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 […]
Teaching Tips
Need some general classroom inspiration? Check out the posts below to find something new-to-you to use in your classroom routine.
Anchor Chart Binders!
I love anchor charts, I love looking at anchor charts on Pinterest, I love co-creating anchor charts with my students. I don’t always love how they turn out – or how my printing starts to drift or squish together – but I do love anchor charts. I keep some anchor charts displayed on binder rings […]
Learning with Washi Feathers!
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
5 Fall Fun Math Games
I love using fun math games in the classroom for a variety of reasons: differentiation, brain breaks, indoor recess, or even as a behavior party reward! Students are learning and having fun – that’s a win-win combo for sure! There are so many different ways to incorporate math games into your daily routine and students won’t […]
Easy Peasy Classroom Library Checkout System
How about a super easy library checkout system for your classroom bookshelves? So simple, it will blow your mind you didn’t think of it before! It’s probably easier than trying to label tons of books, have barcodes, have a checkout system, have a form to fill out to check. Really, I prefer the KISS method. […]
Magnetic Letter Fun!
I figured many of you are home with the kiddos this summer and of course you need to throw in some learning fun – right? Of course, it’s in our teacher blood! What’s on your refrigerator? I bet you have a set of magnetic letters on there! Are they holding up various works of art […]
Beachy Keen Learning Ideas!
As I have been working on creating more beach themed items for the Beach Theme Category at the store, I realized that many of the items within the clip art were actual items I could go to my local Walmart and buy. Well, of course that got me to thinking as to how I would […]