Do you ever feel like the months between winter and spring break are extra long and grueling?? It may seem like time is ticking slow, but that might only be because you aren’t having enough FUN! I decided to forget the winter blues and really ICE things up with these engaging, hands on, winter themed literacy activities! In this post,… Read More
How to Implement Hands On Learning During Guided Reading
Does your guided reading table need a fun refresh? When students come to the table for small group time, they know they’re in for some super exciting learning going on! This is a serious time where students can make exponential growth because the instruction is specifically tailored to their needs. However, learning serious skills doesn’t have to be boring! I’m… Read More
How to Teach Growth Mindset
Social emotional learning skills help our students not only thrive in the classroom, but in their daily lives as well. These skills might not always be in the curriculum, but we absolutely have to spend time daily on these crucial abilities. Helping students have a growth mindset is one of the most important social and emotional skills out there and… Read More
The Ultimate Hands On Guide to Teaching First Grade Place Value
Place value is ultimately the basis of our entire number system. It is an extremely crucial skill that builds the foundation for other core math concepts. For students, it’s a key math ability that helps develop a true sense of numbers. Number sense must be established before learning more complex skills. Since it’s SO important to master, I believe we… Read More
How to Teach Small Moment Writing
Teaching about small moments can greatly improve students’ writing. You may be asking what is a “small moment” and how does it relate to writing? Small moment stories are when authors write about important events from their lives. When it comes to personal narrative writing, it helps students to pivot making a list of things they did and instead begin… Read More
How to Get Started with Writer’s Workshop
When you close your eyes and envision your ideal classroom… What does it look and sound like during your writing block? Now think about what you actually see on a daily basis with your students. When you visualize your classroom full of writers, is it what you envisioned? What if I told you that you could create a writing environment… Read More