Take your teaching from basic to bold
Building students’ sight word fluency is a key part of reading instruction. Did you know about 150 common words make up 50% of written text? These high-frequency words are essential for reading fluency because they appear so frequently in everyday reading. Developing a strategic plan for assessing and teaching sight words is crucial! What are […]
Let’s be real: coming back after Thanksgiving break is rough—for everyone. The kids are still in turkey-coma mode, you’re surviving on leftover pie and caffeine, and that Monday morning energy? Yeah, it’s not giving. But instead of jumping straight into assessments or new units, try easing back in with a few fun and simple activities […]
Although we might not quite be ready for that first school day of the new year, it’ll be here before we know it. So, while I’m sorta, kinda dreading it (sorry, not sorry), I’m napping… I mean, prepping. Here are 5 New Year’s activities for ringing in 2026 in the classroom! Reflect and Share Activities […]
November always feels like a blink-and-it’s-over kind of month. Between days off, parent-teacher conferences, and Thanksgiving break, it can be tough to keep routines consistent — and even tougher to keep students engaged. What you need are some easy November classroom activities. I love using simple, purposeful activities that make the most of our limited […]
Halloween season is full of sugar highs and spooky chaos, but that doesn’t mean your lesson plans have to be scary. I’ve rounded up my favorite fun and free Halloween math and writing activities for 2nd grade — all teacher-tested, kid-approved, and low prep. Let’s make October a little more treat than trick! Whether your […]
As a former 2nd-grade teacher, current reading intervention specialist, and mom of two growing readers, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful decodable texts can be. In the classroom, they help build confidence and fluency. At home? They’ve become a regular part of our bedtime routine—right alongside Oliver Jeffers and Jory John. Spoiler: My kids actually asked […]
