If December classroom management feels harder than any other month of the school year, you’re definitely not alone. By the time December arrives, routines have become a little relaxed, students are counting down to winter break, holiday excitement is everywhere, and attention spans seem to disappear overnight. Meanwhile, teachers are trying to squeeze in assessments, holiday activities, classroom celebrations, and… Read More
If you’ve ever looked at the calendar on December 1st and thought, “How am I supposed to make it all the way to winter break?”, I get it. December is magical. But it’s also…a lot. And if you’re looking for a December teacher survival guide, consider this your permission slip to make things a little easier. Students are excited. The… Read More
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years in the classroom, it’s this: Parent-teacher conferences don’t have to feel stressful. In fact, most conference stress doesn’t happen during the meeting itself. It happens before it ever begins. But it can all be transformed with simple parent teacher conference forms! Let’s be honest- what’s the most frustrating part of parent teacher… Read More
There is something special about October in the primary classroom. The excitement is everywhere. Students are thinking about pumpkins, costumes, changing leaves, and all things spooky. However, as teachers, we know that October can also bring a little extra energy into the classroom. That is exactly why I love using October read alouds to channel that excitement into meaningful learning…. Read More
When it comes to math centers for kindergarten and first grade, it can feel like a never-ending cycle of printing, cutting, explaining, and cleaning up. You’re not alone. Every year, I would spend hours creating new math center activities only to hear the same questions: “What do I do?” “I forgot how to play.” “Can you help me?” Meanwhile, students… Read More
If you’ve ever spent hours searching for new phonics literacy center ideas, laminating new games, cutting new pieces, and explaining new directions every week… Can I let you in on a secret? You probably don’t need more center activities. You need better center systems. One of the biggest mistakes teachers make with literacy centers is constantly changing the activity. So… Read More
