What is close reading? If you look around Pinterest at anchor charts about close reading, it gets really overwhelming really fast! It seems like it’s about every reading strategy you’ve ever seen all put together at the same time. How the heck do you craft a lesson around that? It’s time to take the rocket…
If you were in elementary school in the 1980s and 90s like I was, you’ve probably seen your fair share of holiday sweaters on teachers. Kids today shouldn’t miss out on holiday sweaters just because teachers have moved on to more fashionable apparel…haha! So here is some fun contraction practice perfect for the weeks before…
Just in time to help you push through until winter break…teacher funnies!!! Teacher: Joey, do you have your homework today? Joey: No, my mom forgot to put it in my backpack. Love that excuse. We call this “snaggle tooth” in my family: I do love moms who send cutesy (or even just delicious) treats for…
Here’s an easy idea for teaching area and perimeter that your students will love! Take them outside (but first, make it clear that it’s not recess time!). Have them follow behind you in a line as you walk around the edge of the basketball court (or playground, or blacktop, or whatever you have). Yell out…
I’m excited to link up with 4th Grade Frolics for Monday Made It! My first project is this silly bulletin board made of some thrift store neckties. I made the big turkey and then realized I could us the little tie ends I had left to make a baby turkey. This is a library bulletin…
I only became aware of color by number educational activities a couple of years ago and I think they’re so much fun! I made one just for Thanksgiving that helps students practice adding and subtracting 10 from a 2-digit number. Click the picture to grab yours! Enjoy : )
It’s time for another installment of TEACHER FUNNIES! I think parent relations have to be one of the hardest parts of being a teacher. Those little cherubs go home and tell their parents a (stretched and twisted) story from the day and next thing you know, you’ve got an irate mama/papa bear on your hands…
Freebie! One of the keys to teaching reading comprehension is showing kids how proficient readers think about text. Teachers have to find a way to make their thinking visible. One way is with graphic organizers. Here is a free set: The first one is filled in with the steps for growing…
Teacher Burnout Explained in Two Pie Graphs This is a non-scientific (but probably pretty accurate) graphic I have created using my experience as a teacher. Another title for this chart could be “Teacher Burnout Explained in Two Pie Graphs.” I’m sure you can relate or even add some of your own crazy pie sections. Healthy…
Every teacher needs a few fun, fast, easy, tricks up his/her sleeve. Here are a few easy classroom management tricks I’ve picked up over the years. Need a Second to Get Ready for the Next Lesson? I got this first one from an art teacher I used to work with. She would have a few…