Using Behavior Reflection Sheets and Think Sheets in Your Classroom If you’ve been teaching for a while, you know that no matter how strong your classroom management is, there are always moments when students need a reset. It can be a real struggle to figure out what to do in those moments, in order to …
Behavior Charts That Actually Work Classroom management can feel overwhelming at the start of the year—but it doesn’t have to be. One of the most effective ways I’ve found to set clear expectations and build routines early on is by using editable behavior charts that are simple, flexible, and I’m actually able stick with. In …
Back to School Morning Work for 2nd Grade Back-to-school season can feel a little crazy—between setting up your classroom, teaching routines, and getting to know your students, the mornings can be chaotic. That’s where having a plan for what students will do when they enter the classroom makes all the difference. In this post I’ll …
How to Get Organized for Back to School—and Stay That Way All Year The first few weeks of school are a whirlwind of name tags, seating charts, and “Where do I put this?” But staying organized doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. A few simple systems can set you (and your students) up for success all …
Back to School Activities for 2nd & 3rd Grade The first week of school is exciting, but let’s be real—it can also be exhausting. You’re learning a ton of new names, teaching routines, organizing supplies, calming nerves (yours and theirs!), and trying to squeeze in meaningful learning… and that’s all before lunch. That’s why I …
Free Back-to-School Student Survey For the first week of school Looking for a simple but meaningful way to kick off the school year? This FREE Back-to-School Student Survey is the perfect activity to help you connect with your new students from the very beginning! Whether you use it on the first day of school or …
How to Teach Context Clues Teaching context clues used to feel like a game of luck in my classroom.My students would come across an unfamiliar word, and—without fail—they’d either guess wildly or skip it entirely. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever wished your students had more confidence when encountering new words, you’re not alone. Context clues …
Fun Division Worksheets for 3rd Grade: Math Practice That Feels Like Play If your students hear the word “division” and instantly sigh, squirm, or check out—this post is for you. Math doesn’t have to feel dry or difficult. In fact, it can be something students actually look forward to. And no, I’m not talking about …
How to Build Reading Comprehension Skills with Text Evidence All Year If you’ve ever asked a student, “Where did you find that answer?” and gotten a shrug in return, you’re not alone. Helping kids slow down, return to the text, and find actual evidence is one of those small-but-mighty skills that can transform the way …
End-of-Year Engagement Ideas for 2nd and 3rd Grade The final stretch of the school year can feel like herding kittens in a windstorm. The weather’s warmer, field trips and assemblies are popping up left and right, and students (and teachers!) are mentally drifting toward summer break. But here’s the good news: engagement doesn’t have to …
