Have you ever asked your students to find a partner?  I have and the same problems arise year after year.  So now I have five quick and easy ways to group my students using supplies I already have in the classroom. Popsicle sticks (aka tongue depressors) can be found in almost every classroom, which makes them a great tool for… Read More

Many years ago I moved from teaching intermediate down to primary.  I worked closely with another teacher who had been using money in the classroom for years.  I was hesitant at first, but quickly realized that if we would be sharing students throughout the day, I would need to jump in with both feet and get started.  Now it seems… Read More

After teaching for more than a decade, I have changed the way I have used classroom jobs many times.  I don’t think I even used classroom jobs my first year since I had too many other things to worry about.  But, starting my second year (and for several years after), I knew I wanted my students to take some responsibility… Read More

Goals help set a purpose and a direction for where you are headed.  While you are building your classroom community, why not take the time to make some common goals that EVERY student in your classroom can work towards?  Here’s a little glimpse into how I do this in my classroom. Have you ever tried setting goals with second graders… Read More