This is the first year I’ve ever had the opportunity to teach about the solar system. I had always thought it would be one of those incredibly fun units to teach, but it was never part of my standards… until now! This classroom solar system project was hands-down my favorite science unit of the year […]
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A few years ago, I absolutely fell in love with The Brown Bag Teacher’s March Madness Tournament of Books. I thought it was the best idea ever, and I really wanted to try it! Unfortunately, it was one of those ideas that I loved, pinned, and then completely forgot about. This year I have a group
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I’ve had an idea brewing for a few days now that is a great way to introduce or review the concept of division and remainders. {Sorry, I couldn’t resist.} Last week I started my division unit and noticed that my students had some trouble determining the difference between the number of groups and the number of
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Over the years, formative assessments have become a larger and larger part of my classroom instruction. These are the assessments I use as part of my instructional process, such as written responses, graphic organizers, exit slips, discussions, quick checks, etc. I use these assessments to form math and reading groups and to guide my lesson
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It literally took me months to finish my new 4th Grade Division Unit. It was the first time in any math product I’ve ever created where I hit a complete wall. I love teaching the concept of division and could think of plenty of lessons to introduce division (or review it from third grade), but
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Rounding to the nearest thousand, hundred, and ten is often difficult for students. In my adult brain, it seems so natural and easy. That is not the case with some students though, and the concept can be incredibly challenging for children. After years of teaching this concept, I’ve come to realize that students who lack
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Back to school time is one of my favorite times of year. Yes, it’s hectic, exhausting, and more than a bit overwhelming, but it’s so fun and exciting! I love being able to start fresh every year with new students, new ideas, and new goals. This year I am departmentalizing, and I’m teaching math, science, and
Writing a Class Digital Newsletter Read More »
Creative writing prompts often don’t have a place in today’s classroom. Rarely will we ever see creative writing in our standards or curriculum. However, it doesn’t have to be completely eliminated or replaced. I’ve found ways to incorporate creative writing prompts into the classroom, and students LOVE it! Why Use Creative Writing Creative writing can
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T If your looking for ideas on prepping your classroom for the new school year, be sure to keep reading. I’m officinally finished with classroom preparation, because today ends my first full week of back to school. As you already know, inservice days and first days with students are a complete whirlwind (although, some of
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There are few things more exhausting, yet exciting, than the start of a new school year. I had to put my product creating and blogging on pause for a couple of weeks while I set up my new classroom and taught my first week of school. During this time of year, I always feel like there
4th Grade Multiplication Unit Read More »
