Kara M. Rickman

Create Your Balance with Literacy

Welcome, K-2 Teachers! My name is Kara Rickman, and I'm a 25-year first-grade teacher with a passion for helping fellow colleagues develop their craft in teaching cross-curricular.  If you want to take your classroom to the next level for your students, check out my podcast episodes! I will share all about how to easily teach cross-curricular and help your students make better connections! You will learn how to use the gradual release of responsibility using the "I DO, WE DO, YOU DO" cross-curricular approach with reading, math, science, writing, and social studies! 

Author

Kara M. Rickman

Category

Education

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

How to Teach Reading Comprehension 10.03.2024

You may be wondering, how to teach reading comprehension to your first graders. You’re in luck because this is one of my favorite things to teach! I teach with a framework of the “I DO, WE DO and YOU DO” also known as “The Gradual Release of Responsibility” using Reader’s Workshop. This is the block of time where I can teach my first graders strategies to become fluent readers and deep thinkers. C...

Cross-Curricular Fun for March 03.03.2024

In this webinar, I will share all the topics, interactive notebooks, lap books, and writing craftivities for March: Gail Gibbons Author Study Texas Symbols Texas Animal Research St. Patrick's Day 120th Day Celebration Dr. Seuss Plus much more! Show Notes- with Pictures! Connect with me! TPT Store Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Blog Cross-Curricular Connections  Membership Subscription Sup...

My 7 Favorite Valentine's Day Read Alouds 11.02.2024

In this episode, I will share my 7 Favorite Valentine's Day Read Alouds that I use with my first graders. I love reading stories to my students and they love listening! I share different activities and skills that I use for each story: Love Monster, Queen of Hearts, The Day It Rained Hearts, The Biggest Valentine Ever, and more! Show Notes with Pictures! Valentine's Day Resources   Conne...

Cross-Curricular Fun for February! 04.02.2024

In this webinar, I will share all of the activities and units for February such as: Anne Rockwell Author Study American Symbols Thematic Unit Weather Thematic Unit Groundhog Day Valentine's Day 100th Day Money Famous Inventors President's Day Black History Month and much more! Connect with me! YouTube Video of February Webinar February FREE WEBINAR with Clickable Links TPT Store Facebook...

My Favorite First Grade Read Alouds for Winter 21.01.2024

Hey teachers! In this episode, I share what my favorite first-grade mentor texts are for January! I share the objectives, tasks, and skills that I like to use for each book. Connect with me: Blog Post Show Notes TPT Store Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Blog Cross-Curricular Connections  Membership Subscription Blog Post: Mentor Texts for Reader's and Writer's Workshop Resources Refer...

Cross-Curricular Fun for JANUARY!! 06.01.2024

In this episode, I share all the fun activities and topics that I teach in January with my first graders. Jan Brett, Winter, Snowmen, Arctic Animals, Penguins, MLK, New Year's and so much more!   Connect with me! YouTube Video of December Webinar TPT Store Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Blog Cross-Curricular Connections  Membership Subscription Free Writer's Workshop Lesson Plans Sup...

Are You Ready for a Writer's Workshop REBOOT? 29.12.2023

In this episode, I will share what my Mini-Course is all about: Your Writers Will SOAR in 2024. I share what all you can get for a one-time payment of $10.00!! Click the link below to sign up for my Writer's Workshop REBOOT: Connect with me! Writer's Workshop REBOOT TPT Store Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Blog Post/Show Notes Cross-Curricular Connections  Membership Subscription Wri...

12 Reindeer Day Crafts and Stations 06.12.2023

If you're wondering what stations and crafts you can do for Reindeer Day with your first graders- listen to this episode! I will share 12 different reindeer stations with crafts, games, and activities that will engage your students and get them excited! These stations are easy prep and so fun!  Click my Blog Post to see the Show Notes with pictures! Check out my Blog Post about My Cross-Curri...

Cross-Curricular Fun for DECEMBER! 30.11.2023

In this episode, I share all the fun activities and topics that I teach in December with my first graders. Jan Brett, Polar Express, Santa Letters, Reindeer Day, Grinch Day, Elf Day, Nutcracker Day and so much more!   Connect with me! YouTube Video of December Webinar   TPT Store Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Blog Lifetime Membership Subscription Free Writer's Workshop Lesson Plans Write...

Teaching Writing Cross-Curricular 26.11.2023

In this episode, I share how I teach writing cross-curricular in Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Morning Meetings, and Guided Writing. I share with you my tips and tricks on using academic vocabulary in my student's informational stories.  Guided Writing Resource YouTube Video of this podcast TPT Store Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Blog Lifetime Membership Subscription Free Write...

7 Fantastic Friendsgiving Ideas for Your First Grade Class! 18.11.2023

In this episode, I share 7 Fantastic Friendsgiving Ideas that you can do with your first-grade class for the week of Thanksgiving! From reading turkey mentor texts to making butter, your first graders will have so much fun! Check it out!  Connect with me! Cross-Curricular Fun for November YouTube Video   TPT Store Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Blog Free Native American Lesson Plans Lifetime M...

Cross-Curricular Fun for NOVEMBER! 11.11.2023

In this FREE WEBINAR, I share all of my cross-curricular activities for November including Tomie dePaola, Native Americans, Turkeys, Veteran's Day, Election Day, Friendsgiving, and much more! Connect with me! Cross-Curricular Fun for November YouTube Video   TPT Store Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Blog Free Native American Lesson Plans Lifetime Membership Subscription Free Writer's...

From Scribbles to Stories: Writing Time is Silent Time Part 3 05.11.2023

In this episode, I share my behavior management tips and tricks during my workshop time. I also share what each module in my Writer's Workshop course includes. Connect with me! Show Me The Money TPT Store Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Blog YouTube Channel Lifetime Membership Subscription Free Writer's Workshop Lesson Plans Writer's Workshop Course  Support the show Thank you so...

From Scribbles to Stories: The Transformation Part 2 29.10.2023

In this episode, you will hear the webinar that I presented in my Facebook Group. This is part 2 which is how your student's writing transforms using my Writer's Workshop framework. I will share two student success stories and show how I teach the writing process. If you would like my FREE 5-day lesson plan on how to launch the workshop from day 1, subscribe to my email list below! Conne...

Teaching Cross-Curricular For October! 20.10.2023

In this episode, you will learn about all the fun cross-curricular units and activities that I teach for October with my first graders! Some topics that I share are Pumpkins, Owls, Bats, Spiders, and more! Let's take your classroom to the next level! October Live Webinar Connect with me! TPT Store Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Blog YouTube Channel Lifetime Membership Subscription Free Wr...

From Scribbles to Stories: How to Launch From Day One Part 1 14.10.2023

In this episode, you will hear the webinar that I presented in my Facebook Group. This is part 1 which is launching Writer's Workshop from day 1. I will share the first 5 lessons that including objectives, suggested mentor texts, anchor charts, and interactive notebooks. If you like what you hear and would like my FREE 5-day lesson plan on how to launch the workshop from day 1, subscribe to m...

Eureka Math and Math Workshop Connected! 04.10.2023

In this episode, I will share how I connect Eureka Math and Math Workshop together to help make my math block better differentiated, engaging, fun and purposeful! Check out my show notes that have videos and pictures of my classroom! Show Notes YouTube Video: My Calendar Time Resources mentioned in this episode: Math Interactive Notebooks and Anchor Charts In and Out Math Game I CAN Objective Post...

From Scribbles to Stories: Using Mentor Texts to Launch Writer's Workshop 17.09.2023

In this episode, I will share how my Writer's Workshop Course: From Scribbles to Stories will enhance and transform your writing block into something you're proud of! I will share the modules and bonuses that you can get if you purchase the course today! You won't want to miss this EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!  Show Notes Links mentioned in this episode: Writer's Workshop Course   YouTu...

12 Behavior Management Strategies 03.09.2023

Show notes from my BLOG Resources Mentioned in Episode: Show Me The Money: Bonus Bucks Resource The King of Kindergarten The Queen of Kindergarten In this episode, I will share 12 of my behavior management strategies that have helped me over the years:  1.) Create a Social Contract on the FIRST DAY of SCHOOL 2.) Use Bonus Bucks as Positive and Negative Behavior  3.) Have a Treasure Box or a Prize...

10 Ways to Become a Respected Team Leader 19.08.2023

Show notes In this episode- I will share my tips and tricks with you about becoming a respected team leader.  Connect with me! TPT Store Free Writer's Workshop Lesson Plans Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Free Back-to-School Lesson Plans Blog YouTube Channel Lifetime Membership Subscription Support the show Thank you so much for listening! Let's take your classroom to the next level! 

10 Ways to ROCK Your Classroom Organization 03.08.2023

Have you been wanting to organize your classroom but didn't know where to start? Check out this episode where I give you 10 tips and tricks to rocking your classroom organization! You won't be sorry! Show Notes From My Blog   Connect with me! TPT Store Free Writer's Workshop Lesson Plans Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Free Back-to-School Lesson Plans Blog YouTube Channel Lifetim...

7 Ways to Teach Reading and Phonics Groups at Your Teacher Table 25.07.2023

In this episode, you will learn 7 different ways I group my first graders at my teacher table. You will learn about the difference between Guided Reading and the Science of Reading and how to group your students according to their needs in reading and phonics. Hope you enjoy this episode! Show Notes from My Blog Connect with me! TPT Store Free Writer's Workshop Lesson Plans Facebook Group Ins...

How to Start Writer's Workshop in First Grade 17.07.2023

In this episode, I will share with you how I teach my students the process writing steps using the "I Do, We Do and You Do". Show Notes from my BLOG Connect with me! TPT Store Free Writer's Workshop Lesson Plans Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Free Back-to-School Lesson Plans Blog YouTube Channel Lifetime Membership Subscription Here are the resources that I share in this episode...

Teaching Cross-Curricular: 9 Meet the Teacher Night Tips and Tricks 07.07.2023

In this episode, you will learn 9 tips and tricks that I use for Meet the Teacher Night.  I will share activities, gifts, forms, and ideas that will help make your night a huge success! You won't need to stress anymore! Show Notes from my BLOG  Connect with me! TPT Store Facebook Group Instagram Pinterest Free Back-to-School Lesson Plans Blog YouTube Channel Lifetime Membership Subscription H...

Teaching Cross Curricular: A Day in First Grade 19.06.2023

Have you ever wondered what a typical day in first grade looks like? Check out my episode where I walk you through my daily schedule and how I teach cross-curricular! Hope you enjoy it! Show Notes From My Blog Here are the resources that are referenced in this episode: Literature Circles for Your SOARING Readers Are You a Bookworm: Reader's Workshop Mini-Lessons Write From Your Heart: Writer&...

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