Books Teachers Love for November

We’re back for another edition of Books Teachers Love and this month, we’re bringing you our favorite November read alouds.  Each month, we share our books and some activities that you can use in your classroom tomorrow.  And the best part, you can win 4 of them! One of my favorite read alouds in November […]

Organize math centers in your classroom

I created a Math Station area where all of our manipulatives, tools, and games are stored.  You can organize math centers, too! It’s great because when students are finished in my class, they know to leave the assignment on their desk since we’ll be grading it together as a class, and go work on something […]

About Easy Teaching Tools

Playing with tigers in Thailand My name is Kristen and I’ve enjoyed teaching kindergarten, first grade, a 1/2 combo, and second grade.  I’ve taught at both a low and high-performing Title I schools as well as a few fancy schools in California and O’ahu, Hawaii. I’ve earned my Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in reading […]

Pumpkin Week with Pumpkin Jack

I wanted to share some books with you for October that I think you will love! October is the perfect time to learn about life cycles, including decomposition with pumpkins.  It’s a great way to tie in pumpkins into your language arts, art, and math block. I know most people I however will be soaking […]

First Day Tips to Maintain your Sanity

Holy moly, I just began my 10th year teaching.  I’m not sure if I’m more blown away that I feel like I finally have credibility at Back to School Night or that I have enough energy to blog after the first day.  I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that make for a smooth […]

Books Bloggers Love: August

I’ve teamed up with 11 other teachers to bring you a monthly link up with some of our favorite books.  This month, we’re sharing our favorite books for September that we hope you can use in your classroom.  Each month on the 10th, we’ll be sharing some of our fave books and giving away 4 […]

Why I’ll Never be Teacher of the Year

I’m about to do my very first Periscope, eek!  I’ve put off this new social media platform because I’m horrible as it is trying to balance Instagram, blogging, Facebook, and everything else.  But…I have seen how it can be a useful platform if it’s used correctly.  So heck, I’m going to do my best! I […]

Bulletin Boards

I’m excited to be teaming up with some of my friends to talk to you about bulletin boards.  Some may disagree, but I really think bulletin boards can set the tone and theme of your classroom.  Noone wants to come in and look at some haphazardly bulletin board with some faded paper thrown up with […]