This year, my school district implemented the iReady program across all grade levels. It has been an ever evolving journey to find the right fit and engagement for my students to get the most success out of the lessons. Throughout the year, I have been tweaking and changing the incentives in our classroom to get the maximum benefit of the program for as many of my students as possible. Here are a few things you need to know before we continue: 1. iReady is required for 45 minutes in BOTH reading and math each week per my district. 2. We only use the diagnostic tests and adaptive MyPath less ..read more

Every spring, I look forward to teaching our unit about weather. My students are always engaged and curious about this unit. As teachers, we understand the magic of read-aloud sessions in our classrooms. Not only do they foster a love for reading, but they also serve as powerful educational tools, allowing us to explore a plethora of topics with our students. Let's get ready for an exciting journey through the world of weather with seven captivating read-aloud books that will spark curiosity and engagement in your students. All the books below come with an affiliate link to Amazon. Tamar ..read more

As the flowers bloom and the birds chirp, it's time to infuse your classroom with the spirit of spring! With the arrival of this vibrant season, elementary teachers have so many opportunities to engage young minds while celebrating the beauty of nature and fostering essential skills. From art projects to math activities and everything in between, here are some delightful spring-themed activities to enrich your curriculum and keep your students excited about learning. Sunflower Directed Drawings Embrace the sunny vibes of spring with sunflower directed drawings! Guiding students through ..read more

February is a month full of love, history, and celebration! This makes it the perfect time to find all those special read aloud books and get your students excited to learn! Let's gather our eager learners and take them on a journey through these ten delightful read-aloud books, each with its unique charm and valuable lessons. All the books below come with an affiliate link to Amazon. Groundhog's Day Off by Robb Pearlman Summary: What if the groundhog decided to take a vacation from his annual duties? This hilarious tale follows Groundhog as he takes a much-needed day off, causing quite t ..read more

As winter approaches and the weather turns frigid, it's the perfect time to gather your elementary students for some cozy read-aloud sessions. I have put together some of my favorite winter books all in one place for you. I hope you find some inspiration to add to your classroom library and to share with your students. All the books below come with an affiliate link to Amazon. The Mitten by Jan Brett Reasons I love this book: This book promotes problem-solving skills, introduces the concept of sequencing, and teaches the importance of kindness and sharing. Synopsis:  This b ..read more

How many times have you taught a lesson where students need to form a group or pair up with one another and you hold your breath because you just aren't sure how this is going to work? Usually students pair up with their bestie, don't even move from their seat, or argue with one another. As a student, my stomach would drop when my teacher would say, "Find a partner." Can you relate? In this  post, you will learn why student groupings are important, a few easy and effective ways to make student groupings, and ways to use student groupings to enhance the learning in your classroom. WHY S ..read more

As teachers, one of the most effective ways to foster a love for reading and engage young minds is through read-aloud sessions. Sharing captivating stories with your elementary students not only develops their literacy skills but also sparks their imagination and curiosity. To help you create a culturally inclusive reading experience, I have carefully selected 12 diverse read-aloud books that are sure to captivate your students. All the books below come with an affiliate link to Amazon. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel Reasons I love this book: This delightful tale follows H ..read more

Do you find it difficult and frustrating to track all the Common Core ELA and math standards you are required to teach each year? With only a 180 days to get everything taught, it can be overwhelming and easy to miss some standards that are important to student growth. I want to share some important reasons you should be using standards checklists and the benefits they lend to you as a teacher. Standards Checklists Make Planning Easier Incorporating checklists into your planning process can significantly simplify your workload. As you progress through teaching the standards and check off ..read more

Are you searching for new and engaging Thanksgiving-themed books to enjoy throughout the month of November? There are so many choices that you could read a Thanksgiving book or two every single day of the month! Imagine filling your classroom library with an array of incredible Thanksgiving read-alouds, perfect for engaging your students. To help you get started, I've picked my top ten read-aloud Thanksgiving books, all of which lead to Amazon affiliate links.  A Thanksgiving Wish by Michael J. Rosen Reasons I love this book: The book beautifully illustrates the importance of family ..read more

In today's ever-changing educational landscape, technology has become an integral part of the learning process. As teachers, we are always looking for ways to engage our students in interactive and effective ways while nurturing their love for learning. This is where Boom™ Learning cards come into play. Boom™ Learning is an innovative platform that offers a wide range of digital learning cards designed specifically for elementary students.  Immersive and Interactive Learning: Boom™ Learning cards provide a dynamic and immersive learning experience that engages ..read more