When it comes to running centers in a primary classroom, there are so many things to figure out an manage. Let’s walk through a day in the life of a 1st grade teacher, Valerie, and how she runs centers in her classroom. I often get questions about how I run
Spring might not feel like it’s here yet, but it’s just around the corner! One of the best ways to welcome the season is with fun and engaging plant activities for 1st grade. I love teaching this nonfiction unit because it’s filled with hands-on learning opportunities. My students explore the
A few years ago, Valerie, a first grade teacher, decided to introduce morning tubs into the daily classroom routine. It quickly became a favorite part of the day—not just for the students, but for the teacher as well. Let’s walk through her morning tub routine. A few years ago, I
Winter sports bring so much excitement and energy to the classroom! From skiing to skating, this high-interest theme gets students engaged while learning essential skills in literacy, math, and teamwork. Whether you’re teaching this during a winter games year or just embracing the snowy season, these hands-on winter sports themed
The homework debate has been going on for years. Some schools have eliminated it altogether, others still assign it nightly, and many fall somewhere in between. As teachers, we are often caught in the middle of differing expectations from families, administrators, and our own beliefs about what is best for
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
Using coding bots in your classroom is a fun way to get students excited about programming. If you’re wondering why learning to program is important for young learners, I address that in my blog post “My Favorite Coding Apps for Kids.” Take a peek to learn more! In a nutshell,
Winter is the perfect season for winter craftivities that add hands-on fun to your classroom! These three winter craftivities – Hide-and-Sneak Snowman, Skating Penguin, and Winter Bear – are designed to keep your students engaged, enhance their creativity, and reinforce key skills. Whether you’re looking for quick prep crafts or
We all know that a solid foundation in mathematics is important to a child’s overall educational success. But helping our students go from just knowing numbers and basic concepts, to really understanding how to apply those concepts independently, and in a way that makes sense to them, is a process.
Every week brings new dynamics to my classroom, but I always include these five key elements in my lesson plans to create an engaging and effective learning environment. 1. Hands-On Games Hands-on activities help young learners engage in visual and spatial learning. Each week, I make sure to include games
