The holidays are almost upon us. And that means that right now you are either really excited or really stressed out. Because let’s face it, celebrating the holidays in an elementary school classroom can be more labor-intensive than building a gingerbread house from scratch. But the holiday season doesn’t have to leave you burnt out like last year’s ... Continue Reading
How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Mindfully in the Classroom
Ahhh… Thanksgiving. Turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. And one of the most contentious holidays in the classroom. I know a lot of teachers worry about whether they should celebrate Thanksgiving at all. And if so, how. Today I’m sharing some tips for how to celebrate Thanksgiving mindfully in the classroom. Before I launch into the ideas, I just ... Continue Reading
4 Ways to Use Reading Passages in the Classroom
Reading can be a tricky subject to teach. As a teacher, you want your students to love reading. But there are so many reading standards for kids to learn. And some of them are downright hard for students to understand. Adding reading passages to your classroom routine is a great way to help kids master those reading standards. And when you ... Continue Reading
6 Tips for Easy Project Based Learning Activities
Have you tried project based learning activities in your classroom? Project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered teaching method that encourages learning through meaningful real world based challenges. Students are given a problem, and they must use standards-based skills and knowledge to complete the task. Project based ... Continue Reading
13 Halloween Books and Movies that Students Will Love
It’s the spookiest time of the year. And, in my opinion, one of the best times of year to hook students with a good book. Even reluctant readers are often captivated by a good mystery or ghost story. Take advantage of the eerie allure of Halloween to pick a book that will delight your students. Here are 13 Halloween books that kids will ... Continue Reading
3 Smart Ways to Save Time Teaching Grammar
Today, friends, we are talking about grammar. Now, I know that not everyone loves grammar. Some of you probably even loathe grammar. Lucky for you, I’m a grammar nerd. And over the years I’ve come up with 3 smart ways to save time teaching grammar. Less time teaching grammar means more time for math, STEM, writing, or recess. Take your pick. ... Continue Reading
Math Fact Games: Fun, Free, & Easy to Use
Today we are chatting about math facts. Math fact games to be more specific. You know that getting students to practice math facts is essential. But so many math fact strategies are tedious, boring, and ineffective. So today, I’m sharing two brand new math fact games with you to help students master fact fluency. What is Fact ... Continue Reading
Easy Ways to Differentiate Spelling Lessons
One question I always get in my Facebook groups is, “Do I really have to differentiate all my lessons?” And I get it. Differentiation can feel overwhelming. But the truth is you do have to differentiate all your lessons. So, today we are talking about easy ways to differentiate spelling lessons. Often, when teachers think of differentiation, ... Continue Reading
Why I Stopped Using Writing Journals (And What to Do Instead)
Do you remember learning how to write when you were in school? If you’re like me (and most other teachers of, ahem, a certain age), the answer is probably a resounding, “No. Not one bit.” That’s because we didn’t actually have writing lessons back then. At least not in elementary school. Instead, we had writing journals. Usually these were black ... Continue Reading
5 Ways to Use Task Cards at the Beginning of the Year
Task cards are one of my favorite teaching tools. And students love them too! I suggest you introduce this fun and versatile learning activity early on in the school year. It will give your students a chance to get to know one another and let them know right away that your classroom is a fun place to be. Try these 5 ways to use task cards at the ... Continue Reading
