• Setup: Label sections of the board ...

Podcasts are a fantastic, versatile resource that can engage students in learning beyond traditional textbooks or videos. They offer an easy, low-prep way to bring expert voices, diverse perspectives, and creative storytelling into the classroom. Here are five ways to bring podcasts to life in your classroom — along with some recommended shows to get you started!

For students who need a quick break, consider setting up a “calming corner” with a pair of headphones and some short, calming podcasts. It’s a great way to help them refocus, learn self-regulation, and pick up interesting facts in a low-stress way. Encourage students to use this space when they feel overwhelmed or need a few ...

Planning your grammar and mechanics curriculum can feel like putting together a puzzle. The good news is that by thoughtfully sequencing the topics, you can help your students build a strong foundation and gradually develop more complex skills. In this post, I'll share a suggested sequence that has worked well for my classroom, starting with sentences and moving through parts of speech, capitalization, comma rules, quotation marks, and punctuation. Remember, this sequence is flexible, so feel free to adjust it to meet the needs of your students!

Oh, and if you're ready to take a deep dive into this suggested Scope and Sequence, grab this free outline for grammar and mechanics curriculum here.

Sentences are ...

As teachers, setting the tone at the beginning of each class is crucial. A strong start not only engages students but also reinforces essential skills and establishes a productive routine. With this in mind, here are five fresh ideas for starting any lesson that align with key goals:

As the new school year approaches, finding quick, easy, and affordable ways to decorate your classroom is on every teacher’s mind. If you’re looking for a unique and versatile classroom décor idea, I’ve got just the thing for you—a free, printable motivational quote poster!

This poster isn’t just your average classroom decoration. It has a long, narrow shape, making it the perfect fit for those tricky spots like classroom doors, cabinets, or along a bulletin board. Its unique size allows you to get creative with where and how you display it, instantly adding a positive and welcoming vibe to your classroom environment.

The message on ...

The quest for the perfect test review is a challenge teachers face with every impending exam. If you're on the lookout for innovative and enjoyable ways to help your students prepare for their next test, you've landed on the right page! In this blog post, I'm sharing 25 interactive and downright delightful methods to transform the often-dreaded review process into a memorable and engaging experience.

From classroom karaoke sessions to escape room challenges, get ready to revitalize your approach to test preparation with these tried-and-tested strategies. 

1. 1. Doodle Review Page:

2. Make reviewing for any unit fun with this Doodle and Do activity! First, students complete a planning to page to collect critical information on the unit. Then, they turn ...

Are you on the lookout for dynamic and educational writing lessons that will captivate your students' imaginations? Do you wish you could find FREE writing lessons and activities for your classroom? If so, then you're in the right place!

In this writing lesson roundup, I'm sharing a collection of 5 free writing lessons tailored for grades 4-8. These lessons are not only educational but also hands-on and interactive, making them perfect for any day in the classroom. Whether you're looking to spice up your regular writing instruction or need activities suitable for substitute teaching, these resources are designed to add a touch of excitement to your classroom.

Check out these popular writing FREEBIES...

1. Free Story Cubes to Write ...

Teaching poetry can be a daunting task, especially when met with reluctance from students. However, there's a jewel among the verses that can transform your poetry lessons and captivate even the most hesitant of students - Emily Dickinson's '"Hope" is the Thing with Feathers.' In this guide, we'll explore key ways to teach this timeless poem, overcome common teaching challenges, provide tips for analyzing poetry, delve into teaching literary analysis, and underscore the importance of Emily Dickinson in the literary canon.

Here's the best part...I've included a FREE lesson to teach the entire poem. Learn about it below, or download it right here.

Check out these easy steps for teaching '"Hope" is the thing with feathers'...

1. ...

Are you a teacher seeking innovative and effective strategies to foster a positive classroom environment? Navigating the complexities of behavior management is a shared challenge among educators. Whether you're looking to reestablish classroom rules, set clear expectations, or introduce engaging activities to promote positive behavior, this blog post is filled with ideas.

You'll find 10 practical tips, tools, and fun activities designed to help you not only manage behavior but also cultivate a vibrant and inclusive learning space. From creating a collaborative "classroom constitution" to incorporating interactive learning games, discover actionable insights to make your classroom a hub of positivity and academic success.

Overview: Create a collaborative document outlining the rules and expectations for the class, often ...

Teaching Shakespeare can be a rewarding experience, and incorporating creativity into your approach can make the material more engaging for students. Here are seven creative ways to begin a unit on William Shakespeare or a unit that studies his literature...

These games are not only a breeze to implement, but are sure to have your students begging for more. These activities aren't just about learning; they're about making SEL skills an integral part of your classroom culture. So, let the games begin!

Game 1: Empathy Chairs

This game is similar to musical chairs, but it has a social-emotional learning twist. ...

As educators, our mission extends far beyond the confines of textbooks and classroom walls. We are tasked with nurturing young minds, fostering empathy, and instilling a deep sense of civic responsibility in the next generation. That's not always an easy task! One crucial aspect of this duty is teaching our students about the significance of Veterans Day. (Click here for ready-made lessons.)

We all know that Veterans Day is not just another holiday on the calendar. It is a powerful opportunity to instill values of gratitude, respect, and pride in students. In this blog post, I'm sharing essential facts about Veterans Day that you may want to share with your students. You'll also find practical strategies to make this holiday ...

Have you ever walked into a classroom that was so visually overwhelming it made your head spin? From bright colors to busy patterns, classroom decorations can either enhance or hinder student learning. But did you know that a calming environment can actually have a positive impact on academic performance? Studies have shown that the right classroom decorations can reduce stress, improve focus, and even encourage creativity. 

SPOILER: I've included a link to a set of FREE calming classroom posters at the end of this post!

Let's delve into the science behind calming classroom decorations, see how to create a calming environment, and explore the benefits of incorporating natural elements into your classroom décor. 

Adolescents often face self-doubt and uncertainty about their abilities. Self-esteem tends to fluctuate during adolescence. Early adolescence (ages 10-14) often shows a decline in self-esteem as individuals navigate physical ...

If you're curious about what is included in the beginning of the school year pack, see what's inside below.

First of all, there's a get to know you activity that you can share with students on the first day of school. I'm a big fan of placing an activity on students' desks to complete independently when they arrive to your classroom ...

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is a crucial component of education that goes beyond academic achievement. It equips students with the necessary skills to understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. 

Social-Emotional Learning refers to the process of acquiring and applying knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to recognizing and managing emotions, developing empathy, establishing positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and engaging in effective communication. SEL cultivates a safe and nurturing environment that enhances students' overall well-being, academic success, and long-term success in life.

In upper elementary and middle school classrooms, SEL activities play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom community. Let's explore the significance of SEL and discover engaging activities that can promote ...

Starting a new school year signals the beginning of a great deal of curriculum planning. Determining what to teach in what order can be overwhelming especially since effective long-range planning is the cornerstone of a successful middle school English Language Arts (ELA) classroom. It allows teachers to set clear goals, create engaging lessons, and ensure a coherent and well-structured curriculum throughout the year. In this blog post, I'm sharing a step-by-step guide on how to complete long-range planning for your middle school ELA curriculum. 

Here's the best news, though! ⤋  ⤋  ⤋

I've put together these tips and the tools for long-range planning in the free Back to School Guide for Teachers. Get the 100+ resource filled with ...

Managing challenging student behavior is an ongoing concern for teachers. I've had my fair share of difficult students and even classes. Over the years, I found that adopting proactive strategies and maintaining a positive classroom environment, helped me to effectively address and promote positive behavior among my students. Today I'm sharing some strategies to promote positive behavior before, during, and after students misbehave. 

One of the best ways ...

As the school year draws to a close, it's fun to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work and achievements of your students. Not only does it provide a sense of accomplishment, but it also creates lasting memories and fosters a positive classroom environment. To help you make the end of the school year memorable, here are eight fun and easy ways to celebrate and honor your students.

Personalized Notes or Letters: Write personalized notes or letters to each of your students, expressing your appreciation for their growth, effort, and positive attitude throughout the year. Highlight specific achievements, moments of resilience, and personal growth that you have observed in them. These heartfelt messages will make each student feel valued and recognized ...

Reflect on the past year: Take some time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the previous year. Identify areas for improvement and set goals for the upcoming year. 

Some questions you might think about include...

--- What key lessons did you learn about yourself this year?

--- What was one of the greatest things you accomplished this school year?

--- List 3 successful lesson, projects, or activities that you implemented this year.

--- What challenges did you overcome this past school year?

--- Are there any areas ...

Don't worry, you can print a downloadable FREE version of the checklist right here. (BONUS! I've included a personal reflection and letter to parents inside the freebie, too).

Since every classroom is different, some of these tasks may not apply to you and your students. ...