If you are like me, you probably love to celebrate holidays, especially in the classroom! During my first year of teaching, October rolled around and I could not wait to celebrate Halloween. I asked my team what Halloween classroom ideas they had and they informed me, “holidays are not celebrated in fifth grade.” As a first-year teacher, I did not express my true feelings about that statement, but ... Read More about Halloween Classroom Ideas for Upper Elementary
Game-Changing Math Resources for Parents
A few years ago, I was on a departmentalized team and assigned to teach fifth-grade math. Do you know the number one thing that I heard from parents? “I can’t help my child with homework because the way they teach it is different from when I was in school.” How many times have you heard that statement? Well, I’m here to share how math parent study guides can prevent you from ever hearing it again! ... Read More about Game-Changing Math Resources for Parents
The Best Books for New Teachers
The first year of teaching is full of new experiences... classroom management, lesson planning, building relationships. It can be a lot! As a new teacher, it is always nice to have a little extra help and guidance. This help can be found by joining a training and support program or even just by reading teaching books. Books for teachers can help challenge and inspire educators to be their best. ... Read More about The Best Books for New Teachers
7 Early Explorers Activities
On more than one occasion, I have heard another teacher say, “you can’t make history hands-on.” When I hear this statement, it definitely catches my attention because it could not be further from the truth! As a teacher and a lover of history, one of my greatest passions is making social studies fun for students. So, starting with these early explorers activities, I am beginning a series about ... Read More about 7 Early Explorers Activities
Why I Quit Teaching Is Not What You Think
I hear stories of people leaving teaching all the time. On their last day, they skip out of their school, full of excitement and hope for the future. This was not my story. I never intended to leave teaching. I thought I would be in a classroom until I retired, but I quit teaching due to unexpected events in my life. My last day didn’t end with me skipping out of school. Rather, it ended in ... Read More about Why I Quit Teaching Is Not What You Think