I think most teachers would agree that the best way to learn about plants is to actually plant one. Taking students on nature walks is another great way to bring the study of plants to life. In addition to these kinds of authentic, hands-on opportunities, finding ways to embed media can...
Twitter Education Chats for Newbies
I don’t use Twitter for noteworthy news. I don’t use it for socializing with friends. I don’t use it for posting photos of my meals, nor do I use it for keeping up with the Kardashians. I use it for professional learning. Twitter is an incredible digital resource for educators...
13 Tips for a Talkative Class
I LOVE my class this year. Diverse. Capable. Sweet. Unique. Enthusiastic. Energetic. Hard-working. Funny. Lovable. These are some of the words that come to mind when I think of my first graders. But one more word that also comes to mind is…chatty. Very chatty. We are a work in progress with...
10 Tips to Build Student Rapport
“No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship…” ~Dr. James Comer These words are my mantra. Building a strong rapport with students is vital to maximizing academic growth. Here are some of the ways I cultivate relationships with my fabulous first graders: 1) Positive Discipline: To create a happy,...
20 Dollar Tree Finds for Teachers
Dollar Tree is a thrifty teacher’s best friend. I personally can’t exit that place without a cart full of teaching supplies, organizational materials, classroom decor, readers’ theater props/costume items, or prizes for my class shop. It’s my go-to place when I’m in need of some retail therapy after a...
50 Nifty End-of-the-Year Awards
It’s official. The end of the school year checklist magically made its appearance in my mailbox. Summer is just around the corner! As I wrap up these last few weeks, I have to remind myself to focus on what matters most (and it’s not just checking off the those empty boxes). My...
Outdoor Learning: Let’s Take It Outside!
I caught myself peering outside of my classroom window a little too long this past week. There’s nothing quite like being greeted by the sweet signs of spring after a dull and dreary winter. I wanted to be out there, free from the confines of my classroom walls. I...
Teaching is Tough: Stay Positive!
Let’s face it. Teaching is tough! Aside from being on our feet all day juggling the social, emotional, and academic needs of 20 or so little ones, we’re also dealing with endless stacks of paperwork (that often come home with us), increasing city-wide and state pressures, a new curriculum,...
30 Brain Break Clips: Fight the Fidgeting!
Brain breaks have been popular for quite some time now. We’ve learned that regularly incorporating short movement activities throughout the instructional day not only allows children to get their wiggles out, but it energizes them while increasing their ability to focus on the next learning activity as well. Just...
Rainy Day: Beat the Blues with Learning
It’s raining. It’s pouring. Your poor child is boring! Here are five fun activities you can do at home with your child that promote learning when stuck inside on a rainy day. 1. Make a Cake: Cooking with children reinforces several important skills that will help your child succeed...