Building relationships when you go back to school is essential! I have found the relationship I build with a student is the best predictor of the growth that child will achieve throughout the year. This is why I spend so much time the first weeks of school building relationships with my students and giving them…
Amazing Tips and Free Digital Educational Resources
The past month, we have been on a wild ride and digital educational resources have been all I am thinking about. Thrown into distance learning with little to no notice. Learning to use digital tools while using them to reach our students. Rolling with changing policies and expectations. Balancing responsibilities and adjusting to the new…
The Best Quick and Easy Review Game for Any Subject!
Are you looking for a versatile, easy to use review game that can be used in any content area? Math, reading, science, social studies…Fiddlesticks is a game changer! I currently use it with my 1st grade and 6th grade RTI groups and they LOVE it equally! Games are my go to activity to help students…
How to Help Students Set and Achieve Goals
New Year’s is a great time for student goal setting. Wait a minute! It’s a great time for everyone to set goals. Every year, I set lofty goals for myself. While I don’t always accomplish them, setting goals helps me make consistent progress and move in the right direction. Occasionally I set my goals too…
The Best Books to Engage Reluctant Readers
My child is reluctant to read! How can I get them reading? I get this question about books for reluctant readers all the time from parents. In response, I created a list of books that are sure engage even the most reluctant 3rd – 6th grade reader. This list goes way beyond the typical Diary…
Thanksgiving Activities: How to Challenge the Misconceptions
This time of year, a lot of discussion surrounds celebrating Thanksgiving in the classroom. Typically, November is filled with many different Thanksgiving activities. Should we continue to commemorate this event? If so, in what way? The Problem As a child, I celebrated Thanksgiving in school by hearing the story (and that’s just what it is,…
7 Reasons Why You Need to Read to Your Students!
I love, love, love read alouds. I strongly believe they are an essential component of reading instruction. Sometimes, I struggle choosing a read aloud because there are so many incredible options. I hope the criteria I have created helps you choose an amazing read aloud for your class. Here Are My Top Reasons for Reading…
Celebrate Unique Teacher Triumphs with Adulting Stickers
Celebrate the amazing things teachers do daily with these free Adulting Stickers – Teacher Edition! Share with your besties at school to show your love.
Increase Your Impact With Targeted Math Reviews
Over the years, I have tried to use spiral math reviews for morning work. They are easy to prep, students know what to expect, and claim to cover everything my students need for the year. Sounds perfect! So why don’t I love them? Spiral math reviews just don’t work for my students. Education is not…
How to Get Feedback From Your Students
I am constantly asking my students to provide feedback about my teaching. Sometimes the feedback is easy to hear and I can quickly adapt instruction. Sometimes the feedback hurts my pride a little and I need to take a deep breath. Whether easy or difficult to hear, feedback is always important and drives my instruction….