Where creativity & learning collide.
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
We are all SO busy! That’s why I love a good podcast that lets me squeeze in some professional learning while driving, getting ready, or exercising. Literacy podcasts can be harder to come by, but today I’m sharing a few that I think can be helpful! Some are entire podcasts dedicated to literacy, and someMore
As you dig into writer’s workshop, I hope you’re seeing your writers blossom and make great strides in their writing! One impactful mini-lesson you’ll want to do with writers in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade is writing wow words. “Wow words” are words outside of their regular vocabulary that make the reader or listenerMore
When it comes to guided reading, there are many ways to approach it. Some people pull one group a day, some people, see all of their groups each day, some people rarely take informal running records, and others take a running record each time they sit down at their table. Basically, everyone has their ownMore
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s time to figure out what to give to your kiddos. Maybe you are a teacher who wants to give something to their whole class or maybe you are a parent who wants to give something other than candy to your child’s classmates. You also do not want toMore
February is Black History Month and a wonderful time to celebrate the amazing contributions African Americans have made to history. I love that we have a specific month to celebrate the Black race. As a parent of a black little girl, we talk about race often. Even if we don’t bring it up, it comesMore
Are you needing some fresh, fun ideas for science in February? Let me share some ideas that are perfect for first grade science this month! This unit comes with a detailed curriculum map for the month so you’ll know exactly where you’re going. It also has a weekly guide to help you with lesson plans.More
Taking running records on all of your students can seem daunting! If you teach a primary grade, you probably know just how important they are. I want to share a few tips for you to make taking running records a little easier and make them more meaningful. Remember, meaningful running records can really help youMore
There’s a growing population of English Language Learners (ELLs) in our classrooms now more than ever. These students already have one (or more) language down and are trying to learn another. WOW!! That is something big to be celebrated for sure! One misconception is that teachers of ELLs have to stop and completely change howMore
Writer’s workshop is such an important part of the balanced literacy approach to teaching. I hope you have a good routine in place and your little writers are loving being authors! One of the most important pieces of writer’s workshop is the conferring time. This is the meat and potatoes of it because you getMore
How often do you revisit classroom expectations? I know we work really hard to implement them at the beginning of the year, but how do we keep them going strong all year long? By revisiting and reassessing often! Revisiting classroom expectations helps keep students (and you!) on the right track to build a strong classroomMore
‘Tis the season of gift giving! Whether you are a teacher or have one in your life, sometimes knowing what to ask for or what to give can be tricky. We know teachers need things for the classroom, but what can we request or give that is needed? What about just plain fun ideas thatMore
Can you guys believe the end of 2018 is almost here? Let’s close it out with engaging and meaningful learning in science. First Grade Science for December has so many activities for science and activities that allow for integration into reading and writing. Your little scientists will master the content in a snap! The topicsMore
This time of year is perfect for celebrating family traditions in the classroom! Celebrating family traditions is a fantastic way to make sure all students get to share about their families. It’s also a great way to show how families are alike and different, all at the same time. When our students get a peekMore
I don’t know about you, but kindergarten writer’s workshop was one of my favorite ways to see my students blossom throughout the year. It’s amazing to see them start with scribbles and letters to ending the year with full stories and books! But what if you don’t know where to start? Some districts may notMore
Friends, I don’t know about you, but I think fall is such a fun time in the classroom! Teaching science in November is one of my favorites. I want to share what I have up my sleeve for you guys for this month. My First Grade Science for November unit is jam-packed with engaging andMore
If you are a parent, then you know how valuable our time at home with our kids can be! Even as a teacher, you know how much growth you see when parents support your classroom efforts at home! Whether you just have them home for the summer or you are a homeschooling family, there areMore
