• Kindness: a Week of Random Acts for Fifth Graders

    Often times, I have these random ideas that explode into a huge “thing”. This post shares my small, random idea that turned into one of the best weeks of my teaching career so far. That particular year, I had a really great class. I also had 36 students! When doing my lesson plans, I planned […]

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  • 4 Simple & Easy Games for a Classroom Halloween Party

    I love to make holidays special. And let’s be honest, whether you get on board with the Halloween traditions and excitement, your students will. Likely, they’ll be a little crazy. I like to use STEM activities and little creativity to make a classroom Halloween party something that both my students and I can survive.  Strongest […]

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  • 4th & 5th Grade Math: 5 Things My Kids ALWAYS Struggle to Master

    Today’s post is fairly simple, yet is written for a few very specific reasons.  1. To let you know that you are not alone! There will be days where you are seriously wondering if you should even be allowed to teach anymore. Or at least, I know I’ve been there! I’ve thought to myself, on many […]

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  • 4 Fun Games to Quickly Practice Letters and Sounds

    Daily Oral Practice I love routines. And one of my favorite routines is orally saying these letters and sounds each day. I mix up the stack, put them on the table face down, and begin calling each letter. I point to the uppercase letter and say the letter’s name. I point to the lowercase letter and […]

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  • Mentor Texts Your Students Will LOVE in September

    Mentor Texts Your Students Will LOVE in September September is a tricky month! For some of you, you are just heading back to school. For others, you are knee deep in content and routines. I wanted to include books that could be utilized for either season in which you are in this month.  If you […]

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  • Mentor Texts Your Students Will LOVE in August

    It’s back to school time, and we all need a few books to kick the year off on the right foot! With these books, I think you can teach a lesson or two, introduce a few reading skills, and get your students discussing and growing.  If you don’t have any of the books listed below, […]

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