Old school memorization of spelling words and regurgitation on spelling tests is no longer the only way spelling is taught in schools. Teaching students the why and practicing word work and spelling in different ways to keep them engaged will help them develop stronger vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. I believe strongly in keeping the students engaged and having fun word… Read More
Tips for Teaching Spelling and Word Work Activities
Teacher Summer Planning Tips to Reignite and Refuel for a New School Year
“I Never Start Thinking of School or Start Planning During the Summer,” Said No Teacher Ever. We are almost there… this is the time where we become anxious and excited for the summer months to recharge and relax. I start seeing the summer countdowns in classrooms and all across social media. I love the idea that the excitement of summer is… Read More
Mentor Texts to Teach Comprehension Strategies
This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. View our full disclosure policy here. Have you been searching for a quick reference of texts to support you in teaching comprehension skills? I have researched and gathered some of my top Mentor Texts to Teach Comprehension Strategies. These texts can be used to teach skills such as: Main Idea, Summary,… Read More
End of Year Bulletin Board FIESTA Time
Did someone say an End of Year Bulletin Board? Yes! I did.. so why on earth would you want to create an end of the year bulletin board when you should be packing up your classroom and prepping for summer. There are several reasons I believe having a bulletin board up at the end of the year is so important,… Read More
Getting Book Clubs Started in Your Classroom
Did someone say book club? Few things excite me more than having motivated readers in my classroom that want to gather and talk about what they’re reading. Don’t think book clubs are just for your overachieving bookworms, however. Getting book clubs started in your classroom can benefit all of your students, from the reluctant reader to the one that lives… Read More
Strategies to Inspire Reluctant Readers
It’s a classic conundrum. Children who don’t enjoy reading often resist books because reading is hard for them. Because reading is so hard for them, it becomes more difficult to make reading enjoyable and accessible. Hesitant readers can become eager participants with some of these strategies to inspire reluctant readers. Start at their level or a little below. Don’t make… Read More
Favorite Biographies for Kids in Upper Elementary
Do you teach research writing or study biographies in your classroom? I love sharing some of my favorite biographies that are perfect for kids in upper elementary. These biographies are perfect to teach research and informational writing. I love using high interest biographies and autobiographies with my students. Letting them explore figures from past to present in books that use… Read More
The Importance of Teaching Research Writing for Upper Elementary
Often research has high emphasis in secondary grades, but the importance of teaching research writing for upper elementary cannot be overlooked. Teaching research in elementary school helps students develop higher level questioning skills, understand how to take notes, paraphrase, and focuses on communicating ideas through the written word. I have put together some helpful resources for you to use in your classroom today and also some… Read More
Top Amazon Teacher Resources
Amazon Teacher Resources Shopping is possibly the best thing ever for teachers! We are often limited to time to shop for things we need for our classroom, and by the time we make it to the store we just do without. The great thing about shopping online is we are able to add things to our carts that we need for… Read More
Tips for Teaching Grammar to Elementary Students
Tips for Teaching Grammar to Elementary Students. Grammar can bring groans and dismissive shrugs from students and teachers. There are so many strategies to teach grammar with some educators in the teaching grammar in connection with writing while others believe grammar should be taught in isolation. Even though grammar may not be a favorite subject to teach, there’s one argument… Read More
Tips for Teaching Students the Writing Process
Teaching writing is a skill that may be difficult to many, so I love sharing some tips that I use and students love when learning the writing process. As a student I struggled and never had confidence to express myself in writing. As a teacher I was nervous the first year I taught writing, but noticed I was good at it…. Read More
Digital Resources for The Paperless Google Classroom
Digital Classroom for The Paperless Google Classroom- Are you ready to go DIGITAL with the Paperless Classroom? Google Classroom is taking over many schools and classrooms. It is important to start learning about the 21st century Paperless Classroom. Many classrooms have been converting to 1:1 with technology and many are starting a little at a time. It is our responsibility as educators to… Read More
The Importance of Celebrating Different Cultures and Diversity in the Classroom
The Importance of Celebrating Different Cultures and Diversity in the Classroom: As an educator, one of the most important lessons you will ever teach is about diversity. Did you know that being culturally aware can have a significant affect on your student’s success? “Diverse classrooms promote creativity, high level thinking, and collaboration.” Our classrooms represent different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicity, language, religion,… Read More
Fall Activities: Poetry Writing, and Reading Comprehension Activities
Planning Fall Activities such as Poetry Writing, and Reading Comprehension Activities is so exciting. I love planning so many fall and autumn activities for my students to do. I love integrating seasonal activities into my classroom while still targeting core skills. Today, I want to share a few of my favorite fall activities with you. As always there is a… Read More
Classroom Management Ideas & Tips
Are you looking for ways to manage your classroom? Here are some popular tested classroom management ideas for those of us heading back to school or just wanting to sharpen up our student’s behavior. Who hasn’t been there at some point? Fortunately, there are a number of methods to help promote good behavior. Here are 6 classroom management ideas. Brag… Read More
End of School Year Activities, End of Year Books to Read, and Ideas
It is the time of the year we are looking for motivation to help us have a successful End of School Year. We reflect on all the things we have learned, taught and still want to teach our students. It always seems shocking how quickly the year actually flies by. So, as you start to prepare for the last few… Read More
