Organized Classroom

Less Stress, More Effectiveness for Teachers

  • Home
  • Members
  • Workshops
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • More
    • New Here?
    • The OC VIP Team!
    • Logout
    • Contact
    • Write For Us!
Home / Archives for Charity Preston

Charity Preston

TwitterFacebook

Ideas For Using Student Whiteboards

by Charity Preston Leave a Comment

I often use whiteboards daily in the classroom. Each day I like to utilize whiteboards for a different reason to keep things fresh for students. #classroomsupplies #teachingtips

This is Mrs. Harris and I’m so excited to be back at the Organized Classroom with Charity. I find whiteboards to be a budget-friendly and versatile tool in my classroom. I often use whiteboards daily. Each day I like to utilize whiteboards for a different reason to keep things fresh. When I ask a question […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Simple Story Starters for Kids

by Charity Preston Leave a Comment

Story starters for any grade level are a great way to practice writing skills. I remember 4th grade and loving creative writing lessons with my teacher. #storystartersforkids #storystarters

Story starters for any grade level are a great way to practice writing skills. I remember being in 4th grade, and loving creative writing lessons with my teacher.  I would be transported to space, the desert, or a fancy castle.  It was a chance to show my creative side in a “quiet” manner. Being a […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Feeling Lucky?

by Charity Preston Leave a Comment

St. Patrick’s Day bulletin boards are fun for the students and teachers too. All the green, leprechauns, and rainbows, really brightens up your classroom. #stpatricksdaydecor #bulletinboardideas

St. Patrick’s Day bulletin boards are fun not only for the students, but with all the kelly green, leprechauns, and rainbows, it really brightens up your classroom for the transition month of March. As you can see in the examples (and freebie printable) below, classroom decor or theme ideas don’t have to take up a […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Easy Classroom Jobs Rotations!

by Charity Preston 9 Comments

I feel like I've tried it all when it comes to classroom jobs! Read on to find out more about making classroom jobs a breeze... #classroomjobs #classroomjobsdisplay

I feel like I’ve tried it all when it comes to classroom jobs! At one point I had different individual jobs for each and every student that I had to remember to change everyday (exhausting!). With all the little, and big, things teachers have to do, classroom jobs should be at the very least of […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Elephants in School?

by Charity Preston Leave a Comment

I would say grades 2-4 would benefit most from the activity, but I love short picture books as read alouds for ANY grade level. Have fun with the freebie! #readalouds #backtoschool

I finally had a few minutes to break and create some new files to match a read aloud book and am just now getting time to sit down and share them with you! I was sorting through some of my books on my bookshelves at home to look for something I might use for a […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Multiplication Poetry

by Charity Preston 1 Comment

Have you ever used riddles in math? Here are a few ways to incorporate literacy and math in one!

Have you ever thought of combining subject areas, such as math, with funny riddles?   Using riddles for kids (making them show their answers) is one of the best ways to differentiate your content in the classroom. Even better, students can have their friends, families, or other adults solve their creations.  They can be as […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Leprechaun Fun in the Classroom

by Charity Preston Leave a Comment

Setting up a leprechaun trap in your classroom can incorporate STEM concepts in lesson plans. They can be as complex or as easy to put together as you like. #leprechauntrapideas #easyleprechauntraps

Setting up a leprechaun trap in your classroom can incorporate science (think simple machines), social studies (the history of the legend of the lucky leprechaun), and literature in your lesson plans. The best part is that they can be as complex or as easy to put together as you like. It is usually a rarity […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Managing the Year with the Extremely Challenging Student

by Charity Preston 1 Comment

Not sure where to turn with an extremely challenging student? Tried everything and still stuck? Check out this post for maybe a new idea or 2. #behaviormanagement #teacherchallenges

Today we have a guest blog post talking all about behavior management, which I am sure many can relate with during this time of the year.  Enjoy! All teachers have had or will have an experience with an extremely challenging student. No matter the reason why, it can make for a very challenging year. The […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Start with a Word Splash!

by Charity Preston 1 Comment

Check out this fun way to check for previous vocabulary knowledge when starting a new unit of learning in the classroom. Works for reading and math! #kwl #graphicorganizer

In my district, our new evaluation system focuses heavily on how we deliver content to our students and especially how we gauge their understanding of that content. I’ve been reflecting upon this quite a bit.   I think it becomes very easy to fall into the “timeline trap” of blindly following the curriculum map or […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Homework Motivation

by Charity Preston 7 Comments

Do your students have intrinsic homework motivation? Or are you spending way too much time attempting to get their homework turned in on time and complete? #homeworkmotivationforkids #homeworkmotivationquotes

Do your students have intrinsic homework motivation?  Or are you spending way too much time attempting to get their homework turned in on time and complete? While there is much debate about whether homework is even beneficial, if you are required to assign it, I suggest encouraging parents to set up a designated spot for […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Irish Creative Writing Kit

by Charity Preston Leave a Comment

Whatever you choose, you'll feel like a leprechaun who has hit the pot of gold when you hear the kids' creative writing stories all about everything green! #forkids #free

Teaching St. Patrick’s Day lesson plans can be fun, free, and common core aligned when you find the right printables.  You can use the ideas below for literacy centers that week, place the worksheets on their desk for bell work in the morning, or use the writing prompts during whole group ELA instruction. Whatever you […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Regaining Control of Your Classroom

by Charity Preston Leave a Comment

We all know one. The person who has the out-of-control classroom. How about some strategies to help? #classroommanagement #behaviormanagement

We all know one. The person who has the out-of-control classroom. I’m not talking the class where students are out of their desks, a little louder than usual, but still learning — I’m talking the class where the teacher has lost control. There are a variety of ways to prevent this or at least keep the […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Fundraiser Freebie!

by Charity Preston Leave a Comment

Need some new classroom fundraising ideas? Here is your free eBook all about Classroom Fundraising Ideas – thanks to all who contributed this week! #fundraiser #schoolbudgets

For those of you who may be new to The OC Blog, I want to personally welcome you!  Every week on The OC Blog Facebook Fan Page, we do a collaboration question.  I list some type of question in which I would love your input and feedback.  Sometimes I compile all the answers together and […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Need A Lift?

by Charity Preston 4 Comments

Staff morale boosters for teachers are important for retention of staff and keeping the overall vibe in the school building high. Get some great ideas here! #schoolmorale #teachermorale

Staff morale boosters for teachers are important for retention of staff members and keeping the overall vibe in the school building high.   By boosting the camaraderie amongst the employees, they begin to feel appreciated, which encourages them personally to do a better job, which in turn creates a snowball effect throughout the building.   […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Love Is Writing

by Charity Preston Leave a Comment

Here is a little something I whipped up for you to enjoy! My freebie is February Journal Prompts! Perfect for writing in the grade 2-5 classroom! Enjoy! #centeractivity #morningwork

Looking for something fun to use as morning work or centers for February?  Here is a little something I whipped up for you to enjoy! My freebie is February Journal Prompts!  Perfect for the grade 2-5 classroom!  Either print off the pages, and display under an overhead/document camera, or import to an interactive whiteboard! Great […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Flipping for Assessment

by Charity Preston Leave a Comment

Assessment is part of teaching and a paper and pencil test is not the only way to assess, but there are lots of ways to assess student learning. #tests #informalassessment

Keeping with the video theme this week, today’s idea is an oldie but a goodie that I imagine a lot of veteran teachers still use to this day. Assessment is part of being a good teacher and while many think the only way to assess is through a paper and pencil test, I am here […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Having A Ball With Vocabulary – DIY Style

by Charity Preston 2 Comments

Vocabulary teaching tips, games, and activities for classroom teachers. Find some new ideas in your curriculum to increase literacy in all subject areas. #vocabularyactivities #vocabularygames

Teaching vocabulary is super important for background knowledge and understanding context clues within new reading passages, math story problems, and other nonfiction subject area resources, like geography and science. Finding teaching techniques that work fast and effectively to broaden all different types of vocabulary lists can feel daunting at times. When students show up on […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Cup Management

by Charity Preston 1 Comment

I have a quick video that shows you an idea that I adapted! Save your voice and allow the students to have a visual reminder of the expectations as well. #studentbehavior #classroommanagement

Hi all!  Today, I have a quick video that shows you an idea that I adapted from one I saw being used during cafeteria duty.  Just change it up a bit, and use the same idea in your classroom when having small group work time!  Save your voice and allow the students to have a […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

How Do You Communicate With Parents?

by Charity Preston 1 Comment

Parental communication between school and home is so important! Sometimes, with everything we have to get done, we might forget to make that connection. #parentcommunication #stakeholders

I think we all can agree that parental communication between school and home is so important!  But, sometimes, with everything we have to get done during the day, we might forget to make that connection. Well, I thought I would ask a few (over 90,000!) of my closest Facebook friends from The Organized Classroom Blog’s […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Classroom Character Building

by Charity Preston Leave a Comment

Character building in students is important work by educators each day that typically goes unnoticed by most. Leading by example is the key to the future. #characterbuilding #socialskills

Character building in students is important work done by educators each day that typically goes unnoticed by most.  Good character traits are often the result of the teamwork between children, their caregivers, and their school influences. The path to strong student leaders who have a positive character no matter what adverse events may have happened […]

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Next Page »

Let’s Get Social

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

FREE Classroom Systems Starter Kit!

Simple Classroom Systems

FREE Time Management for Teachers Pack!

Slide1

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Proud Member Of:

Preston Education Network

AS SEEN ON:

  • ASCD
  • Pinterest
  • NEA
  • ASCD Edutopia
  • Scholastic Teachers
  • We Are Teachers

©2011-2025 * Pen Group Online, Inc. * TERMS OF USE * PRIVACY POLICY * Write for Us