Where creativity & learning collide.
One of the things I love about the beginning of the year is kicking off my science block. I love helping students learning things like “What is a scientist?”, the tools they will use throughout the year, and how to complete a science experiment. It’s so fun to watch them learn, test, and explore. But,More
In this post you will learn how to easily allow your students to help set up your classroom library. My first year in the classroom my kids rarely touched my books. I had books that I would share with them every month or few weeks, but I guarded SO many books with my life. What?More
22 students file into the classroom, put everything away neatly, and quietly begin to work. I have time to go through folders, read important notes, and drink my coffee take attendance. How is this possible? Because I intentionally created a kindergarten morning routine that was low maintenance, stress-free, and flexible. I loved that my dayMore
I sat at my guided reading table with a student who couldn’t comprehend the text he just read. He had a high correct words per minute score and a high accuracy percentage – what was I missing? Focusing on fluency in guided reading. He read too fast to even understand what happened in the book.More
Setting up a listening station is made simple with these steps! Literacy stations are a BIG part of the day for kindergarten and first grade classrooms. Time and time again, I had kids who loved this part of our day. Some people walked in our classroom and may have felt like it was a zoo,More
Have you been there, at the table- staring at a blank lesson plan template for level C guided reading, frantically searching for how to write a lesson, or flipping through the same book over and over again, hoping a teaching point will jump out at you? I sure have! Since then, I’ve spent time researching,More
Are you looking for the best kindergarten writer’s workshop tips? That’s exactly what you are going to find! It’s the first day of kindergarten writer’s workshop and your little writers are staring at a blank page. “I can’t write.” “I don’t know how to draw a frog.” “I’m hungry.” Fast-forward to May. “I’m not done,More
Amazon affiliate links are used below at no cost to you. You are sitting on your classroom floor surrounded by stacks and stacks of books. You have so much to do to prepare for the kids and organizing a classroom library does not feel like it puts you on a path to leave school atMore
Amazon affiliate links are used below at no cost to you. I earn a small commission each time someone makes a purchase through one of my links, which helps to support the blog. We were sitting at my guided reading table for the hundredth time. We had been working on the same sight words in guidedMore
Explore the ocean with these all about the ocean lesson plan ideas! The end of the school year is near, and EVERYONE can feel it. Students are bouncing off the walls in anticipation for summer break, and teachers are so tired they’re hitting the sack at 8 p.m. How can you keep learning meaningful whenMore
I recently came across a newer website (and app) called AirTable. Using AirTable in the classroom could be a game changer in a few areas. Because it’s a cloud-based system, you can access your bases (spreadsheets or files) from anywhere. AirTable lets you customize just about everything in it, which makes it great to useMore
Guided reading – how do those words make you feel? I’ve talked to so many teachers who would love to try it out, but don’t know how to get started. I’ve talked to some teachers who are doing it, but aren’t totally sure if they are doing it correctly. I get it! It can beMore
I don’t know about you, but I was always looking for easy, more efficient ways to write lesson plans and keep up with them. One neat way to do just that is with online lesson plans that also make sharing easy! AirTable is an online space to create and share content that’s a crossover betweenMore
I think we can all agree that in the primary grades, our classes are made up of a variety of students with different abilities. Every year we never know who will be walking into our door! That’s part of the fun. With 20 or more little people that we are responsible for teaching, differentiating isMore
How does writing fit into your schedule? Are you able to share the experience with your students? Shared writing is one part of the balanced literacy approach to teaching. It’s such a valuable part of the day that teaches writing through writing. Why to Do Shared Writing Shared writing is an opportunity to scaffold learningMore
Depending on your class each year, finding a solid morning routine for your students can be tough, but it’s worth it! The morning routine sets the tone for your kids for the day. Part of a good routine usually includes morning work time. Today I’m sharing my favorite simple morning work ideas. I hope you’llMore
When it comes to guided reading, there are several components of a lesson. The students have jobs and you, the teacher, have jobs, too. One of those is to take a running record. What is a running record? A running record is a page of notes that you take as you listen to a readerMore
Writing in about science can seem difficult, especially in primary grades. However, we know it is so important! With our kindergarten, first grade, and second grade learners, it’s critical that we help set the foundation of learning for them to be successful in writing about science. One way to do that is to make sureMore
