I am passionate about using guided reading and math small groups with centers. I just can't imagine teaching diverse learners any other way. I have had lots of followers and colleagues give up on centers, especially math, because they didn't work in their classroom. I did a guest blog post for Rachel Lynette's Minds in Bloom site. I share 5 of the ... Continue Reading
FREE Addition & Subtraction Interactive Notebook!
I hope that the title of this post caught your attention! I am so excited to be able to give ALL of you my newest interactive notebook for FREE! The notebook includes fact flaps for 2 digit and 3 digit numbers. I included sets that require regrouping and sets that don't for both addition and subtraction. There are a total of 8 ... Continue Reading
My Focus Board!
I am really excited to show off my new focus bulletin board! I use most of Whole Brain Teaching rules. I did opt to exclude "Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat." I have a student led classroom. I show students where to find supplies and discuss when they can and cannot get up. They don't need to ask me for a new marker or ... Continue Reading
Easy to Manage Math Centers
I recently posted a picture on Instagram (@notsowimpyteacher) of my math centers organized and ready to use. I received dozens of questions and requests for a blog post about my math center rotations. I have blogged MANY times about math centers, but it is a topic that I am passionate about, so I am happy to share! Specifically, this post is going ... Continue Reading
5 Back to school Books for Third Grade
I love reading to my class and I get started on day one! I love the books First Day Jitters and The Juice Box Bully, but by the third grade, all of my students have heard these books several times. So I try to mix in some different books to keep it interesting. The following books are my very favorite read alouds for the first week of school. I ... Continue Reading
Never Sharpen Another Pencil
I wrote this post for the iTeach Third blog! Make sure you are following!Let's be honest, pencils are a constant battle in the classroom! I decided early on that students would not be permitted to sharpen pencils in my classroom. I did this for several reasons: I find the sound to be a HUGE distraction to myself and my students. Certain students ... Continue Reading
6 Ways we are Killing Their Love for Reading
Reading instruction in my classroom took a huge turn for the better after reading The Book Whisperer and Reading in the Wild by Donalyn Miller. I truly believe that every school teacher should read these books. I lend my copies out all the time! They are super easy reads. I have always LOVED reading. I am a book worm. I am happiest in a bookstore ... Continue Reading
Teaching United States Landmarks with Legos
I love to teach social studies. More specifically, I love to teach about american history and government. I have a degree in American Political Studies with an emphasis in the American Legal System. After college, I worked as a lobbyist for the state supreme court. It was the perfect job for me at the time. After having four kids, my heart changed ... Continue Reading
Interactive Notebooks: Your Questions Answered
I LOVE interactive notebooks! They have been a regular part of my classroom routine and something that my students look forward to. That being said, I receive questions from other teachers nearly every day. This may be a long post, but I wanted to answer ALL of your questions in one place. So grab a glass of wine and get comfy! First, I have to ... Continue Reading
End of Year Desk Cleaning Made Fun!
Today was my last day with students. I am CRAZY tired, but I really wanted to quickly write about a fun activity that I do every year to get my desks cleans. It is a student favorite and very effective on that last day!My kids blow sloap bubbles on their desks!You will need a few ingredients:a dish tub or other small plastic containerdish soap ... Continue Reading
Grab these FREE 60 writing prompts for grades 2-5.