Does anyone else feel like all they do is spend money on their classroom? I cringe when preparing my taxes for the accountant and I have to see an actual number. In fact, one year when reviewing my file the accountant commented, "Surely this number can't be correct...". Folks in other professions just don't understand the expense of running a classroom. Does your district support teachers with ... Read More about Homework Passes For Student Gifts
Magical Moab, Utah
Recently I spent a long weekend in Moab, Utah. It had been years since I had been there and that was only the briefest of visits. I was excited to go back and do some hiking and biking. This place my friends is magical. Truly, truly, magical. No time to read now? Pin the image for later - The key is to visit when it isn't super crowded, like any other destination, and October was perfect. ... Read More about Magical Moab, Utah
How To Make Paper Bag Stars
Previous to the holidays I searched everywhere for a good tutorial on how to make Paper Bag Stars. I finally figured out how to make them from bits and pieces of various posts so I decided to compile easy to follow directions, right here, in one place. These stars are simple to make and look spectacular. Perfect to make with students! Creating the stars was so successful with my second-grade ... Read More about How To Make Paper Bag Stars
Ted Talks That Inspire Educators
I love to listen/watch Ted Talks. In this post, I have included links to a few of my favorite. Ted Talks inspire me, motivate me, and help to relight the fire that drives me whenever I am feeling defeated. Here are a few of my all-time faves - Rita Pearson, "Every Kid Needs A Champion" A rousing call to educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, ... Read More about Ted Talks That Inspire Educators
Puzzle Piece Christmas Ornaments
Here is a simple idea for an easy Christmas Craft to create with your elementary students. We make these puzzle piece ornaments every year in second-grade for parent gifts. They are inexpensive to make and parents love them and can have them on their Christmas trees year after year. All you need are puzzle pieces, a one-inch ring cut out of cardstock or tag board, some green and red paint, a ... Read More about Puzzle Piece Christmas Ornaments
Counting Coins Practice with QR Code Task Cards
Many of my second-grade students struggle with counting coins, do yours? I have some students that must run some pretty amazing lemonade stands in the summer because counting money is not a problem. Other students though, quarters, nickels and dimes, oh my! One of the ways we practice in the classroom is by sorting coin piles. I have a big jar full of loose change and I will pull a small ... Read More about Counting Coins Practice with QR Code Task Cards
Creating Interactive Hallway Displays With QR Codes
The idea of creating audio QR codes with my students has been on my mind for quite a while. When I started investigating how to go about it, the apps I found looked complicated and time-consuming. #whohastimeforthat Then, I discovered how to create audio QR codes using Seesaw. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy. #teacherdream It is very, very simple. Watch the Seesaw YouTube video on how to create ... Read More about Creating Interactive Hallway Displays With QR Codes
PineCone Owl Holiday Ornaments
I make these sweet pinecone owl ornaments with my students year after year for parent gifts. They are always a hit for so many reasons. First, they make darling ornaments as a keepsake for parents. Second, my students name them and want to write stories about them. Can I hear an "Amen!" (There is an owl writing template in my freebie library.) They are easy to make and only need a few ... Read More about PineCone Owl Holiday Ornaments