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 …
5 Reasons to Use Morning Work in your 2nd Grade Classroom Starting the school day on the right foot is key to a successful and productive classroom, especially in second grade. One simple yet powerful tool to make that happen is morning work. Incorporating meaningful morning tasks into your daily routine offers a range of …
First Week of School Lesson plans Back to School prep can feel like an awful lot and that’s without thinking about the first week of school lesson plans you have to create. It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you’re not careful. If you’re a first year teacher, it can be especially difficult because you really …
5 Tips of Advice for New Teachers Starting out as a brand new teacher can be an exciting, but still very daunting task. Before the first week of school is complete, you’re likely to find out that teaching the standards is only a one part of your duties as a new teacher. Cultivating a classroom …
Best Back to School Books + Reading Graphic Organizers The beginning of the school year is a magical time for building classroom community, establishing routines, and — my favorite — diving into meaningful read alouds. There’s something special about the way stories bring a class together, spark conversations, and set the tone for the year. …
