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How to Teach Author’s Purpose in a Fun and Engaging Way
Are you struggling to get your students interested in author’s purpose? Teaching this important concept can sometimes be dull or perplexing. But fear not! There are plenty of exciting and enjoyable methods to teach author’s purpose that will capture your students’ attention. In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to
Creative Ways to Use Blank Paper (A Teaching Hack)
There are so many creating teaching hacks out there–technology, gadgets, manipulatives, and hands-on activities. I’m here to share mine today. There is ONE thing I always keep in my classroom and it’s never failed me yet. No matter how amazing the lesson plan is, the inevitable always occurs. Have any
Classroom Valentine’s Day Party Popcorn Bar (FREE Family Letter Template)
Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a festive popcorn bar in the classroom? Get ready to spread sweetness and joy as we embark on a delightful journey of flavors and fun. Imagine a vibrant and heartwarming setting where students can customize
10 Ideas for February in the 2nd Grade Classroom
Get ready for a refreshing February! Sure, it may be chilly here in Pennsylvania, but there’s so much to love about this month. #Januaryistheworst We’ve got an exciting lineup of themes and skills for our 2nd graders to dive into. Need some classroom inspiration? Here are 10 awesome ideas for
Themes and Skills I’m Teaching in January
Ahh, January. A new year. A fresh start. And while most of us experience the “new year” in August or September, it is lovely to have another new beginning. It might be close to half way through the school year. Your students have already learned so much but not it’s
A Class Reward Management System that Really Works
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
My First 3 Writing Lessons of the School Year
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
How to Teach Story Elements using Mentor Texts
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
9 Free First Day Activities for 1st and 2nd grade
The first day of school is all about finding the perfect balance between setting up routines and procedures and creating a warm, welcoming, and, most importantly, safe classroom environment. For a detailed look at how I plan and schedule my entire first week, check out my First Week Plans. ✨
How to Teach Rules and Expectations in the Elementary Classroom
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
