When it comes to teaching writing, it is important to give students lots of practice time. But I don’t know about you, but time can be hard to come by in the primary classroom. One of the easiest ways to weave writing practice into your day is by connecting it to the other subjects you…
If you’ve ever tried to teach historical figures to first or second graders, you know it can feel a little tricky. The names are new, the concepts are abstract, and it’s hard for young learners to connect with people who lived “a long time ago.” In my classroom, I realized something quickly. Young students don’t…
If you’ve ever started prepping sub plans and immediately felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. As teachers, we all know that sub days come with a very specific set of worries. Will the sub be able to teach the skill in a way my students will understand? Will students understand the directions? Will behaviors spiral because…
Dental Health Month can be tricky. It’s an important topic, but it often turns into a quick teeth-brushing talk squeezed in between lessons. When I taught first grade, I wanted this theme to feel meaningful, without adding more to my planning plate. The good news is that dental health fits naturally into reading, writing, math,…
Have you ever had a student finish an emergent reader, and when you asked a simple comprehension question, they just stared back at you with that wide-eyed silence? Or maybe they eagerly answer, but share a completely unrelated story? Yep! Been there, too! In the primary grades, students are working so hard on decoding that…
If you’ve ever jumped right into your curriculum during the first week of school, only to realize your students were not quite ready, you’re not alone! I know firsthand, it’s so tempting to dive in, especially with pacing guides looming! But here’s the secret many experienced teachers learn the hard way. . . The smartest…