Text structure is important to teach, but what exactly is it? Why is it important? And, how do you teach it?
Teach Text Structure in 4 Easy Steps!
Should Cell Phones Be Allowed in Schools?
When choosing a middle school for my son, my mind muddled through all the considerations. Slowly, it became clear that the unsupervised use & sharing of cell phones should be my biggest concern. “Kids can be exposed to ANYTHING during breaks and lunch AT SCHOOL!!”
10 Brilliant Classroom Hacks
Teachers tell all! Here’s a list of classroom hacks that you can use now. These seemingly simple teacher tricks can offer mind blowing results. Check out our list below.
Using Reader’s Theater in Your Classroom
Practicing reader’s theater scripts is a fun way to build reading fluency, comprehension, and engagement! When the scripts play out classic stories this practice becomes interdisciplinary combining reading fluency, vocabulary, literature, public speaking, and holiday fun.
I love using these activities before the holidays and before summer break. The kids are ready to change up the routine. They enjoy working in groups and being creative! It’s fun & incorporates many of our educational standards.
Cyber Monday Giveaway
2 lucky teachers will receive a $10 Teachers Pay Teachers gift card AND a resource of their choice from my Tpt store Peas in a Pod!
Sorry, this contest is over. 🙁 …But, you can sign up HERE to be alerted for all of our future giveaways!!
Grammar Interactive Notebooks
Grammar Interactive Notebooks provide fun activities to practice and apply grammar skills. In my classroom, I introduce one part of speech per week. We complete the corresponding parts of speech worksheets on Monday and Tuesday. We watch a video (linked below) and complete the interactive notebook pages on Wednesday and Thursday. After watching the video, I model each step of cutting, pasting, & writing. Then, the students put their notebook pages together as they follow my directions step-by-step. You can purchase them individually or as a bundle. (Just click on the pictures below.)
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Weather Vocabulary
Check out this Weather ABC Book. Although this resource was created for primary students, it is a read to learn book verses a learn to read book. So, it can work for a wider range of grade levels.
We complete one page per day. Each student ends up with a complete weather alphabet book as a final product. I use it with primary students reading at or above grade level. Exposure to scientific ideas, not mastery, is my goal. If you would like to try this with your class just click on the picture below.
The Best Back-to-School Blog Posts
From classroom organization to first day of school activities, this collection of blog posts will set you up for back-to-school success. There’s something for everyone PreK – middle school. So without further ado, here are a few of my favorite teacher blog posts (labeled by grade) to help set you up for success in the coming school year!
Read Aloud Books by Grade Level
Reading aloud to my class is one of my favorite things to do. If you’re looking for the best read aloud books for elementary school children, look no further. This list of stories is perfect for classrooms to enjoy together!
Free Classroom Reward Ideas
As a teacher, you know that rewarding your students for their hard work and good behavior is important. However, constantly buying prizes can quickly add up and strain your budget. Luckily, there are plenty of free and low-cost classroom rewards that your students will still be motivated to earn. Here are some free classroom reward ideas to try in your classroom.
Buying prizes for your classroom can get expensive fast! But, there’s no need to go broke keeping your class in line. Here are a few of my favorite ideas for classroom incentives and FREE classroom rewards ideas that your students will work hard to earn!
Continue readingStart the School Year Off Right!
It’s too soon, I know. However, when inspiration strikes I go with it. Some of you might remember my top 3 back to school procedures. This school year, I’m adding a couple more.
Is Cursive Dead?
Cursive writing was supposed to be dead by now. The Common Core standards no longer required teaching it, and people didn’t seem to mind. However, cursive has displayed a gritty staying power.
Top 20 Teacher Shoes
Teaching is hard on your feet! I rarely have a chance to sit down for very long. My trek to the copy machine seems to be a quarter mile.
So, I asked a my friends what are the most comfortable shoes for teachers. And, the results are in! Here’s a list of the best teacher shoes out there! I think you’ll find some of their suggestions helpful. (Keep in mind that some districts request more formal attire while others know that happy feet = happy teachers 😉 )
Continue reading14 Ways to Quiet a Noisy Class
Quieting a class is the 1st step in managing them! The following are few tried and tested behavior management ideas you can use today.
Freebies & Discounts for Teachers!
Who doesn’t love a freebie? Teachers know how to find a great deal, but sometimes it’s nice to have the “cheat sheet”. Check out our list below to make sure you’re privy some of the perks of the job! (Also, we’d love to hear about any we may have missed in the comments below.)
The Easy Way to Master Multiplication!
Save time & energy with this simplified system for practicing / tracking multiplication fluency.
You can find the entire system HERE!
Students love the interactive component that serves as paperless practice between tests! These digital games come in both PowerPoint and Google slides, so you can choose the format you are most comfortable using! Check out the preview below:
How to Organize Writing Instruction in a Way That Makes Sense!
When I first started teaching I found numerous writing resources. I had bookshelves full! However, each of those resources failed to give me a daily, step-by-step plan, as to how to teach writing. After my first few years of floundering, I laid out a straight forward plan to share with colleagues and now you!