Whether you’re the kind of teacher who loves to spend winter break planning for your classroom, or you love to spend it completely disconnecting from your school responsibilities, you can be prepared for an amazing comeback by keeping a few important things in mind. Two things happen after breaks from
Teaching math to young students can be tough, especially with multi-step math problems. But word problems are so important because they show how math applies to real life. While challenging, helping students learn to solve these problems is key to their math growth. Don’t worry, there are many helpful resources
Teacher collaboration is key. It helps us share the workload, build community, and model teamwork for students. If you feel like a team of one, the All Access Teacher Membership links you to over 18,000 teachers with resources, ideas, and support. With ready-made lessons and a lively community, you’re never
Good manners shape how our students treat each other, build friendships, and create a positive classroom culture. But let’s be real — simply reminding kids to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ isn’t enough. They need repeated practice and meaningful activities to make kindness and respect second nature. Why Manners Matter
Motivating primary writers can be challenging as the school year progresses. While many young students begin with a natural love for writing, that excitement may fade if they do not have the foundational skills to support their efforts. Often, what we mistakenly believe to be a motivation or creativity problem
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
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
Something amazing recently happened at my school! The parent fundraising committee raised money for an outdoor classroom with benches, picnic tables, and even a learning gazebo! I’m so excited about this addition and love mixing outdoor learning with enriching ideas. This inspiring project has motivated me to share some of
Have you noticed a change in your primary students’ ability to socialize and cope with big emotions? The upheaval from the pandemic might be to blame. Teachers are sounding off about a universal need for social-emotional learning in tandem with academics. And since our students have faced a lack of
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
