Have you ever thought about how many leaves, dead plants and animals, etc., fall to the forest floor each year? Probably not, but if you take a moment to do so, it’s pretty amazing that all that debris doesn’t pile up so high that it covers the treetops! This question really gets my kids thinking […]
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Ways to Use Digital Word Work Mats
Word building activities with multisensory word work materials were always a go-to learning center in my second grade classroom. These days, with some students learning at home and strict sanitation practices in place in classrooms that are learning in person, hands-on letter manipulatives aren’t always a feasible option. Digital word work activities are a great […]
Teacher Must-Dos the First Day Back From Winter Break
Teachers, if you are anything like me, your winter break flew by and now your head is spinning with all you need to accomplish in the second half of the school year. It’s tempting to hit the ground running that first day back, but the transition back to the classroom after a break can be […]
Reasons to Love Boom Cards for Distance Learning
There are a lot of educational apps, websites, and tools out there to aid in distance learning. It’s great to have options, but it can also be overwhelming trying to decide which tools to implement with your class and how to use each of them most effectively. In this post, I’m sharing why I’ve loved […]
Developing Digital Number of the Day Routines
A daily Number of the Day routine is a great way to build mental math skills and review key number sense concepts and standards on a daily basis. Many teachers have thoughtfully incorporated these routines into their school day for years, but when teaching turned digital those routines fell away. This is your step-by-step guide […]
Uses for Digital Math Manipulatives
Manipulatives have the power to make mathematics come to life by making abstract concepts observable and concrete. They also allow students opportunities to model their mathematical thinking and test hypotheses. When students cannot safely share manipulative materials or aren’t physically in our classrooms, giving them access to these opportunities is a challenge. Digital math manipulatives […]
Keeping Things Fresh as an Experienced Teacher
If you’re a few years into teaching the same grade level, things are probably finally starting to fall into place for you. Your routines are all set. Your classroom space is organized. You know your standards inside and out. You have favorite lessons, units, read alouds, etc., that you love to teach. Congratulations! It’s taken […]
Simple Holiday Ornament Craft
December can be such a special time in the classroom. The kids are full of holiday excitement and so many things are planned from school spirit days to holiday concerts. It’s a lot of fun, but it can also get really busy on both the home and school fronts. If you are like me and […]
Simple Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Classroom All November Long
November is the perfect time to reflect, give thanks, and have some turkey-themed fun in the classroom! Here are some simple ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in the classroom all month long! Add Gratitude to Your Morning Meeting Routine If a daily morning meeting is part of your classroom routine, November is a great time to […]
Inquiry-Based Learning with a Wonder Wall
Second graders are so inquisitive! Nearly every time we gather for a read aloud or guided reading lesson, one of my students comes up with a really great question about what we are learning. I don’t always have the answers or the time to look them up at that very moment, but I also don’t […]