Roll call! If you’re an elementary math teacher in grades 1st-3rd who’s tired of spending too much time lesson planning (and too much money on teaching resources that don’t align with your standards or what your students truly need), then raise your hand! I get it, I’m right there with you as a 2nd grade […] The post Should You Join the Inner Circle Math Membership? Here’s 5 Reasons Why! appeared first on Saddle Up for 2nd Grade ..read more

Hey y’all! Today, I’m sharing how I set up my student work bulletin board in my classroom—a space that’s not just for displaying artwork but for celebrating student growth all year long. As teachers, one of the most rewarding parts of our job is watching our students grow and develop throughout the school year. From […] The post Creating a Student Work Bulletin Board: A Year-Long Showcase of Growth appeared first on Saddle Up for 2nd Grade ..read more

School is back in session, and teachers everywhere are getting back in the groove and trying to make each day go as smoothly as possible while welcoming their new students for a year of learning. During the first two weeks of school, it’s all about balancing routines and procedures with community building and reviewing key […] The post Conquering The First Two Weeks of Math | Fun Back to School Math Lesson Plans for 1st-3rd Grade appeared first on Saddle Up for 2nd Grade ..read more

Celebrating birthdays in the classroom is a big deal to kids! As teachers, we want to make sure they feel special on their birthday and create memories that’ll last forever, without breaking the bank or taking a ton of time and effort to prepare for. Oftentimes, it’s the things that cost the least that mean the most – the things that make them feel truly special, valued, and loved. In this blog post, I’m sharing simple and special student birthday ideas from teachers like you to help you celebrate your students on their big day! This post contains affiliate links. You can see my disclosure&nb ..read more

When I decided to go back into the classroom last summer after spending the previous 4 years working on Saddle Up for 2nd Grade full time, the majority of people I talked to about my decision thought I was crazy. I was working from home, I had a successful business, and I had the freedom to be my own boss. They thought, why would I want to give that up? In today’s blog post, I’m being honest and raw and sharing a teacher reflection on my year back in the classroom. This is not my typical blog post. In fact, what I’m getting ready to share is probably one of the most honest things I’ve ever sh ..read more

Today, we’re diving into the world of classroom decor with some super practical tips to make your classroom not only look amazing but also support your students’ learning. In my 14 years in education, I’ve learned a thing or two about classroom decorations. My classroom style has changed many times along the way, and the advice I want to share is based on my own thoughts. I’m definitely not looking to upset anyone, so take these tips and apply them to what best works for you. Read on for some classroom decor tips I’ve learned over the years. This post contains affiliate links. You can see my d ..read more

School’s out and you’re officially on teacher summer break! You made it – woohoo! It’s officially time to shut the classroom door and hopefully catch up on some rest, relaxation, “you” time, and time spent with your family and friends. I know as teachers, we can’t help but think about school and the year ahead, but I hope you’ll take some time to do some FUN things that you enjoy – for yourself, with your loved ones, and as a teacher. To help you out, I’ve created the ultimate teacher summer fun to-do list with ideas for you to try out all summer long! This post contains affiliate links. You ..read more

Can you believe that the end of year school season is here?! By this time, teachers and students are in full-on summer mode and ready to bust out the doors when the final bell rings. However, if you’re a teacher, it’s so worth it to take some time to do a little prep and clean-up ahead of time to make the back to school season easier on you! Plus, you can have your current students help you with some of it and turn it into a fun bonding activity before school lets out. Read on for some practical end of year teacher tips from real teachers like you that will help you end the year on a high note ..read more

Teacher Appreciation Week always takes place during the first full week of May with Teacher Appreciation Day falling on the Tuesday of that week. As a current educator, I understand the unwavering dedication, hard work, and personal sacrifice we make to enable students to grow both academically and personally. Teacher Appreciation Week isn’t the only time educators should be celebrated. I don’t mean with physical gifts. I mean being told thank you for their work and dedication to someone’s child. To recognize their dedication, I’ve put together a list of 10 bible verses for teacher apprec ..read more

Are you teaching area with multiplication in 3rd grade? This can be a tricky concept for kids, and one that requires a lot of practice, real-world application, and hands-on learning opportunities. If you’re looking for engaging and effective activities to bring this concept to life, read on for activity ideas and a free measurement lesson plan using the area multiplication model! This is a sample lesson plan straight out of my 3rd Grade Guided Math Unit on Measurement, Area and Perimeter, Capacity, and Mass! Teaching Area with Multiplication in 3rd Grade In 3rd grade, students take their measu ..read more