Are you teaching multiplication? The standard, or traditional, multiplication algorithm can be tricky for students to master. There are many steps involved in the process and it is really easy to make a mistake! Here are 4 quick tips to help.1. Color CodeMake learning the steps to the algorithm ... READ the POST
Archives for 2017
Conferences Made Easy
November is here! I love the fall and the things that come with it - even parent-teacher conferences. Yes, I love parent conferences because I finally have a system that works for me. It has taken a lot of time and energy to figure out the best way to organize, plan, and run effective parent ... READ the POST
First Day Activities
Is it just me or did the summer fly by? It's crazy how fast it went, but I am EXCITED, too. There is something awesome about starting a new school year. There are so many possibilities! Designing a new classroom set-up and/or decor, creating new activities to try, and having a new group ... READ the POST
Up Your Math Game with these 3 Quick and Easy Tips
Math is a subject that teachers (and students) either LOVE or DESPISE. I love, love, love teaching math! Here are 3 tips to start your math year off on the right foot.1. Routines & OrganizationEverybody knows that routines are important. There are routines for everything at school. Setting ... READ the POST
Homework Take 2 or Three Things My Students Will Do This Year
I wrote about my true feelings for homework in a previous post. I have spent a lot of time thinking and planning for my approach this year. In my opinion, there are 3 things that upper elementary students should be doing for homework.1. ReadingMost educators agree that reading is an ... READ the POST
4 Reasons Why I Don’t Like Homework
Yes, you read that correctly. I don't like homework. I am a teacher and I DO NOT LIKE HOMEWORK! Surprised? Maybe you are or maybe you are not. If you are like any other teacher or parent on the planet you have probably seen the great homework debate playing out. ... READ the POST
12 Teachers Share the Best Books to Read Aloud in September
Back to school is slowly sneaking up on unsuspecting teachers. Wouldn't it be AWESOME if you had a list of teacher tested read aloud books? Well, consider this my gift to you! I asked some teacher blogger friends to share their favorite books to read aloud at the start of school. Check out the list ... READ the POST
How to Organize (and Love) Math Workshop in 3 Simple Steps
Math Workshop a.k.a. guided math is an amazing way to approach math instruction. Organizing it on the other hand can be a challenge. 1. Create Groups with a PurposeIn order to best meet the needs of all learners students should be grouped purposefully. The best way to do that ... READ the POST
Got Boom? If Not, You Should!
I started hearing about Boom last summer, but I wasn't really sure what it was. It sat on my to investigate list for quite a while. I am SO glad that I finally checked it out and I think you will be, too.Do you use task cards in your classroom? If you answered YES, then you should give Boom a try ... READ the POST
3 Amazing Activities for the End of the School Year
The end of the school year triggers mixed emotions in many teachers. Some are excited that the light is at the end of the tunnel. Others panic because there is still a lot TO DO.Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, having some fun and engaging activities on hand to end the year is a must. ... READ the POST