Fun Games for Learning the 50 States

…finish other assignments. Over time, students will learn the state locations without even trying. I found this one online at Amazon.com, and it looks like the perfect item for states…

Gearing Up for Next Generation Science

…level and perform basic computation. My plate is full!! Just when am I supposed to fit this into my day? Sound familiar? Many elementary teachers across the country, faced with…

5 Reasons to Use Nearpod in the Classroom

…device, whether students have iPads, computers, or other tablets. This is great especially for schools that allow students to bring their own devices. 2. The teacher has complete control of…

Fostering a Growth Mindset with Brain Bucks

…difficult for all of us, even when we understand why we need to make changes. Fortunately, with a little support and encouragement, even students who began the year with a…

Heartfelt Causes & Effects

…in my book, Graphic Organizers for Reading: Teaching Tools Aligned with the Common Core, and titled it Heartfelt Causes & Effects. It decided to make it completely free, and if…

Classroom Awards Make Kids Feel Special!

…editable Google Doc versions of the two basic award certificates. Look for the download links in this post. A Unique Award for Each Student I worked with the class to…

Solving Unknown Perimeter Mysteries

…connections. Exploring Perimeter is a CCSS aligned, comprehensive resource for teaching perimeter, and I’m offering the Mystery Perimeters lesson as a free sample. In this lesson, perimeter problems where one…

Teaching Kids to Express Appreciation

…Gifts of Appreciation Team Card Write-Around Activity Directions When you explain the activity to your students, tell them that they will be passing cards around the team and writing words…

20 Reading Skills to Teach with The Name Jar

…end she decided to keep her Korean name. Compare & contrast – Compare and contrast Unhei and Joey. Connections – {possible text-to-self connections} Being new to a school. Having someone…

Penguin Fractions = Fraction Fun!

…for each fraction card placement. The kids loved it and it helped them understand the concept of comparing fractions to benchmarks. The final sorting board included in Penguin Fractions: Comparing…