Now that you’ve spent some time building relationships with your students and between your students, how do you use the information you acquired during that time to keep your positive relationships growing? Just like how you take care of a plant by watering it and making sure it gets sunlight or the plant will wilt and eventually die; the same […]
Keep Relationships Growing Throughout the Year
How to Keep the Fun in Your Classroom in a World of Curriculums
Is it just me, or does it seem like the fun is being sucked out of the classroom? Part of why I got into teaching as a career is because I thought I’d be able to use my creativity to create engaging and enjoyable lessons based on the standards for my students. More and more with each passing year, I […]
Social-Emotional September-Top 10 Books for Teaching About Difficult Emotions
Last week I gave an overview of four SEL curriculums, so this week I want to follow up with what I personally think are ten of the best read aloud books for teaching about emotions. Social-emotional learning is one of those educational buzzwords right now, but with good reason. In order for students to be in a learning state of […]
An Overview of 4 SEL Curriculums
If you’re new to teaching, SEL stands for social-emotional learning. Social-emotional learning isn’t a subject you think about much when you go to college to become a teacher, but it is one of the most important topics you will ever teach to students. The lessons learned are skills that students will use for the rest of their lives! In fact, […]
Building a Caring Classroom Community: How and Why Building Relationships is Important
You may have attended a professional development or staff meeting on the importance of building relationships with your students. I know I have attended many and felt they were a waste of time. Same ol’ same ol.’ Just let me teach. However, building a quality relationship with each and every student in your classroom is very important! It will set […]
First Day of School Schedule for Grades K-2 that is Actually Doable
Well, your classroom is ready! Materials are labeled, the room is arranged, wall décor is up and you’re ready to plan for your first day. But you may be asking yourself how to write a flexible lesson plan that will fit the first day where you never know quite what you’re going to get. I’m hear to tell you, no […]
Top 10 Ways to Build Your Classroom Library on a Budget
Whether your classroom isn’t stocked with very many books when you arrive or it is overflowing with dusty, out-of-date books, there are several ways you can fill your classroom library with relevant, high-interest books for your students without spending a fortune. Here is my go-to list when I’m looking to spruce up my book selection for students: 1. Donations from […]