Over the years, formative assessments have become a larger and larger part of my classroom instruction. These are the assessments I use as part of my instructional process, such as written responses, graphic organizers, exit slips, discussions, quick checks, etc. I use these
Writing a Class Digital Newsletter
Back to school time is one of my favorite times of year. Yes, it's hectic, exhausting, and more than a bit overwhelming, but it's so fun and exciting! I love being able to start fresh every year with new students, new ideas, and new goals. This year I am departmentalizing, and
Prepping My New Classroom
T
If your looking for ideas on prepping your classroom for the new school year, be sure to keep reading. I'm officinally finished with classroom preparation, because today ends my first full week of back to school. As you already know, inservice days and first days with
Interactive Procedures in The Classroom
I've always taught upper elementary, but I did most of my college field experience with younger students. In fact, I had a 15 week internship in first grade, which I fell in love with. I had the great fortune of working with one of the, if not THE, best teacher I've ever known.
Google Classroom Assignments
I was a bit hesitant to write this post, because I feel that this is a good example of when I made something that should be simple, difficult. I'm usually decent with learning new technology and new platforms, but for some reason I had the hardest time assigning new assignments
Getting Started with Google Classroom
I was recently introduced to Google Classroom, and I was completely blown away. I never imaged I'd see the day that technology was so easy to integrate into classroom instruction. I want to be upfront and say that I am FAR from a Google Classroom expert, as I'm still in the
New Year Goals Worksheets & Activities
These New Year Goals worksheets and activities encourage self-reflection and give students the opportunity to create new goals for the remainder of the school year.
It's always hard for me to believe that the end of December marks the halfway point of the school year. It's
Scaffolding Student Independence
As an upper elementary teacher, student independence is extremely important to me. When my students are "stuck" or struggle, I don't want to be the first option for my students. Instead, I try to give my students strategies and tools to problem solve and foster essential
New to Third Grade
This post is quite a bit different from my typical blog post. This summer I've had the opportunity to talk with several teachers (new and experienced) who were new to third grade, and I wanted to create a blog post that condenses some of my favorite tips, posts, and products. I
Letters to My Future Self
As the school year winds down, I always try to complete a few end of the year projects that will create lasting memories for my students. This year my students are writing letters to their future self, and this has quickly become my absolute favorite end of the year (or anytime