All my life, I have grown up with family members with severe food allergies. Thankfully, I am not one of them, but I know what a struggle it can be for someone to constantly worry about what they are eating. It can be a huge challenge (and fear) for them. One of the most difficult … [Read more...] about Keep Students Safe with Allergy Alert Cards
Back to School
Team-Building Activities for Back to School
The first week of school sure is a busy one! I work hard to balance the mandatory paperwork with games, hands-on activities and team-building fun. Even with bigger kids, it's important to keep them moving throughout the day and providing a variety of activities. 1. Marshmallow … [Read more...] about Team-Building Activities for Back to School
Moving Up Grade Levels?
When I taught second grade, my previous students would always ask me if I would ever change grade levels. I would tell them no, because second graders were the only kids in the school shorter than me. Fifth graders are too tall! Totally not the reason, but they got a kick out of … [Read more...] about Moving Up Grade Levels?
You Have a Student Teacher…Now What?
You volunteered to have a student teacher in your classroom this year or maybe you were assigned one without warning. Regardless, having a student teacher is a great responsibility and opportunity to help out a new generation of educators. Here are some tips to get you started! 1. Space One of … [Read more...] about You Have a Student Teacher…Now What?
The First Week of School in Grade 2
I remember back to my first year of teaching. I had completed my student teaching and had a few years of subbing under my belt. I felt fairly confident about teaching in general. The first of school, though? I was petrified! I had never even witnessed the first day of school from a teacher's point … [Read more...] about The First Week of School in Grade 2
The Morning Routine
Chaotic. Frenzied. Loud. Yep, my mornings used to start out like that too. As it turns out, that's not a great way to start the day in elementary school classroom! I was frantically trying to get attendance and lunch count done (please don't call my room again - I'm sorry I forgot to send it!). … [Read more...] about The Morning Routine