Idea Share/First Week of Class
Game Day-Amie Searcy
This is a "reward" day that kids love and look forward to. Of course, it's all educational because it's all games they've learned before.
Music Express-Sherry Shepherd
Sherry has a TON of these books/magazines, so many teachers love them. Sherry is willing for you to check them out from her at any time.
Character Themes-Amy Hickenlooper
E.g. Bucket Fillers
Note: ASD's Theme is EveryDay Heroes
Personal Space Bubbles-Danya Paxman
Using a variety of large, different-shaped bubbles to learn about personal space in the classroom.
"The Game Plan"-Amanda Riley
A great resource that is sequential and a year's worth of stuff. Song will be Summertime Fun. Kids start moving and trusting the teacher immediately. One place to buy is: http://www.westmusic.com/s/gameplan-curriculum
Beanbag Review-Rebecca Gubler
Kids throw a beanbag. where it lands (e.g. on a tic tac toe chart numbered 1-9 or 1-15) determines whether we clap a rhythm, sing a song, review a class rule, or get a reintroduction (where the teacher pulls a personal object from a bag and tells a story to sort of introduce self.)
Musician's Pledge-Sherry Shepherd
Because I am a well-behaved musician, I listen and follow directions; use self-control; respect people, instruments, and materials; and always do my best.
Rules and Procedures-Dorothy Brown
Dorothy did a rules video so 1) she doesn't forget anything, and 2) her voice is saved, and 3), it works well because it's done by puppets. Since the school is late getting lists to Dorothy, this allows her to get some things done. Even the sixth grade who has the video memorized is engaged because they are helping new kids get it, and they start to catch the movie references, etc. Usually 1.5 to 2 days to get through all of this.
The Monster "Can't" destroys learning. We need to keep him out of the classroom. How will we keep our can't monster out in the hall and busy coloring or so forth.
I always use a checklist to make sure I've covered everything...
No Bananas-Brooke Bailey
There are no bananas in the sky, in the sky. (repeat)
There's a sun, a moon, and a coconut cream pie, but
There are no bananas in the sky. in the sky.
One at a time kids erase omit a word of their choice from the lyrics written on the board.
Sing again without that word, but still do all the actions.
Good for literacy and memorization.