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
Whether it’s about academics, behavior, or social struggles, talking with families about tough topics isn’t easy. These conversations can be emotional, awkward, or even confrontational—but they’re also necessary. The good news? With the right approach, you can build a stronger relationship with parents while working through challenges together. After years
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
If you’ve ever watched a student count all the way from 1 just to figure out what comes after 12, you’ve seen the power (and challenge) of number sense in K-1. Developing flexible thinking with numbers isn’t just about memorizing—it’s about building mental connections, understanding relationships, and feeling confident with
Let’s be honest — primary students are not designed to sit still for long stretches of time. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Why can’t they just focus?” the answer is simple: their bodies need movement in order for their brains to refocus. Brain breaks aren’t extra. They’re necessary. And
There are so many fun and engaging apps you can use in the classroom to enhance your students’ learning! The only downside to having so many tools available is knowing which ones to try out. A lot of apps are great for teachers and older kids, but it can sometimes
There are so many parts to reading instruction. It can be tricky to keep them all straight if you aren’t well-practiced. Luckily I can break this one down for you! And, of course, I have some great resources to improve fluency instruction in your classroom. Eventually we want to bring
February brings us lots of reasons to celebrate: it’s Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and we’re only a month or so away from Spring! In my classroom, I tie in all the special February days with a focus on friendship! I weave the theme of friendship throughout many of my
