As the school year starts, you’ll want to start the process of learning more than just the names of students in your class. These writing prompts for kids can make that a little bit easier on you, since the beginning of the school year can already have so much going on. These can also double […]
Charity Preston
Secrets of Stellar Student Listening
True story: I was tired of repeating directions and instructions over and over and over again in the classroom. I was also frustrated with the noise level – and how when I really need to get my students’ attention, I had defaulted to trying to talk over them in order to be heard. […]
Make Your Own Table Top Pocket Chart
Hey teaching friends! I don’t know about you, but I am a serious pocket chart junkie! I have just about every size and color they make. They have been used for behavior, daily schedules, calendars, vocabulary, centers, and more. BUT – the one issue I have with pocket charts is that (at least in my […]
Manipulatives Supply List Box
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely hate it when after I teach a unit, and then am digging through my manipulatives supply closet, only to see something I could have used perfectly with that last unit. Uggggh – it kills me! So how about this for an idea? Grab yourself some card boxes […]
Create Your Own Big Book of Heart!
Hey teaching friends! Need something fun to showcase all those special notes you get from your students throughout the year? Here is the gist: Collect all those student love notes, poems, drawings, and more and keep them in a binder to display all year long. Love it! It makes it so much easier than trying […]
Classroom Seating Chart: Cake Anyone?
This section is for class sizes of 28 or more students. While all the photos show options for 28 students, feel free to place additional students on the end of groups, or add additional groups, if needed. Pods of four desks in each small group are the traits of this seating arrangement. Perfect for small […]
Personal Student Desk Supplies
With the pandemic, there were lots of classroom adaptations that had to be made. I’m guessing, some of those changes will stick around (at least for the time being). One of those is how students will not be sharing community school supplies in the near future. So how are you able to monitor all the […]
DIY Classroom Library Sticks
Hey teacher friends! I have had a few comments on the Facebook fan page lately about organizing your classroom libraries and wile I do have a few ideas for library checkouts, I also thought the idea below might also help out just for keeping your books organized a little better while students are “shopping.” Oh, […]
Ways to Encourage Reluctant Writers
Excellent writing skills in our modern world are important. Writing has been important since humans have evolved from the oral tradition of passing stories or information down from one generation to another. Since then, writing has been one of the most important ways we communicate with other humans. We write to communicate In today’s world, […]
3 BTS Binder Ideas
Hey teacher friends and welcome to the Back to School season! I know there are still a few of you who have a bit more time, but many are already prepping a classroom, attending an inservice, or actively teaching students right now. WELCOME BACK! My good friends over at Avery hooked me up with a […]
Make Your Own {Almost} No-Sew Themed Book Bags!
For those of you who have been reading this blog for awhile, you will know that I am not super crafty. AT. ALL. I have NO IDEA how to sew by hand correctly, or even what a bobbin is (which tells you how many times I have ever used a sewing machine in my life). […]
Writer’s Workshop Clip Chart
Developing good writers is a process that is on a continuum. This is not something a first grader can grasp and automatically know how to do, and the process is not taught ever again within the next 11 years of school. Teaching the writing process is something that is taught every year a student is […]
7 Classroom Luau Learning Ideas
Pool noodles seem like pretty much a summer swimming activity, but it turns out there are lots of ways to use pool noodles for DIY crafts! You can make lots of fun kids’ learning solutions by bringing the summer into your classroom – no matter what the temperature outside. Keep reading for a few suggestions… […]
Classroom Curtains Hack
Hey there teacher! Today’s classroom tip is simple: How to create classroom curtains on the cheap. Some might say that “curtains” are not necessary and I would agree 100%. They aren’t necessary at all and probably won’t impact student learning a whole lot. So why bother? More Than Just Classroom Decor Have you ever […]
Simple Centers
Hey teaching friends! I don’t know about you, but sometimes I wonder if all these centers printables with elaborate activities and millions of pieces that have to be printed are increasing the learning – or will some basic supplies do the trick just as well? I think both are wonderful, but if you are like […]
Fitting It All In
This week, our Collaboration Wednesday question on the Facebook Fan Page wall was: “How do you fit in all your curriculum?” Well, many people sounded off and had some insights about what they teach and why. Some were of own preference/choice, while others’ mentions were mandated by administration. Either way, it is always good to […]
End of the Year Stars
O, my stars… Is it May or June? Do most of us only have a few weeks left of school? I believe that is right. The End of The Year is in clear sight. I hope you had a wonderful school year and are looking forward to celebrating all the learning that went on this […]
2-in-1 Technology Organization Option
Now that you have a classroom full of 2-in-1 devices, you are left to figure out how in the world you will get them organized so that they are passed out and returned in a neat and orderly manner. Having the piece of mind that the technology is being taken care of properly so […]
Summer Reading Rockets – BINGO Style!
Hey teaching friends! I was feeling particularly crafty today and thought I would whip up a fun freebie for you! I know it is hard when you know your students might not be reading as much in the summer as you would like. Or worry that your incoming students will also suffer from the “summer […]
Following Directions! Huh?
Hey teaching friends! I don’t know about you, but I dread when I hear the word “huh?” It makes me cringe because I know I will have to explain everything again. For the 50th time. In the last 5 minutes. Well, I have come to realize that listening skills take some practice, like any other […]