I can't sugar coat this. I just can't. I am sorry if this offends you, but I have wanted to say it for so long. So here goes...I HATE worksheets.I don't just dislike worksheets. I literally hate them.I have no choice about using them in some cases. We are required to use the math worksheets that come with our math curriculum. I do everything I can ... Continue Reading
Classroom Organization: Lesson Plan Materials and Resources
How tight would you hug me if I could help you to save lots of time prepping your teaching materials resources this year? What if I told you that I could save you time? #cantbreathMy teaching buddies would often make fun of laugh at my craziness. I have to fess up. I was the annoying teacher photocopying her Valentine's Day ... Continue Reading
Fun with Fractions: Activities to Teach Fraction
When it comes to learning new math concepts, fractions can be difficult for some elementary students to grasp. However, making fractions relevant and entertaining so your students can connect to real life will help them master the standards and objectives you are trying to reach. Having fun with fractions is achievable with these activities to ... Continue Reading
President’s Day Activities for the Classroom
President’s Day is just around the corner and although the perfect President’s Day is a 3-day weekend, it can still be fun at school, too! What can you do to make President’s Day one your students won’t forget? Try some of these fun and informative President's Day activities. Talk to a President In the age of easy communication, take time ... Continue Reading
Sharing and Celebrating Student Writing in Writing Workshop
It is important that writers are given the opportunity to share their writing with others. That is the reason that a writer write! Publishing a piece just means that the author is given the chance to share their work. This can be done many ways. It doesn't (and shouldn't) always mean copying the story over again. Change it up to keep it fun ... Continue Reading
Winter Olympics Activities for the Classroom
Are you looking forward to the Olympics? Aren’t we all? Nothing like curling up with the family, the TV, and some American pride! ?? As a teacher, the Olympics are a great chance to unite the troops, so to speak. Not only can they be a great learning tool, but it’s our chance to grab those sports-minded types and reel ... Continue Reading
Tips for Organizing Task Cards
Hello, I am Jamie and I am addicted to task cards. I have dozens of sets. I could not imagine teaching grammar or math without task cards. I even used them during writing workshop!I am a task card addict, but I am also a self-diagnosed OCD neat freak. I can't have stacks of task cards on every table or counter in my classroom. That would send ... Continue Reading
My Daily Classroom Schedule
Creating a daily classroom schedule that fits in all of the curriculum, specials, pull outs, etc is like cracking the code to a government vault. It’s nearly impossible to make it all work. The number one question that I receive from my teacher besties is, “How did you fit this all in?” So I decided to show you my schedule. But ... Continue Reading
4 Things to Do with Your Class After Winter Break
I'm not trying to be a Debby Downer by talking about going back to school when you are dreaming about winter break. I personally like to have my plans ready for the first week back before leaving for break. This gives me more time to enjoy my break rather than stressing about my plans. Here are four super simple but very important things that you ... Continue Reading
When You Have Students Who Don’t Celebrate the Holidays
What do you do when you have students who don't celebrate the holidays? I almost didn't write this post because I know that it is a sensitive topic. I was a little afraid that I might upset people and get angry mail. But this conversation needs to be had. I have seen several Facebook posts where teachers are asking what to do if they have ... Continue Reading
