Thanksgiving is next week, which means it’s time for the annual Sharing our Blessings blog hop and giveaway! Sixteen bloggers are participating this year, and each blogger is giving away a $25 TpT gift card. That’s $400 worth of
Read moreHappy November! Is there a better time to write about all the things we are thankful for? This writing topic might seem may seem trite and overdone, but we can never overdo the message of showing appreciation for the
Read moreDid you know that October 5th is Do Something Nice Day? Google it and you’ll see! What a great time to teach your kids how to be a good citizen and learn to consider the needs of others! To help your
Read moreHow much time do you spend each week on spelling instruction? If you’re an upper elementary teacher, the answer is probably “not enough.” While you might recognize the importance of phonemic awareness and phonics lessons, there’s just not enough
Read moreEach year on September 11th, we reflect on a series of horrific events that changed the course of history. As a teacher, you might be struggling with whether or not you should discuss 9/11 with your students. Although your
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Imagine yourself as a student in a new classroom during the first week of school. Unless your teacher starts off with at least a few getting-to-know you activities, it might be weeks before you feel comfortable enough
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Years ago, I searched everywhere to find the perfect calendar to use with my students, but I couldn’t find one that worked. I wanted one with 8 1/2 x 11 inch portrait-style pages that would fit in
Read moreGetting the school year off to a great start is essential, which means that what you do the first week of school can make all the difference! A few years ago I presented a popular webinar called How
Read moreHave you heard about International Dot Day? It’s celebrated on September 15th, and it’s all about encouraging kids to discover how they can make a difference. Why is it called “Dot Day”? To find out, read the book that
Read moreEaster egg activities aren’t just for little ones! You might not take older kids on an Easter egg hunt, but you can bring colorful plastic eggs into the classroom and jazz up any review activity with this
Read moreI’ve never been one to spend months teaching test prep strategies, but I also feel we’re doing kids a disservice if we don’t prepare them in some way for state testing. A teacher once told me that she considers
Read moreLooking for a fun math game for St. Patrick’s Day? You’re in luck! My free Leprechaun Luck Math Game makes it easy for kids to explore probability while playing an exciting game of chance. In order to win, players
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