Vocabulary mapping offers students the opportunity to make connections between words, concepts, ideas, and illustrations to increase comprehension or check for understanding. Think about a concept ...
Blog
Number Talks 2nd Grade: The Advantages of Using Them
Getting students to talk deeply about math can be challenging, and they often are afraid to be wrong or share their strategies with their peers. When students transition from 1st grade to 2nd grade, ...
Easy RACE Writing Strategy & Open Responses in 1st Grade?!
You may be thinking, WHAT THE?!? Working on open-ended response questions in 1st grade seems a little crazy? However, what if I told you I have been doing it for a while now, and my students not only ...
Valentine’s Day Activities That Are Educational and Fun
February 14th, Valentine’s Day- A day full of red and pink, love, and a million little folded cards! It is always an enjoyable day in the classroom, but you can also make it educational! There are ...
The Guaranteed Benefits of Including Number Talks in Kindergarten
Number talks in kindergarten are a great way to get students thinking and speaking about math, and it often allows them to talk about their reasoning, strategies, and more. It also gives us a chance ...
Teachers Make A Difference: A Life Lived in Small Victories
Teachers Make A Difference: A Life Lived in Small Victories A few weeks ago I sat at a Referral Meeting with a family who has trusted me with the most important part of themselves. A little person ...
Stocking Stuffers Kids Will Love
Stocking stuffers in our family are always the best part of opening gifts on Christmas! They are small, thoughtful gifts that remind us "You are seen." From favorite pencils to chapstick to a special ...
Google Extensions for Distance Learning
Google Extensions for Distance Learning Distance Learning is moving 100 miles an hour and it feels like everyday we are introduced to a new, amazing, glittery tech tool; so you might be wondering ...
Virtual Open House
There is a joy to a new school year. Fresh school supplies, a renewed sense of adventure and hope, first impressions, a new community of learners. The beginning-of-the-year carries a “high” that help ...
All About Me – Teaching Google Slides
Late February, early-March, I introduced Google Slides to my kindergartens. Let it be known, I waited this long because I was nervous. This was an adult issue, not a kid one. Still, I approached ...
Reading and Math Tool Kits
Reading and math tool-kits provide basic, versatile tools that have multiple purposes and can be in a variety of contexts. Toolkits might stay at individual desks, be sent home with students in case ...
Alternatives to Plastic Book Bins
Reading volume matters and our schools should to be full of books; Whether it’s through read aloud, read-to-self or independent reading, listening to read, or core texts =. These books go home, they ...