After several months of distance learning, teachers have found ways of making virtual teaching easier. Implementing systems such as simple morning starters and efficient grading can make your job easier and reduce your overall workload.

I’ve invited Monica, an Upper Elementary teacher from Los Angeles, to share the tips she’s learned for making virtual teaching easier.

If you’re like me, you love using the “classic” paper and pencil work in the classroom. I don’t mean worksheets, per se, but having students write on paper for assignments. I like digital materials too, but for me I have always liked having students work on paper.

Unfortunately, the pandemic and our new world of virtual teaching has made that nearly impossible. Now, everything is digital, from math tests to writing prompts.

What if we don’t have those materials readily available?

Guess what? You do!

So many of you are scrambling to find resources to send home with your students due to the COVID-19/ coronavirus pandemic. And for parents, many of you are wondering what to do with kids at home.

180 Books to Celebrate Women’s History | Women’s history shouldn’t be taught in March alone. Instead, help students celebrate the achievements of women all year long with this list of 180 children’s books. | everythingjustso.org

Whether you’re looking for mentor texts for guided reading, popular kids titles for close reading activities, or just the best kids books to celebrate school holidays, this list is for you. It includes several categories of celebrated women including artists, athletes, authors, creators, scientists, and more.

Three Simple Ways to Improve Communication with Families | One of the best ways to improve relationships with your students is to build strong connections with their families. With all there is to do, this can be difficult to do. Here are three simple ways to make it work. | everythingjustso.org #parentcommunication #classroommanagement #upperelementary

Building personal connections is one of the most important components of being a successful teacher. When students know you care, they are more apt to listen to and learn from you. This is especially true for students who are struggling. Mentor Meetings is one classroom management strategy that really works. Partnering students with adults who care is a great way to encourage, build trust, and extend a student’s community. | everythingjustso.org

One Simple Exercise for Teaching Students to be Thankful | November and the holiday of Thanksgiving provide the perfect opportunity for sneaking in lessons about thankfulness. This simple exercise will kickstart a process that you can repeat all year long. Post includes free printable.

How to Improve Student Relationships Through Simple Writing | Communication, like in any relationship, is key to building a positive classroom community. Although we know it’s important, finding the time to talk authentically with students can be difficult. However, there are a few strategies that build relationships with students and make a big impact in classroom behavior. These three classroom management strategies (and free writing resources) are simple and are sure to improve behavior management in any classroom. | everythingjustso.org

It’s easy to choose cute over substance when celebrating school holidays. But our students deserve more. Here are three reasons why choosing substance over fluff is always better when celebrating holidays in the upper elementary classroom. Plus help finding teaching resources to bring both meaning and fun when planning holiday activities throughout the year. | everythingjustso.org

As teachers, we often try to function as islands at school. Doing everything ourselves instead of asking for or accepting help. However, this superwoman mentality can only lead to isolation and burnout. Rather than trying to do it all yourself, utilize these three sources of help to simplify your workload and maintain a work-life balance.

Three Solutions That Will Make Sub Prep Simple | Planning to be out of the classroom is never easy, but scrambling to throw together lesson plans for a substitute you weren't expecting is far worse. There are three things you can do now to make lesson planning for a substitute easier. Follow these easy steps and you’ll be prepared for an unexpected or planned absence from the very beginning of the school year. | everythingjustso.org

How to Get More for Less on Teachers Pay Teachers | Do you purchase resources for your classroom on Teachers Pay Teachers? TpT is one of the best sites around for finding teaching resources. But do you know how to get the most for your money on TpT? Let me teach you to get the absolute most for your money on Teachers Pay Teachers. | everythingjustso.org

Now more than ever, our students are in desperate need of lessons about character. Students need a better understanding of themselves as people, how to respect others who are different, how to advocate for oneself and others, and simply what it means to be a positive member of a community. To help you get started, here are five of my go-to sites for quality character education materials on social justice, social emotional learning, education equity, and more.