Looking for advice for new teachers? If it is your first year teaching, congratulations on landing your first teaching job! As you embark upon this amazing journey, you will impact the lives of twenty-something little people in countless ways this year. It is an awesome responsibility and a privilege. There will be smiles, moments of […]
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Creating a Calm Corner in Your Classroom
Now more than ever, our students need our classrooms to be safe, calm spaces. I wanted to take some time today to share a classroom space that has helped me to successfully support students who may have had difficulty self-regulating or just occasionally needed time and space to regroup – my classroom’s calm corner. Calm […]
Teacher Tips for Fostering Strong Relationships 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 […]
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. Virtual math manipulatives […]
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 […]
Fun Ideas for Teaching Adjectives in October
The leaves are changing colors, you’re feeling the crisp fall air, and Halloween is just around the corner – which means your students might be having a bit of a hard time focusing on your adjective lesson! Fortunately, I’ve got some fun ideas for teaching adjectives and descriptive writing that are just right for October. […]
Building Relationships with Students Beginning Those First Weeks of School
You’ve heard it before – building relationships with students is key to both your students’ academic success and successful classroom management. It makes sense. Students perform better and behave better for teachers who they feel a connection with, the people they know care about them and have made an effort to get to know them. […]