Good morning, friends!  We are knee-deep in all things HOLIDAY!  I'm wrapping up (literally) my Christmas to-do list this weekend.  On Friday, I stayed after school to assemble my kids' Christmas presents and I thought I'd share what I am giving this group of kids.  Each year, I try to think of something simple and thoughtful that doesn't break the bank.  Teachers spend enough on their classrooms/students throughout the year!  This year, I wanted my budget to be between $30-$40.  I was able to make that happen!   Scholastic Book: "How to Catch a Gi ..read more

Tomorrow is Election Day!  While we obviously aren't voting for a president this year, it's still great to teach children about the election process.  Below are a few activities I've done over the years.  The kids always have a blast with them!  Picture books are a fantastic way to teach kids about elections.  Below are a few of my favorites.  You can check out all of my favorite picture books by clicking HERE (affiliate link). Having mock elections are a MUST!  I set up a ballot box and we "vote" on all sorts of things...foods, animals, sports, etc ..read more

Hello, friends!  It's been a while.  Life has been going and the blog has taken a backseat.  Hopefully you are following me over on Instagram (@mrswheeler44), where I share a lot.   Today's post is a wee bit late, but here it is-a tour of my classroom for the 23-24 school year.  I've tried to link things you may be interested in.  *Anything that is in bold font is linked to something.  As always, if you see something you'd like more information about, please email me at meganwheeler44@yahoo.com or send me a DM on Instagram! First up are two "before ..read more

Hey everyone!  Today's post is to share a few tips and tricks that I've implemented while using the Fundations Phonics program over the past 7 years.  While I LOVE the program, its components and materials can be very overwhelming for someone just starting it.  I hope this post is helpful.   TIP #1: Dry Erase Bags Your students will be using dry erase markers and erasers almost daily.  You'll want to think about where they will store those items.  I decided on these zipper bags a few years ago and I'll never go back.  I used number labels from Just ..read more

The beginning of the year is such a whirlwind!  Setting up a classroom, meeting students and families, staff meetings, getting back into a "school routine...."  The list goes on and on.  I'm always on the lookout for ways to streamline processes in my school life.  Student assessment is one of them. We use Acadience as our district approved assessment.  Students are tested three times a year, with progress monitoring sprinkled in throughout, for those who need it.  In addition, I like to do some quick assessments on my own, particularly at the start of the year, a ..read more

Hello, friends!  Happy *almost* May!  We're heading into the last month of school.  Things are getting crazy hectic.  Add Mother's Day into the mix!  Today I'm sharing a FREE Mother's Day gift idea.  So simple and so thoughtful.  Minimal supplies needed....black Sharpie markers, yellow ribbon, a hot glue gun, blue & yellow cardstock, and yellow paint. I always love tying a picture book into an art project, so here ya go!  Browse "Fireflies" and my other favorite Mother's Day books HERE (affiliate link). Grab the free firefly jar template b ..read more

I can hardly believe it, but we are in the FINAL STRETCH!!!!!!  PRAISE!  Teaching has always been challenging but this year has been another story.  The level of mental (and of course physical) exhaustion I'm feeling is unlike any year prior.  I've had the most challenging class this year....with all sorts of needs.  Needless to say, I am TIRED and ready for a break.   Today, I'll be prepping my students end of the year gifts.  Yes I know it's May 23 and we have 23.5 more days of school left (seriously, who's counting?).  However, as you know, the e ..read more

Hello from a snow day in Ohio (yes, on March 14th)!  I'm here with a few, last minute St. Patrick's Day ideas for you.  I hope you find some things you can use!  Enjoy. First up is a rainbow craft.  For years, my students completed this tissue paper rainbow craft.  It takes a long time but turns out so cute, and is perfect to leave up all spring!  This year, I transitioned to a tear-art rainbow...much quicker and just as cute! On St. Patrick's Day (or close to), we love doing a procedural writing about how to make a shamrock float!  Of course, our writi ..read more

 Hey friends!  It's almost Valentine's Day!  I'm here to share a few ideas with you.  Hope you can find something to snag for the upcoming holiday! Party Pack-This is one of my favorite Valentine's Day resources!  It's a party pack containing everything (minus treats, of course!) you'll need to plan a simple Vday party.  Some of the stations/activities included are: Valentine BINGO, friendship notes/pictures, candy heart Math, and MORE!  Take the stress out of planning a party with this pack! Click the cover to grab this pack! Valentine's Day B ..read more

Happy Sunday!  I hope you're having a wonderful weekend.  It's a snowy day here in Ohio...hopeful for a snow day tomorrow or later in the week!  Speaking of snow and winter, today's post is dedicated to all things WINTER!  Maybe you'll find some new ideas! Mini-Book: I love a mini-book!  Been using them my entire teaching career.  They are great for building vocabulary and reviewing trick words.  I also love leaving a mini-book for a sub!  This "winter" mini-book is perfect for the first day of winter, and really any time during the winter season!  ..read more