Comprehensive Guide To Free Educational Resources From Not So Wimpy Teacher

Not So Wimpy Teacher has established itself as a valuable resource provider for educators, offering a variety of free teaching materials across multiple subjects and grade levels. Founded by Jamie, who has experience teaching third grade, the platform has been creating teacher-tested, student-approved curricula since 2013. Through their website, podcast, and Teachers Pay Teachers store, Not So Wimpy Teacher provides numerous free resources that can support educators in various teaching contexts. This guide explores the diverse range of free educational materials available, helping teachers discover valuable resources to enhance their instruction without cost.

Math Freebies

Not So Wimpy Teacher offers several free math resources that support elementary educators. One standout offering is the Second Grade Math Journal Freebie, which has received positive feedback from both parents and teachers. The math journal includes cover pages designed for both boys and girls, featuring age-appropriate math prompts that challenge students appropriately. According to user experiences, the math problems in these journals are well-designed to engage students while providing appropriate challenge levels for second-grade learners.

The subtraction task cards represent another popular math resource. This mini set includes subtraction problems with 2 and 3-digit numbers, focusing specifically on regrouping practice. These task cards are designed for math centers and can be utilized in various ways, including as part of a "scoot" activity, as game cards, or in center rotations. The task cards provide focused practice on a specific skill, making them a valuable resource for targeted instruction in mathematics.

Not So Wimpy Teacher also participates in special promotional events, such as a "12 Days of Christmas" promotion where they offer free resources on consecutive days. During such events, teachers can receive a set of subtraction task cards as one of the free gifts. These promotional events provide opportunities for educators to build their resource libraries at no cost while discovering the quality of the materials offered by the platform.

Language Arts Freebies

The Not So Wimpy Teacher platform provides several free resources in the language arts domain. One notable offering is a set of reading assessments that include both fiction and informational texts. These assessments cover various reading comprehension skills, including vocabulary, character traits, point of view, and main idea identification. Teachers can use these assessments as pre- and post-tests to measure student growth throughout the school year. The free resource package also includes a chart where teachers can record student performance data, allowing for systematic tracking of progress.

For grammar instruction, Not So Wimpy Teacher offers task cards focused on identifying pronouns in sentences. This set includes 24 task cards, a student recording sheet, and an answer key. The task cards provide a practical way for students to practice identifying pronouns, which can be implemented in multiple formats such as a scoot activity, game cards, or in learning centers. Teachers interested in expanding their grammar resources can also access a bundle of parts of speech task cards that include nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, though this bundle appears to be a paid resource.

Not So Wimpy Teacher also emphasizes the integration of social-emotional learning into writing instruction. The platform suggests modifying traditional writing prompts to incorporate SEL elements, such as asking students to write about their feelings, what makes them happy or mad, and how they can calm down. These prompts help students develop self-awareness and emotional regulation skills while simultaneously practicing their writing abilities. This approach aligns with contemporary educational practices that prioritize holistic student development.

Classroom Management and Virtual Learning Resources

In response to evolving educational needs, Not So Wimpy Teacher has developed several free resources to support classroom management and virtual learning environments. One particularly valuable resource is a guide to using Google Classroom, designed to help students understand how to retrieve, complete, and submit assignments digitally. The resource also teaches students how to check scores and teacher feedback in Google Classroom. This simple, kid-friendly guide has been noted as helpful for both students and parents who are new to the Google Classroom platform, especially during periods of remote learning.

For virtual or modified "Meet the Teacher" events, Not So Wimpy Teacher offers digital open house slides. These slides help teachers create engaging presentations for virtual open houses or parent nights, which became necessary during periods of remote or hybrid learning. The slides include templates for sharing classroom expectations and other important information with students and families, facilitating communication in digital formats.

The platform also provides strategies for building classroom community, both in-person and virtually. One suggested approach is the "Snack and Chat" activity, where teachers can schedule brief, informal meetings with small groups of students to build relationships and get to know them better. This strategy can be adapted for virtual settings through video conferencing, helping maintain connections even when physical classroom interaction is limited. Such strategies are particularly valuable during transitions or when establishing new classroom norms.

Special Promotions and Seasonal Freebies

Not So Wimpy Teacher regularly participates in special promotions and seasonal events to provide additional free resources to educators. During Teacher Appreciation Week, the platform has offered significant discounts and freebies. For example, they've provided 50% off End of Year Awards during specific hours and promoted various giveaways throughout the week. These special events provide opportunities for educators to access high-quality resources at reduced or no cost, with the timing aligned to when teachers might be preparing for end-of-year activities or planning for the upcoming school year.

The "12 Days of Christmas" promotion represents another example of how Not So Wimpy Teacher gives back to the teaching community. During this event, the platform offers twelve different free resources on consecutive days. Teachers who follow the store or website can receive notifications about each day's freebie, allowing them to collect a variety of resources across different subjects and grade levels. Past promotions have included math task cards, reading assessments, and classroom management resources, providing a diverse array of materials to support instructional needs.

How to Access Not So Wimpy Teacher Freebies

Teachers can access Not So Wimpy Teacher freebies through several channels. The primary method is through the official Not So Wimpy Teacher website, where free resources are regularly featured. Teachers can also follow the Not So Wimpy Teacher store on Teachers Pay Teachers to receive notifications when new free resources are added or when special promotions are available.

For those interested in regular content, the Not To Wimpy Teacher Podcast often announces free resources and special events. The podcast also provides insights into teaching strategies and curriculum development, which can complement the free resources offered by the platform. The podcast episodes from May 2020, for example, highlighted Teacher Appreciation Week promotions and writing curriculum resources.

To stay informed about new freebies, teachers are encouraged to: 1. Visit the Not So Wimpy Teacher website regularly 2. Follow the Teachers Pay Teachers store 3. Subscribe to the podcast for updates 4. Engage with the Not So Wimpy Teacher social media channels

These methods ensure that educators can take advantage of the full range of free resources as they become available.

Benefits of Using Not So Wimpy Teacher Resources

The free resources from Not So Wimpy Teacher offer several benefits to educators. First, they provide high-quality, teacher-tested materials that have been developed based on classroom experience. The resources are designed to be engaging for students while addressing key learning objectives in various subject areas.

Second, the free materials can supplement existing curriculum resources, providing additional practice or alternative approaches to teaching challenging concepts. Many teachers have reported that Not So Wimpy Teacher resources are more engaging and effective than their school-provided materials, particularly in areas like grammar instruction where traditional approaches can be "boring, and overwhelming" according to one reviewer.

Third, the free resources offer opportunities for teachers to sample the quality of paid products before making purchasing decisions. This allows educators to assess whether the full curriculum lines from Not So Wimpy Teacher would be a good fit for their classroom needs. The platform offers a dollar trial option, which may provide additional insight into the value of their paid resources.

Finally, the free materials can be particularly valuable for teachers with limited budgets, providing access to quality educational resources without financial strain. This accessibility aligns with the platform's apparent mission to support educators with effective, practical tools that enhance student learning experiences.

Conclusion

Not So Wimpy Teacher offers a diverse collection of free educational resources that can support elementary educators across various subject areas and teaching contexts. From math journals and task cards to reading assessments and virtual learning guides, these free materials provide valuable tools for enhancing instruction. The platform regularly updates its offerings through special promotions and seasonal events, giving teachers ongoing opportunities to build their resource libraries.

By accessing these free resources, educators can supplement their curriculum, provide engaging learning experiences for students, and explore the quality of Not So Wimpy Teacher's paid products. The commitment to providing free materials reflects the platform's dedication to supporting the teaching community and making quality education resources accessible to all educators, regardless of budget constraints.

Sources

1. I Heart Recess Blog - Math Journal Review
2. Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast - May 2020 Episodes
3. Not So Wimpy Teacher - Virtual Back to School Resources
4. Not So Wimpy Teacher - Dollar Trial
5. Teachers Pay Teachers - Not So Wimpy Teacher Free Resources
6. Reading and Writing Redhead - Back to School During Pandemic