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Author: Valerie Young

The Power of Collaboration for Primary Teachers

Teachers need each other. When we come together, we find essential solutions to our everyday hurdles, and those more complex obstacles, as they arise. We connect socially, build community, and set an example for our children about working together with others. Does it ever feel like we are wearing all

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Teaching Children about Manners In the Elementary Classroom

Good manners matter! They help us show good character traits and understand boundaries so we can be respectful of others. To build good manners, our little learners often need a lot of practice at school to improve their social-emotional skills and interactions with others. Moving beyond teaching please, thank you,

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Keeping Your Primary Students Motivated to Write 

Keeping our students engaged at high levels can be increasingly difficult as the school year progresses. When it comes to writing, I know my students start with a love of writing about high-interest topics. But, once the newness wears off, some of them become vulnerable to writing habits I don’t

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MONTHLY WRITING ACTIVITIES: A GROWING BUNDLE

We teachers love to find engaging activities to support our primary students’ writing. As a resource creator, I always want to make sure I have flexible, high-interest products that fit the bill no matter what your unique schedules and routines look like. I’m building a growing Themed Writing Bundle that

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Let’s Address the Great Homework Debate 

There has been an ongoing debate for years about whether homework is effective, useful, and developmentally appropriate for students in primary grades. Some schools and districts have completely abolished homework for younger students, opting for other activities that promote a love of learning, while others have mandatory nightly homework. And

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How to Have Difficult Conversations with Parents

Whether you’re dealing with problems with student behavior, academics, or other social or learning difficulties, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open with parents. This can be a challenge when you’re talking about sensitive topics. But with time and practice, teachers can usually find a strategy that works

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Student-Created Portfolios For Your Primary Classroom

After a big year of growing, learning, and reaching new heights, hand your kiddos ownership over the progress they’ve made with student-created portfolios! Student-led portfolios are a great way to engage students in their learning, and they give families a wonderful chance to learn more about what their student has

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