Elementary/ Middle School Class has been a chore, I’ve got your back with this Become A Grammar Rock Star resource. Most kids dig music, especially this age group and many dream about becoming a rock star one day. With that in mind, this no prep printable ELA/Language Arts package for grades 5-6 was created. Every sentence is about music. There is a Distance Learning Counterpart to this resource, just click the link below to take a
5th - 6th
Balanced Literacy, English Language Arts, Grammar
CCSS
L.5.1b
, L.5.2
, L.6.1
+1
Classroom Community: Caught in the Act of Being Kind
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about our society and how divided we are, so I came up with the idea of this character building and classroom community activity, Caught in the Act of Being Kind, to help our children become kinder to one another and adults. You can do this with one classroom, your team or the entire school. To make it even more effective, it can be used at home with parents and siblings. This is a simple idea, whenever you or your students see someone doing a kind dee
Character Education, Classroom Community
911, Veteran's Day & Memorial Day Tribute for Grades 5-7
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR for something to honor our fallen soldiers, then this 9/11, Veteran's Day & Memorial Day Tribute will get your 5-7th graders thinking about those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. FIRST and FOREMOST, 9/11, Veteran's Day & Memorial Day Tribute includes a PBL 9/11 Web Quest, & Photo Journalism activity for collaborative groups that is challenging, exciting and fun . It should also be noted that the project will engage your class in a realistic activity to help
4th - 7th
Balanced Literacy, Writing
CCSS
W.5.1a
, W.5.1c
, W.5.1d
+11
Alphabet Practice Workbook (Bundle) Pre-K-Grade 1 & Sp Ed.
This Alphabet Practice Workbook Bundle is for Pre-K, K, Grade 1 and Sp Ed (Special Education) Classes. It includes 3 worksheets for each of the 26 letters of the alphabet.The child will color in each the picture that the letter begins with.The child will practice writing upper and lower case letters.On the last page, the children are to color in, or draw something about the picture that begins with each letter.
We all know that children love having things that belong to them alone. That is wh
PreK - 1st
English Language Arts, Reading, Reading Strategies
CCSS
RF.K.1d
, RF.K.2
, RF.K.3a
A Year of Graphic Organizers (Grades 5-10 & SPED)
IF COMING UP WITH INTERESTING PRE-WRITING ACTIVITIES for your kiddos has been a chore, I’ve got you covered with “A Year of Graphic Organizers.” Imagine never having to take the time out of your busy schedule to create them again. They’re put together in a neat little package for you to pick and choose at your discretion. This item can be converted into a distance learning resource with the tool on Tpt, see CREATE DIGITAL ACTIVITY on the right. No Language Arts program is complete without a
4th - 10th
English Language Arts, Reading, Writing-Expository
CCSS
W.5.5
, W.6.5
, W.7.5
+2
Differentiated Book Reports for the Year (Grade 6)
✿ READING and WRITING ACTIVITIES are such an essential part of every child’s education, these Differentiated Book Reports for the Year are great for 6th grade and accommodate the different learning styles so they’ll appeal to all of your students. Each month they will read a particular type of book and report on it in a unique and creative way. These are not your ordinary book reports. In addition to the book reports, a grading rubric has been included to make your life a little easier. ☻ Engag
6th
English Language Arts, Literature, Writing
CCSS
RL.6.1
, RL.6.2
, RL.6.3
+1
Poetry Jam Interactive Notebook- Flip Book ( Grades 6-8)
If you're looking for some inspiration, this Poetry Jam Interactive Notebook-Flip Book for grades 6-8 will be your BFF. Not only will your kids love it, but you will too. Don’t you just love the smell of spring in the air? When I think of spring, I think of poetry. What better way is there to teach this genre then to take a group of kids outside, have them lie under a tree and write a poem. Well, I did this with my 6th graders and I was amazed at the poetry they wrote. This resource will ins
6th - 8th
Creative Writing, English Language Arts, Poetry
Become a Sumerian Brick Builder 6-8
IF COMING UP WITH an interesting way to teach your 6-8 graders about ancient history is difficult for you, look no further. This Become a Sumerian Brick Builder is a hands on STEM activity for your students that is enticing, challenging and fun. TELLING MY 6TH GRADERS that the Sumerians were the first brick builders in the world, didn’t mean much to them until they went home and had to make their own brick out of mud just like these ancient people. By bringing this lesson to life, they cou
6th - 8th
Ancient History, Grammar, Writing
CCSS
WHST.6-8.1e
, WHST.6-8.2b
, WHST.6-8.2d
+3
Also included in: Project Based History Bundle (grades 6-8)
Greek Theater (Powerpoint Presentation) FREE SAMPLE Grades (6-8)
World History Teachers, ARE your students learning about GREEK culture? DO you want your class to understand the beginning of theater? If so, you've come to the right place. This interactive power point presentation FREE PREVIEW, can serve as an introduction to Greek Drama in conjunction with my Greek Drama Unit, where the class will work in cooperative groups to write and present plays in the Greek style. The slides show the history of theater from the earliest tragedies to the new comedy. Af
6th - 8th
Social Studies, World History
How to Set Up Collaborative Groups Manual
✿ IF SETTING UP COLLABORATIVE GROUPS has been on your mind, but you’re unsure how to implement it in your classroom, I’ve created a manual just for you. It has step by step instructions which will make it so easy to do. RESEARCH has shown that this type of activity has a far reaching effect on students and their education. It aides in the development of higher level thinking skills, increases retention of lessons taught, addresses learning styles and so much more. Group work also helps build
4th - 8th
Character Education, Classroom Community
BUENAS: ¿Que Hora Es?
LEARNING HOW TO TELL TIME IN SPANISH for your ESL classes is such an important skill, without it we wouldn’t know if we’re running late, or if we’ve missed an appointment. “BUENAS: ¿Que Hora Es?” my Spanish line, is an interactive resource that teaches this skill using a color coded analog clock that either you or the children (depending on their capability) can put together. This resource is just what you need to help your little ones identify the placement of numerals and hands on a clock.
K - 4th
Other (Math), Spanish
Showing 1-20 of 103 results
About the store
Experience
TEACHING is a life long journey with many twists and turns in the road. Some days you want to shout from the highest mountain how much you LOVE it. Other days you feel like Sisyphus, the guy from Greek mythology, pushing a huge BOULDER up a hill. I’ve felt this way before and I know you have too… Am I right?
I’m Deann and I want to be the beacon that lightens the path to this incredible JOURNEY you’re on. I know this because I’ve been there and done that.
My journey as a SPED teacher began years ago, before there was inclusion. I worked with predominately Down’s Syndrome teens. They were with me all day so it was a challenge to dream up great lessons. Many of the kids would one day work in sheltered workshops, so we spent time preparing for that. One of my fondest memories was getting ready for the Special Olympics, the kids practiced by running up and down hills, learning to throw a ball as far as they could, and doing the standing broad jump. I can still remember their smiling faces when they received their medals. Talk about being proud!
With a minor in psychology, I was ready to take on another challenge, I worked with emotionally handicapped elementary and middle school aged children. My heart went out to these kids, most from dysfunctional families. Talk about behavior issues, I became the QUEEN of BEHAVIOR MOD. For many years I struggled with principals and main stream teachers who just didn’t get it. These hurdles eventually took their toll on me so burnout was inevitable.
Being that I’m certified to teach both SPED and Regular Ed, I was offered a position in 6th grade Social Studies/English. I was ecstatic, not only would I be able to change positions, but I’d be co-teaching with one of my closest friends.
Teaching 6th grade was a dream come true. Most of the kids listened and were eager to learn. Creating exciting lessons that would turn them on to ANCIENT HISTORY and make it come alive, not the way I was taught as a child, was my new CHALLENGE. Instead of saying, “Why do I have to learn this,” or “This is boring,” They couldn’t wait for the lesson to begin. They loved the DEBATES, PLAYS, TRIALS, the films and even the ELA WRITING ACTIVITIES that went with them.
Teaching style
You’re an ENTHUSIASTIC teacher looking for a SPARK to IGNITE LEARNING and you’ve stopped by because….
You’re always searching for ENGAGING and CREATIVE activities that your MIDDLE SCHOOL students will eat up!
You want to make learning fun with PROJECT BASED lessons, COLLABORATIVE GROUPS and much more…
You strive to encourage GOOD BEHAVIOR, COMPASSION and EMPATHY in your students… and you’re PASSIONATE about NURTURING a LOVE of LEARNING……
I’ll assist and inspire you with ENGAGING LESSONS that will challenge, excite and be remembered long after the kids have left your classroom.
Today, I’m no longer in the classroom. I’ve become a teacherpreneur who wants to help you on your JOURNEY with DISCIPLINE TIPS that I’ve learned over the years.
I want to DEVOTE my time to making your JOURNEY a little easier by creating fun lessons that you don’t have to dream up yourself.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Helping with the Special Olympics and watching my special needs students shine.
Knowing that some of my ED kids made it in life.
Teaching 6th graders and realizing that I was an important part of their lives by helping them succeed in many aspects of their education. Knowing that because of my help they would grow up to achieve their dreams.
My own education history
I have an undergraduate degree in Special Education/Regular Education with a minor in Psychology.
I have a masters in Learning Disabilities.
I have a 6th year in Counseling.
Additional biographical information
I worked at a place called ADRU and taught English and playwriting to teens who were from dysfunctional families many of them had drug abuse issues.
After I retired from teaching public school, I worked with a company called Computer Tots and taught computer skills to pre-k and kindergarten children.
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