Managing data folders in the primary classroom doesn't have to take a lot of time. In this post I'll share some management tips plus how I've learned to use student data folders effectively to guide my instruction, but most of all, give my students a voice in their learning. Learn how to implement this valuable tool and pretty much make it manage itself. I've even included a free data folder classroom kit at the end of this post to get you started. Prepping Your Data Folders I use paper … [Read More...]
Latest From The Blog
100th Day Writing & A Freebie
Last week marked our 100th day of school. Where does the year go? I thought I'd share some fun ideas for 100th day writing that include vocabulary building and writing personal narratives. Making "centenarian" self-portraits is always a fun project and a great starting point to get kids writing on the 100th day of school. This oldie but goodie project is always a hit! It's fun to read how students imagine themselves when they are 100 years old. Vocabulary Opportunities Before we … [Read More...]
Getting Your Class Back On Track After a Break
Sometimes it seems that just when your classroom starts to run smoothly, it's time for a break. Other times, the break can't come soon enough! Refocusing your students after a break doesn't have to be a struggle. These 6 classroom management tips and teaching ideas will help you get your students back on track in no time. Review the Rules and Procedures It's always important after each and every break to review your classroom rules and daily procedures. It won't take you nearly the time it … [Read More...]
10 Best Books for Comparing Gingerbread Stories & Teaching Ideas to Use With Them
I'm a huge fan of using Gingerbread Man books to address a multitude of reading standards, but especially for comparing story elements. There are so many delightful versions available for comparing and contrasting characters, illustrations, settings, and plot. Gingerbread read alouds lend themselves perfectly to comparing problems/solutions, how characters respond to major challenges, how a character changes during a story, and for teaching students about non-literal language. Here is a list of … [Read More...]
Popular Posts
Getting Your Class Back On Track After a Break
Sometimes it seems that just when your classroom starts to run smoothly, it's time for a break. Other times, the break can't come soon enough! … [Read More...]
10 Best Books for Comparing Gingerbread Stories & Teaching Ideas to Use With Them
I'm a huge fan of using Gingerbread Man books to address a multitude of reading standards, but especially for comparing story elements. There are so … [Read More...]
Plant Life Cycle Activities for Kids-Teaching Plants the Fun Way!
Kids love science. As a teacher, I love being able to create experiences for my students that capture their imaginations, nurture their curiosity, and … [Read More...]
Teaching kids to tell time past the hour
Teaching primary kids to tell time past the hour can be a challenge but it doesn't have to be a struggle for you or your students. In this post I'll … [Read More...]
Fun Activities To Teach Telling Time
Telling time on an analog clock can be a difficult concept for primary students. It's often a tricky skill for them to master and one that is a bit … [Read More...]
Managing Data Folders in the Primary Classroom
Managing data folders in the primary classroom doesn't have to take a lot of time. In this post I'll share some management tips plus how I've learned … [Read More...]
10 Reasons You Should Be Teaching With Kid President Videos
Do you teach with Kid President videos? If not, you should! As a primary teacher, here's what I've discovered: Opportunities for teaching language, … [Read More...]
Fostering the Home-School Connection Through Friday Letters
Teachers everywhere embrace the importance of a solid connection between home and school and strive to build positive and respectful parent … [Read More...]
Seriously FUN Ways to Teach Shapes!
Shapes and geometry... two of my favorite math units to teach. There are so many creative ways to teach about shapes, and let's face it, it's a whole … [Read More...]
It’s Plantin’ Time! Writing About Science & A Freebie
Before I share all of our plant life cycle activities I have to say how much I'm enjoying our warm spring temperatures! Spring weather means it's … [Read More...]
