The Blog
Beyond the Curriculum: The Best Supplemental ELA and Math Resources for Upper Elementary
Teaching ELA and math in upper elementary can feel like juggling plates… while tap dancing and trying to feed an elephant. You have the curriculum (or lack thereof, in some cases), the standards, the pacing guides, and then you look…
Teacher-Approved Thinking Games for the Classroom
Games in the classroom aren’t just for indoor recess… they can be a powerful tool for learning and community building. Whether you’re looking for a way to make academic concepts more engaging in your rotations or a go-to solution for…
Narrative Writing Mentor Texts
Teaching narrative writing in upper elementary isn’t just about meeting your state writing standards… It’s about empowering your students to tell their own stories and build deeper connections with one another through shared work. When students learn to write narratives,…
Naturally Integrating SEL Into Your Classroom Routines
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is more than just a buzzword! It is and should be an essential part of your classroom. A part that you intentionally plan for and incorporate into your daily routines! When we prioritize Social-Emotional Learning, we…
The Best Strategies for Differentiated Instruction (Without Burning Out)
Each year, our classrooms are full of diverse learners with unique needs, and no two years are ever alike – this is part of what I love so much about this career! However, it is important to acknowledge that this…
ZERO Prep (and FREE!) Creative and Critical Thinking Games
I am always looking for quick and fun ways to keep students engaged in learning AND stretch their thinking. As a gifted and talented facilitator, I regularly add critical thinking games and tasks that challenge students to think outside the…
Advice to New Homeschool Parents from a Veteran Teacher (And former Homeschool Mom!)
Deciding to homeschool your child can be both exciting and overwhelming. I’ll never forget the moment we decided to make the leap, albeit only for a year. There’s so much to consider… Is it the right choice for your family?…
What To Teach On The First Day of School: FREE First Day of School Lesson Plans
The first day of school is one of the most important days of the year. It sets the tone for the weeks (and months!) ahead, so having a smooth start is super important. As a mentor teacher, the biggest tip…
Brush Up on Your Teacher Skills: Must-Read Professional Development Books for Teachers (and More!)
Summer break is right around the corner. After a school year full of early mornings, lesson plans, and seemingly endless to-do lists, we’ve all earned some well-deserved rest and relaxation! I’m picturing a lot of family time, slower mornings, and…
6 Creative Ways to Build Community Connections Beyond the Classroom
Building a strong sense of community within our classroom is something we all strive to do as teachers. Shared experiences, teamwork, and mutual support create the foundation for a year of success as a classroom family. But what happens when…
Practical Advice for New Teachers, Straight From Our Community
Starting your teaching career comes with a mix of excitement, nerves, joys, challenges, and a million memorable “firsts” throughout the year. From figuring out how to set up your classroom to classroom management to writing engaging lesson plans, there’s so…
5 End-of-the-Year Teacher Tips for August Success
We know the final school year bell hasn’t rung yet, but I’ve found that now is actually the perfect time to start setting your classroom up for a successful back-to-school season! A few years ago, I booked a trip that…
