My title school does the same with Halloween costumes. We have a full closet that kids pick out from if they need one. They just talk to our counselor about it first thing on party days.

I print off free files on cardstock, color and let them use candy leftover from parties. It helps because you can have it ready in minutes. Another trick is buying it the day after and getting the non candy options. #teacherhack

My secret? Encouragement and lots of instruction on phonemic and phonological instruction. My own children have speech issues and I use those skills and the book Equipped for Reading Success to help them close the gap. #thankful

For instance I have had 3 years of home schooled and online students who have NEVER been in a school in 2nd grade. Our team gets them rolling, learning their alphabet and reading. They never make grade level - but they go from reluctant to full blown readers who will try.

She looks at my roster the last three years and says they really did it to me - then is amazed by how well they succeed in the end.

These were made for our staff appreciation day! We have to give credit to all those who help the school run. /2

All the adults in earshot bust out laughing and saying this is the quietest game ever. I find them all by declaring dessert time and start dishing out homemade cherry pie.
2/2