English Language Arts, Planning Jennifer Martinez, Marianna Monheim, Jeanine Schneider, and Jacqueline Ortiz English Language Arts, Planning Jennifer Martinez, Marianna Monheim, Jeanine Schneider, and Jacqueline Ortiz

How to Differentiate ELA Instruction & Save Time: 5 Strategies That Work

Differentiation doesn’t have to mean hours of extra planning! This post shares five practical, time-saving differentiation strategies that help classroom teachers support individual student needs in literacy without overwhelming prep work. Learn how to use pre-leveled reading passages, sentence starters, vocabulary activities, flexible grouping, and technology to meet diverse student needs efficiently. Plus, get insights from other experienced educators on how they differentiate instruction in engaging and manageable ways.

Read More
English Language Arts, Planning Jennifer Martinez and Marianna Monheim English Language Arts, Planning Jennifer Martinez and Marianna Monheim

3 Simple Pre-Break Tasks to Ensure a Smoother January

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of returning to school after winter break? With just a few simple, high-impact tasks, you can set yourself up for a smooth and stress-free January. From quick pre-break prep to actionable strategies for your first week back, this guide is packed with tips to simplify your classroom reset and help you focus on what matters most: teaching with ease and confidence.

Read More
Planning Jennifer Martinez Planning Jennifer Martinez

How to End the Year on a Positive Note

You made it to the end of the school year with your students. Let’s make sure it ends on a positive note. I have five tips and activities for the end of the year that are easy to implement, involve little to no prep, and will put smiles on the faces of you and your students.

Read More
English Language Arts, Planning Jennifer Martinez English Language Arts, Planning Jennifer Martinez

How to Avoid the Summer Slide

Students have worked hard this year. They are ready for a break. You are, too. However, you know how important it is to encourage your students to practice their skills over the summer to prevent losing some of what you all worked so hard to achieve this year.

The challenge becomes finding work for your students to do that offers practice and reinforcement, but that they’ll actually enjoy doing. I’ve got you covered. Read on to learn how.

Read More
Planning Jennifer Martinez Planning Jennifer Martinez

End of Year Gifts Students, Volunteers, and Staff Will Love

The end of a school year means many things to a teacher. Endless to-do lists, fitting in final lessons and projects with your students, getting your classroom summer vacation-ready. The end of the year also means thank you gifts.

As teachers, we’re on the receiving end of gifts of appreciation from our students and families. We also want to give gifts to those who walked alongside us throughout the year. Especially this year.

Stressed about finding just-right gifts that are within your budget? Don’t be. I have suggestions and resources to help.


Read More
Planning Jennifer Martinez Planning Jennifer Martinez

5 Planning Strategies to Successfully Keep Lessons on Track All Winter Long

Don't let snow days throw your ELA curriculum off course. Discover five adaptive planning strategies to maintain student engagement and lesson momentum through winter's unpredictable weather. From quick shifts to emergency kits, this guide offers practical tips for upper elementary teachers to keep the pages turning and the learning consistent, even when the weather outside is frightful.

Read More
Planning Jennifer Martinez Planning Jennifer Martinez

How to Create a System for Planning Consistently

It’s simply not possible to truly affect change without being consistent. Consistency is just as important when it comes to planning. If you want to lessen your stress, improve the effectiveness of your lessons, and help your students meet standards and goals, consistent planning is a must.

Read More
Planning Jennifer Martinez Planning Jennifer Martinez

How to Create Better Work Life Balance as a Teacher

With the start of the school year, it’s difficult to let go of the carefree days of summer for the busyness that going back to school brings. While finding a balance between work and life is difficult for many, it’s particularly difficult for teachers, whose work is not over when the final bell rings. Here are just a few tips to begin mastering home and school life balance.


Read More