Close Reading: Text Dependent Questions

Using text-dependent questions with close reading has been eye-opening for me because previously, we were taught to front-load everything and activate students’ schema to increase their engagement.  As teachers, we’re now strongly encouraged to ask questions that force our students to delve into the text and provide evidence for their answer.  I’ve created a 5-part […]

8 Easy Ways to Relax and Find Balance as a Teacher

Teaching takes up every ounce of brain-power, energy, and heart.  When the dismissal bell rings, my teacher brain doesn’t shut off.  I’ve got lesson ideas, unfriendly parent e mails, testing, IEPs, art projects, literacy centers, meaningful activities, and a bazillion ways to make our class run efficiently on my mind all.the.time.  But I’m here to […]

Earth Day in the Elementary Classroom

It’s so important to teach our students about caring for the Earth.  I love that Earth Day encourages it, but it’s something we can do with our students the entire school year.  I am going to share a few of my favorite “Protecting Mother Nature” books and some activities that you can do in your […]

The easiest and best parent newsletter

We know that parent communication in the classroom is essential, but sometimes, it takes a lot of time that we don’t always have.  I have a free parent newsletter that takes just a few minutes to set up.  You can add links to websites, photos, videos, sign up forms and more.  Do you send a […]

The Perfect Activity for your Geometry Unit

We’ve had so much fun with our geometry unit this year.  My kiddos have loved all of the hands-on activities and this adorable craft!  I thought it would be fun for kiddos to put different shapes together to create their very own shape person. You know I love cute things that are easy to prep […]

Close Reading in Action in the Primary Classroom

Is close reading making you pull out your hair? Don’t think your primary kiddos can handle it?  I’ve created a 5-part  Close Reading Series to help you get more comfortable with it in your classroom.  Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see how powerful and beneficial it is for your students. Part 1- What is […]

Best Classroom Hacks You Can Use Tomorrow

Classroom Hacks make me so dang happy because they’re efficient and make sense.  I love when I figure out a clever way to implement an idea, probably way more than I should, but I can’t help it.  If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that efficiency makes me giddy and I’m pretty sure I’m not […]

Books Teachers Love: April Read Alouds

I know we’re not suppose to choose an April Read Aloud by it’s cover, but I couldn’t help it with this adorable book.  What can I say, I’m a sucker for bright colors and cute illustrations.  Each month, a few teachers get together and share our favorite read alouds and activities that will help you […]