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 […]
How do parent conferences make you feel – excited, nervous, or stressed? I used to be a blend of nervousness and excitement. Before each conference, I’d get the anxious feeling in my stomach and worry about upsetting a parent. I also would be excited, though, because this was my chance to show how much I […]
One goal all teachers have is to get students to read at home. Reading at home outside of school has so many benefits like fostering a love for reading in children, developing language and reading skills, and stimulates the imagination. One of the many challenges of teaching this year will be how to encourage reading […]
What do you think of when you think of emergent readers? Do you think of a bonus activity to just send home for students to have? An inside-recess coloring activity? Maybe even something you don’t have time for? Friends, if you fall into any of these categories, or are just unsure of how to use […]
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 […]
Get to know you games for distance learning to build a positive classroom community. If you found out that you will be teaching remotely this fall, I’m sure you have a lot on your plate. You’ve probably figured out how to run your online learning platform. You have mastered Zoom and Loom. You may even […]
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 […]
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. No matter if you are meeting in person or virtually, your small groups will need their literacy tools at their fingertips. Having a safe way for each […]
You sit down at the guided reading table. Five sweet smiling faces are staring back at you. You have a perfectly organized guided reading binder. Then what? Do you know what guided reading skills you need to cover with this group? Do you feel prepared and relaxed or slightly anxious about knowing what to do […]
Guided reading is hands-down my favorite way to teach reading. Not only do I see results in my students’ reading skills, but they love it. When I called a group to my guided reading table, they were all always excited. There are so many benefits of guided reading. Trust me when I say you need […]
“Amanda, there must be a secret to successful guided reading. What is it?” I get asked this exact question often. Teachers want students to experience success in reading through guided reading, but sometimes they feel like a hamster in a wheel. They are doing the “right” things, but it feels like going through the motions. […]
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 […]
One of the holidays we usually celebrate in the classroom is Earth Day. Even though teachers and students are all distance learning right now, we can still find ways to teach students about Earth Day and how to care for our earth. I came up with some activities that would be easy to implement while […]
A free ABC Countdown to Summer to use while distance learning. One of my favorite ways to make the end of the year fun and memorable was to do an ABC countdown with my class. My students and I loved having something fun to look forward to each day as the year wrapped up. This […]
