Naturally Teaching
604 Followers
Midland, Michigan, United States
About the store
Hi there! I'm Victoria, and I'm here to help you teach science in your elementary classroom or at home without adding more to your plate. I know just how tight your schedule is and how it feels to have the demands from administration to focus your teaching time on reading, writing, and math. I also know that science can feel really intimidating to teach. That's why I've designed science resources that are standards-based, require little to no prep, and are highly engaging.
I have a passion for helping elementary and homeschool educators make teaching science a priority in their classroom. I help teachers of all kinds gain the confidence to teach their science curriculum through lessons that build skills incrementally, as well as articles on my blog, Naturally Teaching, and episodes on my podcast, Naturally Teaching Elementary. I help them save time by integrating science into their reading and writing units. And I help them reach all of their students with outdoor lessons so that each child can shine.
I have over 10 years of experience coaching elementary teachers to fulfill their science standards through outdoor education. During that time, I helped teachers of all science abilities, from teachers who were scared to teach the subject all the way through the most dedicated science lovers. And through my coaching experience, each teacher reached a level where their students benefited greatly from their teachers' dedication to teaching science. Field guides and non-fiction books became the preferred reading for many students, questions were being asked about plants and sounds, close observations were made when working with magnets...these are the things I wish for you and your students.
Read more
All resources
Filters
Subject
Resource type
Standard
Audience
Worm Weather Picture Book Companion for Kindergarten (ELA & Science Activities)
Looking for a book to help you teach your kindergarteners about spring weather? Worm Weather by Jean Taft and Matt Hunt is an engaging story told in rhyme about children experiencing a variety of types of spring weather that worms enjoy as well. The activities in the story are dictated by the weather which includes rain that develops into thunderstorms which eventually subside, resulting in the creation of a rainbow. This picture book companion includes ELA and science activities to enhance
Kindergarten
English Language Arts, Science
CCSS, NGSS
RL.K.2
, RL.K.5
, W.K.1
 +3
Also included in:Â Spring Season GROWING Bundle for Kindergarten
Animal Characteristic Booklet Bundle
The animal characteristic booklet bundle includes a set of 6 booklets about animal groups and the characteristics that make them unique. Teaching first grade animal characteristics is made easier with these animal characteristic booklets that cover six traits of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects. 1st graders will enjoy these interactive booklets that allow them to follow a predictable outline in their exploration of animal groups and their unique traits. Used during full c
1st
Biology, General Science, Science
NGSS
1-LS1-2
, 1-LS3-1
Reptile and Amphibian Characteristics Sort
Reptiles and amphibians are unique groups of animals that have traits and characteristics that set them apart from other animal groups. 1st graders can practice their understanding of the traits of reptiles (lizards, snakes, and turtles) versus the traits of amphibians (frogs, toads, and salamanders) with this amphibian characteristic and reptile characteristic sort worksheet. By learning about animal characteristics, children will have the chance to see how the traits of animals are passed f
1st
Biology, General Science, Science
NGSS
1-LS1-2
, 1-LS3-1
Printable Weather Wheel (FREE)
Early childhood students love weather and the mysteries behind the natural phenomena. Help your preschoolers and kindergarteners keep track of the weather with this simple and easy to use weather wheel. This simple science tool can be used to track daily weather patterns and help your kindergarten students give words and pictures to what is taking place outside. Consider printing a weather wheel for each student and place them at a science center to prepare for full class data collection o
PreK - 3rd
Environment, General Science, Science
NGSS
K-ESS2-1
, 3-ESS2-1
Weather Coloring Worksheet (FREE)
Weather is a very engaging subject for children of all ages but especially early childhood students. Your preschool and kindergarten students will enjoy this free coloring sheet as they work on fine motor skills and familiarize themselves with the different forms of weather. Types of weather covered on this coloring page are sunny, rainy, stormy, snowy, cloudy, and windy. This could work well as a science center or as a full class activity. This resource includes: Weather coloring pageNext Gene
PreK - K
Environment, General Science, Science
NGSS
K-ESS2-1
Reptile Characteristics Coloring Worksheet (FREE)
Reptiles are a unique group of animals that have traits and characteristics that set them apart from other animal groups. 1st graders can learn what makes reptiles special through fine motor practice as they color the reptile characteristics on this free coloring page. In order to help students understand how reptiles use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs, they first need to know what makes them stand apart from other groups of animals. Characteristics include
1st
Biology, General Science, Science
NGSS
1-LS1-2
, 1-LS3-1
Bat Echolocation Sound Waves Worksheet (FREE)
Sound waves are a difficult and abstract topic to teach children, especially 1st graders. Teaching 1st graders and 4th graders about sound through animals and their application of sound waves can bring real-world context and better understanding for students. Children also love bats! Bats use sound waves (echolocation) to be able to find their food and avoid natural obstacles while flying at night. Use this worksheet to introduce or practice the concept of sound waves and how they can aid bats i
1st - 4th
Biology, Physics, Science
NGSS
1-LS1-1
, 4-LS1-1
, 1-PS4-4
 +3
First Grade Animal Characteristics Cards | Centers, Bulletin Board, Thinking Map
Teaching first grade animal characteristics is made easier by these versatile cards. These cards picture characteristics that make animal groups unique including mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. These cards have pictures with words to help early readers engage with the animal characteristic on each card. In color and black and white, your students can either use them hot off the printer or they can get up close and personal by coloring in the picture on the cards. Fi
1st
Biology, General Science, Science
NGSS
1-LS1-2
, 1-LS3-1
Insect Characteristics Coloring Worksheet (FREE)
Insects are a unique group of animals that have traits and characteristics that set them apart from other animal groups. 1st graders can learn what makes insects special through fine motor practice as they color the insect characteristics on this free coloring page. In order to help students understand how insects use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs, they first need to know what makes them stand apart from other groups of animals. Characteristics included on
1st
Biology, General Science, Science
NGSS
1-LS1-2
, 1-LS3-1
Mammal Characteristics Coloring Worksheet (FREE)
Mammal are a unique group of animals that have traits and characteristics that set them apart from other animal groups. 1st graders can learn what makes mammals special through fine motor practice as they color the mammal characteristics on this free coloring page. In order to help students understand how mammals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs, they first need to know what makes them stand apart from other groups of animals. Characteristics included on
1st
Biology, General Science, Science
NGSS
1-LS1-2
, 1-LS3-1
Living and Nonliving Booklet
The living and nonliving booklet is a great way to introduce this abstract concept to your early childhood learners. When teaching living and nonliving to kindergarten, teachers can work smarter not harder by using this booklet to help their students practice their fine motor skills by coloring in the nonliving and living things throughout this interactive booklet. What are living vs nonliving characteristics? The living and nonliving booklet introduces kindergarten-friendly definitions for
Kindergarten
Biology, Environment, Science
NGSS
K-ESS3-1
, K-LS1-1
Also included in:Â Living and Non Living GROWING Bundle for Kindergarten
Amphibian Characteristics Coloring Worksheet (FREE)
Amphibians are a unique group of animals that have traits and characteristics that set them apart from other animal groups. 1st graders can learn what makes amphibians special through fine motor practice as they color the amphibian characteristics on this free coloring page. In order to help students understand how amphibians use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs, they first need to know what makes them stand apart from other groups of animals. Characteristics
1st
Biology, General Science, Science
NGSS
1-LS1-2
, 1-LS3-1
Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle Coloring Worksheet (FREE)
Insects live a unique life cycle with many of them experiencing complete metamorphosis. 1st graders can learn the stages of a Monarch butterfly's life cycle through fine motor practice as they color the egg, the caterpillar, the chrysalis, and adult butterfly on this free coloring page. In order to help students understand the patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help their offspring survive, students first need to know what the unique life cycle of an insect can look like. Life cy
1st
Biology, General Science, Science
NGSS
1-LS1-2
, 1-LS3-1
Living and Non Living Scavenger Hunt
Living and non living scavenger hunt is a great way to begin your animal needs unit this year! Teaching living and nonliving to kindergarten can be difficult but the living and non living scavenger hunt can make the abstract concepts more tangible. Living things that your Kindergarteners can look for using the living and non living scavenger hunt include grass, trees, mushrooms, worms, and more. Non living things your kindergarteners can look for using the living and non living scavenger hunt i
Kindergarten
Biology, Environment, Science
NGSS
K-ESS3-1
, K-LS1-1
Also included in:Â Living and Non Living GROWING Bundle for Kindergarten
Snow and Winter Weather Mini Unit for Kindergarten (ELA & Science Activities)
Snow picture books are a fun way to investigate the winter season in your kindergarten classroom. This snow and winter weather book companion is designed to work with any fiction or non-fiction picture book about snow and includes ELA and science activities for your kindergarteners. Select a picture book about snow from the suggested book list or use one of your favorites, these activities were written to work on specific reading, writing, and language standards as well as weather-related sc
Kindergarten
English Language Arts, Science
CCSS, NGSS
RL.K.2
, RI.K.2
, W.K.1
 +3
Also included in:Â Winter Season GROWING Bundle for Kindergarten
Fall to Winter Sort Worksheet
Fall to winter seasonal signs are a great way to introduce the seasons and weather patterns to your students! During the fall to winter transition, some of these signs can be overlooked but can give your students a peek into the ebb and flow of weather patterns and how they affect the surrounding plants and animals. Help your kindergarten or third grade students recognize the transition of fall to winter with this sort worksheet. With two different organizers, you have the option to provide y
K - 3rd
Earth Sciences, Science
CCSS, NGSS
L.K.5a
, K-ESS2-1
, 3-ESS2-1
Also included in:Â Fall Season GROWING Bundle for Kindergarten
Four Seasons Sorting Activity Bundle for Fall, Spring, Winter, and Summer
The four seasons sorting activity is a bundle to help you teach fall, winter, spring, and summer signs to your students! Teaching the four seasons with this bundle will support your kindergarten and 3rd grade weather units by providing engaging four seasons sorting activities to help them recognize the transitions between seasons. With two different organizers, you have the option to provide your students with either a table or a Venn diagram for sorting summer vs fall, fall vs winter, winte
K - 3rd
Earth Sciences, Science
CCSS, NGSS
L.K.5a
, K-ESS2-1
, 3-ESS2-1
The Great Backyard Bird Count - Citizen Science Projects for 5th Graders
Are you looking for ways to teach your 5th graders about how individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earths' resources and environment? A citizen science projects is your answer! If you're unfamiliar with citizen science, it is when non-scientists study the world around them and submit the data they collect to scientists. Anyone can be a citizen scientist including you and your students! This mini unit, the Great Backyard Bird Count - Citizen Science Projects for 5th Graders, w
5th
English Language Arts, Environment, Science
CCSS, NGSS
W.5.2
, W.5.2a
, W.5.2b
 +2
Bird Characteristics Coloring Worksheet (FREE)
Birds are a unique group of animals that have traits and characteristics that set them apart from other animal groups. 1st graders can learn what makes birds special through fine motor practice as they color the bird characteristics on this free coloring page. In order to help students understand how birds use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs, they first need to know what makes them stand apart from other animal groups. Characteristics included on this colori
1st
Biology, General Science, Science
NGSS
1-LS1-2
, 1-LS3-1
Insect Characteristic Booklet
The insect characteristic booklet will help you introduce insects to your class during your animal unit. When teaching about insects and their traits, teachers can work smarter not harder by using this booklet to help 1st graders as they practice their fine motor skills by filling-in-the-blanks and coloring the insect characteristics in this interactive booklet. What characteristics do insects have? The insect characteristic booklet shares six characteristics that make insects unique from ot
1st
Biology, General Science, Science
NGSS
1-LS1-2
, 1-LS3-1
Also included in:Â Animal Characteristic Booklet Bundle
Showing 1-20 of 85 results
About the store
Experience
Hi there! I'm Victoria, and I'm here to help you teach science in your elementary classroom or at home without adding more to your plate. I know just how tight your schedule is and how it feels to have the demands from administration to focus your teaching time on reading, writing, and math. I also know that science can feel really intimidating to teach. That's why I've designed science resources that are standards-based, require little to no prep, and are highly engaging.
I have a passion for helping elementary and homeschool educators make teaching science a priority in their classroom. I help teachers of all kinds gain the confidence to teach their science curriculum through lessons that build skills incrementally, as well as articles on my blog, Naturally Teaching, and episodes on my podcast, Naturally Teaching Elementary. I help them save time by integrating science into their reading and writing units. And I help them reach all of their students with outdoor lessons so that each child can shine.
I have over 10 years of experience coaching elementary teachers to fulfill their science standards through outdoor education. During that time, I helped teachers of all science abilities, from teachers who were scared to teach the subject all the way through the most dedicated science lovers. And through my coaching experience, each teacher reached a level where their students benefited greatly from their teachers' dedication to teaching science. Field guides and non-fiction books became the preferred reading for many students, questions were being asked about plants and sounds, close observations were made when working with magnets...these are the things I wish for you and your students.
Teaching style
I am very passionate about nurturing the whole child by making science more approachable, digestible, and enjoyable for elementary and homeschool teachers. By producing robust ELA and science resources that integrate and save teachers and parents time and headaches, the vision is to get science into more elementary classrooms and homes.
I also LOVE integrating hands on and nature experiences for all ages. I believe that providing children with authentic experiences in the real-world, or experiences simulated to reflect the real-world, will give them the opportunity to build connections with the material and have a better understanding of how it is applied.
Awards & shining teacher moments
In 2019 I was recognized by the Great Lakes Region of the National Association for Interpretation with the Outstanding New Interpreter Award for my contributions to advance the profession of interpretation. Nominated by my peers, I was honored to accept this recognition for integrating nature into elementary science curriculums for local districts as well as developing standards-based field trips for schools throughout Michigan.
My own education history
B.S. in Elementary Education Integrated Science major and Language Arts minor from Central Michigan University.
TPT is the largest marketplace for PreK-12 resources, powered by a community of educators.
IXL family of brands