Summer Phonics for Reading + Writing
Does your student struggle to spell well? Stumble to decode simple words and phrases? Or do you have a student who just needs a bit more direct instruction, a bit more time for slow, methodical practice? Summer’s here! Time to…
Welcome Summer
Being a West Coast dweller, I’ve never engaged in the quintessential summer activity of catching lightning bugs (fireflies) in a jar. But I’ve seen it on film, in photographs, and I’ve certainly read about the activity! Here, in California, we…
Let’s Puzzle Some More
Once again, hop on over to Red Hen Toys and pick up the Binomial Square puzzle. Of course, this Montessori / Froebel inspired material is designed to prepare students for more complex math instruction down the line—proportional reasoning, base 4…
A Writer’s Magnum Opus
As the school year has only just ended, now is the perfect time to ask a beautiful question or two! As a writer, what has my student gleaned? What is the best lesson I passed on? What is my student’s…
Hop on a summer reading safari!
One of my favorite parts of summer is the freedom this season offers. While it’s wonderful to explore literature through a structured curriculum, there’s a different kind of wonder in meandering through the literary jungle on your own, going wherever…
Did someone say summer fun? Bingo!
If you enjoy reading, summer, and fun, then you’re in for a treat: summer bingo is here! But this isn’t any old bingo—this is Blackbird & Company Summer Bingo! For the months of June, July, and August, we have a…
Writing a Personal Reflection
Imagine you are smack dab in the middle of the Middle Ages. It’s fall. September of 1290 to be exact. Your mother wants you to be lady-like. Your father wants you to get married for money. One of the exceptional…
Puzzle in Some Summer Writing
Write a puzzle and do some math! To begin, hop on over to Red Hen Toys and pick up the Powers of Two puzzle. Of course, this Montessori / Froebel inspired material is designed to prepare students for more complex…
Print Shop for Summer
Back in January Blackbird & Company soft launched Print Shop! We are so happy about the shape our new offering is taking. In our collection of downloadable Discovery activities, designed to engage students, Kindergarten through 8th Grade, and beyond. Downloads…
What is a Habit of Being?
Students engaging in their important work is simply delightful. Back in 2011, I collected my observations into a little memoir. My goal was simple, demonstrate that at the heart of learning is caring—actually caring about the task at hand. When…