Standardized testing is right around the corner. I think we can all agree that standardized testing is one of the worst parts of teaching. I have to keep my third graders in their desks, taking a test, for four hours straight on three separate days. Ugh! Great teachers know that this is not healthy! But no matter how much we dislike the tests, ... Continue Reading
9 Ways to Use Task Cards for Test Prep
It is that time of year- the dreaded test prep season. Sigh… I don’t love testing. Who does? But I have found lots of way to make the test prep a little more fun. It’s all about the TASK CARDS! I printed up a big stack of math and ELA task cards and then found lots of quick and fun ways to use them. Let me share 9 of my favorite ways ... Continue Reading
Tips and Tools for Interactive Notebooks with a FREEBIE!
This year I am using interactive notebooks in math, reading and social studies. I absolutely love them! It was a bit intimidating when I first started using them and I often get questions about them. Let me share a little about what I have learned.If you want more tips and ticks for interactive notebooks, be sure to follow my Interactive Notebook ... Continue Reading
Why I Don’t Assign At-Home Book Reports
At the start of the school year, I promise my parents that I will not be assigning at-home book reports. They look surprised and then relieved.I was not always this way. When I first started teaching, I was excited to assign book reports. I did them as a child and so it seemed natural that my children would do them as well. So I assigned the ... Continue Reading