If you’ve ever found yourself correcting center work on your couch at ten o’clock on a Friday night, this post is for you! I used to be that teacher. I would trudge home with my giant stack of center papers to correct each night. If fell behind on correcting it was nearly impossible to catch […]
First Week of School Read Alouds and Activities That Help to Build a Strong Classroom Community
Thoughtfully selected first week of school read alouds can help to set a positive and welcoming tone for the school year. With this in mind, I look for inclusive titles that will support me in honoring all students as valued members of our classroom community. For me, this means books that feature diverse characters with […]
Ways to Show Appreciation for School Staff
Teachers do amazing work, but we all know that it truly takes a village to educate a child. Classroom teachers are able to be most successful with a strong administrative and support staff behind them. Whether it’s during Teacher Appreciation Week or simply in the final days of the school year, it’s important to make […]
Inquiry-Based Learning with Mystery Creatures
Spring is my favorite time of year in the classroom. My students are really starting to gain independence and some basic research skills. They now know how to search safely online and how to use a table of contents and index to find information. It’s the perfect time to put those skills to use at […]
Hands-On Fraction Activities
As they begin to explore fractions, our second graders need to start with tangible, concrete representations. Providing hands-on experiences with fractions can provide powerful visuals and allow students to manipulate and experiment with these new concepts, making fractions come to life as students establish a basic understanding. You’ll then be able to extend their knowledge, […]