I'll never forget the most important lesson I learned in college as an educator. It had a HUGE impact on me, and I still think about it every year as I get my new group of students. I was a double major - elementary and special education. At my particular university, this meant I took 13 credits more than than someone pursuing a an elementary education degree. What it really meant - more sped classes. No biggie. So I took my special … [Read more...] about The Most Important Educator Lesson
Search Results for: label/6th grade
Departmentalizing Across Grade Levels
This past year our elementary school did something different. We decided to try departmentalizing across grade levels. Why, you ask? Because we only have one section of each grade, yet we felt our upper elementary students needed to rotate teachers to prepare them for junior high. That, and the three teachers each had a specialty. Our fourth grade teacher is excellent at teaching math and extremely qualified. I love reading and have … [Read more...] about Departmentalizing Across Grade Levels
6th Graders – Helping Them Find Success
In a recent post, I wrote about how sixth graders are such a unique group of students to teach due to how much they vary. In this post, I want to share ideas on how I help these students find success in their academic careers while also helping them develop into wonderful young adults. Choice I find that giving any grade level students choice is a great thing. However, 6th graders especially appreciate getting a say in their education. My … [Read more...] about 6th Graders – Helping Them Find Success
Kindergarten Reading and Writing Centers
Here's how I taught Kindergarten Reading and Writing Centers. No, I am not teaching Kindergarten this year, but I wanted to let you know how I ran my Kindergarten centers when I was teaching them. Everyone runs theirs differently, but I always like reading what other people do. Sometimes I hear about something and it's like, "Whoa! Why hadn't I thought of that?!" So here is what I did, as well as links to as many of the resources as I could … [Read more...] about Kindergarten Reading and Writing Centers
How to Prepare for a New School Year When You Are Switching Grades
While there are many people out there who have taught the same grade for many years, or sometimes even decades - I am not that person. After seven years in the classroom I taught seven different things. Then during my eighth year I did yet another different thing by becoming an administrator. That's why today I want to share with you how to prepare for a new school year when you are switching grades. There are many things to consider when you … [Read more...] about How to Prepare for a New School Year When You Are Switching Grades
Handling the Departmentalized Classroom
Education is demanding. There is so much going on. Sometimes schools look at departmentalizing as an option for their elementary teachers. As someone who taught in such a position in two different districts and then was an administrator for a departmentalized school as well, I want to share some tips for handling the departmentalized classroom. 1. Determine What You're Teaching This one probably seems obvious, but you need to know what you're … [Read more...] about Handling the Departmentalized Classroom
Add More Poetry into Your Day! – rewrite & repost?
Poetry. Some teachers love teaching poetry, while others run the other way. I'll be the first to admit I fell into the running category. However, when I knew I was taking over all of the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Reading/ELA at our school - I knew I had to up my poetry game. NOW! That's why I decided to add more poetry into my classroom. Below you will find how I was able to add more poetry into my classroom within just the first five … [Read more...] about Add More Poetry into Your Day! – rewrite & repost?
Helpful Hints & Tips for New Teachers
Congratulations! You got through student teaching, found a teaching position, and you're ready to get started. YEA! It's an exciting time! Today I want to share some helpful hints and tips for new teachers. Your brain is probably in overdrive right now. You're trying to remember everything you learned during your years of college, while student teaching, and all the helpful information gathered from veteran teachers. But I know from experience … [Read more...] about Helpful Hints & Tips for New Teachers
Hands On 1st Grade Math Puzzles
Looking for hands on 1st grade math puzzles? You've come to the right place! Kids often get bored with worksheets. They want something fun, engaging, and hands-on. These math puzzles check all three boxes! Kids won't even realize the critical thinking and problem solving they are going! Instead they will love learning while they practice necessary math skills! Read below to see all the great 1st grade math puzzles for classroom and homeschool … [Read more...] about Hands On 1st Grade Math Puzzles
