Communicating with parents is one of the most challenging parts of being a teacher. Many of us can work with children all day long, but informing parents of their progress, having meetings, and making phone calls can be quite intimidating. Alleviate some of that stress by using digital newsletters ...
Read More about Using Digital Newsletters to Communicate with Parents
Blog
Sight Word Activities for Second Graders
Second graders need to learn high frequency or sight words. These words that they memorize and identify by sight are an important part of second grade reading curriculum, but just giving word lists for memorization can be, well, boring! Rote memorization isn’t engaging for the students, and it’s ...
Read More about Sight Word Activities for Second Graders
How to Keep Yourself Organized this School Year
Every school year, I go in wanting to be completely organized in my classroom. I set up systems for my students, but it’s hard to keep yourself organized week after week and month after month. Since I love to organize and clean (really), here are some of my favorite tips on how to keep yourself ...
Read More about How to Keep Yourself Organized this School Year
Icebreakers for Back to School
It’s back to school time! I am so excited to start the school year with digital resources that save paper and engage students. Traditional icebreakers like student inventory sheets or “stand-up if you. . .” activities can get old and tired. When students start switching classes or have multiple ...
Read More about Icebreakers for Back to School
Tips for a Stress-Free Back to School Night
Meeting the parents of your students during the hustle and bustle of the new school year can be overwhelming. Back to school is synonymous with busy, and early elementary parents and kids always come ready with questions and enthusiasm. Make your open house night carefree with these tips for a ...
Read More about Tips for a Stress-Free Back to School Night
Teach Your Heart Out Cruise
PD at sea...need I say more??
Two weeks ago, I had was able to attend the Teach Your Heart Out Conference on a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship! I love attending teacher conferences throughout the school year, but having one on a cruise ship was an experience of a lifetime.
The 2-day conference ...
Read More about Teach Your Heart Out Cruise
Prepare for a Sub Before You Have to Make the Call
There is nothing more stressful than having to make lesson plans while you’re sick in bed or have a sick child. You may resort to having your students watch videos or do some busy review work that they don’t get a lot out of. Instead of flying by the seat of your pants and dragging yourself out of ...
Read More about Prepare for a Sub Before You Have to Make the Call
How to Connect with Parents from Day One
Teaching encompasses so much. Besides teaching content and building community and trust with your students in your classroom, you also need to communicate with parents. This isn’t just a bonus; it’s a job requirement. Sending emails and making parent phone calls can be exhausting and time consuming, ...
Read More about How to Connect with Parents from Day One
School Supplies You’ll Run Out of Every Year
As an elementary teacher, I am constantly buying supplies for my own classroom. Sometimes, I have generous parents that make donations. They’ll often ask at the beginning of the year what we need the most of. It’s super helpful to have a list on hand to share with parents of the school supplies ...
Read More about School Supplies You’ll Run Out of Every Year
Tips for Surviving Your First Year of Teaching
I have over 10 years of teaching under my belt, and yet I still get butterflies in my stomach thinking about my very first day of teaching. While my first year was such a blur, I can remember how difficult it was and how much I struggled as a new teacher. The endless hours grading, the meetings upon ...
Read More about Tips for Surviving Your First Year of Teaching
Reasons Why Failing is a Good Thing
Too often, kids (and adults) are taught that failure is something you can’t recover from. Failure is an end game rather than the beginning of a journey. Guys, I am here to tell you that failing is not only inevitable but it’s preferred! In order for our kids to reach their goals, learn new things, ...
Read More about Reasons Why Failing is a Good Thing
End of the Year Checklists
There is no tired like end of the year teacher tired! You are so ready for summer break, and so are the kids. But don't stress, I'm here to give you two of my favorite organizational tips on how to end the school year ORGANIZED so you can enjoy more of your summer vacation without the back to school ...
Read More about End of the Year Checklists
