Whether you or not you love morning work, it’s necessary for so many of us. It’s typically the very first activity students will do each day. So how can teachers make the first impression of each day one that students look forward to, and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day? The … Read more
Sticker challenges are used as an individual student positive reinforcement system. Students earn stickers for good behavior, work completion, good manners, completed homework, raising hands, being kind, working quietly…the options are endless. It’s really all about what your students need reinforcement with. What are sticker challenges? Sticker challenges are used as an individual student positive … Read more
As an elementary teacher, I’ve heard my fair share of farts over the years. In all honestly, I find farts HILARIOUS. However, I really try to maintain my composure in the classroom. Prior to the “toot talk” kids will pinch their noses, point, whisper, and shout, “EWWWW!” When this happens, and it’s happened every single … Read more
The beginning of the year is one of my favorite times of the school year. It’s hectic, and overwhelming, but it’s also filled with hope and excitement! Along with that hope and excitement is launching reading workshop. It’s the time when my students really become readers, and realize that often, the reason someone doesn’t like … Read more
One of the most important jobs I have in my classroom is to teach my students to be themselves, to accept and respect themselves as well as each other. Promoting individuality in the classroom though, can be a difficult concept to teach. Picture books are the perfect way to help students understand, promote, and celebrate … Read more
While I don’t love what testing has become, the reality is that students will take tests for one reason or another for the rest of their lives. So how do we prepare students for testing? I’m not talking about things like bubbling in answers, or eliminating choices that don’t make sense, although, those are important … Read more
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I LOVE children’s books, and I especially love books that go with a specific theme, holiday, or season. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite Valentine’s Day Books that are perfect for any classroom library. Having themed or seasonal books that only make an … Read more
If you’re looking for the easiest classroom slime recipe that is easy for teachers and students, doesn’t require a ton of ingredients, you’re in the right place! For the last several years, my students have been crazy for slime. I have been crazy about avoiding making slime in the classroom because I’ve never found a … Read more
Of all the writing genres, I think personal narrative is the hardest to teach, which is why I’m sharing my favorite 15 personal narrative mini-lessons. While students all have stories to tell, I’ve found that students struggling telling their story in writing. After teaching personal narrative writing mini-lessons for years, and never feeling like I’ve … Read more
How to teach students to build reading stamina is a lesson we begin on the very first day of school (or close to it). Not only is teaching students to build reading stamina important for students as readers, but it’s important for me to keep guided reading running smoothly. Creating an environment where students are … Read more
If you’re looking for an easy back to school student gift you’re in the right place! I recently posted this picture on my Instagram account (follow me), and I got lots of requests to make it available! Aside from a welcoming smile, and warm environment, I think a small gift to give students is a … Read more
As part of our folktale unit in 2nd grade, we spend about two weeks reading different versions of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. There are LOTS of different Goldilocks books out there, and a ton of activities you can do with those books. I’m sharing a few of my favorite Goldilocks books, and a few … Read more
