As I was thinking about US Thanksgiving, I thought about how I learned about Thanksgiving when I was in school. What I don’t remember learning a lot about was Native American culture throughout that process. {Keep in mind, this was a great many years ago.} So, while I was doing a little research, I did […]
Learning with Washi Feathers!
5 Work/Life Balance Tools
Do you have work and life balance? Do you know what the secret to it is? I don’t know all the answers, but I can tell you that everyone struggles with this and perhaps there really isn’t such a thing as work/life balance anyway. Furthermore – maybe we should stop striving for something that actually […]
Science Experiment Freebie!
Today, for Teaching Blog Addict’s Science Week everyone is providing freebies! Whoo hoo! So, here is my contribution for the event – it is a science experiment that involves food! Who doesn’t love food when teaching (unless you are one of those disctricts that doesn’t allow it due to allergy issues). Well, this one includes […]
Thanksgiving Thankful Mix
Today, I have created a fun video that shows you a few Thanksgiving activities you could do this week or next! I originally saw the Thanksgiving Thankful Mix idea on the Designing and Motherhood Blog where I found the ingredients list for the template that is shown below. Prefer to read the transcript? I’ve gotcha […]
Motivating Your Student Writers
Welcome to today’s teacher videos which is about getting your reluctant writers to get those pencils moving! This two-part series focuses on 3 big picture ideas: Writing with Visuals, Writing for Meaning, and Writing by Novelty. You can watch both videos in the playlist below – or keep scrolling for the transcript and links to […]
Concealing the Clutter
Does a cluttered classroom make your head hurt? Or do you just accept it as inevitable and go with the flow? The classroom environment does play an important role in student learning, but with budgets that are small (or more likely nonexistent), it is tough to get rid of anything. With that said, the visual […]
Classroom Job Organization
Hey teaching friends! Today I have a fun and EASY way to set up a classroom jobs chart in your classroom using a few basic supplies that you can easily change out from year to year! First up: Grab some scrapbook paper, cardstock, washi tape, and magnetic tape – all in the colors of your […]
Being on the Other Side of the Teacher Conference Desk
I waffled for the last 2 weeks whether or not write this essay of a post. This is a very tough post to write as I like to keep things pretty simple here at OC most of the time, but I feel like maybe it is needed – if for nothing else than to get […]
A Nice “Thankful for Our Students” Gift Tutorial!
So, the awesome people at Silhouette contacted me to see if I wanted to play with some vinyl. Ummmm, OK? You all know I am not super crafty, so I was a bit apprehensive about working with a new medium (I am pretty much a cardstock and construction paper kind of girl). Of course, I […]
Vocabulary Practice Ideas – and a Freebie!
Hi everyone! I’m Ashleigh from Ashleigh’s Education Journey, and I’m so excited to be a part of The Organized Classroom Blog today. I wanted to share with you one of my favorite games that I use to teach academic vocabulary to my students. Before I introduce the game, I’d like to give a quick overview […]
The Gifting Tree
Need an idea for a “gift basket type” of fundraiser item, without having the hassle of coming up with a gift basket theme, going to 10 different stores to get the materials, and making it look super pretty (well, maybe I am the only one who has problems with that)? Or maybe you have a […]
Baskets To Battle A Paper Mess
Today I want to share a simple and very very cheap way to help keep your classroom tidy! In my classroom we are always cutting. We are cutting our picture sorts, we are cutting for our craftivities, we are cutting pictures to sequence stories and sometimes we are even cutting our hair. It happens in […]
Upcycled Flash Card Containers!
Hey teaching friends! Just stopping by today with a quick DIY tutorial! I had actually posted an idea on the Facebook fan page the other day from a pin I had found showing soap containers repurposed as flash card containers, which I thought was a fabulous idea! The only problem? Many people commented that they […]
Falling Into Classroom Management
I know you have probably seen those “you’ve been booed” signs around in different neighborhoods around town. They are fun and definitely festive! I actually don’t live in a neighborhood, but rather set way far back off a busy road. We have neighbors, but not really close by. And their kids are all grown […]
Spooktacular Jokes for Kids!
I know a principal once who would tell jokes for kids every morning on the announcements. It was a great way to start the day, even though we would hear groans from the students and staff from the corny riddles he shared. Students would then start to bring in their own funny jokes for kids […]
Seasonal Figurative Language Fun!
Isn’t funny how our teacher minds NEVER seem to shut off – even when we want them to? LOL! Well, today was a perfect example. I had to take my high schooler to Target to grab some spirit bag items as she has a band competition today, and of course if you are at Target, […]
A H-OWL-ING October!
Nothing earth-shattering to report today, but I did have these adorable Halloween costumed owls on my desktop and I knew I had to make something to share them – they are just too darn cute! So, I created some fun October calendar numbers! Use them for calendar time or any other working with numbers activities […]
Character Day Ideas
Teacher Halloween costumes are usually either allowed per school policy or not. From asking my audience, I have found that the majority of schools still do allow costumes every fall. I looooooove fall. Even when it’s rainy like today and I’m under the blanket. And don’t even get me started on the candy. But – […]
How to Make an Electromagnet (minibook freebie included!)
For all the science lovers out there, this is a fun student-led project they will love! Building a working magnet doesn’t require a motor or fancy equipment. Students will be wowed with the steps of the scientific method while they are creating their project in small groups or as a whole group lesson. Science Learning […]
Free Figurative Language eBook
Figurative language will make your students better writers. But, teaching it, especially to littles, can be a task. Learning the differences between idioms, similes, and metaphors can be tough for students who have trouble with abstract ideas. Let’s find some ways to make it fun, engaging, and memorable! I have always LOVED to use the […]