Overworking ourselves has become normalized, but it is not needed. As a first year teacher, I heard the whispers about teachers who walked in and walked out at contract time. I saw teachers stroll out the doors with tote bags full of ungraded papers. Today, I see teachers framed as martyrs on television as they … Continue reading Implementing Self-Care and Boundaries as a Teacher
When most people think of virtual learning, it's not uncommon for images of boredom to come to mind. As educators during the COVID-19 pandemic, we're being thrust into the world of e-learning headfirst. It's a daunting world that may seem so different than in-person instruction for a lot of us, but I promise quality connections … Continue reading Building Relationships in the Virtual Classroom
Distance learning throws us a million curveballs a day, but having to find new resources shouldn't be one of them. Did you know you can use WORKSHEETS you already have? Making a PDF into an editable Google file is extremely easy. Step 1: Go to a free PDF converter. I like using this one (it's … Continue reading HOW TO: Make Any PDF an Editable Google Classroom Assessment
I wrote about the beginning Smilelove process here and my first impressions through Week 1. If you want details on the impression process, check out that blog. But Y'ALL, I am completely done with my invisible aligner process, and I think the before and after photos speak for themselves. I'm here to detail my honest … Continue reading My Complete Smilelove Journey
Learn how to use the Google Suite in innovative ways to maximize learning and engagement in your classroom for free with minimal prep.
Circle time isn't just for kindergarten anymore. My students start out each day in a large circle getting to know one another through discussions and activities. Does it take away from my ELA and Math instruction? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. I attended a conference last February and decided last minute to go to a … Continue reading Morning Meeting: Creating a Community of Learners
My students beg for math stations. Seriously. And the best part? I am still able to sanely work with a small group and collect meaningful data from other stations! IT'S POSSIBLE. When I first began teaching fourth grade, I felt finding a meaningful student-led station system was difficult. A lot of the resources and blogs were geared towards lower … Continue reading Math Stations: My Four Round Approach
