Teacher Idea Factory
Conversation hearts are a show stopper in the primary grades. The gooey messages make kids giggle, hoot and holler, and engage like NO other. There are oodles of different ways that you can integrate these little candy gems into standards-based activities. Keep reading to snag a few game ideas that increase learning with conversation hearts.
Creating interactive whiteboard experiences in the classroom is a surefire way to increase engagement. One “experience” in particular came to mind today as I sat down to compose a piece on writing. What is this idea you ask? Classroom graffiti boards. These simple boards continue to blow my mind. This one little teaching strategy can
Classroom background music is an absolute game changer. And, there are COUNTLESS ways to use it in our daily routines. In addition to singing our hearts out to all those standards-based tunes, music can also be used as a highly effective classroom management tool. It’s not your typical system or behavior chart, but rather a
Alright, so you jumped into classroom pen pals this year. Your head may be spinning, but there is no need to worry. The hardest part is getting started. With this said, I’m here to share a few tricks on how to jump start your experience and get the most out of your connection! Keep reading
Student whiteboards are a must in the classroom. They require NO prep, provide the perfect workspace, and offer a way to be a tad greener in the classroom. From math warm-ups to grammar practice, these tools easily slip into any lesson. With this said, mini boards take a bit of management. I’m sure many of
Classroom pen pals are a game changer. Yes. I’m putting myself out there with such a bold statement. However, it’s spot on. Although it requires a bit of management on your part, there is NO BETTER away to provide valid friendly letter writing practice to your students. Classroom pen pals are dynamite at ANY
As the weather warms and we rip April off the trusty calendar, it’s safe to say that the end of the year is near. Summer is within reach and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Therein lies the problem — so can our students. With this said, certain core content blocks
Teacher Appreciation Day is right around the corner. If you’re looking for a surefire way into a teacher’s heart, look no further than office supplies. Seriously, folks. Office supplies are an educator’s best friend. This category is rather wide and it can be hard to nail down that perfect gift. Not to worry. I stumbled
Mission Reports and 4th grade go hand in hand in California. I remember completing mine just a few decades ago (GULP). San Juan Capistrano was one of my first big reports as a student and I learned a lot from the process.Without revealing exactly how old I am, I will say that the bulk of
California Gold Rush test prep? Yes, please. The Gold Rush is such an interesting part of westward expansion. It’s this interest that got me thinking. Why not use engaging historical events that we are required to cover as a form of test prep? I’m not talking about those straightforward read and respond type of work. Instead,
