The provided source material describes a collection of free educational resources available through the website of Laura Candler, a former elementary school teacher and recipient of the Milken Family Foundation Educator Award. The resources focus primarily on mathematics and literacy instruction for elementary educators. Unlike traditional consumer freebies such as beauty samples or pet food trials, these offers consist of digital printables, lesson plans, and instructional activities designed for classroom use. The materials are accessible by signing up for a specific email newsletter called "Candler's Classroom Connections." The collection includes various tools such as a free 2024-25 school year calendar, math resources, literacy lessons, and science activities. Specific math concepts covered include fraction comparison, number lines, and cooperative learning strategies.
Accessing Free Educational Resources
Access to the free teaching materials is managed through an email newsletter subscription. According to the source material, signing up for "Candler's Classroom Connections" grants users access to over 75 free teaching resources. This newsletter serves as the delivery mechanism for new freebies added to the "File Cabinet," which is the online repository for Laura Candler's materials.
Eligibility and Subscription
The resources are targeted toward elementary educators. However, the source material does not specify strict eligibility requirements beyond the ability to sign up for the email newsletter. There is no mention of geographic restrictions, fees, or purchase requirements to access these digital files. The process appears to be a standard email opt-in.
Available Resources
The "File Cabinet" contains a variety of materials created by Laura Candler during her 30-year teaching career. The offerings are categorized to help educators find relevant materials quickly.
- Math Resources: These include activities focused on specific mathematical concepts. One notable example is fraction instruction, which involves tools like fraction spinners and number line activities.
- Literacy Lessons: Resources designed to support reading and writing instruction.
- Science Fun: Activities intended to engage students in scientific concepts.
- Cooperative Learning: Materials that encourage student interaction and group work.
- Planning Tools: A specific freebie mentioned is the "2024-25 School Year Calendar," which is described as a monthly planning tool that can be shared with students.
Specific Math Activities and Printables
The source material details several specific math activities, particularly those related to fractions. These resources are designed to be used in various instructional settings, including partner work, math centers, and whole-group lessons.
Fraction Comparison and Number Lines
A key component of the available math resources involves comparing fractions using number lines. The process typically involves the following steps: 1. Students work with a partner. 2. Each student draws a number line on a dry erase board. 3. Fractions are placed on the number lines. 4. Partners compare their placements. 5. If there is disagreement, students are instructed to use strategies such as drawing pictures to determine the correct position.
This method is intended to help students visualize fractions and understand their relative values.
Fraction Spinners and Center Games
The materials include "fraction spinners," which are described as perfect for creating fraction center games or cooperative learning activities. The recommendation is for students to play with a partner rather than in teams to ensure active involvement.
The Pizza Problem
One specific activity mentioned is the "Pizza Problem." This is a critical thinking exercise where students are shown a transparency of a pizza cut into unequal slices. The problem challenges students to determine if "4 pieces of pizza might be the same amount as 3 pieces" depending on the size of the slices. This activity is designed to introduce the concept of comparing fractions and assessing student readiness for lessons on fraction comparison.
Penguin Fraction Predictions
Another resource noted is "Penguin Fraction Predictions." This is described as a whole-group lesson that involves frequent interaction between the teacher and students. It can also function as a math center game or a partner review activity at the end of a fraction unit.
Author Background and Credibility
The resources are created by Laura Candler, a figure with significant experience in elementary education. The source material establishes her credibility through several credentials: * Experience: Former 5th-grade teacher with 30 years of classroom experience. * Awards: Recipient of the Milken Family Foundation Educator Award. * Certification: National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist. * Publications: Author of 10 books for teachers and over 100 digital resources. * Professional Development: Has presented educational workshops online and across the country for over 20 years.
This background suggests that the resources are developed by a professional with practical classroom experience and recognized expertise in the field of education.
Nature of the Offers
It is important to distinguish the type of freebies offered by Laura Candler from typical consumer samples. The sources provided do not mention physical products, mail-in programs, or trials for consumer goods such as beauty products, baby items, or pet food. Instead, the offers are strictly digital educational content. The "free samples" in this context refer to downloadable PDFs and printable lesson plans. The value proposition is for educators seeking supplemental teaching materials rather than consumers looking for product samples.
Newsletter as the Primary Channel
The email newsletter is the central hub for accessing these resources. By subscribing, users are notified when new materials are added to the File Cabinet. This ensures that users have ongoing access to a growing library of freebies without needing to search the website repeatedly.
Conclusion
The provided source material details a legitimate program for accessing free educational printables and lesson plans for elementary school teachers. The resources are hosted by Laura Candler, a highly experienced and credentialed educator. Access is granted via subscription to the "Candler's Classroom Connections" email newsletter, which provides over 75 free resources including math centers, literacy lessons, and planning calendars. The specific math activities described, such as fraction comparison using number lines and the Pizza Problem, illustrate the practical and interactive nature of the materials. While not consumer product samples, these resources represent a valuable freebie category for the target audience of educators and parents supporting home learning.