It’s normal to have a kid in your class who just drives you nuts. For whatever reason, you can’t find a connection with that kid. You don’t get them, they don’t get you, and you just don’t work well together. I’ve learned that it is essential to find a way to LOVE that kid or […]
Working With Tough Kids Read More »
I almost titled this post “Why I Hate Classroom Jobs.” Because I do. I’ve tried to get classroom jobs going so many times and it always ends the same way. It becomes tedious for me, boring for the kids, and I eventually just stop bothering. But I do think classroom jobs are important and have
A New Take on Classroom Jobs Read More »
A few years ago, a wonderfully creative and thoughtful friend/co-worker gave me a little box of goodies just before school started. At first glance, I thought the little supply box filled with gum, deodorant, a nail file, and other travel-sized goodies, was simply a cute little gift. A week later, I realized she was a
The “Back to School” Box Read More »
This year I wanted my geometry unit to be FUN so I packed it with hands-on exploration. We started by reviewing basic shapes. My original plan had been to use popsicle sticks, but due to poor planning, I didn’t have enough on hand. Luckily, I found something way better! (And easier.) The kids just took
A few new math anchor charts have graced my classroom walls so I thought I’d share! Basic operations is by far the toughest concept for my students – mainly in problem-solving. So we refer back to this one a lot! I wish I’d put all the units of length down the middle of the chart
More Math Anchor Charts… Read More »
We are finally wrapping up our latest science unit: Investigating the Natural World. I think this may be my favorite unit to teach! The kids get so into it. We modeled landforms using moist sand and then the kids created their own set of trading cards with the image on one side and the definition
“Natural World,” Here We Come! Read More »
Assigning number grades to third graders’ work has always been challenging for me. I want to reward effort and progress, although I know the grade is meant to represent the level of mastery. I want my students to continue pushing themselves, even if they earn straight A’s. In our district, like many others I assume,
50 Shades of Grades Read More »
I love the thrill of “back to school” time! Getting ready for a new school year, meeting your new class for the first time, and those first few days of school are so exciting. But launching a new year is a “pay for it now or pay for it later” kind of time. This post is
A Better “Back to School” Read More »
The Animals and Ecosystems Zoo Project is my FAVORITE project of the year! I sit all the kids down and announce that our class has bought a zoo! And we’re the zookeepers! We name our zoo and talk about how awesome our zoo is going to be and start brainstorming all the cool features of
I’ve always included Buddy Reading as a daily activity during my literacy block and I’ve always felt like it was a mildly effective but important way to help kids grow their fluency (and sometimes comprehension.) But observing my 3rd graders this year, I really wanted to make it more powerful. I can’t believe how easy
Buddy Reading Boost! Read More »
So sorry! You’ve reached an old blog post that I’ve retired. For my best test prep tips, check out: Reading Test Prep Strategies Standardized Test Prep Tips
Stress Free Test Prep Read More »
The Hands Down Greatest Books Ever for Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies! I’m always getting new ideas of books to use for teaching various comprehension strategies, but again and again I fall back on a few favorites. I don’t know if they really are the best, but I know that every time I use these books
Comprehension Read Alouds Read More »
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