Jennifer Findley is an educational content creator who provides resources designed to support teachers in the classroom. Her offerings focus on making teaching more manageable and learning more effective for students, particularly in the 4th and 5th grades. The available information outlines a specific freebie library accessible via email subscription, along with examples of the types of resources available. These materials are intended to help educators save time, stay organized, and provide engaging, rigorous content for their students.
The Exclusive Freebie Library
The primary method for accessing free resources from Jennifer Findley is through an exclusive library available to email subscribers. This library has been transitioned to a new, more organized portal to improve the user experience. While the design and functionality have been updated, the core offering remains the same: a collection of high-quality, free resources.
Access and Organization
To gain access, individuals must sign up with their email details. Upon registration, they receive a login and password, giving them exclusive access to the library. Members can reset their password at any time. The library is designed to solve the problem of finding last-minute lesson ideas, particularly for seasonal or holiday-themed activities. It is organized so that teachers can find what they need quickly, without searching through materials that may not be relevant to their specific needs.
Content Focus
The current iteration of the freebie library exclusively features holiday and seasonal resources. This focus is intended to keep the classroom engaging throughout the school year, accommodating the "ebb and flow" of the academic calendar. The resources are specifically curated for 4th and 5th grade literacy and math classrooms, eliminating the need to sift through materials that do not fit the students' grade level or subject requirements.
Support and Previous Resources
For users who may have lost access to materials from the previous library or need assistance finding specific items, support is available via email at [support email address]. The documentation indicates that any resources previously available (before the transition to the holiday/seasonal exclusive library) are still 100% free and accessible, though the specific method for accessing them now is not detailed in the provided text other than through reaching out for assistance.
Types of Free Resources Available
The provided sources highlight several specific examples of free resources, particularly in the areas of reading and end-of-year activities. These examples illustrate the practical, ready-to-use nature of the materials.
Reading Activities and Centers
A specific free reading activity is available that includes one reading passage and a game-board featuring text-dependent questions. The intended use for this resource is to have the teacher read and discuss the passage as a whole group or small group activity. Following the discussion, students can "play" the game at a reading center or station.
Another described activity involves students reading a text and rolling two dice to determine which question they will answer. This method is noted as a simple way to change up the routine of answering questions and can be made more engaging by playing it "BUMP style." While the specific "BUMP style" rules are not defined in the text, the description suggests an interactive, game-based approach to reading comprehension.
In addition to single activities, there are bundles of reading centers available. These bundles are described as including 44 reading centers with texts. The centers are designed to be rigorous and engaging, aiming to capture the interest of even reluctant readers. They allow students to practice reading skills in isolation from novels and independent reading, making them suitable for centers, small group practice, or re-teaching.
Other reading-related tools mentioned include reading puzzles, which are described as a hands-on way to practice grade-level reading skills, and reading spinners, which are suggested for students who need to go deep with a specific reading skill or standard.
End-of-Year Activities
For the final weeks of school, quick, no-prep activities are available to fill random minutes between events. These include "A to Z Booklets," which are a favorite for student reflection. Students can create these booklets individually or as a collaborative class project. The focus can be flexible, covering memories and events, facts and details, or subject-specific skills learned during the year.
Another end-of-year activity involves "Summer Bucket Lists." This activity channels student excitement for summer break into a structured planning exercise. It typically begins with a class brainstorming session, followed by students creating their own lists.
Target Audience and Teaching Philosophy
The resources are designed with a specific teaching philosophy in mind. The goal is to provide practical, research-based strategies and ready-to-use activities that meet students where they are and then move them forward. The philosophy is built on the belief that with the right support, all students can grow, achieve, and discover a love of learning.
Student Needs
The teaching style emphasized in the sources recognizes that students thrive when learning is accessible, engaging, and meaningful. This may look different for different students. For some, grade-level rigor is appropriate. For others, scaffolds and supports are necessary to build confidence step by step. The resources are designed to facilitate this differentiation, making teaching more manageable and learning more effective.
Teacher Support
The creator's stated mission is to lighten the load for teachers, providing tools that actually work so they can focus on making the difference they came into teaching to make. This includes helping teachers create classrooms where students feel confident, engaged, and capable. The resources are intended to help bridge gaps in student learning and help teachers stay connected to the teacher they want to be.
Logistics of Accessing Freebies
Sign-Up Process
Accessing the free resources requires joining the email list. The process involves: 1. Entering details (such as name and email) on the sign-up form. 2. Receiving login information via email. 3. Using the provided credentials to access the freebie library.
Once a member, individuals receive updates and notifications about new additions to the library as they are added throughout the year.
Content Availability
The freebie library is described as a "neatly organized library" where members can get instant access to what they need. The library is updated regularly. The sources mention that freebies are added regularly, and subscribers are encouraged to check back or follow on social media to be notified of new additions.
Nature of the Freebies
The freebies provided to email subscribers are described as either: 1. Resources not found anywhere else. 2. Resources that are normally sold in the TeacherspayTeachers store.
This suggests that the email list is a primary channel for accessing exclusive content that might otherwise require purchase.
Specific Resource Examples
Reading Centers and Games Bundle
One specific product mentioned is a bundle of reading centers and games. This bundle is described as including 44 reading centers with texts. The description emphasizes that these centers are rigorous and engaging, designed to appeal to reluctant readers. The bundle is positioned as a solution for teachers needing engaging and low-prep reading centers for upper elementary students.
Reading Puzzles
Reading puzzles are highlighted as a hands-on method for students to practice reading skills. They are suitable for reading centers, small group reading practice, or re-teaching. A bundle of these puzzles is available specifically for 4th and 5th grade.
Reading Spinners
Reading spinners are mentioned as a tool for deepening student engagement with a reading skill or standard. While the specific mechanics are not detailed, the context suggests they are used to guide students through specific reading tasks or questions.
Conclusion
The available information details a structured system for educators to access free, high-quality educational resources. By subscribing to Jennifer Findley's email list, teachers gain entry to an exclusive, organized library of seasonal and holiday materials tailored for 4th and 5th grade literacy and math. The resources, ranging from reading games and puzzles to end-of-year reflection booklets, are designed to save teachers time while keeping students engaged. The underlying philosophy emphasizes accessibility, rigor, and practical support for both students and teachers in the classroom environment.