One of the most powerful tools I use in my first grade classroom are visual directions! Visuals can be a game-changer, especially for our youngest learners! Using these simple picture cards has significantly reduced the amount of times I need to repeat myself but more importantly, has built in so
I am a BIG believer that all books count as “reading” Whether it’s an audiobook {love those!}, a novel, picture book, or graphic novel – it ALL counts as reading! I’m always looking for ways to make reading more exciting and accessible for my son Luke {who is currently in
Is it just me or does science feels daunting sometimes? Between gathering materials, managing prep time, and ensuring lessons align with new standards like NGSS, it’s no wonder some teachers hesitate to dive into science. Primary-grade classroom teachers already wear so many hats—adding “science whiz” to the list can feel
As educators, we know that classroom management is a delicate balance between guiding students to make the right choices and addressing behavior when it goes off track. It’s really easy to call out the naughty behavior, but in recent years, I’ve also made an effort to catching students doing the
Did you know virtual field trips aren’t just for classrooms? Many parents assume these online experiences are exclusive to schools, but they’re actually perfect for sparking learning right at home. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, diving into underwater ecosystems, or taking a tour of outer space, virtual field trips can
Imagine taking your students to the Great Wall of China or Yellowstone National Park—all without leaving your classroom. Sounds impossible? Not anymore! One of the positive things that came out of the pandemic is the ability to take our students places we couldn’t get together as a class before! Virtual
