Returning to school for face-to-face instruction after a significant time out of the physical classroom can be a bit daunting. Returning during a pandemic compounds the worries and stress to whole new levels.
Like most of you, my last day present with students was March 13,
Christmas Activities Round-Up + Resources
Every year I'm bound and determined to help students experience the magic of the holiday season. At the same time, I want the learning to continue and to minimize behavior issues. In this post, I've shared a collection of my favorite Christmas activities that are just right for
Digital Math Manipulatives
There are so many great options for using digital math manipulatives. However, once school started I quickly realized that while I had access to great digital manipulatives, I wasn't quite sure how I wanted to use them. We all know the importance of using math manipulatives in
How to Teach Math Procedures – Includes Distance Learning
Reports of back-to-school plans are starting to trickle in to teachers and families. While it’s good to finally have a plan, these plans are also adding a lot of extra stress on teachers. Whether it is 100% distance learning, a hybrid model, or teaching in-class students AND
Your Guide to Math Manipulatives – Including Distance Learning
When I first started teaching I needed (wanted) all the manipulatives. My mission in life was to have as many math manipulatives as possible. Because more = better. Right?
Not really. I found myself going back to the same manipulatives over and over again, while the others
The First 30 Days of School
The first 30 days of school are never easy. In fact some might call those days exhausting and overwhelming. And that's when we know what to expect and what to plan for.
With talks about distance learning, alternative schedules, and hybrid models, this school year may be a
Distance Learning Self-Reflection
During the school year it's hard to find time to slow down and reflect on instruction and classroom management. Sometimes it feels like self-reflection is just a "bonus" activity or something that can be saved for last-if there's time.
However, self-reflection is a necessary
Using TpT Resources for Distance Learning
Isn't it frustrating when you spend money on something, only to later realize that you won't be able to use it? Just tonight I made my daughter try on a shirt I ordered for her birthday. I got it on sale, so I can't return it. Naturally, it was too small, so I'll end up having to
End of the Year and Distance Learning
There's something about closing out the school year that seems to magnify the stress of distance learning. There are some activities that we can modify for distance learning and other traditions that we may have to let go. In this post, I share two ideas for end of the year
Making Digital Learning Fun & Meaningful
As I become more familiar with distance and digital learning, I find myself missing the way I would normally teach. In the classroom, I try to plan interactive and problem based lessons and not focus solely on rote practice or an abundance of time on a computer program.
Even
