Breaks from school are so nice (and so necessary), but long ones can have a negative impact on a student's achievement. Year after year, we often have parents asking for summer worksheets, so I'm not sure why it took me so long to jump on board and make some. I think summer break should be a time for kids to let loose and embrace all the freedoms that go along with being a kid. And because I … [Read more...]
Classroom Posters That Develop Positive Behaviors
What do readers do? Or writers? How about scientists, musicians, and athletes? What does it look like to be an active listener? And what does it mean to be a good friend? The first week of school is right around the corner and these are some of the questions I know we'll talk about as we work on building our culture. These classroom posters have been in my back to school toolbox for years and I … [Read more...]
Fun Math Games for 1st Graders
Math games for 1st graders don't have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, I started making these MATH GAMES years ago to help our students review skills they were learning in math. I wanted the games to be aligned with our standards AND easy to play. And I wondered, "Can I get each game on one sheet?" I remembered what my mentor teacher used to tell me. "K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple … [Read more...]
Women in Math and Science
Let's teach girls about women in math and science, and let's go ahead and begin with our littlest learners. Learning the stories of amazing women who came before us is not only important, but inspiring. This is especially true for girls who are interested in fields and causes where women are typically underrepresented, such as math and science. From a young age, girls need to hear the message … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving Math Activity for Kids
A Thanksgiving math activity that starts as art? Yes, please. Settle in with a few of your favorite Thanksgiving read-alouds to set the stage for this turkey art lesson! There are so many good books about turkeys, but our hands-down favorite is 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey. Every time we get to the page where the kids plan to save the turkeys by stuffing them in their … [Read more...]