The Blog
Math Projects: Differentiated Hands-On Learning
When I’m looking for rigorous practice that’s so fun the students almost forget they’re learning, I turn to math projects! These projects hold so much learning power with their real-world connections, differentiation options, collaborative learning opportunities, and numerous avenues for…
Student Rewards: Beyond The Skittles
As I wrap up one year and start looking forward to the next, I use it as a time to reflect on what did (and didn’t!) work. Reassessing classroom management strategies is always part of that thought process and student…
Last Day of Teacher Appreciation Week Giveaways!
I hope you have been feeling alllllll the love this week, teacher friends! For our last day of teacher appreciation week, I’m giving away FOUR $50 TWAMV credits. YES!! How to Enter You have four different opportunities to enter this…
MORE Teacher Appreciation Giveaways
As promised, I’m back with more teacher appreciation giveaways! We are on Day 5 of my Teacher Appreciation Week giveaway! So far, I’ve given away books, school supplies, and a whole bunch of TpT Gift Cards. Today’s giveaway is a…
Teacher Appreciation Week Giveaways!
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! This week, I’m thrilled to be giving you some of my very favorite teacher goodies. Each day will be new and exciting and geared JUST toward teachers and the things you love the most. You can…
Comparing Texts: Moving Beyond the Basics
It’s true. Comparing texts can be tedious, especially when you are teaching students in grades 3-5 how to thoughtfully compare and contrast multiple texts! Of course, it’s a must-teach skill because comparing texts helps increase understanding for students, increases critical…
Trauma-Informed Teaching: What It Is and Why It’s Important
Over the past few years, the practice of trauma-informed teaching has become more recognized. More schools are becoming aware of what childhood trauma is and how it’s related to student performance in the classroom. Administrators are recognizing the importance of…
How to Teach Poetry in Upper Elementary
How do your students react when you mention poetry? If they’re anything like mine, you’re probably met with groans. Students typically equate poems with sappy sentiments of love and cheesy rhymes. However, poetry can be so much more than that!…
How To Teach Commonly Confused Words in Upper Elementary
Even though upper elementary students have been introduced to homophones in earlier grades, many students (and let’s be honest… adults too!) still struggle to correctly use and understand commonly confused words. Explicit instruction, numerous examples, and additional opportunities to practice…
Teaching Volume with Hands-On Activities
Teaching volume is one of my absolute favorite math units, and I can’t believe I have never written about it before! When I taught 5th grade math, volume always came later in the year when fatigue was starting to set…
Creative and Educational Time Fillers: No More Wasted Minutes
There are few things more frustrating than wasted time in the classroom. All those little five and then minute breaks can really add up, and bored students can often become mischievous students. Whether it’s staggered time as students get logged…
Spring In Upper Elementary: St. Patrick’s Day Activities, Conference Tips, and Test Prep Ideas Too!
After all the snow that so much of the U.S. has been dealing with, is anyone else ready to dream about spring?? Here’s a round up of my favorite upper elementary St. Patrick’s Day activities, conference tips, and test prep…
