Setting expectations doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, with a little planning, it can be a fun and rewarding part of starting the school year. As we gear up for another exciting year with our energetic elementary schoolers, it’s crucial to lay the groundwork for a positive
Hey there, elementary educators! If you’re anything like me, you’re getting pumped up for an amazing school year ahead. And what better way to kick things off than with the best first week ever? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie teacher, a solid plan will help you start
As teachers, the start of a new school year can bring feelings of excitement and anticipation – but also anxiety. The first few days tend to be hectic as everyone gets back in the swing of things; however, there are several steps you can take beforehand to make the transition
Back-to-school season is upon us! One of the best parts of planning the first week of school is deciding on which books to read. Today, I’m sharing all of my favorites with you! Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olson Why I love this book: Shannon, the teacher behind
Are you ready for THE BEST beginning of the year math game ever?! In this post, I’m going to teach you how to play Trash Can Math–a place value game! I learned this game two years ago when I was filling in for a teacher on maternity leave. We got
Deciding on name tags is such a big deal! For teachers, finding the right way to label students’ desks can make a significant difference in classroom management and student engagement. Traditional name plates can be cumbersome, easily damaged, or simply uninspiring. Fortunately, there are innovative and practical alternatives that can
I am really excited to wrap up my “First Three” blog series with my first three reading lessons of the school year. If you missed my other posts, you can check them outhere. While I love teaching math and I definitely identify as a writer, teaching reading is also a
Planning for the beginning of the year is so important for setting the tone in your classroom. For my first 3 math lessons of the school year, I ask myself “What do I want to communicate about what is valued in our classroom in this subject area?“ In math, I
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
The beginning of the school year is overwhelming. There are so many things to prep, plan for and teach. It’s easy to forget the “little things.” Having your students learn their classmates’ names is so important. In my first year of teaching, I was SO proud of how quickly I
