Teaching grammar got so much easier when I implemented a daily routine! When I followed a weekly routine, I found that it was easier to differentiate grammar instruction for my students. You can read more about my grammar instruction HERE. This is my basic routine: If you don’t have time to make your own mini lesson PowerPoints, notebook ... Continue Reading
What Should I Teach During Writing Workshop?
Have you ever felt like you have no idea what to teach during your writing mini lessons? Do you read your students' writing samples and then still have no clue where to start with what lessons they need? Mini lessons need to be short and meaningful. That can be very hard to do! It's pretty easy to get off track in a lesson, especially when ... Continue Reading
Everything You Need to Know About Test Prep
I don’t love standardized testing, but it is a necessary evil. I don’t agree with judging schools, teachers or students on the results of one test. I don’t believe that money should be handed out or taken away based on test scores. I am certainly not a fan of schools being graded on test scores alone. That being said… testing isn’t going away ... Continue Reading
How to Teach Students to Write About Math
I know it's important for students to write about math. But when I added math journaling to my math routine, I am not going to lie, it was PAINFUL! My students would often just write one word answers. And the ones who wrote a paragraph made NO sense. Reading them was my least favorite teacher task and always made me feel like my students just ... Continue Reading
Tips for Using Eureka Math
Get the Training Several years ago, my 3rd grade team had the honor of piloting the Eureka math curriculum (Engage NY). We did not receive any training on this program that year. We struggled. Honestly it felt like we were treading water all year and there were several times that we started taking in some water. It was tough. But we ... Continue Reading
Classroom Activities for February {WITH FREEBIES}
February is the shortest month of the year, but it is jam packed with fun learning opportunities for our students! Hold on tight, teacher friends! This is going to be a fun month. I have gathered lots of ideas that will save you some time and keep your students engaged. Black History Month I love taking ... Continue Reading
FREE Valentines for Your Students
I am a lover of all holidays and Valentine's Day is no exception! Gifting is my love language and so I get excited to give my students a fun valentine. It makes me feel like a kid again! I made some fun and simple cards for you to give to your students. And the best part? They are FREE! #woot Click HERE to grab the FREE Valentine's ... Continue Reading
Valentine’s Day Classroom Party Ideas
Valentine's Day might be my favorite day to celebrate in the classroom. I love all the sweet little cards students write for each other. And chocolate. Chocolate is always good! Are you getting ready to plan a Valentine's Day party for your students? How about a STEM party or a Minute-to-Win-It party? Or, maybe you'd like to try ... Continue Reading
FREE Valentine’s Day Vocabulary Resource
I am a sucker for academic activities that have a holiday theme. It’s just more fun! If you feel the same way, you will love this free Valentine’s Day vocabulary activity that I have for you. Vocabulary Routine Have you read about how I teach and practice vocabulary every week? You can read more about that HERE or watch THIS video. Get ... Continue Reading
4 Reasons to Include Math Journals in Your Classroom
Math is my absolute favorite subject to teach and I have always had very high expectations of myself and my students. That’s why I love math journals. I don’t think it is enough to just memorize a trick or song to solve a math problem. It just doesn’t show a deep understanding. Students should be expected to explain their mathematical ... Continue Reading
