Take your teaching from basic to bold
January in 2nd grade always feels like a reset button. Not the new school year kind of reset (that belongs to August), but the “okay, let’s refocus and get back into learning mode” reset. By January, students are more independent, routines are established, and we can finally dig into some deeper skills. That’s why I […]
As the school year progresses, classrooms can often experience increased distractions and decreased engagement. However, a class reward management system offers an effective way for teachers to regain student attention and enthusiasm. Discover a powerful and positive classroom management tool that has been successfully used with thousands of students to enhance engagement for the entire […]
I love writing. Teaching writing is a different story. But, I am slowly evolving from a wanting-to-control-everything writing teacher to a let-them-write-and-guide-them teacher. Letting them write is the key. And I struggle with keeping my mini-lessons mini. I talk way too much. It’s something I am working on. So let’s cut to the chase. How […]
The first comprehension skill for the school year I teach is how to identify story elements. I love using Mentor Texts to support my shared reading lessons. I pick this skill for a few reasons; but, primarily because in order to effectively retell or summarize a fiction story, students need to know the main elements […]
Kicking off the school year with a clear set of classroom rules and expectations sets the stage for a successful and enjoyable year ahead. It’s during those first exciting days that we lay the groundwork for a positive and productive learning environment. By establishing guidelines early on, we create a space where everyone feels respected, […]
It’s the end of the school year. At this point, we are willing to do whatever it takes to keep students engaged and learning (and stay sane at the same time!). End of the year theme days are fun but can feel like a lot of work. Flashlight day is one of my favorites for […]
