This year, the Winter Olympics begin on February 4th and run through February 20th. If your students are like mine have been in the past, I’m sure you’ll have lots of them watching some of the games on TV. By the end of January this year, with all the craziness going on, I’m sure a […]
When January rolls around, students are often in a post-holiday wild phase. Or they may even be in a post-holiday blues mood. Either way, we need to regroup as a class community and kick off the new year with some exciting and engaging activities. One unit kindergarten and first grade teachers often start with in […]
We know things are changing in literacy instruction. I’ve learned so much about the importance of phonics instruction and see the value in it. I’ve been digging into the Science of Reading and how it fits with guided reading instruction. One popular topic right now is using decodable passages and books in your guided reading […]
We all know that teaching is such an intensive job, no matter what grade or subject you teach. From writing meaningful plans and delivering amazing lessons to organizing holiday parties and meeting all of the needs of your students, you do a ton each and every single day. I wanted to put together a list […]
When it comes to holiday classroom parties, do you prefer a free for all style of party or a calmer, more organized party? I am all about keeping classroom parties simple, making them easy to manage, and letting parents help as much as possible. One way to bring some (organized) fun in the classroom no […]
The month of October is filled with so many fun themes from spiders to bats to pumpkins to Red Ribbon Week to Halloween! I feel like it kicks off the holiday season that just naturally ramps up the classroom excitement. Anytime you can bring these fun-filled events into the classroom while still giving students ways […]
Have you ever sat down to plan for your reading small groups and just felt stuck? You might stare at your lesson plan and draw a blank. Or you realize your lessons are starting to look the exact same each day, but you can’t come up with something new to try. We’ve all been there! […]
When it comes to fall in the classroom, what do you think of? Besides a pumpkin spice latte to start the day, I immediately think of pumpkin activities and investigations. When you use pumpkins in the classroom, you can easily integrate reading, writing, math, and science. Who knew one vegetable could provide so many learning […]
When teachers ask me about how to help students move forward in guided reading instruction, I ask about what they are doing to also help improve reading fluency. These two things go hand in hand: fluency is just one of the five pillars of reading instruction. But, what if you don’t have time to do […]
When it comes to completing reading assessments, there is always so much to do! Teachers have to gather their materials, prepare both students and parents, find testing checklists, and keep track of important data. I know you are already doing so much to serve your students, so I wanted to help make reading assessments easier […]
One of the reading comprehension strategies that I love teaching is making inferences. What I’ve learned from being in the classroom (and from my own kiddos) is that kids already make inferences all day long. We just have to bring this abstract idea into a more concrete concept that they can practice in reading. For […]
No matter if you are teaching in-person or through distance learning this year, celebrating the 100th day of school is a big deal. I loved implementing a combination of fun activities and activities that integrated into math and literacy. You have a ton on your plate, so I wanted to help you come up with […]
One of my favorite times of the day in the classroom was when we had our interactive read aloud! I loved having my students close to me on the carpet, their eyes and minds focused on the book we were reading. I loved picking out a book with vivid pictures and characters I thought they […]
Oh, a fresh start! While I truly believe there is nothing magical about a new year, it’s hard to deny that there is something about a fresh start and turning the page to a new year. Adults and kids both enjoy a fresh start, right? The fresh start is a great time to look at […]
If there is any word associated with 2020, it’s “unprecedented”. I think I have heard that word so much that it doesn’t even carry the weight that it once did. Classroom holiday parties on Zoom are no different, friends. Really, have you ever had to have your classroom holiday party on Zoom? I know it’s […]
As the winter months are approaching, classroom instruction can feel crazier and crazier. The kids are always so excited during this season, and I think we could all use some winter magic this year. As you are continuing your guided reading instruction or any small group instruction, the need for engaging December center activities holds […]
I think I could go without saying how important and what a privilege it is that we all have a voice through voting. As classroom teachers, you teach your little ones about being a good citizen and about confidently and gracefully sharing your opinion. During this election season, I think all teachers are diving in […]
When you finally have all of your data, your guided reading groups formed, and your materials gathered, you may think you are ready for guided reading. There is just one problem. You need activities for literacy centers. And you don’t just need any kind of literacy center activity. You need something that is meaningful, aligned […]
