Discover how to easily manage class jobs to help improve student engagement, responsibility, and classroom community. Incorporating classroom jobs can enhance the learning environment by helping foster a sense of responsibility and community among students. Class jobs are also an effective way to engage students actively in their education while teaching essential life skills. Do … Read more
Listening skills is probably one of the top skills teachers (and parents) wish their students and kids had more of. I’ve found that using books to teach the importance of listening helps students I really like using picture books to help students understand why there have to be rules in the first place, as well … Read more
Sending home graded and ungraded student work can become overwhelming quickly. Papers that can stay at home can easily get mixed up with papers that need to be returned to school, and it really is a mess. What student work do I send home? I send home all student work. Sometimes it’s graded, and sometimes … Read more
We all know that the beginning of any school year is crazy. There are more things to do, copy, print, and make than I can count. While I don’t spend a ton of my summer working on school stuff, there are 5 ways to prepare for a new school year that make my life easier. … 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
In the last week or so, my students have been OFF.THE.WALLS! I’m not really sure what is going on, but I needed reinforcements, and FAST! My favorite strategy for these random WILD times throughout the year is a sticker challenge! Specifically, an April Sticker Challenge! What is a sticker challenge? A sticker challenge is used … Read more
Often, teachers find themselves contacting parents when something is wrong. Grades, behavior, you name it. However, I think it’s important to let parents know when something is right. That’s where happy notes for students come in. Happy notes for students are such an easy and effective way to encourage and motivate students, all while letting … Read more
Classroom management is something I’ve worked really hard on since the first day I set foot into a classroom. Specifically, positive classroom management. I use a “layered” approach to classroom management. Well, I might have just made that up, but here’s what I mean. Layered Classroom Management There isn’t just one thing, rather, a combination … Read more
Planning to be out is pretty much on every teacher’s list of things she would rather NOT do. It’s hard to put into words every little thing that we do for every single minute of the day. Follow along below to learn how to plan for a substitute teacher. Please note, that I realize that … 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
