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Our most recent posts:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Engage Students at the End of the Year with Project Based Learning
Discover how to engage students with project-based learning at the end of the school year. Learn tips for creating interdisciplinary, meaningful projects that celebrate learning and growth.
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.
5 Ready-to-Go Solutions to Simplify the First Week Of School
Make achieving your first week of school goals - building community, establishing routines, and getting to know your students - easier with five ready-to-go resources.
How To Simplify Upper Elementary Lesson Planning All Year Long
This growing collection of posts will teach you how to lesson plan quickly, how to create an effective lesson planning system, important factors to consider when planning your lessons, and strategies for daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly lesson planning.
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.
How To Improve Classroom Culture And Community With A Simple Positivity Tool
Proactively stop negative behaviors before they begin by incorporating positive behavior management strategies in the classroom. It’s a sure-fire way to increase positivity and reduce negative behaviors in your classroom. Let me tell you how.
24 Helpful Resources for Promoting Teacher Self Care
Here are 24 self care resources that include tips for getting started with self care, self care strategies for the classroom, and mindfulness books for teachers.
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.
Seven Simple Ways to Practice Self Care This Year
Taking time to protect your own well-being benefits not only you, but everyone around you. That includes your students. This year, make it a goal to prioritize self care. Here are seven simple ways to get started.
One Simple Way to Boost Positivity During the Holidays
This free tool is the perfect resource for boosting positivity and is one of the easiest classroom management strategies I’ve used. It’s easy to implement and super effective in turning students’ attention to others during the holidays.