Are you a Taylor Swift fan looking to bring some of her magic into your classroom? A Taylor Swift-themed bulletin board can be a fun and engaging way to motivate students while adding a touch of pop culture to your decor. Here’s how you can create your very own Swiftie-inspired bulletin board that’s sure to be a hit with your students.
Read MoreIncorporating games into the classroom can be a fantastic way to engage students, foster teamwork, and build critical thinking skills. The creators of the wildly popular game Exploding Kittens have developed several other games that are perfect for a classroom setting. Here’s a look at three of their best: Power Hungry Pets, That Escalated Quickly, and Danger Danger.
Read MoreOh, my word! There are so many wonderful benefits to plants not only in your home but in your classroom. Did you know that some indoor plants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in one day? Also, indoor plants help to regulate humidity. That sounds super, right?
Read MorePhonesthemes are like the secret ingredients in a recipe that make words taste just right. They're recurring sound patterns that carry a particular meaning or feeling. For example, think about the words "glitter," "glow," and "gleam." They all start with "gl-" and give off a shiny, sparkly vibe. Cool, right? 🌟
Read MoreAre the grades in your classroom product based or process based?
Read MoreIn the ever-evolving landscape of education, one constant remains: a robust vocabulary is foundational to reading comprehension and overall academic success. For teachers across all grade levels, incorporating daily vocabulary instruction is pivotal. This post explores effective strategies for teaching vocabulary daily, drawing insights from the research of Isabel Beck and emphasizing the importance of repeated exposure to Tier 2 words.
Read MoreDirected drawings are fun for any age. Seriously.
I know that directed drawings are geared towards preschool and kindergartners to teach following directions and pay close attention to details while also improving fine motor skills, but they can be super engaging for any age group when it focuses on who we are subconsciously. Who doesn’t love a hidden window into the subconscious?
Read MoreWe all know that teaching is a beautiful chaos. From lesson plans and grading to meetings and extracurricular activities, staying organized can feel like trying to herd cats. Enter Google Keep—your new best friend in the quest for classroom serenity. Here’s how this nifty tool can help you stay on top of everything with a smile.
Read MoreCreating a positive and inspiring classroom environment is essential for fostering student growth, motivation, and well-being. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by surrounding students with positive messages and things they love.
Read MoreOur brains, having evolved for higher-order thinking and reasoning, require a sense of safety to access these capacities. When we feel threatened, our brains prioritize survival over learning, focusing on fight, flight, or freeze responses. This fundamental principle still applies today: for effective learning to occur, students need to feel safe both physically and emotionally.
Read MoreRacial injustices in America and around the world show the increasing inequalities which simply cannot go unnoticed or ignored anymore. I am routinely floored by people when they are presented with visual and factual information of historically preserved inequities and yet, somehow, still believe that racism doesn’t exist in the world and how some contribute and benefit from the system.
Read MoreTeaching is a noble profession, often described as a calling rather than just a job. Some might argue that this sentiment is used to justify not compensating teachers according to their expertise and educational level. However, it's no secret that many teachers leave the profession within the first five years. Understanding the reasons behind this exodus is crucial to addressing the issue and improving teacher retention. Let's delve into why so many teachers quit and explore potential solutions to ensure that more educators thrive in their careers.
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