Can you relate? There is a line of students who want me to look at their writing. One student is drawing on his desk. Another student is asleep. I have another group students giggling while they present to peer edit. I have some students drafting. A few students are editing and revising. Some students are publishing on the class computers. ... Continue Reading
Make Boring Writing Curriculum More Engaging
Do you have to use a certain writing curriculum? Does it happen to be a little dull and boring for you and your students? I totally get it! I've been in your shoes and I know how frustrating it can be. I want to share a few tips that helped me to make my writing curriculum more engaging. Having a great writing curriculum is so helpful. It can ... Continue Reading
Free Summer Writing Menus
As the school year comes to an end, it is fun to give students some activities to enjoy over the summer. I don't give homework packets. Yuck! But I do love challenging them to read a couple of books and write in a journal. Every student won't do it, but many will if we make it fun! I think that your students will enjoy these summer writing ... Continue Reading
Virtual End of Year Activities
The end of the school year is upon us. And it turned out to be one crazy weird school year. Our usual end of year bag of tricks won't work this year. But there are still so many fun and simple virtual end of year activities that you students will love. Memory Books I always loved to have my students create memory books at the end of the year. ... Continue Reading
Virtual Field Trips
As we continue to teach from home and practice safe distancing, many of us are looking for ways to keep students excited about learning. It’s become vital to expand their horizons past local school yards and playgrounds. Virtual tours from around the country contribute to not only adding some fun alternatives to their day (and ours), they also help ... Continue Reading
You Don’t Have Time to Teach Writing!
Reading, math, science, social studies, specials, RTI....how in the world are you supposed to find time to teach writing? I totally get it! You are busting your butt to be the incredible teacher that you are and sometimes it's just easier to skip writing and spend more time on reading and math. Most teachers agree that reading and math ... Continue Reading
Distance Learning Activities for Zoom or Google Meet
Many teachers are now using platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet to reach their students. While many teachers use this platform to teach or review standards with their students, many are also using it for socialization during these times and there are lots of great distance learning activities you can use to engage your students. I searched ... Continue Reading
The Best Ways to Increase Writing Test Scores
Do your students have a writing portion of their standardized tests? Most states require this for grades three and up, and there is a lot of pressure on teachers to increase writing test scores. So here are some of my best tips for increasing those darn standardized writing test scores... Start at the Beginning of the Year Every February I ... Continue Reading
Using End of Year Awards Digitally
Teachers across the country are madly trying to make online school fun during school closures. They are doing Zoom calls, scavenger hunts, menu choice boards and so many other fun activities with their students. As the school year winds down, teachers from our Facebook groups are starting to ask how to make the end of the year special for their ... Continue Reading
How to Teach from Home with Children
Many of you have been given the opportunity (or let's say, the challenge) of teaching from home for at LEAST the next few weeks because of school closures. I am definitely used to working at home with kids around. My five amazing children are awesome, but I know how overwhelming it can be to work and make sure you are caring for your family, ... Continue Reading
