Hey teaching friends! I don’t know about you, but when I first started to learn about cooperative learning and group projects, I was pumped at the possibilities and learning that could happen! So I went to school the next day so excited, put my class of third graders in groups, and gave them a project. […]
Cooperative Learning Group Work Roles Made Easier
Using a Sqworl in the Classroom
Welcome to today’s video, which is about using a sqworl to organize your websites and electronic media in your classroom. This idea could actually piggyback off the video about File Organization for Teachers, where you could place all the e-resources you would like to use into one sqworl, then run a copy of the page […]
25 Other Jobs Teachers Can Do On the Side
Many teachers need to work a side job over the summer break or school year to make ends meet. Even if it isn’t a necessity, having some part time extra income can be a nice way to supplement a full-time teacher salary. But what types of places will hire teachers just for the […]
30 Indoor Recess Ideas!
Indoor recess ideas and games to the rescue for all my teacher friends! I hope everyone is staying warm in for classroom recess with yet ANOTHER blast of cold air swooping through the US. In my local school district, the students have definitely had their Winter Break extended due to the freezing air! Hopefully […]
Easy Valentines Party Ideas
This video explains how to create a simple decorated paper treat bag for a classroom Valentine’s Party that even talks about using symmetry. Then, it explains an organized way to pass out the items without shedding tears or creating classroom chaos. Valentine’s Day has never been so simple! Prefer to read the transcript? Transcript “Hi, […]
Quiet Dice Solution
Hi there fans and followers of The Organized Classroom Blog! Today, I created another video! Whoo hoo! This one is from a tip from Janice! I mentioned how the sounds of 15 sets of dice hitting the table (or mainly the floor as they were being whipped about), was almost unbearable without carpeting. Janice’s idea was […]
What Happened to Groundhog Day Activities for Kids?
I remember Groundhog Day activities when I was a student were much more pronounced than they are today. It would be an entire day of facts about groundhogs, groundhog reading activities, and games that were groundhog-approved. Today, it seems as though the groundhog day children’s activities are either mentioned in a sentence, if at all. […]
Accountable Classroom Centers
As I walked into the classroom, it felt like an alternative universe. I noticed students in various places in the classroom working quietly. Some were on their own, some in small groups. The teacher was sitting at a table with several students working on a comprehension skill of some sort that involved several different […]
File Organization for Teachers
Welcome to today’s video: File Organization for Teachers! This video was the most requested topic from all those who voted in the poll on our Facebook fan page. I explain how I keep track of all my files, and never miss an opportunity to teach that great lesson because I couldn’t locate it in time. […]
Telling Time Rollers!
Do you ever use dice as a math learning tool? How do you do it without dice flying all over the room and splitting your ear drums? One quick tip I learned from a fabulous math coach was always to give students 60 seconds with the manipulative you would be working with just to “play.” […]
Winter Craft Paper Plate Fun!
Need a new fun winter craft for students? This class craft is easy and perfect even for older kids! When choosing winter arts and crafts for kids, I like to to find things that can be done inside, yet incorporate winter activities for kids outside in nature as well. It helps if they are less […]
How To Create a Digital Filing Cabinet
The idea of taming my paper clutter has been floating around in my mind for a couple years now, but this year I took the plunge. If you know me, you know what a big deal this is. I should probably introduce myself – “Hi. I’m Amy and I have pack-rat tendencies!” So, I’m sure […]
Place Value Front and Center!
Teaching place value to kids in math class can be fun – if you have some hands-on learning activities and visuals, like charts. You can utilize game boards or worksheets. The key really is for students to understand the core of what place value is, which is abstract and much harder to get across when […]
Helping Students Organize Homework Agendas
Today’s blog entry is from guest blogger Ally at A Fly on the Classroom Wall! Make sure to visit her blog. Enjoy! Homework agendas are used in schools everywhere. They serve as an excellent means of communication between home and school. They encourage students to become increasingly responsible for their own learning, develop time management […]
Chalkboard Comprehension Centers
Need a fun and easy comprehension center your students will love to complete? Whether you have these cute mini wood chalkboard laptops, or even instead use vinyl chalkboard or a basic set of chalkboard signs, the idea is the same. Some weeks coming up with new and novel classroom learning centers is extra hard. […]
Similar Snowflakes Grouping Freebie
Anyone feel antsy when you are shut inside? Too soon? Funny, I know. Well even the snow falling outside or frigid temps that always force me inside (I’m a weenie when it comes to extreme temps) makes me stir crazy. The bonus for you is that when I get stir crazy, YOU get freebies – […]
How to Create Your Own Custom Teacher Planner
Teacher planners just might be the highlight of any planner junkie + teacher out there. Choosing just the right cover, layout, to do list, and extra insert pieces makes a difference. Adding in stickers creates a whole new level of awe. Yes, you purchase your teacher planner in the hopes it will help you to […]
Super Easy Bulletin Boards
Here is the latest in my video series for how to show off your great student work without having the hassle of having to change it constantly. I demonstrate a fun way to get students involved, right from the first meeting at Parent Open House Night so that you do not even need to use […]
Real-Life Math
After noticing a facebook post from Scholastic Teachers, I got to thinking about what I do combat the usual student question, “When are we ever going to use this in real life?” Since I teach gifted children, it seemed as though I heard that question almost daily. I decided I had heard enough, and since […]
DIY Countdown Calendar
Ok, you are heading into the Winter Break homestretch! Yay! But many of the students seem to believe that Santa is coming tomorrow! No! And their excitement is bubbling over into your lessons making it a tad difficult to get teaching across. How about an idea to at least keep them reminded of the days […]