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
It's always hard for me to believe that the end of December marks the halfway point of the school year. It's astonishing to look back at all students have learned and accomplished over a few months. In the day-by-day viewpoint, it's sometimes hard to see the gains students have
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
Unshakeable: Take Charge of Your Own Professional Development
Since my first year teaching, professional development has always been one of my true passions. I've devoured countless books on reading, writing, math, brain research, classroom management, you name it, and I've read it. I feel that this professional development is part of what
Decompressing: The Start of Summer Break!
For all of you who are already on summer break, happy summer! For those of you still working through your last few weeks of school, hang in there!
This is my first official week of summer vacation, and let me say that it is a much needed break. I feel like the past couple of
End of the Year Countdown & Student Gift
I always love to countdown the last few days of the school year, and the lower the number gets, the more excited I am about summer vacation! I wanted to make something that would incorporate that countdown into our daily routine. Since I already do a Number of the Day, I thought
A New Perspective
Before I had children, I knew exactly what type of parent I would be. I knew without a doubt that I would NEVER be one of those weepy parents when their children started school for the first time. Well, kids have a way of making you eat your words. My daughter is starting PreK
Survival Mode: End of the Year
During the end of the year, teachers are swamped with DIBELS, DRA, portfolios, inventory lists, etc. so we want as many easy prep activities as possible!
In this end of the year pack, there are 15 activities that are truly different from the same old things I've been doing for
