Writing is such an important skill to develop in primary grades. Your learners are beginning to learn the writing process from brainstorming, prewriting, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing. Coming up with different writing topics can be time consuming, but I put together a year’s worth of writing prompts to make sure your students can write all year long. Here are… Read More
Writing Prompts: 9 Ways to Use Them in your Classroom
Guided Math Activity Guide
Many teachers love using small groups for guided math, but dread the preparation and work involved in getting it all set up, tying activities to standards, and making sure to differentiate. Have no fear! There is a simple (yet comprehensive) guide to show you how to get started with guided math. What is the small group math activity guide all… Read More
Comparing and Ordering Numbers Activities
Comparing and ordering numbers require a deep understanding of place value, which students will develop as they are exposed to multiple representations of numbers. Understanding numbers doesn’t have to be boring. Here are ten comparing and ordering number activities your kids will love. Comparing Numbers Anchor Chart At the beginning of our understanding numbers unit, I always make this anchor… Read More
Addition Game: Race to Twenty
I’m always looking for easy to implement games for students to practice math fact fluency. This simple addition game is not only fun, but it adds an element of risk that makes each turn exciting! Race to Twenty is a quick game that provides practice for estimation an addition practice are built into each turn! Materials Race to Twenty is… Read More
5 Ways to Integrate Movement into Learning
If you look at old pictures of classrooms, students are seated in rows of desks and attentively listening to the teacher. That’s no longer an effective way of teaching! (Was it ever?) It’s so important to integrate movement into learning. Movement helps keep your students engaged in what they are learning whether they are studying math, science, or language arts!… Read More
8 Books for Teaching Place Value
Second grade is the perfect time to learn place value. Teaching place value helps students understand what a number is worth and positions of numbers in ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, and more! Understanding the values of numbers helps students learn basic math skills, number sense, and the value of money. Check out these place value books for second grade to… Read More
Formative Assessment Tools for Teachers
Formative assessments are not new to the teaching game, but they are a vital tool for teachers to check for understanding and student progress. They provide teachers with valuable information about students’ knowledge and skills, and allows them to adjust their instruction based on a student’s performance. Formative assessment is at the heart of responsive teaching, or “being in the… Read More
What Your New Students Hope You Know About Them
It’s that time of year again! Summer break is winding down, and the smells of sunscreen and chlorine will soon be replaced with those of freshly sharpened pencils You will soon be getting your room ready and getting your class lists – 20 or more names that will quickly become part of the fabric of your every day. Their bright,… Read More
10 Ways to Use Task Cards
Raise your hand if you’re looking for more ways to keep your students engaged in their learning? Task cards are the perfect way to get your kids up and moving. They are perfect for practice and review for any skill in any subject. What are Task Cards? Task cards are exactly how they sound. They are small cards that have… Read More
Interactive Word Walls
Word walls can be a powerful tool in any classroom. Several years ago I made the switch to an interactive word wall and never looked back. Let me tell you why. My first year of teaching I created this huge word wall display that took up an entire wall. I think I put less than 10 words up on it… Read More
