Back-to-School Resources

Happy August! Back-to-School theme's in full swing!

It's that time again!! BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

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So many thrilling, amazing things are happening! New era ALERT!!

Forever people have been asking me to create a system for digital downloading of my songs. It's happening! I'm breaking into a whole new adventure. Read more about my launch of a store at Teacher's Pay Teachers on my blog today. Long story short? My "Pollywog" goes digital!!! I've created 'illustrations' and lesson support material for immediate download purchase... sweet lifecycle metamorphosis in four verses of science can now make its way around the globe!

WOW!! I've listened! Today's the day!! You've asked + here ya go! As a thank you for everyone's continued support I have a FREEBIE of my song, "Going to the Library" in a zip file as an Mp3. Click here!!

It's a thrill to be on the verge of a new school year and I can't wait to see what our collaboration of contributors have to offer to help you get launched successfully -- all over again!!

I've been 'blogging' for over four years now and I feel like I've finally figured out how to be more of a resource in my own 'sharing' efforts. 
OH HAPPY DAY! This summer, my own blog {{{RainbowsWithinReach}}} has finally gained some visibility! I have been strategically assembling RoundUPs on themes that I observe in my travels as a Music-Lady Author-Illustrator making school visits. Here's a quick run-down to help get you ready for all of the excitement ahead!!

My number one-read-article of all time went live last month on "Organizing Your Classroom." I let you look over my shoulder at oodles of organizational ideas that have caught my eye and my camera during my romps around the country. 

Number two on my hit-parade is all about decorating your classroom door! Let me help inspire you with the hard work that others have gone to.... I bet there's an idea in here that can jump-start your own creativity!

Classroom Door Decorations!!

Just Sunday I created a companion RoundUP and have cataloged over 100 bulletin boards in this marathon article. I start with all things rainbow. Then its on through oodles of seasonal and curriculum ideas. We end up with work created in anticipation of my arrival-on-scene in response to my three picture books. This article is rapidly climbing my charts and I know will prompt creativity on your part. 

These ideas got me to thinking that I've seen lots of "Word Walls" in my elementary school visits into kindergarten rooms. Those are cataloged in this article. 

So that takes care of getting your room organized and your classroom door, bulletin boards and Word Walls 'decorated'. Breathe a sigh of relief! Now on to some other recent RoundUPs. I had a lot of fun thinking in terms of "Making Math Meaningful" for our little learners. Click here to see those images of math centers, math anchor charts, math art projects, math collaborative writing.... you get the idea: all things math. 

Here's a RoundUP of 6 different ways to have your peeps 'sign in' upon arrival. There are ideas sufficient to stretch from PreK all the way through K. I have since chronicled a seventh system that is specific to children with special needs. Click here for that bloghop carnival on all things "Special Needs" related. 

6 Different Fine Motor "Sign-In" Systems

Speaking of Special Needs. This next RoundUP is very near and dear to my heart and pulls together all sorts of images for visual learners: visual cues, visual schedules, visual supports. These types of 'low-tech' teacher created resources are brilliant for all young children -- not just those with special needs. Click here if those ideas are of interest as you start the year. 

Visual Learning: Schedules, Cues + Support

Here's the article I put together that chronicles nearly two dozen sets of 'classroom rules.' Many of the pledges are handwritten by the students -- which make them all that more dear to me! I'm BIG on fine motor! 

Classroom Rules + Expectations

One of my final year-end school visits featured a 'camping' theme throughout the entire building. I have that documented in this article. It would be fun to start the year with some camping/summer reflections. Singing around a faux-campfire would be so much fun!

Camping Theme used in Preschool Setting

You're going to just LUV LUV LUV this RoundUP of ideas for the series of Pete the Cat books. I know I did. The ideas start in PreK and go through Kinder. There is even a way to use 'technology' to extend the Pete theme!



This roundUP was on all things "PIGGY." There are pig art projects, pig collaborative writing, pigs, pigs and yet more pigs! 

Three Little Pigs Upcycled House Sculpture on Milk Carton

Here's to a great start of a new school year for everyone -- whatever your role with children. We need to work together. We need to reach out. We need to connect. We need to speak up. We need to be heard. We need to harness our resources. We need to come together. We need to share. We need to dance. We need to advocate. We need to advocate for every child in our midst. It's such a thrill to know that there are amazing resources brought to you here by such an outstanding array of professionals. We have big plans for the future that are developing as I type. Here's to your big plans ahead. May you have an AWESOME AUGUST!!

this article was added to the Back to School Blog hop. 

Back to School 

-- Debbie -- 

Debbie Clement has written and recorded over 100 original songs for children, used in classrooms around the county. She has taken three of her favorites from the "Debbie's Ditties" catalog of songs and has turned them into traditional hardback picture books. Her newest book is entitled "Red, White and Blue" and was awarded the national INDY Award of Excellence. She speaks around the country at conferences. Her next big state wide keynote is in Arkansas in Oct. Come follow her Pinterest boards with over 23,000 of your fellow educators.