How Reading Develops in Grades 1–3: What Research (and Experience) Tell Us Whether you’re a parent or a primary teacher, it’s common to expect reading to “click” once children start school. When it doesn’t, concern naturally follows. Research from the Science of Reading helps explain why early reading development looks
The Benefits of Using Children’s Literature to Practice Math Concepts When we think about teaching math, worksheets and number drills often come to mind. While these tools can be useful, they are not the only way children learn math. One powerful and often overlooked resource is children’s literature. Storybooks can
The Grade 1 Saskatchewan Curriculum has an outcome that focuses on Daily and Seasonal Changes. Some of the indicators ask the students to compare seasons, observe changes, group objects according to the season, and to examine how animals, humans and plants adapt to the seasonal changes. Here are some of
As educators and parents, we know how powerful playful, hands-on learning experiences can be. In my Grade 1 classroom, these experiences support the Saskatchewan Mathematics curriculum outcomes, especially in the Shape and Space strand. When young children explore three-dimensional (3-D) shapes with their hands — touching, building, sorting — they
Marian Small reminds us that number sense is at the heart of mathematical understanding. She states it’s more than just knowing how to count or memorize facts — it’s about thinking flexibly about numbers, recognizing patterns, and choosing strategies that make sense. When our students develop number sense, they begin
Science in a primary classroom should be curious, hands-on, and full of wonder—not filled with worksheets. When I shifted the way I approached teaching life science in my Grade 1 and 2 classroom, I discovered that my students became more engaged, more thoughtful, and more connected to the world around
For a long time, I struggled to find the right way to teach Science, Social Studies, and Health in my busy Grade 1 classroom. The solution for me were Discussion Slides! Like many primary teachers, my focus was often pulled toward literacy and numeracy. These subject areas felt harder to
If you’re curious about playful learning but not sure how to get started, you’re not alone. One of the best ways to ease into this approach is by setting up simple, purposeful learning invitations. These open-ended, hands-on spaces invite exploration, curiosity, and meaningful learning—without needing a complete classroom overhaul. In
If you’re a primary teacher who wants to include more playful learning in your classroom but feels unsure or even a little fearful—you’re not alone. Many of us were not trained with this approach.. We were taught to have children busy at their desks, completing booklets and worksheets. But what
I love setting up a playful classroom. This school year brings a new adventure: I’ve moved into a new school, and I’ll be teaching a Grade 1/2 combination class. My journey with playful learning began in Kindergarten, grew deeper in Grade 1, and now continues in this multi-age setting. The
I share teaching tips, strategies, lesson experiences and classroom snapshots to support your 3 to 6 year old learners.