Blog

Reading

Math

Writing

Classroom Management

Book Lists

Shop

Category: teacher tips

What does writing time look like in your classroom? Are your students feverishly writing page after page? That's great! But if your students watch the clock and count down the minutes until writing is over, then it's time to add a little fun to your writing block. Here are 10 simple ways to increase writing engagement in your classroom.

8 Ways to Increase Writing Engagement

What does writing time look like in your classroom? Are your students feverishly writing page after page? That's great! But if your students watch the clock and count down the minutes until writing is over, then it's time to add a little fun to your writing block. Here are 8 simple ways to increase writing engagement in your classroom.
Read More

5 Reasons to Play Math Games

I think we can all agree that kids love to play math games. I love to build upon their love of games by incorporating game time into my math block as often as possible. Playing math games is not only fun, but these games can also provide so many benefits. Here are 5 reasons to play math games in the classroom.
Read More

Choosing Books for Reading Groups

Choosing the right book for your reading group can be overwhelming - especially when it can be a determining factor in the engagement and success of your group. Here are 10 things I take into consideration when choosing books for reading groups.
Read More
Having stuffed animals in the classroom can provide emotional comfort and academic support. Here are five ways you can use stuffed animals in the classroom.

5 Ways to Use Stuffed Animals in the Classroom

Having stuffed animals in the classroom can provide emotional comfort and academic support. Here are five ways you can use stuffed animals in the classroom.
Read More
If you want to encourage a love of reading in your classroom, you will need a wide variety of books. Finding those books is not always easy and your wallet can take a big hit! Here are ten ways you can add books to your classroom library.

10 Ways to Build Your Classroom Library

If you want to encourage a love of reading in your classroom, you will need a wide variety of books. Finding those books is not always easy and your wallet can take a big hit! Here are ten ways you can add books to your classroom library.
Read More
Keep your Mother's Day gifts a surprise to your parent volunteers by trying a volunteer swap near the holidays.

Teaching Tip for Mother’s Day

May will be here before you know it which also means that Mother's Day is just around the corner. For many years, making gifts for Mother's Day actually stressed me out. Instead of asking my parent volunteers to lend a hand, I started to take on the projects by myself because I didn't want any of the moms to end up making their own gifts. Once I became a mother, it dawned on me to form a new plan and I want to share that teaching tip with you today in the hopes that it will help alleviate some stress for you, too.
Read More
One of the supplies I always have on hand in the classroom is sheet protectors. They are durable, affordable, versatile, and easy to use which is a win-win situation in my book. Here are four ways I have used them in my classroom.

Four Ways to Use Sheet Protectors in the Classroom

One of the supplies I always have on hand in the classroom is sheet protectors. They are durable, affordable, versatile, and easy to use which is a win-win situation in my book. Here are four ways I have used them in my classroom.
Read More

3 Tips for Managing Hallway Behavior

Transitions do not always come easy for students. However, getting from point A to point B doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here are three quick tips to help with managing hallway behavior.
Read More
As you start another school year, I’m sure you have a million and one things planned to do with your students. One thing you should definitely take the time to do is set goals with your classroom. They really help set a purpose for ALL of your students and help with building classroom community.

Setting Classroom Goals, Part 2

As you start another school year, I'm sure you have a million and one things planned to do with your students. One thing you should definitely take the time to do is set goals with your classroom. They really help set a purpose for ALL of your students and help with building classroom community.
Read More

Laminating – Do You Really Need to Pre-Cut Your Pieces?

Do you love laminating? I do! For years I have laminated the small pieces of my games and centers to make sure they will last. Because I use small pieces, I have been cutting the pieces, laminating, and then cutting again so the edges would remain sealed after laminating. I started reading stories about teachers who never cut prior to laminating. I was skeptical, but also curious. I had to try it out for myself and here’s what happened.
Read More
Raffle tickets are a great way to practice math skills in the classroom, but did you know they can be a great management tool, too? Learn how I have used math tickets in my 2nd and 3rd grade classroom.

Using Tickets in Math Class

Raffle tickets are a great way to practice math skills in the classroom, but did you know they can be a great management tool, too? Today I want to share with you how I have used math tickets in my 2nd and 3rd grade classroom.
Read More

Comparing Numbers Using >, <, or =

Are your students comparing two numbers to determine which is greater? Are they struggling to remember which way the symbol should face? Here's a little trick that worked like a charm with my 2nd and 3rd graders!
Read More
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to loop with your students to the next grade? It can be a difficult decision to make. Before making that decision, you should weigh the pros and cons.

The Pros and Cons of a Looping Classroom

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to loop with your students to the next grade? It can be a difficult decision to make. Before making that decision, you should weigh the pros and cons.
Read More

Classroom Rewards That Won’t Break the Bank

I think most teachers would prefer a world where all students were intrinsically motivated, but it just isn’t an every day reality. Many of us dig deep into our pockets and find extrinsic rewards to help change certain student behaviors. Once I started adding up those little rewards, I knew there had to be a better way. I started brainstorming ways to reward my students without the need to dig deep into my pockets!
Read More

Scholastic Book Order Activities

Stop! Don’t toss those Scholastic Book Orders into the recycling bin just yet! Here are several Scholastic book order activities that will keep your students engaged in learning at the same time!
Read More