Does your teacher-brain feel like it’s officially reached “storage closet” status? You’re likely surrounded by half-packed boxes, stray crayons, and students who have one foot out the door. It’s that bittersweet transition from the classroom to the coast. You want to finish the year strong, but let’s be real: your creative tank is running on iced coffee and summer dreams. That is why I’ve curated the best June and July picture books for the classroom to help you “Open the Magic” one last time and keep your students reading all summer long!

In Room 35, I use these final weeks to soak up every last Confetti Moment. Whether we are reflecting on our growth or prepping for summer adventures, picture books remain the heartbeat of our community. My goal is to help you find the right book stack to bridge the gap between the last bell and the first day of summer.

If you love… staying ahead of the summer slide?

Then you need: The June & July National Days Interactive Calendars

You are the teacher who wants to keep engagement high until the very last second. These calendars are pre-planned with kid-friendly celebrations like National Cheese Day (June 4) and National Shark Awareness Day (July 14). Each day features a fun fact and a digital read-aloud link. You can also get the June National Days booklist and the July list as well! These feature great books to read but you miss out on the interactive extras to display.

If you love… a meaningful goodbye?

Then you need: The End of the Year Picture Book Stack

You are the teacher who wants to leave your students with a message that sticks. I’ve curated a list of books from my favorites for this time of year like May You Be Loved and I Wish You More. We also lean into the feelings of moving on with Last Day Blues and Be You. These titles wrap your students in a literary hug before they head off to their next adventure.

If you love… being the “cool” teacher who sends home the best gifts?

Then you need: The Sunshine Book Camp (Freebie!)

You are the teacher looking for a screen-free way to keep the magic going after school lets out. My Sunshine Book Camp is a 10-week program—think beach days, space, and camping—that pairs picture books with easy snacks and printable activities. It includes weekly pairings with clickable links and a cheerful parent note. Teachers, print this out and send it home the last week of school to be a total summer hero!

If you love… a reason to celebrate with a bang?

Then you need: The 4th of July Picture Book Blog

You are the teacher who loves a good theme, even during the break. From the joyful chaos of Olivia Forms a Band to the poetic beauty of Fireworks by Matthew Burgess, these July picture books for the classroom (and home!) capture the sparkle of America’s birthday.

If you love… reclaiming your final prep periods?

Then you need: The June & July ELA Print and Go Centers

You are the teacher who needs rigorous stations but is tired of looking at the laminator. These “Print and Go” centers are designed to keep your students working independently while you tackle that end-of-year checklist. They pair perfectly with our summer themes, ensuring that your final center rotations are meaningful and academic, but—most importantly—ready in seconds.

Whether you are packing up your classroom or gearing up for a summer of Sunshine Book Camp with your own kids, I want to save you time and keep the magic alive. Let’s make this summer the best chapter yet!

The post June and July Joy and Summer Sunshine: Your Ultimate Guide to Ending the Year and Keeping the Magic Alive! appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

When I started dating my husband, I was texting him one night and used the line “Put Me in Coach.” First, he is a coach and second, I love a good pun. I love my husband with all of my heart, but flirty one liners are not always his jam. Even better, I texted my friend that he did not get my line and I was annoyed…. Wait for it…. I actually texted him that. Guess what, we are married and now we laugh about this. Making inferences can sometimes be like pick-up lines that fall flat. 

Inference is a skill that I teach over and over again during my English Language Arts block in my classroom. It is not a one and done skill. We review this skill all year. Making inferences is tough when your brain is used to thinking concretely! But it’s not impossible to get students on the right track.

Teach your students the formula My Life + The Book = An Inference  

You already know what I’m going to say.  The best way to teach inferencing skills is with picture books! 😉

These 3 picture books are my favorite for inference lessons. 

🚲 Drawn Together–  tells the story of a boy and his grandfather who struggle to communicate because they speak different languages. Through drawing and art, they discover a special way to connect and build a strong relationship.

🐠 Paul Meets Bernadette – follows Paul, a fish who only notices ordinary things around him, until he meets Bernadette, who helps him see beauty and wonder in the world. By the end of the story, Paul learns to look at life in a whole new way.

🪀A Bad Case of Stripes–  is about a girl named Camilla who worries so much about fitting in that she develops colorful stripes all over her body. In the end, she learns the importance of being herself and not caring so much about what others think.

Making Inferences with Paul Meets Bernadette

🐠 Model – When you make an inference, you are a detective looking for clues. On the first page of Paul Meets Bernadette, model what making an inference looks like. Ask your students, “How do we know he’s sad? What clues do the text and picture give us?” Then, show them how to make an inference.

🐠 Practice Together – As you continue to read the book, stop at key moments to make inferences together. You might ask, “How can you tell Bernadette helps Pual notice new things around him? What words or pictures help us understand the outside world?” Then work together, out loud, to make an inference.

🐠 Practice Solo – Give students a chance to practice on their own! I have a free Inference resource you can pair with the story to help students apply their inference skills.

Make your inference-unit planning easy by grabbing my Comprehension Vault. There’s no fluff or busy work. Instead, you’ll find engaging ways to practice inference with activities, guiding questions, and games. 

The post Teaching Inference with Picture Books That Actually Work appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Does your teacher-brain feel like it’s running on 2% battery and a prayer? It’s May in the classroom, which means the countdown to summer has officially begun, the “end-of-year crazy” is in full swing, and you’re probably juggling open house prep, field trips, and the ever-present testing season.

In Room 35, I know that May can feel like a marathon. But even when the days get long and the “spring fever” is high, I lean into the one thing that never fails to bring us back together: picture books. My goal this month is to help you cross that finish line with joy, not just exhaustion. Let’s “Open the Magic” one last time this school year and create those unforgettable Confetti Moments for your students!

If you love… staying ahead of the end-of-year chaos 

Then you need: The May National Days Interactive Calendar 

You are the teacher who wants to keep the engagement high but has zero time left to spend on Pinterest. This Canva-made interactive calendar is your secret sauce for May. It’s pre-planned with 12 kid-friendly celebrations, from National Astronaut Day (May 5) to National Smile Day (May 31). Each day includes a fun fact, a turn-and-talk question, and a digital read-aloud. It’s the easiest way to keep your morning meeting magical without adding a single thing to your to-do list. Not sure if the national days are for you just yet? I have this May National Day freebie to get you started!

If you love… puppies, parties, and a fresh stack of books

Then you need: The May Picture Book List

You are the teacher who knows that high engagement is the only way to compete with the “summer countdown” energy. This month is extra special because it features a guest star: my new dog, Miles! We are using A Puppy Like Yours to build community and share our own stories. We’re also bringing the party with Chicks and Salsa. It’s “nacho” average read-aloud! (I’ve even linked this companion resource so you can hit your ELA standards while your students are laughing.) This list gives you the “why” and “how” for 12 titles that will keep the magic alive until the final bell.

If you love… turning “test stress” into “test success”

Then you need: Helping Kids Beat Test Anxiety Blog 

You are the teacher who sees the nervous pencil-tapping and the heavy sighs that come with testing season. Last year, I shared a deep dive into one of my absolute must-haves: The Anti-Test Anxiety Society by Julia Cook. This blog post breaks down how to use this book to give your students actual, practical tools to handle the “Test Monster.” It’s about more than just scores; it’s about making sure our kids feel brave and capable.

If you love… a deep dive into meaningful moments 

Then you need: Last Year’s May Blog: Celebrate Big Moments 

You are the teacher who loves to see how a theme can transform a classroom. If you want even more ideas for specific May dates, like the history of the chocolate chip cookie or mindfulness with I Am Peace, this is the post for you. It’s a treasure trove of summaries and classroom tips that I’ve personally vetted in my own classroom.

I’ve spent my career celebrating the power of picture books because I know firsthand what it’s like to struggle in the classroom. As a student with dyslexia, it was the magic of stories that helped me rise above. Now, as a 5th-grade teacher in Orange County, I want to help you find those same moments of success for your students.

Let’s make this May a month of celebration, connection, and, of course, plenty of confetti!

Don’t forget to tag me @RamonaRecommends on Instagram! I want to see your May book stacks and those beautiful Confetti Moments!

The post May-be the Best Month Yet? Your Ultimate Guide to May Picture Books and More! appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

The Why

Gone are the days of trapper keepers, clip up/down charts (thank goodness), and children who are not affected by technology. Back in those days, teaching social emotional standards had just peeked into classrooms all over the United States. Now, those standards are house guests who enjoy their stay. Teaching Social Emotional Learning standards in the classroom is vital because it equips students with the skills they need to navigate challenges, build positive relationships, and develop resilience. 

Students learn how to manage their emotions, practice empathy, and communicate effectively when they are taught HOW! These skills will better prepare students to succeed academically and socially. SEL fosters a sense of belonging and emotional safety and creates a classroom environment where students feel valued and supported.  One way I develop these skills in my classroom is using picture books. Students gravitate to feeling seen. 

The What

Students today need these skills more than ever. 

Put a finger down if you have a student that –

• Always needs a hug the moment they walk into your classroom.
• Always has a story they HAVE to tell you after recess
• Redoes the same math assignment until they get it perfect. 
• Plays video games after school for hours. 
• Likes to play around at their lunch table.

If you are like me, you have no fingers still up. We all want to help our students learn how “to human”. But sometimes we are not sure what to do. Kids in 2026 are so different from the days of prank calls, trapper keepers, and slime on Nickelodeon. 

THIS is why SEL is so essential in the classroom.  

SEL is essential in these “new” times because the world requires it. They need these foundational skills so when our students are 18 they can continue to grow when they have left the nest?

And yet, it can feel impossible to add one more thing to your list of classroom to-dos. Your schedule is already packed! 

🍪 My secret to squeezing SEL into my schedule is the chocolate chip cookie theory.

Teaching SEL standards alongside grade level content is like baking a chocolate chip cookie. The cookie symbolizes the academic standards and provides the structure. While the chocolate chips are categorized as the SEL standards which adds depth and richness into your lesson. 

There are 5 SEL competencies: self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. 

This is how it might look inside your classroom. 

During math class you are teaching your students how to convert a mixed number into an improper fraction AND you are going to focus on one or more of the SEL standards.

1. Teach Converting a Mixed Number into an Improper Fraction. 
2. Model what is the expected behavior you are looking for while giving a direct instruction lesson on converting. 
3. Recognize students for showing expected behavior (I did not say reward, I said recognize) This might look like, “Annie, thank you for taking notes in pencil and staying focused during instruction.”
4. When a classmate is sharing how they converted the fraction, teach students how all peers’ eyes should be on the speaker. Discuss the importance of social awareness. 

Just as the chocolate chips enhance the cookie, integrating SEL into daily lessons helps students develop essential life skills while mastering academic content. 

Are you ready to take the bull by the horns and teach SEL in your classroom? These 60+ picture book recommendations are the next step in helping you put chocolate chips in your teaching. If you want more information about SEL in the classroom, read this blog post.

The post How to Easily Incorporate SEL Activities appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Believe it or not, I wasn’t always the teacher telling everyone that picture books are my jam. At age nine, I was the student sitting in the back of the room, carrying the weight of a dyslexia diagnosis and wondering if stories would ever truly belong to me. That journey is exactly why I’m so passionate about helping struggling readers in upper elementary find their own Confetti Moments.

If you teach upper elementary, you’ve seen it:

• students avoiding reading
• shutting down during independent work
• lacking confidence with grade-level texts

And the truth is… traditional literacy instruction doesn’t always meet them where they are. Our big kids deserve to feel successful — and with a few intentional shifts, we can make that happen.

1. Use Graphic Organizers to Bridge the Gap

Graphic organizers are one of the most powerful tools for struggling readers.

They:

• reduce overwhelm
• provide structure
• allow students to focus on thinking (not formatting)

Using consistent visual frameworks helps students feel safe and confident when approaching new texts.

👉 I break down exactly how I use them here, plus my go-to bundle I use all year. 

2. Build Vocabulary Through Text Sets

Vocabulary is the gatekeeper to comprehension.

One of my favorite ways to build it? Text sets.

By grouping:

• picture books
• short articles
• themed texts

Students get repeated exposure to Tier 2 vocabulary in different contexts.

✨ That’s when the magic of recognition happens.

Example:
Students read about cereal (something familiar!) → then apply context clues in an informational text.

👉 Want ready-made resources? Check out my Comprehension Vault.

3. Lean Into Small Group Intervention

This is where the transformation happens.

Small groups allow you to:

• target specific skills
• adjust in real time
• build relationships

Whether you’re working on:

• decoding
• inference
• comprehension

You’re meeting students exactly where they are.

👉 I even have a FREE inference resource to help you scaffold:

• visual evidence
• descriptive clues
• character motivation
• text-based support

HOW TO USE IT (CLASSROOM APPLICATION)

Here’s how this might look in your classroom:

• Whole group → introduce strategy
• Small group → targeted skill practice
• Centers → reinforce with graphic organizers + text sets
• Independent → fluency + response work

To stay organized:

• use color-coded groups
• project rotations
• keep routines predictable

👉 Want my exact system? I break it down in this blog + resource.

4. Prioritize Fluency in Upper Elementary

Fluency = confidence + comprehension.

Two of my go-to strategies:

• Reader’s Theater (high engagement, low pressure)
• Rereading familiar texts (YES — even picture books!)

Repetition builds:

• speed
• expression
• confidence

5. Make Students Respond to Reading

Reading isn’t complete without writing.

When students respond, they:

• synthesize ideas
• think deeper
• build comprehension

I use RACE to scaffold responses:

• Restate
• Answer
• Cite
• Explain

👉 I also share my full process + resource here.

Want to try this in your classroom right away?

👉 Grab my FREE inference resource and start building confidence step-by-step in small groups.

Advocate for Them

Finally, please advocate for your students. YOU can be the one that shows them they are capable. YOU are the one that may know who to ask for more help. YOU are the one who can help make a difference in their little lives and set their path towards a happier reading life. 

How are you supporting your readers this week?

Remember — every small step leads to a big breakthrough.

✨ And sometimes, that breakthrough becomes a Confetti Moment.

The post Helping Struggling Readers in Upper Elementary appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Not sure how to celebrate Earth Day, but committed to National Days this year? 

Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to help students under the impact of their everyday actions through elementary classroom fun.

Instead of focusing on the “big” environmental issues that they will learn about later in life, I use picture books.

The use of picture books sparks curiosity about the natural world and empowers students to ask questions. 

Picture Books to Read on Earth Day

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown: This story shows how one child’s care for a struggling patch of flowers can transform an entire gray, industrial city. (It is so beautiful)

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom: A powerful, lyrical book that honors the importance of protecting our water sources and standing up for the Earth. (an award winner too)

Wangari’s Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter: A moving true story about Wangari Maathai, who started a movement to replant the forests of Kenya, proving that every action makes a difference.

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle: A simple story about the life cycle of a plant + an SEL lesson on perseverance.

Maybe you are the teacher that loves to read aloud in the morning AND wants to keep this party going! Here are a few ideas to celebrate Earth Day throughout your day. 

First, you have to wear flowery clothes to celebrate this beautiful day. I mean you do not have to, but it’s more fun. 

Each Earth Day my students and I read The Big Beach Clean Up. Then we discuss about Ocean Pollution. Next, we discuss specific challenges that occur when a human dumps trash into our big blue bathtub. To help students practice their reading skills while engaging with this topic, I’ve developed an Ocean Pollution comprehension passage. It’s designed for students to think critically about the human impact on our oceans. It is also designed to engage kids to love learning. 

A BIG FYI: If you are a member of The Comprehension Vault, you can find this passage and activity ready for your classroom right now!

4 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in Your Classroom

Ready to get your students up and moving around the classroom on Earth Day?  Here are 5 simple, impactful activities to celebrate:

1. “Trash-to-Treasure” Art Gallery: Challenge students to bring in clean recyclables and create a sculpture or a new “invention.” It’s a great way to talk about reducing waste.

2. Nature Observation Walk: Take a walk around the school grounds with clipboards. Ask students to document one living thing they see and one thing they think could be improved to make the area more “Earth-friendly.”

3. Adopt-a-Spot: Have the class choose one small area of the playground or classroom to “adopt” and keep clean for the remainder of the school year.

4. Canva “Earth Pledge”: Have each student create a slide on a Canva slideshow to present at Open House. Each student comes up with one specific, small action they promise to take to help the Earth. Then they will make a digital representation on Canva. 

How will you celebrate Earth Day in your classroom this year?

Pin this blog post for later when you are planning your April activities.

The post Celebrate Earth Day at School on April 22nd appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Whenever I create ELA activities for my classroom, I always have the struggling reader in mind.

 

Let me be clear—it’s not about creating easier work.
It’s about creating work that is meaningful and has a purpose.

 

There is nothing better than seeing students learning and having fun. Those are the moments I call “Confetti Moments.”

The Problem with Traditional ELA Centers

If you’ve ever tried to run ELA centers, you know the reality:

• they can take hours to prep
• they don’t always connect to your instruction
• and students can easily disengage

And for struggling readers, that disconnect matters even more.

The Secret to Stress-Free Learning: Low Prep ELA Centers

I truly believe the best way to meet the needs of all readers is through centers.

To help you “Open the Magic” without weekend-long prep sessions, I’ve created low-prep ELA centers that combine:

• seasonal themes students LOVE
• rigorous skill practice
• simple implementation

Want a ready-to-use example?
Check out these April ELA Activities focused on inference, annotating poetry, and main idea — perfect for keeping students engaged while practicing key skills

 

Kids love holidays.
Kids love learning about new holidays.
Kids love thematic units—even if they don’t know that’s what they’re called!

 

Print & Implement: Keeping It Simple

The beauty of these centers is their print-and-go design.

Use them for:

• small group rotations
• independent work
• partner activities
• sub plans

Each month includes high-interest topics like:

• Science Behind Rainbows (March)
• Winter Warriors animal adaptations (January)

These types of themed, low-prep activities are exactly what I use to keep my centers running smoothly all year long.
You can explore a full month example here.

Predictable Structure, Fresh Content

While the themes change each month, the structure stays consistent.

That means:

• fewer “how-to” questions
• more independence
• smoother transitions

Vocabulary & Inferencing

• logic puzzles
• context clue challenges
• themed activities like Cupid’s Language Lab

Fiction & Non-Fiction Summarizing

• graphic organizers
• Somebody Wanted But So Then strategy

Rigorous Writing Practice

RACE strategy:

• Restate
• Answer
• Cite
• Explain

How to Get Started

If you’re not sure how to begin, start here:

1. Look at your pacing guide or data
2. Identify:
   • skills to teach
   • reteach
   • or enrich
3. Open your monthly centers and choose what fits

If April doesn’t include a skill you need—but another month does—use it anyway.

Tell your students:
“Today is a wacky day… we’re learning with pumpkins!”

You can:

• print one page
• create a full packet
• use in small groups or whole class

If you want to skip the planning step, you can grab a ready-made set that already aligns with key skills here!

Flexibility is the Magic

Whatever your class needs will be the best way to serve your students using these ELA centers.

Reading skills have to be taught—but there are ways to make them meaningful and engaging.

Conclusion

By integrating low-prep ELA centers into your routine, you aren’t just checking off standards…

You’re building readers who can think deeply.

 

Ready to make your literacy block easier and more effective?

Grab these ready-to-use ELA centers and start tomorrow.

The post Low Prep ELA Centers for Upper Elementary That Actually Work appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Does your teacher-brain feel like it’s currently operating with forty-seven open tabs? It’s that specific time of year where the sun is finally peeking out, your students are catching a serious case of “spring fever,” and your to-do list seems to grow faster than the April showers. You want to keep your reading block magical, but let’s be real: between testing prep and black-top duty, your creative tank might be hovering near empty.

In my classroom, I lean hard into picture books to keep the momentum going. Whether we are splashing through poetry or celebrating a quirky national holiday, these stories are the magic that gets us through to the end of the year. My goal is to help you find that perfect April Picture Book stack that creates those unforgettable Confetti Moments* for every student, regardless of their reading level. Click the link above to find my April Picture Book Recs + Why I love them + How I use them!

If you love… staying ahead of the chaos?

Then you need: The April National Days Interactive Calendar.

You are the teacher who thrives on a good theme but definitely doesn’t have three hours to scout the internet for ideas. This Canva-made calendar is your new secret sauce. It is pre-planned and packed with 12 kid-friendly celebrations. From National Read a Road Map Day (April 5) to National Telephone Day (April 25), each day comes with a fun fact, a turn-and-talk question, and a digital read-aloud. It’s the easiest way to build community during your morning meeting without adding more to your plate. You can also check out this curated list on Amazon of easy-to-access titles I’ve also used for this month!

If you love… a reason to party (even for yourself!)?

Then you need: Celebrating Your Birthday in the Classroom Blog.

You are the teacher who believes that joy is a classroom essential. Whether it’s a student’s special day or your own big celebration, I’m a firm believer that birthdays are the perfect excuse to “Open the Magic.” In this post, I’m sharing my favorite ways to celebrate—including a look at how I celebrate my own birthday with my students! From special read-alouds to small traditions that make everyone feel like a star, this is how we build a family in Room 35.

If you love… reclaiming your prep time?

Then you need: The April ELA Print and Go Centers.

You are the teacher who wants rigorous, standards-based stations but is tired of spending your entire Sunday at the laminator. These “Print and Go” centers are designed to keep your students engaged and working independently while you pull small groups. They pair perfectly with our April themes, ensuring that your center rotation is meaningful, academic, and—most importantly—ready in minutes.

If you don’t love teaching poetry… but you have to…

Then you need: The April Poetry Blog.

You are the teacher who knows that April is National Poetry Month and you want your students to fall in love with verse. Poetry can be intimidating, but through the right picture books, it becomes accessible and fun. I’ve curated a list of my favorites that will have your students snapping their fingers and finding their own voices. Let’s turn those “I can’t write poetry” groans into “Can we read one more?” cheers!

If you love… a “sweet” surprise and a party atmosphere?

Then you need: Happy Birthday, Cupcake! POP! Like a Confetti Moment.

You are the teacher who loves a high-energy lesson that sticks. This resource is based on one of my absolute favorites. We dive deep into the story and then—you guessed it—we celebrate with a “Confetti Moment.” It’s a perfect way to integrate ELA standards while making memories that your students will talk about until the last day of school.

If you love… seeing what’s working in real-time?

Then you need: Books We Have Read in April Blog.

You are the teacher who loves a “peek behind the curtain.” You want to know what is actually landing with kids today. In this post, I pull back the veil on my own classroom and share the exact April Picture Book titles we are devouring. I give you the “why” behind each pick and the real reactions from my 5th graders.

I’ve personally vetted every single one of these recommendations. As a picture book expert who grew up struggling with dyslexia, I truly understand the power of finding that one book that makes a child feel successful. I want to save you time and show you how to meet those pacing guide standards while still keeping the magic alive.

The post April Showers Bring… More Books! Your Ultimate April Guide appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Is there anything more heartbreaking than seeing a student feel isolated because they struggle to read? I remember that feeling vividly. As a fifth grader with dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder, I often sat in the corner with a book two grade levels behind, stuttering through sentences I didn’t understand while my peers raced ahead. It was lonely, but it wasn’t the end of my story.

That girl in the corner grew up to graduate with honors, earn a Master’s in Reading Education, and become a Teacher of the Year. My journey from a struggling reader to a literacy advocate is why I created National Open the Magic Day. Celebrated every year on September 25th, this day is a global invitation to slow down, pick up a picture book, and remind every student—especially those still searching for their reading voice—that they belong in the world of stories.

Why We Celebrate National Open the Magic Day

Picture books are not “just for littles.” They are powerful tools that allow students to see the world through new eyes, build complex vocabulary, and practice deep empathy. For a child who struggles with dense blocks of text, a picture book provides a “confetti moment”—a breakthrough where the story finally clicks, and the magic of reading begins.

Whether you are reading on a classroom rug, in a library, or under a shady tree, National Open the Magic Day is about creating a safe space to explore. It’s a day to honor the “little me” in all of us who once dreamed of finding our place in the world of books.

Featured Reads

Each year, we select “gems” that spark conversation and wonder.

• The Curious Why by Angela DiTerlizzi: This delightful tale follows a young girl who embraces her “whys,” encouraging readers to seek knowledge and stay inquisitive. Check out this resource to help celebrate!
• The Day the Crayons Made Friends by Drew Daywalt: A hilarious adventure where Duncan’s crayons step outside their box to find friendship. It is the perfect catalyst for discussing creativity and how we treat one another. Check out this FREEBIE to use in your class!
• A Dollar’s Grand Dream by Kimberly Wilson: A clever and pun-filled story about a dollar bill with big aspirations. It’s a fantastic way to talk about ambition, worth, and the journey toward reaching our goals.

Fun Ways to Bring the Magic to Your Classroom

Ready to join the movement on September 25th? You can stretch the celebration across a day, a week, or the entire month! Here is my “easy-peasy” plan for making the day memorable:

1. The “Pink Confetti” Breakfast: In my classroom, we eat pink confetti donuts while listening to the read-aloud. It sets a festive, joyful tone from the very first bell.
2. Invite a Guest: Bring in a surprise guest speaker or a mystery reader to share their favorite picture book with the class.
3. Creative Independence: Set aside dedicated time for independent reading where only picture books are allowed. Watch how even your most advanced readers get sucked into the illustrations.
4. The “No-Mess” Activity: Use our free guide to facilitate morning meetings, vocabulary handouts, and a creative activity that requires absolutely no actual confetti (you’re welcome!).

Pro Tip: Capture the joy! Snap a photo of your celebration and post it with #OpenTheMagicDay so our global community of educators can celebrate with you.

The post Discover the Joy of National Open the Magic Day appeared first on Ramona Recommends.