One of the most challenging things in the classroom is how to keep students engaged in what they are reading. Many students go through the motions or either simply don’t enjoy reading because they have been made to do it so often. However, from a teaching standpoint, reading is one of the most important things a student can ever learn to do. So how do we bridge this gap? Below you will find 5 strategies to keep readers engaged in the classroom that you can implement today! ... Read More about 5 Ways to Keep Readers Engaged
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How To Share Digital Positive Notes during Distance Learning
Handing out paper notes isn't as easy while we are distance learning as it would be if we were in class. Luckily, sending digital positive notes is an easy solution! It's a fun, quick, and easy way to make meaningful connections with your students. Let me share with you how quick and easy it can be to share digital positive notes with your students. ... Read More about How To Share Digital Positive Notes during Distance Learning
Making Meaningful Connections with Students with One Note A Day
I'm sure we can all agree that distance learning is not the same as in-class teaching. One challenge that teachers are having is making meaningful connections with their students. Sometimes a "good job" on-screen doesn't seem to have the same effect as a "good-job" in person! However, you still can connect with students and make a difference in their motivation by surprising students and handing out one note a day! ... Read More about Making Meaningful Connections with Students with One Note A Day
Easy Ideas for Your Class After Winter Break
As you start to plan to head back after winter break, a big concern might be what to do with your students?! Those first few days after a loooong winter break can be hard, but with these ideas, you can feel planned and prepared for the first week back from winter break! I have some easy-to-implement tips, ideas, and FREE resources that I've rounded up for you to use right away. ... Read More about Easy Ideas for Your Class After Winter Break
Teaching about the Election in Primary Grades
It is an exciting time for the nation when the presidential election rolls around every four years. It is no different in the classroom! Teaching about the election and our democratic process is an honor to me. I think it's critical for students to understand how elections work because they'll be of voting age before we know it! I'll share a few tips and ideas to easily teach about the election in the primary grades. ... Read More about Teaching about the Election in Primary Grades
Make Writing Fun For Your Second Graders!
Are you getting used to a ‘new normal’ with school? In some way, we might never get used to this year. Nevertheless, Fall is here, and that means it’s time for your second graders to focus on reading and writing! Whether your students are in front of you physically or virtually, they are the same students you’re used to having. Some days they’re very excited to read, write and learn seemingly everything, while other days, not so much. Fortunately, you can make writing fun for your second graders with Writing ... Read More about Make Writing Fun For Your Second Graders!
Virtual Back to School Resources that Make Planning a Breeze
Did your district decide to go back to school virtually? Although it is very different than what teachers are used to, I'm here to tell you, "You can do this!" Your students will be coming soon (er, opening their laptops soon?) and you'll want to be prepared. Distance learning might have caught you off guard in the spring, but it won't this back to school season! I've been working on some engaging virtual back to school resources that you can use right away! ... Read More about Virtual Back to School Resources that Make Planning a Breeze
Distance Learning Websites for K-3 Teachers
Overnight teachers have had to up and change everything about the way they teach. This pandemic has created a huge shift and distance learning is now our new reality! Sometimes, I sit and reflect and think about everything that has happened in the last 2 months and I am just at a loss for words. If I was granted 3 wishes, the first would definitely be an end to this pandemic. But my next two wishes would be used on you! I wish for you to know how special you are. What you are doing for your students truly ... Read More about Distance Learning Websites for K-3 Teachers
ABC’s of a Caring Classroom Community
When is a good time to start building a strong classroom community? Although the beginning of the school year is the best time to start building a strong classroom community. I honestly and whole-heartedly believe that it's never too late. To start, let's look at the definition of a community... here it is... a community is a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing a common attitude, interest, and goals. Yes and yes! This is exactly the type of strong classroom community we all aim for! ... Read More about ABC’s of a Caring Classroom Community
Starting a Growth Mindset Classroom? Avoid These 4 Mistakes
Starting a growth mindset classroom can come with some challenges! Read all about the mistakes I've made starting a growth mindset classroom so you can avoid them. I have been thinking about this a lot. I am a huge proponent of having a growth mindset classroom. But it's not all unicorns and rainbows... Ok... let's talk about big time fails... I jumped onto the growth mindset bandwagon about six years ago. And it was a total flop! Total. Flop. In fact, I might have perpetuated a fixed mindset ... Read More about Starting a Growth Mindset Classroom? Avoid These 4 Mistakes
