What is about transitions that can make even the best class go a little bananas? 🤪🤪🤪 I fully admit that sometimes I’m reluctant to switch my class from one activity or subject when they’re all working so well. When I was departmentalized, I knew I needed to be ready to
I’ve always loved using novels in the classroom, but in more recent years, I’ve recognized the power of picture books. They’re short and easily have multiple ways to be used in the classroom. They can be inspirational and mentor texts. While virtual for most of 2020-2021, I relied heavily on
I’m a bibliophile. I can’t help it. I love books and I’m constantly looking for new ones to add to my classroom library. When I first started teaching, I was given the leftover stack of books from teachers who retired or others who were cleaning out their stash. You know
Poetry is to reading and writing what fractions are to math. Hear me out. So many teachers and students freak out just seeing the word. Everyone wants to be finished as quickly as possible. Some teachers even avoid the topic all year. Okay, so that’s more poetry because it’s hard
My first year of teaching was extremely stressful. Maybe you can remember that far back, or maybe you’re in the throes of your first year right now. Sometimes you feel like you’ve been thrown into the deep end of the pool, but no one taught you how to swim. If
Eeeekkk! It’s finally ready! I’ve been racking my brains for the best way to help out teachers prep for the new school year, and this is what slowly came together. Check it out! 👇🏻👇🏻 Have you ever stressed about classroom management? 🙋🏼♀️ I have! Each new class comes with so
Previously, I shared some favorite read aloud books for fourth grade. Since writing that post back in 20??, I’ve made a few updates to my read alouds. This list represents the read alouds I’ve used in the past few years. My #1 favorite is at the end! Six New Read
My number one goal every year is to make more kids readers. I love books and I wholeheartedly agree with this quote: “There’s no such thing as someone who hates reading. It just means they haven’t found the right book.” Heading into summer, kids only want to be done
Before I start to share about parent communication, let me say two things. 1. I’m an introvert. Like extreme. 2. I communicate with children way better than adults. Which is helpful when teaching elementary aged kids but not when you need to make a phone call or set
This post may contain some affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission. You will never incur a fee or charge for this. Point of view can be a tricky topic to teach for reading and writing.
The first FIVE days of lesson plans for the beginning of the year.Visual, clickable resource grid.Free & delivered to your inbox. 
