Our state testing begins tomorrow. Which means that today was our last day to review before testing. I believe that quality instruction all year is the best test prep. However, I still think some spiral review is good. Especially since our testing is just 3 days after coming back from a 2+ week break! My kids had so much fun reviewing today ... Continue Reading
St. Patrick’s Day Minute To Win It Activities for the Classroom
I wanted to have some fun with my class because I feel so darn lucky to be their teacher! So a St. Patrick’s Day minute to win it challenge seemed like the perfect activity. It’s fun and encourages teamwork. Mostly, I just like to hear them laugh. Warms my teacher heart! I started by splitting my class into six teams: For each of the ... Continue Reading
Fun Ways to Practice Geometry in the Elementary Classroom
My third graders are knee deep into a geometry math unit. We are having a blast learning about shapes and their attributes! I thought I would share some of the fun activities that have my class begging for more math. Books About Geometry I like to begin our geometry unit by reading the book The Greedy Triangle . It is an adorable book ... Continue Reading
Classroom Organization
I pride myself on being a very organized teacher. Setting up good organizational system helps me to save time and eliminates so much stress. I have been asked to write a post about organization for a LONG time. Well.... it's finally here! I am going to share how I have my classroom organized. Some things might work for you and some may not. That's ... Continue Reading
Valentine’s Day Party Ideas
I wrote this post for iTeach Third and I wanted to share it here for my blog readers. I love planning classroom parties that are unique, engaging and fun for my students. I am not the kind of teacher that will plan a "traditional" party that students have already had many times before. I like to spice it up!Each year, I throw a Valentine's Day Sock ... Continue Reading
Ring in the New Year in the Classroom
This is a post that I wrote for iTeach Third that I thought you might enjoy. It's time to start planning for our first days back!The very first day back from winter break is a party in my classroom! We celebrate the new year together. We are a family and it seems fitting that we celebrate together. It is also a nice way to ease back into school and ... Continue Reading
Wrapping Up Area & Perimeter- A FREE Holiday Activity
Time to be honest- I really don't like teaching area and perimeter. I love teaching math, but area and perimeter are not very useful skills in the whole scheme of things. None the less, my students are expected to master these skills so I have to come up with fun activities to practice the tricky skills. I think I have a winner for you!!! I cut ... Continue Reading
5 Simple Holiday Gifts for your Students
Gifting is my love language and so I just LOVE giving holiday gifts to my sweet third graders. The only problem? It can get pricey pretty quick. I want to share a few simple gift ideas that won't break the bank or require any Martha Stewart type crafting.1. BooksI absolutely adore giving my students a special book before saying goodbye for winter ... Continue Reading
Choosing Books for Book Clubs
I use book clubs (also known as literature circles) in all of my guided reading groups. Students love reading chapter books with their peers and they are very low prep for the teacher. The success of your book clubs is tied very closely to the books you choose to read. When the right sets of books are chosen, a teacher can have students engaged and ... Continue Reading
5 Multiplication Models You Should Teach
When we were in school, we were taught to memorize algorithms, rhymes and math facts. For some people, this worked. But for most- they hated math, thought they weren't good at math, didn't understand numbers and/or forgot the rhythms and algorithms. Math education looks so different now is most classrooms. Teachers are showing kids WHY and giving ... Continue Reading
