We are missing the BEST time of year. This time of year is usually full of field trips, fun review activities, spending time outside, creating even stronger relationships, and celebrating student achievements! It truly is the time of year that I can’t wait for every year..it is just full of joy. We always have a “surprise” award ceremony for our 4th graders and it is something I look forward to every year. We also always take a day to celebrate…
Before distance learning I wasn’t sure how in the world I was going to be able to meet the needs of my students…and to be honest I am still figuring that out! One thing that has helped immensely is setting aside “office hours” where students can hop into a Google Meets call easily! It is SO much easier to answer questions when talking face to face (virtually) and being able to present my screen to my students. I will just…
I don’t know about you, but I no only want my students to think about our Earth and what they are doing to it but also to get out and DO something! I am having my students complete this quick activity to celebrate Earth Day. Watch the book We Are Here by Oliver Jeffers ( did you know this comes out as a movie on AppleTV tomorrow? You know where to find me tomorrow!) Think about “If the Earth could…
We’re all in this together! Y’all I think we are all feeling the stress + emotions of not only COVID-19 but learning how to teach online. I’ve put together some free resources for you to help with your distance learning plans! I will add to it as I continue to learn + work through this whole teaching from home thing! Click the image below to take you to the shared Google Doc! Everything is editable in Google Slides or PowerPoint.…
Distance learning is hard. I feel like I am working twice as hard to deliver content while still make connections with my students. The hardest part of it all….I don’t get to see my students face to face. If you are anything like me, you are trying your hardest to continue the relationships in your classroom digitally. I wanted to share one thing I’ve been doing to not only help my students be successful but to help continue supporting them…
Picture of the week has quickly become one of my, and my students’, favorite activities that we’ve done this year thanks to the New York Times! I’ve used Jen Jones’ Picture of the Day activity in the past and have loved it! Then I stumbled upon the New York Times website this year and fell in love! I could put the thinking behind Picture of the Day, but yet add in some current events with my students. It is a…
“This is fun!” are the words I’ve heard over and over again as my students play our new game Blocks Rock! With indoor recess all week, we received this game at the perfect time! Not only is it an engaging + competitive game, but it also activates brain development through structured block play without the students even knowing they are learning! Now that is a win-win in my book! 🙂 How to Play! The game comes with a set of…
Strong morning routines = the basis for the day! Anyone else ever feel unprepared in the morning and then realize they just set the tone for the entire day? Well, you aren’t alone! You guys, your morning routine is one of the most important times of the day that needs to be organized & with clear expectations set. Otherwise, you are setting your day up for failure because your students can sense the disorganization. I wanted to share a few…
This week in the life of a Minnesota teacher was full of sugar, a lot of energy and a whole lot of love! We had another 4 day week with one of those days being Valentine’s Day and we are still trying to get back into a normal routine. I’m starting a new blog series & will be posting a weekly update about a few happenings in my classroom + my outfits of the day for the week! It is…
Alright y’all, besides classroom management, ELA instruction is my favorite subject to discuss! I am by no means an expert and always have growing to do, but it is the subject that I enjoy to teach the most. This year I started implementing introducing reading skills through chants + movement! Let me tell you, I have seen a huge improvement in my students’ retention of reading skills throughout the year and their ability to implement the strategies effectively! …
