Make Science Stick with Hands-On Science Fun using Interactive Notebooks for Young Learners!

 


 Why Use Interactive Notebooks in Early Elementary Science?


If you’re looking for a powerful way to keep your students engaged while covering science standards, an interactive notebook might be the game-changer you need. These hands-on notebooks help young learners stay organized, take ownership of their learning, and build a strong foundation in science concepts—while having FUN!


 A Powerful Tool for Active Learning


Unlike traditional worksheets, interactive notebooks are built around active participation. Each page invites students to cut, fold, glue, label, draw, and reflect—transforming abstract science ideas into something tangible and memorable. When students interact physically and mentally with content, they’re far more likely to retain what they’ve learned.

Keep All Their Learning in One Place


One of the best parts about using science notebooks is that Everything is in one Place. No more loose papers or scattered worksheets. Students build their own reference guide throughout the year—a notebook filled with colorful diagrams, labeled illustrations, flaps, and other hands-on activities that they can return to again and again. This not only helps them stay organized, but it also provides a fantastic way to review and reflect.

 Foster Creativity and Ownership


Interactive notebooks give students space to personalize their learning. From decorating the cover to adding their own drawings and thoughts, students love making their notebooks unique. This personal connection fosters motivation and pride in their work. Whether it’s a page on weather patterns or animal adaptations, children bring their creativity to the table.

 Support Collaboration and Critical

 Thinking

As students work on notebook pages, they naturally engage in collaborative discussions with their peers. They ask questions, share discoveries, and explain ideas to one another—skills that build both confidence and communication. The design of the activities also encourages students to make connections between topics, enhancing comprehension and critical thinking.


Over 100 Science Topics—All Aligned to NGSS

If interested, I would love for you to check out my Kindergarten & First Grade Science Interactive Notebook.  It is jam-packed with over 100 engaging activities aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Each page is thoughtfully designed to help students explore and document their learning across a wide range of topics—from weather and habitats to life cycles, states of matter, and more.

💡 Here’s what’s included:

Foldables, flaps, and interactive mini-books
Diagrams and illustrations for labeling and coloring
Space for writing, reflecting, and illustrating
Covers topics in physical science, life science, earth science, and scientific practices
Ideal for whole-group instruction, science centers, or independent work.

Set the Stage for Science Success!


When students actively build their knowledge through interactive notebooks, they develop much more than just content knowledge. They’re learning how to be thinkers, creators, and collaborators. And best of all? They LOVE it!



📘 Ready to get started? Check out my full Kindergarten & First Grade Science Interactive Notebook on TpT here:

👉 View the Product




🛒 Back to School, Better Together: Build a Classroom Community Sale! 🎉

 


It’s that time of year again! As you begin planning your classroom for the new school year, I’m excited to offer a special Back-to-School Sale focused on what matters most: creating a kind, connected, and supportive classroom environment from day one.

This limited-time sale includes resources to help you build classroom community, teach teamwork and kindness, and get your space beautifully organized for success—all at a discounted price! Sale ends August 10th. 

Whether you're looking to:
✅ Foster friendship and cooperation
✅ Teach social-emotional skills
✅ Set classroom expectations in a positive way
✅ Organize your routines and classroom setup with ease
…I’ve got you covered!

✨ Let’s make this the year of connection, collaboration, and confidence—for both you and your students.

🛍 Browse the sale here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/123kteach

🌟 Here are just a few products included in the sale:

🔍 Back to School Get-to-Know-You Scavenger Hunts (K–2)
Interactive hunts that get students moving, talking, and connecting with classmates on day one!


✂️ Back to School Interactive Foldables: Engaging Cut and Paste Activities (K–2)



Fun and easy foldables that build fine motor skills and give students a chance to share about themselves!


📚 Back to School Kindergarten Bundle Pack – Literacy, Math, & Community Building
A complete resource full of print-and-go activities to teach routines, build foundational skills, and bring your students together.



Back to School Community Building
Start the school year off right by building a strong classroom community with this set of over 40 worksheets that will help teachers support students in developing kindness, responsibility, and respect.



📝 Back-to-School Interactive Notebook – Routines, Expectations, and Get to Know You (K–1)

The perfect way to introduce classroom expectations and social-emotional skills in a meaningful, student-centered way.


📆 Hurry—these deals won’t last long!

Let’s build something wonderful—together. 💛
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/123kteach

Smart Back-to-School Shopping for Teachers: Discounts, Freebies & Cashback Tips 2025

 

 

Teacher Discounts and Freebies

Let’s face it—back-to-school shopping can put a serious dent in a teacher’s wallet. From classroom décor to supplies, the costs can add up fast. Luckily, many retailers recognize our dedication and offer fantastic teacher discounts, freebies, and reward programs.

Ready to stretch your budget? Check out these savvy tips and must-know deals for educators!


💡 Smart Shopping Tips for Teachers

Before diving into deals, start with a game plan:

  1. Create a Budget – Set limits before you shop to avoid overspending.

  2. Make a Prioritized List – Know what you truly need vs. what would be nice to have.

  3. Start a Classroom Wish List – Many families are eager to support their child’s teacher.

  4. Use Browser Extensions – Tools like Honey, Rakuten, Capital One Shopping, and RetailMeNot can find coupons and apply them automatically.

  5. Shop with Intention – Just because it's on sale doesn’t mean you need it.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of your state’s tax-free weekend during the back-to-school season. It’s a great way to save even more on classroom essentials.


🛍️ Top Teacher Discounts & Freebies

🎯 Target

Target’s Teacher Prep Event is a favorite! In 2025, teachers can enjoy 20% off one qualifying purchase in-store or online from July 20 to August 30 through Target Circle.
Here’s how:

  • Join Target Circle (free).

  • Verify your teacher status with documentation (ID or pay stub).

  • Use your discount and unlock future bonuses!

✏️ Staples

Download the Staples Connect app to earn 5% back on purchases. You can even donate rewards to your own classroom! Their back-to-school prices are among the lowest—comparable to Walmart and Target.

🎨 Michael’s

Enroll in the Michael’s Teacher Discount Program and save 15% off your total purchase year-round. Plus, the app offers regular coupons you can scan from your phone while shopping in-store.

👚 JCPenney

One of my go-to places for teacher wardrobe staples! Get an extra 10% off with your teacher ID—perfect for in-store shopping where you can try things on.


🆔 Create an ID.me Account

ID.me verifies your teacher status and unlocks exclusive discounts from tons of retailers—often better than standard online offers. Upload your school ID and state certification to get access.

Here are some of my favorite ID.me deals:

🍎 Apple

Take advantage of Apple’s education pricing on select devices. I recently saved a lot on a new laptop!

👓 Zenni Optical

Stylish, affordable glasses you can try on virtually and order with saved prescriptions. Super convenient—and fast shipping too!

Yeti

Enjoy 20% off on Yeti drinkware and accessories. I adore my personalized Yeti mug—it keeps my coffee hot during long days with my kinders!

📱 Verizon (and more!)

Educators can save up to $25/month on Verizon plans. Other major carriers like AT&T, Xfinity, and Cox also offer special pricing.


💸 Cash Back & Reward Apps

🧾 Fetch

Scan receipts to earn points and redeem them for gift cards!

  • Easy to use—no clipping or searching.

  • Fun challenges and bonus points.

  • Use my referral code: 8CDHYK
    Sign up here and we’ll both earn bonus points!

🛒 Ibotta

Earn real cash back on groceries and online purchases.

  • Connect your favorite stores.

  • Claim offers and get cash back to PayPal, your bank, or gift cards.

  • Use my code: HSIKQ
    Get $5 free after redeeming your first offer!

Upside

Gas prices rising? Use Upside to earn cash back on gas, groceries, and meals.


📦 Amazon & Browser Extensions

Amazon is a teacher favorite for supplies like Flair pens, pencil sharpeners, laminators, and storage bins. Don’t forget to activate browser extensions like Honey and Rakuten to find the best prices and cashback offers automatically at checkout.


🧑‍🏫 Teachers Pay Teachers: Freebies & Sales

🎁 Get a Free Resource from 123kteach!

Follow the 123kteach TpT store and pick a resource under $3 for free!

How to claim your freebie:

  1. Follow 123kteach on TpT and this blog.

  2. Join my newsletter for more teacher tips, exclusive goodies, updates on sales, and a FREE set of BACK TO SCHOOL FOLDAWAYS as a thank you gift.


    https://marvelous-inventor-4096.ck.page/98c86286db

  3. Comment on the blog post with:

    • Your TpT follower number

    • The product title you want

    • Your email

Offer ends September 15, 2025.

💥 TpT Sitewide Sales

Don’t forget to shop during Back-to-School TpT sales (typically August–September).

  • Save up to 25% sitewide.

  • Use TpT's promo code + individual seller discounts.



Final Thoughts

Being a teacher is rewarding—but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and the right tools, you can save big on everything from classroom supplies to personal tech.

👩‍🏫 Have a great school year and happy saving!

Know of a great teacher discount? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to add it to this list!




Independence Day SALE-20% off Entire Store, Special FREEBIE

 


🎆 Independence Day Sale Alert! 🎆

I'm thrilled to announce a special Independence Day sale at my Teachers Pay Teachers store! From July 3rd to July 4th, enjoy 20% off everything in my store, including already discounted bundles. Plus, grab a special FREEBIE and some AMAZING DOLLAR DEALS. It's the perfect opportunity to snag some fantastic resources for your classroom.

🌟 Happy 4th of July! 🌟

I hope your day is filled with fun, family, and friends.

While you celebrate, take advantage of these special savings at my store. I've been hard at work updating products and creating lots of exciting new ones just for you.

Everything I create is designed to save you time and help you become an even better teacher! If you’d like to receive more helpful teaching tips, special goodies, updates on sales, and freebies, please join my newsletter. All this goodness will show up right in your inbox monthly. As a special thanks for joining, you’ll receive a FREE set of 30 Reading Response Forms for your classroom.





Here are a few resources that you may be interested in for BACK to SCHOOL

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Kindergarten-Bundle-Pack-Literacy-Math-Community-Building-1350768




    





             

      

Don't miss out on these incredible deals!

Join my newsletter for more updates and special offers: Join Now

Have a spectacular 4th of July!

Visit My Store














Stop the Summer Slide: Easy Ways to Keep Young Learners Engaged All Summer Long




Stop the Summer Slide: Easy Ways to Keep Young Learners Engaged All Summer Long

Summer break is a time for fun and relaxation—but without regular academic practice, young learners can lose 2–3 months of progress. This learning loss, commonly known as the summer slide, can make the transition to the next grade level more challenging.

As a kindergarten teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience, I know how important it is to help children maintain—and even strengthen—their literacy and math skills during the summer months. The good news? Summer learning doesn’t have to feel like schoolwork. With the right tools and activities, kids can keep learning in fun, hands-on ways!


📚 Why Summer Practice Matters

Without consistent review, children often:

  • Lose reading fluency and comprehension
  • Struggle with basic math operations and number sense
  • Feel less confident returning to school in the fall

Building learning into your summer routine can help prevent this backslide and prepare your child for success in the upcoming school year.


📖 Literacy in the Sunshine

Even just 15–20 minutes of reading each day makes a difference! Encourage your child to explore books independently or enjoy read-alouds with you. Here are some simple ideas to boost literacy:

  • Keep a summer reading log and celebrate milestones
  • Use sidewalk chalk for practicing sight words or the alphabet
  • Write postcards, journal entries, or summer-themed stories
  • Try reading response sheets to help with comprehension







➕ Make Math Fun and Meaningful

Math can be naturally embedded into everyday summer fun. Try:

  • Counting and graphing items collected on nature walks
  • Measuring ingredients while cooking
  • Sorting coins and practicing simple addition or subtraction
  • Using chalk to compare numbers or skip count




🔬 Add in a Splash of Science

Encourage your child's natural curiosity with summer science exploration:

  • Explore life cycles of frogs, sunflowers, or sea turtles
  • Experiment with what melts in the sun
  • Learn about the moon’s phases and create a space journal
  • Diagram plants, insects, or weather patterns







🎒 Ready-to-Use Summer Packet for Kindergarteners

To make things even easier, I’ve created a comprehensive 236-page summer learning pack with everything you need to keep your child on track this summer. It includes literacy, math, and science activities designed to review and reinforce essential skills.

👉 Click here to preview and download the Summer Packet on TpT



📘 Literacy Highlights:

  • CVC words, sight words, rhyming, blends, digraphs
  • Writing prompts, sentence starters, and grammar activities
  • Reading response pages and suggested book lists

➕ Math Highlights:

  • Counting, graphing, patterns, shapes, and measurement
  • Addition and subtraction (within 5, 10, and 20)
  • Comparing numbers, missing addends, time, and money

🔍 Science Highlights:

  • Weather, space, rainbows, life cycles, and healthy habits
  • Fun cut-and-paste labeling and diagramming activities

💬 What Teachers Are Saying

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I love this resource to send home at the end of kindergarten... It's a good introduction to what students will learn in 1st grade and parents can see what their child needs to work on.” – Leigh B.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “What a jam-packed summer pack to keep my students working on important skills as they transition to first grade.” – Lynda P.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I used this as a summer review packet so my students wouldn’t have learning loss over the summer! They liked it!” – Jennifer V.


☀️ Use It, Don’t Lose It!

Summer doesn’t have to mean slipping backward. With a bit of daily practice and the right resources, your child can stay sharp, build confidence, and head into the next school year stronger than ever.

📌 Click here to grab your copy of the Kindergarten Summer Packet!

Let’s make this a summer of growth, fun, and learning!


Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! You Deserve This 🎁 Celebrate YOU! 25% Off Teacher Faves Inside! 🎉


Hello AMAZING Teacher Friends,

It's your week—and I’m here to help you celebrate with a 25% off sale on everything in my TpT store! Use promocode THANKYOU25


Whether you're wrapping up the school year with a bang or looking for meaningful ways to keep students engaged, I've got you covered with classroom-tested favorites like End of Year AwardsMemory Books, and hands-on activities your students will love.

I know how exhausting this time of year can be—testing, paperwork, and countdowns to summer. That’s why I’ve created ready-to-use resources that make planning easier and learning more fun.


✨ Here’s a sneak peek at what’s waiting for you:

🔬 Sun-Melting Science Experiment

A sunny-day activity that gets kids predicting, testing, and recording results. Science has never been this fun!

Science Experiment What Melts In The-Sun?

🌊 Ocean-Themed Math Challenges

Make math magical with ocean word problems. Kids solve, draw, and show what they know with creativity and confidence.

Addition Subtraction Word Problems Kindergarten 1st-Ocean Theme

🏆 End of Year Awards

Celebrate each student with editable, fun certificates in 5 styles and 30 unique superlatives. Choose from color or B&W!

End Of Year Award -EDITABLE Certificates Color Black White Personalize it

🛒 Add your favorites to your wishlist and snag them during the BIG sale on Teachers Pay Teachers.


You’ve worked hard all year. Let’s make this Teacher Appreciation Week unforgettable 💛

With gratitude,


Check out this upcoming store-wide sale, where you can maximize your savings by exploring our Bundles category! Whether you're gearing up for Valentine's Day, stocking up on Winter Resources, or seeking engaging activities for your young learners, our store has something for everyone.

Why choose Bundles? They combine multiple resources into one convenient download, already discounted for your benefit. And during the sale, enjoy an additional 25% off the bundled price. 

Visit us at  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/123kteach to discover more!


Check out the following Valentine's Day Educational Bundle: Engage Students with Heartwarming Activities

 


With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I've created an irresistible deal that's sure to warm your heart. This bundle isn't just about spreading love; it's about enriching your students' literacy skills, honing their writing abilities, and reinforcing their mastery of sight words—all while aligning with Common Core standards. You can use these resources beyond February as students continue to spread love and kindness throughout the year!


Here are the links to explore further or make individual choices


• Heart Shaped Valentine's Notes/ Paper for Family and Friends

• Valentine Popcorn Real & Nonsense Word Sort

• Valentine Foldable Broken Heart Notes

• Valentine Sight Word Bingo: Engaging Literacy Activity 

   with High-Frequency Words

• Valentine's Day Love Flip Flap Book & Writing Prompts  (FREE for a limited time only)

• What Makes Your Heart Sing? & More Valentine Class Books

• Write the Room Valentine Words


Celebrate love and learning with these delightful resources


Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️