Have you run Literature Circles before and are looking for some fresh ideas for student roles? Or are you looking to start book clubs for the first time? Either way, this is the perfect place to learn about the many options for literature circle roles – the key ingredient for ensuring a well-developed, engaged and […]
16 Differentiated Literature Circle Roles to Keep it Fresh! Read More »
Back to school always sneaks up on me. I know it’s coming and yet I’m never ready for it! If you can relate, this is for you! I’m sharing my first week of school lesson plans to help you be prepared without having to give up precious beach time. (Actually, it’s my plans for the
First Week of School Lesson Plans and Activities (10 Day Outline) Read More »
Do you struggle with how to organize missed work for absent student? Do you have piles of extra papers sitting on your desk, or stuffed in student desks? Are you tired of hearing “What did I miss”? I’ve been there! Over my years teaching grades 4 to 6, I’ve tried a few different systems and
Absent Student Folder: How to Organize Missed Work Easily! Read More »
Getting students engaged in their learning is easy with these hands-on activities for teaching volume! Teaching volume is such a fun unit but it can be challenging to come up with new activities as students do need a bit of practice. However, with a variety of hands-on volume activities for elementary students, it will never
8 Hands On activities for Teaching Volume your Students will Love! Read More »
Introducing volume is one of my favourite units of the school year! It’s such a concrete, hands-on math concept that we can really create some fun ways to teach volume. We all understand the importance of fostering a solid conceptual understanding of math in our students. If you’re looking for some practical strategies for how
Introducing Volume: How to Teach Volume so Students Really Understand! Read More »
Genius Hour (passion project or 20 percent time) is an incredible way to bring student choice, inquiry-driven learning and differentiation into the classroom. If you’re not familiar with it, read this post outlining the what and why of Genius Hour first. If you know you want to implement Genius Hour, but aren’t sure how, this
How to Implement Passion Projects for Elementary Students (Stress-free!) Read More »
At its core, Genius Hour is student-driven, inquiry-based learning. Students choose a topic they care about and want to learn more. If you’ve heard of Genius Hour (or Passion Projects or 20% Time), but you’re not too sure what it means, you’re in the right place! This post is going to explain exactly what is
What is Genius Hour? Read More »
When it comes to teaching math, 3 part lessons are the #1 tool I credit with my students enjoying math, truly understanding math concepts (NOT just memorizing – and forgetting – procedures) and gaining so much confidence in their thinking skills. A good 3 part math lesson lets students collaborate to discover the math in
Effective Math: 3 Part Lessons Students Enjoy (and Understand)! Read More »
As teachers, we spend countless hours marking student work when we would rather be doing just about anything else. Ever wonder, how can I make marking easier or faster? In this post, I’m sharing 7 quick tips to save time on grading student work using my most effective marking strategies. I don’t know about you,
7 Easy Marking Strategies to Save You Time Grading Read More »
If you’re anything like me, you realize at the last minute that a holiday, or the end of the year, is fast approaching and you still need to get your gifts for students. Whether it’s Valentines Day, Christmas or the last day of school that is just around the corner, this list of inexpensive gifts
15 Inexpensive Gifts for Students from Teachers (that aren’t junk)! Read More »
There are a number of first year teacher must haves that belong on an essential teacher supplies list. But there are plenty of money-sucking items that you really don’t need, at least not right away. I remember when I first got my teaching job (many moons ago…). I excitedly ran out and spent way too
33 Essential New Teacher Must Haves You’ll Really Want (+5 You Don’t) Read More »
Setting up effective classroom morning routines in elementary just might be the most important thing you do for a successful year. Hyperbole? I’m not so sure… The most engaging, wonderful lessons won’t reach your students if you haven’t set up the calm, organized, positive learning environment your students need to be able to focus on
11 Essential Classroom Morning Routines to set up for Success! Read More »