
Tales of Patty Pepper Blog
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Follow the Tales of Patty Pepper Blog to read articles such as 3 LOW PREP ACTIVITIES CELEBRATING DR. KING, 6 Easy Steps to An Organized Classroom, Build Student Relationships in the New Year, 4 Ways to Ring in The New Year With Your Students. The blog is run by women who helps elementary teachers and schools find creative ways to enhance their classroom school lessons by providing classroom..
Tales of Patty Pepper Blog
2w ago
If you’ve ever been an elementary teacher, you know how challenging February can be. With multiple celebrations like Black History Month, Groundhog Day, and Valentine’s Day, it’s easy for students to get distracted. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, you can use these exciting themes to boost engagement while still maintaining structure in your classroom.
I’ve put together some practical strategies to help you keep students engaged while ensuring that learning remains a priority throughout the month.
Student Engagement is Key
Don’t let the month’s events derail your lesson plans! Themed activ ..read more
Tales of Patty Pepper Blog
1M ago
As a teacher, the seasons seem to fly by, each packed with its own challenges, milestones, and emotions. It’s easy to lose yourself in the constant whirlwind of responsibilities, especially when so much of your energy is devoted to others. I know because I’ve been there—burnt out, overwhelmed, and forgetting to find joy in the work I love.
That’s why I created the Seasonal Vision Bingo Boards and Teacher Mindfulness Bingo Cards. They’re not about adding another thing to your to-do list; they’re about finding small, manageable ways to reflect, recharge, and grow. Let’s talk about how these res ..read more
Tales of Patty Pepper Blog
2M ago
Can you believe it's December already? The air is filled with the scent of peppermint, the twinkle of lights, and that buzz of excitement only the holiday season can bring. But let's be real—while our students are dreaming of sugarplums, we’re juggling lesson plans, and holiday events, and trying to keep our classrooms as magical as possible. It's a joyful whirlwind, but it can also feel overwhelming.
Don't worry—I’ve got your back! I've put together a list of 10 delightful December resources that will not only ease your planning stress but also sprinkle some extra joy into your classroom. The ..read more
Tales of Patty Pepper Blog
3M ago
As a former veteran teacher, I know firsthand how transformative it can be to empower students by allowing them to take the reins in their learning journey. With resources like the Student Mini-Teacher Day Rubric, you can go beyond traditional teaching methods and foster a dynamic classroom environment where students become educators. This approach not only helps reinforce key skills but also builds confidence, independence, and peer collaboration.
Whether you’re a new teacher or just looking to revamp your classroom engagement strategies, here are five actionable tips to make learning an ex ..read more
Tales of Patty Pepper Blog
3M ago
Back-to-School Night is one of the most important events of the school year. It’s your first opportunity to connect with students’ families, set the tone for the year, and establish a partnership with parents. However, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety for many teachers. How do you make a great first impression? How do you convey all the necessary information without overwhelming parents? And most importantly, how do you ensure that both you and the parents leave feeling confident and excited about the year ahead?
In this blog post, I’m going to share some practical tips and trick ..read more
Tales of Patty Pepper Blog
4M ago
Parent-teacher conferences can feel a bit overwhelming, especially for new teachers. It’s your chance to communicate with families, share students' progress, and build strong partnerships. With the right preparation, this important meeting can run smoothly and leave you and the parents confident and informed.
To make this process easier, I've created a Parent-Teacher Conference Forms & Student Portfolio resource, available here, which has everything you need to organize, document, and lead successful conferences.
Here’s how this resource can help you, step by step:
1. Organize Your Though ..read more
Tales of Patty Pepper Blog
5M ago
Starting a new teaching career can feel like a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anxiety, overwhelm, and everything in between. As a new teacher, you’re stepping into a role that requires not just knowledge of content, but also mastery of classroom management, lesson planning, and creating an engaging learning environment. If you’re feeling a bit lost or frustrated, know that you’re not alone—every teacher has been there, including myself.
The Struggle is Real: Understanding the Common Challenges
As a new teacher, some of the most common challenges you might face include:
Classroom Managemen ..read more
Tales of Patty Pepper Blog
7M ago
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through each resource and explain why it’s a must-have for your teaching toolkit ..read more
Tales of Patty Pepper Blog
7M ago
As a teacher, creating a classroom environment that fosters learning, organization, and engagement is always at the forefront of our minds. With the new school year fast approaching, it's essential to have the right tools to set the stage for success. Today, I'm excited to share my top four classroom essentials that have been game-changers for me and can transform your teaching experience too.
1. Behavior Chart Posters
One of the most challenging aspects of teaching is managing classroom behavior effectively. Without clear expectations and consistent reinforcement, maintaining a positive and ..read more
Tales of Patty Pepper Blog
7M ago
6 Essential Tips for New Teachers: Preparing for a Successful School Year
As a new teacher, the excitement of starting your first school year is often accompanied by a sense of overwhelm. The pressure to create the perfect classroom environment, plan engaging lessons, and manage administrative tasks can be daunting. But fear not! Drawing from my experience as a veteran teacher, I've compiled six essential tips to help you navigate this journey and set yourself up for success.
1. Take a Step Back
When the to-do list seems endless and the stress levels rise, taking a step back can be in ..read more