If you're looking for help with a virtual first day back to school, you've come to the right place. It's a pretty safe bet that most teachers will have to do some form of online teaching this year. Most states are creating their back-to-school plans with an emphasis on three different models for … [Read more...]
Virtual Team Building
For those of you looking to do some virtual team building, I have some exciting news! In a previous blog post you can read HERE, I shared some great team-building activities, ice breakers, and get-to-know-you games to start your year off right. I'm happy to announce that the resource from this blog … [Read more...]
First Day Back to School: Lessons Plans & Activities to Plan Your Day
The first day back to school jitters are real. My anxiety would always start a few weeks before school and ramp up before the first day. For me, the only way to sleep well at night was to plan out the entire first day. I don't know how you've been running your first day back (or if it's your first … [Read more...]
Character Ed with Picture Books and Free Writing Prompts
At the start of the year, I always take a day or two to teach character ed. Why? Because I want to set the tone for a positive classroom community on those first days back to school. A simple and effective strategy I've used to teach character ed is reading picture books to my students and having … [Read more...]
What You Might Be Missing with Your Parent Communication
Whether you call it school-to-home communication or parent communication, it can make or break your year. Parent communication is more than just keeping parents in the loop - it's about building relationships with them. When they aren't on the same page as you, it can be very frustrating. Parent … [Read more...]
Beginning of the Year Team Building Activities and Ice Breakers
Teachers! There isn't a more anxiety-provoking day than the first day of school. Am I right? With so much uncertainty (and excitement) about the first day, we want to make sure we're over prepared and that our lessons shine on those first days so that we can set a positive tone. That's why I want to … [Read more...]
20 End of the Year Activities to Finish Your Year Right!
Need some end of the year activities for your squirrelly students? Don't worry, I've got you covered! My 20 End of the Year Activities pack includes indoor activities and games (with printables included), outdoor activities, STEM activities, and most importantly, fun stuff to keep your kids engaged … [Read more...]
Spreading Kindness in the Classroom
Now, more than ever, we need to teach our students about spreading love and kindness. I am a firm believer that the best way to do this is by showing our students what it looks like and what it sounds like to be kind. When it comes to lessons on character and community building, I sometimes teach … [Read more...]
Free Classroom Jobs Printable and Classroom Management Tip
I'm here to share a time-saving tip to give more responsibilities to your students in your classroom: keep them in the same classroom job all year long. I don't know about you, but it always seems like I have too much to do in my classroom and not enough hours in the day to do it. However, we … [Read more...]
How to Teach Classroom Procedures and Team Building Ideas
Two of the most important things you need for a successful start to your year are a strong management plan with well-defined classroom procedures and routines, and a risk-free, welcoming environment for your students. In the past, I've had first days that were pure poetry, but I've also had days … [Read more...]
