The countdown for back-to-school has begun. Perhaps some of you have already gone back to school! I have a few more weeks, but I'm thinking about the year to come, planning and preparing, and reflecting. As I have been reflecting, I have been thinking about anchor charts and how, on…
I love task cards. I use them in every subject area, but I used to always associate them with math. Not anymore. I started using task cards for novel studies this year and it has changed my life. Maybe that sounds silly, but I mean it. How I got started…
Let me start by saying that I have been jonesing for an island vacation for some time now. I dream of Hawaii, Tahiti, Bermuda, and Turks and Caicos on a fairly regular basis. I drool and practically cry when I see other people's island vacation photos on Instagram. I've been…
Building a community of writers starts with celebrating great authors and making time for writing. We know there is a connection between strong readers and writing skills. In this post, I want to share a few tips that have helped me foster a love of writing in my classroom. HOW…
Happy Father's Day. Here I am on my first Father’s Day without my dad feeling sad, but also feeling so grateful. I was blessed for 53 years with a dad who loved my mom, my brother, my children, and me unconditionally and limitlessly. I realize that many people never have…
In 2018, I became aware of Product Pals and, honestly, it has enriched my life and teaching experience so much. Getting to field test great Teachers Pay Teachers products on my own students and write reviews is only the half (or really maybe the fourth) of it! I have collaborated with some…
When I first started teaching, I taught littles - three-year-olds, kindergartners, and first graders. Picture books were my jam. I used picture books to teach everything. Some of my favorite authors were (and, honestly still are) Maurice Sendak, Vera B Williams, Ezra Jack Keats, Kevin Henkes, William Steig, Leo Lionni, Bill Martin, Jr., Eric Carle, and Audrey Wood. I…
Women's History Month is coming soon, and certainly, I want to share resources and teaching tips to help you and your students celebrate. This month is really important to me, and here's why... Have you ever heard of Charley Darkey Parkhurst? I certainly never had before I became a fifth…