After so many years of doing the same activity, teachers often switch things up. This keeps lessons fresh and exciting while incorporating student interest. Honestly, it makes sense that students want a change just as teachers do. Since they follow the same daily schedule and complete the same style of activities each day, they look…
Have you ever looked at the weather and cringed when many different elements may happen in the same week? For instance, snow is predicted one day, rain another, and sunshine at the end of the week. While this happens all the time, teachers know it makes students extra excited. So, whenever the predicted weather begins,…
One of the best parts of teaching is being able to put a personalized touch on standards. In other words, the state tells teachers what students must learn before the end of the year but leaves planning up to teachers. So, they work hard to bring in aspects that are essential for students to learn…
Reading is hard! It is hard to learn and hard to teach. Students become frustrated over not knowing words and having to sound everything out. Additionally, it is overwhelming to realize that it is impossible to sound out every word. Therefore, it is challenging for teachers to provide strong reading instruction when every student is…
Winter is a tough season in the classroom. Students are often sniffling, cold, and tired. So, teachers often try to find creative ways to spice up their teaching. The hope is that really engaging, exciting lessons help students focus and learn content deeper. Luckily, the Arctic Adventures resource transforms the entire classroom! Students will absolutely…
By the time November hits, teachers and students are both exhausted. While everyone can use a break, there are still a few weeks before Thanksgiving. This means teachers have to work extra hard to keep students engaged and focused. However, this is hard when they are so tired! Luckily, there are must-have activities for November…
Students of all ages need to understand why we celebrate holidays and special events. While they often want to focus on holidays that result in candy or presents, it is crucial to gain an understanding of days they are less familiar with. This is the case with Veterans Day! While some students will know about…
When students begin reading, they focus mainly on the words and illustrations. Therefore, they really don’t know anything about seeing how the characters grow and change throughout the story. Likewise, they don’t understand how there are different literary skills to focus on, such as compare and contrast. Honestly, learning to read is so exciting, but…
Students are always so curious about how everything in the world works. They are especially curious whenever a holiday or special event arrives! Sadly, they often cannot find the answers they want within the curriculum of classroom materials. While this is understandable since curriculum makers design resources for all ages and backgrounds, teachers want to…
1st grade is an important year for building reading skills! At this level, students dive a little deeper into reading and work on developing their comprehension and fluency. To get this practice, you’ll need lots of reading activities for 1st graders at the ready! Here are a few of my favorite low-prep activities to make…
Looking for a way to spruce up your classroom for Halloween? Need some spooky activity inspiration? Fall/winter is such an exciting time of the year, especially when it comes to the holidays. One of the first ones that comes our way in October is Halloween! And while it is a festive time, teachers know that…
The 2020-2021 school year definitely brought the importance of technology and digital learning into the forefront. Teachers and students had to adjust quickly and as seamlessly at possible. Digital Morning Meeting was the perfect way to make this adjustment in my classroom and will continue to be something that will work well during a “normal”…
