Everyone needs to use morning messages in their classroom, upper elementary and beyond. The summer after I had the toughest class, I spent a ridiculous amount of time scouring social media for the best classroom management solution. I was determined not to deal with the same amount of stress the
Do you remember the read aloud books your teachers read to you? I didn’t have that many teachers who read aloud to us, especially as we got older. I remember in fourth grade, our teacher read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Island of the Blue Dolphins. In
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
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
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
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.
Student engagement is extremely challenging while virtual. Not only are cameras off, but I’m battling the other internet tabs full of YouTube videos, their siblings’ teachers talking, mom and dad working from home, a barking dog, and their infant sister playing next to them. How do I get my students
The first FIVE days of lesson plans for the beginning of the year.Visual, clickable resource grid.Free & delivered to your inbox. 
