It’s no secret that I love math workshop. I think it is hands-down the best way to teach math. It increases student engagement, decreases behavior problems, allows for easy differentiation, and helps students learn to love math. But I know some teachers worry that it’s difficult to hold students accountable in math workshop. There’s no reason to ... Continue Reading
How to Improve Student Behavior in Math Workshop
Do you struggle with student behavior issues during math class? Kids fidgeting, getting up from their seats? Doodling, daydreaming, not being on task? Chatting with a friend? Misusing manipulatives? If so, you are not alone. But I’ve got great news. Adopting the workshop model for your math instruction will help improve student behavior. Some ... Continue Reading
How to Add Math Centers to Your Existing Curriculum
You probably have a math curriculum you “have to” use. And chances are, that math curriculum does not include math centers. Or even the option to use math centers. Does that mean that you can’t add math centers to your math block? Heck no! Math centers are a great addition to any math block, regardless of what math curriculum you are using. They ... Continue Reading
The Best Ways to Help Your Struggling Math Students
One of the most common concerns that kept popping up in my Facebook groups this year was how to help struggling math students. I am here to tell you that math workshop is the solution. You know that many students are now below grade level. Many have not mastered the same math skills that typical classes knew just a couple of years ago. Lots of ... Continue Reading
3 Ways to Increase the Effectiveness of Your Math Class
If you’ve ever wanted to increase the effectiveness of your math class, this post is a must read. We’ve all been there . . . You plan the perfect math lesson. Start with an engaging problem. Grab the right manipulatives. Walk your students step by step through different problem-solving techniques. Prepare a host of practice ... Continue Reading
18 FREE Editing and Revising Centers
Editing and revising are important parts of the writing process. But, boy! Can they be tricky skills to teach. And learn! That's why I created these 18 FREE Editing and Revising Centers for Grades 2-5! These hands-on centers will give your students the extra practice they need to practice challenging skills like crafting strong opinions, giving ... Continue Reading
How to Teach Spelling: This New Strategy Makes Teaching Spelling to Third Graders Easy
For years, you have been asking for spelling tips, tricks, and strategies. I’d get questions all the time like “Jamie, how did you teach spelling?” "How did you make spelling fun?” “How did you differentiate?” “When did you teach spelling?” “Why don’t you share your spelling strategies with us in your ELA posts?” And the answer was . . . well, I ... Continue Reading
Carnival Week: An End of the Year Celebration Students Will Love
The end of the school year is a fantastic time to have a little fun with your students. But that doesn’t mean you have to watch movies or play 7-Up all day long. In fact, the days go faster (and kids behave better) when they are actively engaged in learning. So why not have a Classroom Carnival? I can already hear the questions, but I assure you ... Continue Reading
What does it mean to be a good teacher?
For the longest time, I believed three myths about being a good teacher. I started to believe these myths from watching other teachers in my school and reading Pinterest-worthy posts on social media. Maybe you've also accepted at least one of these myths at some point. Myth 1: Good teachers work long hours. They come in early, and ... Continue Reading
A Teacher’s Story of Infertility and Miscarriage
I’ve written hundreds and hundreds of blog posts; but this one is more personal, more triggering, and more challenging than any of the others. Please don’t continue to read if you are not in a place emotionally to do so. My feelings won’t be hurt. In fact, I understand better than most. Some days, even the word “baby” can send me down a spiral. I ... Continue Reading
Grab these FREE 60 writing prompts for grades 2-5.