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Grammar can be tricky to fit into an elementary classroom schedule. There are so many skills to teach, and it can be tempting to move from one skill to the next before students have had enough time to really use what they have learned. Over time, I have found that students benefit from spending several days working with the same grammar skill. Rather than teaching a skill once and moving on, I keep the focus the same throughout the week while giving students different ways to

The beginning of the school year is a wonderful time to bring personal narratives into your reading block. Personal narratives give students the chance to read about experiences that feel real, familiar, and meaningful. By focusing on small moments and using interactive activities like the Emotion Elevator, you can help students practice reading comprehension while building a strong classroom community. Discover three simple ways to hook your readers on personal narratives th

Make data meaningful! Learn how to introduce bar graphs, line plots, and tally marks with engaging graphing activities your students will actually love. But graphs give us so much more to talk about. What if students had to figure out why data needs to be organized? What if they investigated questions they actually cared about?

Do you find it challenging to fit Science and Social Studies into an already full school day? You are not alone. Between math, reading, writing, and everything else that happens in a classroom, it can be hard to give these subjects the time and attention they deserve. I have found that the answer is not trying to squeeze a little bit of everything into every day. Instead, I like to keep Science and Social Studies simple and predictable. I plan units in blocks, teach one subj

My writing block follows a predictable routine. The structure stays the same each day, while the writing skills and activities change throughout the year. It works well in my grade 3 classroom, and I have also used it successfully in grade 2, grade 4, and split-grade classrooms.

Over the years, I have found that students thrive when they know exactly what to expect. Rather than changing the structure every day, I keep the routine consistent while the reading skills change throughout the year.

Finding a math block routine that fits whole-class instruction, independent practice, small groups, and assessment into just 60 minutes can feel impossible.

Welcome back! The first week of school is such a magical time. Before the spelling tests and math routines kick into full gear, you have this wonderful window to build community, learn what makes each student tick, and turn your classroom into a cozy, safe space they can't wait to walk into every morning.