Literacy

Professional Development

How to Get Books in Students’ Hands While Distance Learning

You’ve probably started setting up your virtual classroom in your learning platform. You’ve planned on how to get to know your students (and for them to get to know each other!). Maybe you’ve started working on your first day of virtual school lesson plans. Perhaps you’ve even started working on your plan to launch guided […]

6 Tips That Will Help Prepare Parents for Guided Reading Distance Learning

Tips to help you equip parents to master guided reading via distance learning. Part of mastering distance learning is going to be figuring out how to best equip and prepare parents on how to support their child’s learning at home. While guided reading look the exact same? Nope! You will probably find yourself battling distracted […]

How to Set Up a Learning Space for Successful Distance Learning

Part of classroom management this fall might look a little different than every other year. Normally, you hang up your alphabet chart. Set up your word wall. Plan out seating arrangements that build a positive classroom community. This year, you might find yourself needing to help families set up a learning space at home for […]

Ideas for a Virtual First Day of School: Kindergarten & 1st Grade

The first day jitters were always a “thing” for me. I would pick out my outfit, label all the things in my classroom, and prepare a space that they would love and help me complete. But this year is different. This year teachers like yourself are picking out half outfits (because who is even going […]

6 Steps to Launching Guided Reading During Distance Learning

With many districts around the country opting in for some form of distance learning again this fall, it’s time to really dig in and pivot our teaching practices to serve our students. What about guided reading? How do we launch guided reading while distance learning? I wanted to help you map out a plan to […]

How to Make Parent Communication While Distance Learning Easier

For most of us this school year, distance learning is a real possibility. With that comes several obstacles that teachers may face. One of them is how to manage parent communication while distance learning. I wanted to help you brainstorm a few ways to effectively communicate with parents so they can stay involved in their […]

Tips for a Virtual Meet the Teacher

If your school district has already planned to have a virtual meet the teacher night, you might be a bit frazzled trying to figure out what to do. I get it – we normally use meet the teacher night to start putting together names and faces and get a pulse on our students for the […]

10 Must-Have Tools for Distance Learning

We all know that teachers and students both need a variety of tools handy for successful learning in the classroom, but what about distance learning? What tools do teachers and students need for successful remote learning? I know as teachers, we constantly search for the best ideas and items to help our students. I wanted […]

Literacy Toolboxes: An Easy Approach to Literacy Manipulatives

As we approach a new year of learning that is filled with so much uncertainty, one thing we can be certain of is the need for literacy instruction. Your small groups will need their literacy tools at their fingertips. Plus, when each child has their own set of literacy manipulatives, it’s much easier to manage […]

9 Tips for Making Literacy Stations Safer

With August right around the corner, schools may be starting back with in-person instruction options. I have a feeling this year will look much different than previous years, but I think we can still implement some of the basics of our day that we all know and love…and need. I wanted to help you brainstorm […]

6 Useful Tips for Teaching Science While Distance Learning

When it comes to teaching science while distance learning, how do you feel? If you aren’t feeling confident, don’t worry! First of all, know that you are not alone. Secondly, I’ve got you covered. No matter what science is looking like for you, I have some ideas on how to get it in while distance […]

11 Useful Apps for Literacy Stations to Support Students

With more school districts diving into classroom technology, the door of opportunities is opening wide! When it comes to apps for literacy stations, there are so many to choose from. It’s important to choose ones that: are age and skill level appropriate engage students so they stay focused provide meaningful practice and support The apps […]

4 Ways to Celebrate the End of the Year on Zoom

It’s almost here – the end of the year! I know you’re probably more sad about the end of this year than others. You might even be more tired this year. Your students might be, too! What better way to end the school year than to do something fun and “normal” for the end of […]

Ideas for End of the Year Awards During Distance Learning

The end of the year is always bittersweet. It’s our time to celebrate with our students, and we’re all looking forward to a long break. The end of the year looks different this year. But, we can still have an end of the year awards celebration with distance learning and social distancing. I know everyone […]

Progress Monitoring with Boom Cards Made Simple

Boom Learning cards – where are you with them? Are you brand new to them or using them like a pro? I’m sure because of distance learning you probably have at least heard of Boom Cards. One thing I’m loving is progress monitoring with Boom Cards. If you haven’t checked out Boom Learning yet, head […]

How to Use Loom for Read Alouds

Connecting with students during interactive read aloud is valuable, especially as we are navigating the waters of distance learning. Since I shared the tutorial on how to use Loom, many of you have asked how to use Loom for read alouds. There is one small hiccup in the current set-up. The camera is flipped! We […]

How to Build a Distance Learning Schedule That Works For You

Distance learning, learning at home, crisis homeschooling – no matter what you call it, most of us are doing it. And it’s hard. I’m in the same boat with all of you! Working from home and setting up a homeschool schedule to help my own children was a challenge. I finally found a schedule that […]

How to Use Boom Cards for Distance Learning

Whether you are brand new to distance learning or ready to try some new things, Boom cards are a must-try! This online tool makes it simple and easy to have students practice specific skills, monitor progress, and track data. I know teachers are overwhelmed with trying to successfully teach and connect with students online, so […]

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