If you’re looking for classroom ideas and activities for Valentine’s Day, you’re in the right place. While I’m not a huge Valentine’s Day fan outside of the classroom (read: my husband and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day), I really do love celebrating with my students. Valentine’s Day is perfect for reviewing friendship, kindness, and respect. … Read more
February means books for Valentine’s Day, and I have some really, really sweet ones to share. The bonus is that so many books for Valentine’s Day include themes of kindness, understanding, and respect. And if we’re being really honest, my students can use all the kindness reminders. Books for Valentine’s Day The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine … Read more
Hooray for the 100th day of school! We’re celebrating with activities themed with the number 100. I like to fill our 100th day of school with fun activities that incorporate math, reading, and writing. Candy Experiment Students will see if they can get to the center of a lollipop in 100 licks. After each lick, … Read more
The few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas/Winter Break is intense. With so much craziness, the festive feeling can slip away pretty easily. Organize a “Secret Santa” exchange with free downloads for a fun way to keep things joyful and festive. What is Secret Santa? You know, you pull someone’s name out of some sort of … Read more
With less than 2 months until Christmas, it’s time to start thinking about gift giving, so I’ve put together a teacher holiday gift guide. The teacher holiday gift guide was inspired by the best gifts I’ve received, as well as my favorite gifts to give. Felt Tip Flair Pens Teacher Tumbler Sherpa Throw (Save $10 … Read more
The first day of school for pretty much any grade is a whirlwind. It’s filled with excitement, wonder, and a little bit of chaos. So what actually happens on the first day? Goals for the First Day of School The goals for the first day, are the same goals I have for the entire year. … 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
No matter what grade I’ve taught, or how many years I’ve taught, organizing a classroom library is a topic that comes up A LOT. Our classroom library is really the heart of our classroom. It takes up a big chunk of space, and we gather near it everyday for morning meeting, mini-lessons, and read alouds. … Read more
I love doing novel studies with my 2nd graders! They get so excited, and so invested in the characters! We end the year with our Chocolate Fever Novel Study, and it’s by far our favorite! I’ve done the Chocolate Fever Novel Study with my 2nd grade class 5 years running, and as long as they … 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
