Teaching Resources
Every year I sit and ponder about what my new classroom theme ideas should be. I search Pinterest and shop and typically go with a mood I can live with the entire year. As you know teachers live in their classroom more than anywhere else during the school year. So, I have been busy because I know there are teachers… Read More
Dear Teacher Friend, I am so happy you are here today, being my teacher friend will be fun and I got your back if you need help throughout your school year. I created these Dear Teacher Inspirational Quote Posters to help inspire and motivate you my friends! First I want to promise you 2 things. First, when you are having… Read More
Back to school night means time for parents and students to meet the teacher, share important classroom information, introduce the curriculum, and make families feel welcome! It shouldn’t have to be stressful, however. You have enough going on at the start of the school year than to spend hours on your open house. For Meet the Teacher: Creating an inviting… Read More
Did you know summer time is one of the best opportunities for your kids to continue to grow and learn. Of course summer time is a great time for kids to relax, have fun and play a lot. However we want to avoid the summer slide and I will share some easy and fun summer activity ideas to keep your… Read More
Building special relationships with parents and guardians is very important and one way is communicating effectively. Sending Communication Newsletters is a resourceful way to communicate about all the wonderful things that are happening in your classroom. The time it takes to contact parents can be overwhelming, but an effective alternative is using digital newsletters and monthly calendars in your classroom. These… Read More
Kids love being the expert of all things. So why not have them be the expert of your class, grade level, and you as a teacher! Yes, you heard me. Let them take all that they have learned and be an expert to share advice for future students who will be coming to your class next year. Over the years… Read More
Our classrooms are competing with online stimuli, social media (yes, even in elementary school), video games, and television when it comes to intriguing, inspiring lessons that hold our students’ attention. Fortunately, you can succeed at strategies to increase students engagement by incorporating picture books, games, and making connections. Strategies to Increase Student Engagement: Writing Through Picture Books and Mentor Texts When… Read More
It is a New Year and we are typically still on “vaca” mode after being off. It is hard to get into the mindset of teaching, so I wanted to share some ELA winter activities to keep your students engaged! My Winter Activities usually partner with some wonderful books I have a created a collection of my favorite Holiday and… Read More
Free reading can be a joy for many upper elementary students, but for others, it can be a time of fake reading or fear. For reluctant and struggling readers, time to read in class is neither inspirational nor enjoyable. However, there are books that even the most reluctant readers can find themselves drawn to. In fact, finding the book that… Read More
Fall is such a fun time with the weather changing and so many special events during the season. I love planning special activities for my students to do from fun Fall Learning Bulletin Boards, to great Autumn and Fall Books. Also, we love writing and creating poetry and displaying it for students to enjoy! Let the fall learning fun begin… Read More
It never fails. Each school year, I have a goal to get organized for the upcoming year. Once the kids enter the classroom, it’s easy to get bogged down with assignments and paperwork. These classroom organization tips for teachers can help you stay focused and keep on track all year long! Classroom Organization Tip 1: Declutter and Digitize You know… Read More
Growth mindset may seem like the latest catch phrase in education, but it’s changing the way my students think about learning and their own self worth in the classroom. Teaching growth mindset to elementary students can help them change from a fixed mindset of “I can’t” to a positive self confident “I can” attitude. Positive Language Teaching Growth mindset is… Read More
You’ve spent the summer with your kids, and now it’s time to put your teacher hat back on. Guilt may set in. Your life will be consumed by getting your classroom ready, planning lessons, grading papers, and meeting with colleagues and parents. Never fear! Here’s to surviving being a teacher and mom at back to school time! I have been… Read More
So is it me, or did summer just fly by? I wanted to share some Teacher Back to School Tips and Activities for the 1st Week of School. I know many are headed back or already in the classroom mode. Back to school is so hectic and sometimes we forget some of the small details, or need ideas for what… Read More
Good writers are first and foremost good readers. Teachers often use mentor texts (or anchor texts) in writing instructions. These pieces of writing are examples of excellent work either from students or published writers. Mentor texts help upper elementary students improve writing in all areas. Here are some ways you can start using mentor texts for writing instruction in your… Read More
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