The Blog
8 Types of Smart Classroom Purchases
As classroom teachers, we’re used to working with small budgets. That’s why we get so excited when we receive community grant money, an opportunity to put together an Amazon wishlist, PTO wishlist items, or general spending money from the school…
Upper Elementary Tips and Free Lesson Plans for After Winter Break
Do you ever panic as winter break draws to a close and the new year begins? I’m always eager to return to the classroom with refreshed energy after break but it can be daunting to dive right back into lesson…
How To Use Fluency Task Cards
One key insight from the Science of Reading is the critical connection between reading fluency and comprehension. When students achieve fluency, they can seamlessly decode words, paving the way for a deeper understanding of text. Even the most adept readers…
Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Students in Upper Elementary
As the holiday season draws near, there’s nothing quite like the pride students feel when they can make handmade gifts for family and friends. Even upper elementary students will enjoy making these personalized presents that families will cherish for years…
High-Ceiling Math Tasks for Gifted Learners
High-ceiling math tasks are tiered activities that help all students succeed. Unlike traditional “one size fits all” methods, these tasks allow students to explore math concepts within their own understanding. By using high-ceiling math tasks, teachers help students discover their…
Book Recommendations | Christmas | Free | Holidays | Literacy | Novels & Picture Books | Picture Books | Picture Books | Seasonal
Free Rockefeller Christmas Tree Literacy Activities
It’s no secret that I love incorporating paired passages into my seasonal instruction, and this Christmas paired text activity is one of my favorites! Over the past several years, there have been several books written about the Rockefeller Center Christmas…
How to Teach Poetry All Year
Do you struggle with how to teach poetry? Do your students groan at the mere mention of rhyme or prose? Are you secretly glad National Poetry Month in April is only one month of the year? I understand! But what…
The Importance of Growth Mindset
I’ve shared a little bit about growth mindset in other posts here on the blog, but I can’t believe I haven’t dedicated an entire post to the important concept. Growth mindset is a way of thinking that can transform your…
First Chapter Fridays and Novel Read-Aloud Engagement Tips
Are you looking for an engaging way to introduce your students to new books, authors, and genres they might not have explored otherwise? Then you need to give First Chapter Fridays a try! This simple approach can build excitement and…
“Giggles and Grammar” Curriculum for Upper Elementary
The thought of teaching grammar in upper elementary can often be met with groans, from both students AND teachers. As teachers, we often face a lack of resources to teach grammar. District grammar curriculum resources (if we have them) are…
Meaningful Early Finisher Activities
If you’ve ever heard, “I’m finished! Now what?” and mentally panicked because you didn’t have options, we’re going to solve that today! No matter how carefully you plan your instruction, you’re still likely to have students who finish tasks early…
How To Build Connections and Student Relationships with Success Stickers
When the sticker craze started a few years ago, I knew I wanted to jump on the train as soon as possible. However, I have only worked in Responsive Classroom or Love and Logic schools that deemphasize extrinsic awards (and…
