Want to know the secret to a spotless classroom floor at the end of each day? Secret Trash is your answer! I learn the best tips at lunch with my co-workers! While discussing nasty classroom floors a month or two back, a friend suggested that we all try “Secret Trash”. Say what? Does your classroom floor look like this? Or… View Post
What is the hardest math concept and skill to teach 2nd graders? Subtraction with Regrouping! Those second graders that struggle with it, become third graders that still need to be reminded of the rules and steps. In the Fall, I created Subtraction with Regrouping Checklists for my 3rd grade math groups and guess what I will be using this week… View Post
How long is your planning period? The universal answer is “too short”. Can I get an amen? My last year in the traditional classroom, I decided that my days of staying until 5:30 had to end. I implemented a leave by 4:00 daily rule for myself. Does that sound like Mission Impossible? Want to know what I changed? One of… View Post
Dear Tired Teacher, First of all, congratulations! You have almost made it to the end of the first semester. Look how far your students have come!!! Be proud of their growth. I know…it took a lot of work to get them where they are. Yes, they are currently eating crayons, acting like their chairs are large yoga balls, and thinking… View Post
The Harris kiddos struggle with this big time! They are the inspiration of this open letter to all teacher’s kids out there! Dear Teacher’s Kid, I’m sorry! I am yours and only yours, but I am also the teacher-mom to my class as well. When I was called to be a teacher, it came with the understanding that sacrifices would… View Post