Kick off the school year with a fun and engaging icebreaker! This "Back-to-School Personality Quiz" is perfect for helping students get to know themselves and their classmates in a relaxed, interactive way. Ideal for grades 4 and up, this PDF slide presentation features 5 simple questions that lead students to discover which character best represents their personality—whether they’re curious like Hermione Granger or brave like Katniss Everdeen. What's Included: 10-page PDF presentation (5 questions) Teacher guide with easy-to-follow instructions Simple student instructions for tracking answers Key Features: Quick Setup: Just open the PDF, put it in full-screen mode, and you’re ready to go! No Prep Required: Perfect for the first day of school or as a fun classroom activity. Student Engagement: Encourages self-reflection and class discussion. Flexible Use: Can be used in-person or in a virtual classroom. Start the year with this fun, no-prep activity that helps build a positive classroom environment from day one! Copyright © OOPS! Math is Fun [2024]. All rights reserved. This digital product is the sole creation of OOPS! Math is Fun and is intended for personal use by a single individual only. Redistribution, posting online, resale, or sharing of this product, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from OOPS! Math is Fun. Any unauthorized use or distribution may result in legal action.

One of my most daunting tasks as a new teacher was finding books to fill my classroom. I was already footing the bill for SO MANY classroom supplies. Not to mention I was newly graduated, newly married, and paying for certification tests/fees. Oh and did I mention I hadn't started working or getting paid yet?? After all that, building my library was an expense for which I didn't have the money. If you are like me, you may be looking for FREE and CHEAP books for your classroom. In this list I've compiled some of the best ways to find quality texts! 1. Just ASK My #1 tip for finding books is extremely simple. Just ASK for them. Make it known that you are a teacher looking for classroom books. There are many many people out there looking to de-clutter and help you at the same time. I would ask on social media, neighbors, local libraries, current/past parents of your students, family members, etc. You will be shocked by how many people give away books their children have outgrown. Make your needs known so you can receive help! **Along the same lines, many teachers in your building are also looking to declutter their classrooms. Send out a building wide email with your need and fellow teachers will share!** 2. Public Library Going along with the "just ask" idea, head to your local public library! Our libraries have stacks of discarded books that are $0.10-$0.25. I've gotten some great titles here! Plus, many of them are hardback library editions--these are durable and amazing to have in a classroom! Even though the price tag is really cheap, if you let the librarians know you are collecting books for your classroom many will donate the texts to you. 3. Yard sales, Goodwill, Local Thrift stores These are great, CHEAP ways to find used texts. Many of them require a little patience and digging. But the hunt is fun! 4. Online used book stores This concept is the same as buying used books at a thrift store--but you don't have to leave your house! I've found several online shops that I LOVE for their affordability, ease of use, and sustainability. Thrift Books Discover Books (Order through this referral link for 15% off you order!) The Book Bundler (This site sells bundles of books by level. It is great for buying in bulk to build your library!) 5. Scholastic Once the school year gets started, Scholastic is an amazing way to find free/cheap books. You can earn points for future orders when your students make purchases. Scholastic also runs monthly $1 specials and have inexpensive class sets. Be sure to sign up for Scholastic and send fliers home with your students! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics, or posts made in this blog.

Currently our fav class game 🤪 #teachergram #teacherspayteachers #teachertribe #teacherlife #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #teachersoninstagram #teacherootd #teachersfollowteachers...

This quiz is for students reading the novel Wonder by R. J. Palacio. This multiple choice/ matching quiz is for students after the completion of Part 1- Auggie. It includes 10 multiple choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank questions. **COMING SOON** Entire novel unit :) Part 5 Quiz is available in the store at: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Wonder-by-RJ-Palacio-Quiz-Part-5-Justin-Novel-Unit-3444867

By now I’m sure you know how much I LOVE using read alouds in the classroom. It’s so important for building classroom community and instilling a love of reading. But did you know one of my favorite ways to incorporate read alouds is by using audiobooks? Audiobooks make read alouds SO easy! Read on for 5 (quick!) reasons why I think YOU should be using audiobooks too! But first—if you’re not convinced read alouds are for you, check the posts below: How to Make Time for Classroom Read Alouds 5 Ways to Make Read Alouds More Meaningful Top Ten Read Alouds for 3rd Grade Top Ten Read Alouds for 4th Grade Top Ten Read Alouds for 5th Grade 1. Shared stories create bonds. We've been listening to a lot of stories I enjoyed as a child. It's so fun to see my students interact with the same characters that I loved. BONUS: It's a great conversation starter at home too! Students can chat with their families/friends about books they've loved. 2. Listening (without watching) is calming. There's a lot stressing us out right now. Playing audiobooks is a fantastic way to "reset" after a tough lesson, behavior breakdown, disappointment, etc. 3. Audiobooks make transitions smoother. Often when we come in from recess/PE or need to kill 15 minutes, the audiobook comes to the rescue. 4. Audiobooks give you time to accomplish other tasks. Do you need 10 minutes to prep for the next lesson? Playing a chapter of your current audiobook is a great use of time. You don’t need to sit and focus on reading BUT your class still gets to listen! 5. Rest your voice! We know that reading is THE BEST for child development, building community, etc. But you don't have to carry that load all on your own. Play an audiobook, sit down, relax, and enjoy it too. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics, or posts made in this blog.

I think we can all agree that GRIT is a necessary characteristic right now. Between the challenges of 2020, the continued obstacles of 2021, and the unknown of the future, we all need determination to make it through. What better way to model this for students than sharing stories? This post includes my 10 FAVORITE characters that embody GRIT (plus a few honorable mentions at the end!). These characters are very different and face very different challenges. But their determination and perseverance are worthy of our attention. 1. Refugee by: Alan Gratz This book tells the story of three different refugee children. Josef (1930s Nazi Germany), Isabel (Cuba 1994), and Mahmoud (Syria 2015) all fight for survival in unimaginable ways. Their stories intertwine in an emotion yet hopeful way. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 2. Esperanza Rising by: Pam Munoz Ryan Esperanza is a young Mexican girl who loses everything: her family, her friends, her home, and her country. She becomes an immigrant worker and faces hardships for which she's not prepared. But as her name suggests, she grows and learns to have hope for the future. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 3. The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 by: Christopher Paul Curtis Set in 1963, this story tells the struggle of an African American family in the American South. The main character, a young boy, is thrown into horrific, racist situations. You will have many discussion and community building opportunities as you read. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 4. A Night Divided by: Jennifer A. Nielsen Gerta's family wakes up one morning to be divided by the Berlin Wall. For the next few years, the family risks their lives to find a way to reunite. This is an engaging historical fiction book about the Cold War. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 5. I Am Malala by: Malala Yousafzai This memoir is the best-selling story of Malala Yousafzai. After the Taliban placed major limitations on women's rights, young Malala decided to fight back. This true story is personal and eye-opening for students. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 6. The War that Saved My Life by: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley This Newbery Honor book is set during the turbulent time of WWII. Young Ada is hidden away by her cruel mother because of a "twisted foot." Ada overcomes so much: a physical disability, parental abuse, moving and meeting new people, and war. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 7. Lyddie by: Katherine Patterson Lyddie is a child laborer in 19th century New England. She is an indentured servant, textile mill worker, and plays a part in the labor movement. Lyddie is determined to bring her family back together and is the picture of perseverance. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 8. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by: Dan Gemeinhart Coyote and her father travel the country in their bus-turned-home. But readers soon learn their travels are more than fun--they are healing from a tremendous loss. When Coyote learns of another potential loss she will stop at nothing to return home. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 9. Holes by: Louis Sachar A classic novel for middle grades, the main character of this book is Stanley Yelnats. He is mistakenly sent to a camp for troubled boys but learns that mystery surrounds their work. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 10. The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins In the ultimate story of survival Katniss Everdeen is thrown into "The Hunger Games". She lives in Panem, a dystopian world, in which children are chosen for these "games". Katniss is forced to weigh personal survival against humanity, friendship, and love. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< Honorable Mentions: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by: J.K. Rowling >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< The One and Only Ivan by: Katherine Applegate >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< Where the Red Fern Grows by: Wilson Rawls >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< Because of Winn Dixie by: Kate DiCamillo >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by: Dusti Bowling Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics, or posts made in this blog.

Reading about the history behind Labor Day launches further reading & writing using a classic poem, an informational text, & writing ideas.

This pack on telling time includes 10 worksheets plus 3 other centers/activities that covers the following standards: 1.MD.B.3 and 2.MD.C.7. Included: - 5 worksheets where students have to look at the clock and write that is on it (hour, half hour, quarter hour, and 2 to the 5 minutes) - 2 worksheets where students have to draw the hands on the clock according to the time stated in the box - 2 worksheets where students match the correct time with the time in word form (Ex: 6:15/ Quarter after six) - 1 worksheet where students cut out different activities and organize them in a chart according to whether they occur in the a.m or p.m. - 2 centers or game where students match the time shown on the clock to the correct time (to the half hour, to the 5 minutes) - 1 set of 18 telling time task cards and recording sheet (with answer key) Click here to check out my Telling Time Centers for 2nd Grade- 5 centers to help your students practice and master telling time! If you are happy with the product, please leave feedback as I am just getting started on TPT! Thanks so much! I really hope you enjoy my product! If you are unsatisfied in any way, contact me right away and I will do my best to make it right :) Looking for some other Math resources: Odd & Even Pack Aaarrgghh! A Pirate Measurement Adventure Place Value Worksheet Pack Graphs & Data Pack 1 Graphs & Data Pack 2 Addition & Subtraction Story Problems Task Card Bundle Please follow me to be updated as I add more products to my store :) I really appreciate your support! Thank you! Feel free to email me at: [email protected] Visit my blog, Elementary Antics, for more fun ideas!

Are you taking the leap into the wild and wonderful world of teaching elementary science? Congratulations! 🎉 From making science notebooks your best friend to transforming your classroom into a curiosity-filled lab (minus the lab rats), we’ve got tips and tricks that even Albert Einstein would high five us for! Ready to become the next superhero ... Read more

I think we can all agree that GRIT is a necessary characteristic right now. Between the challenges of 2020, the continued obstacles of 2021, and the unknown of the future, we all need determination to make it through. What better way to model this for students than sharing stories? This post includes my 10 FAVORITE characters that embody GRIT (plus a few honorable mentions at the end!). These characters are very different and face very different challenges. But their determination and perseverance are worthy of our attention. 1. Refugee by: Alan Gratz This book tells the story of three different refugee children. Josef (1930s Nazi Germany), Isabel (Cuba 1994), and Mahmoud (Syria 2015) all fight for survival in unimaginable ways. Their stories intertwine in an emotion yet hopeful way. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 2. Esperanza Rising by: Pam Munoz Ryan Esperanza is a young Mexican girl who loses everything: her family, her friends, her home, and her country. She becomes an immigrant worker and faces hardships for which she's not prepared. But as her name suggests, she grows and learns to have hope for the future. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 3. The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 by: Christopher Paul Curtis Set in 1963, this story tells the struggle of an African American family in the American South. The main character, a young boy, is thrown into horrific, racist situations. You will have many discussion and community building opportunities as you read. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 4. A Night Divided by: Jennifer A. Nielsen Gerta's family wakes up one morning to be divided by the Berlin Wall. For the next few years, the family risks their lives to find a way to reunite. This is an engaging historical fiction book about the Cold War. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 5. I Am Malala by: Malala Yousafzai This memoir is the best-selling story of Malala Yousafzai. After the Taliban placed major limitations on women's rights, young Malala decided to fight back. This true story is personal and eye-opening for students. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 6. The War that Saved My Life by: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley This Newbery Honor book is set during the turbulent time of WWII. Young Ada is hidden away by her cruel mother because of a "twisted foot." Ada overcomes so much: a physical disability, parental abuse, moving and meeting new people, and war. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 7. Lyddie by: Katherine Patterson Lyddie is a child laborer in 19th century New England. She is an indentured servant, textile mill worker, and plays a part in the labor movement. Lyddie is determined to bring her family back together and is the picture of perseverance. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 8. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by: Dan Gemeinhart Coyote and her father travel the country in their bus-turned-home. But readers soon learn their travels are more than fun--they are healing from a tremendous loss. When Coyote learns of another potential loss she will stop at nothing to return home. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 9. Holes by: Louis Sachar A classic novel for middle grades, the main character of this book is Stanley Yelnats. He is mistakenly sent to a camp for troubled boys but learns that mystery surrounds their work. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 10. The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins In the ultimate story of survival Katniss Everdeen is thrown into "The Hunger Games". She lives in Panem, a dystopian world, in which children are chosen for these "games". Katniss is forced to weigh personal survival against humanity, friendship, and love. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< Honorable Mentions: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by: J.K. Rowling >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< The One and Only Ivan by: Katherine Applegate >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< Where the Red Fern Grows by: Wilson Rawls >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< Because of Winn Dixie by: Kate DiCamillo >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by: Dusti Bowling Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics, or posts made in this blog.

***you now have to option to buy all 10 lessons in a bundled set. Save money by buying the bundle!*** Kodaly Cookbook Unit 3- BUNDLE, lessons 1-10Kodaly Cookbook Unit 3- lesson 5 This product has everything you need for a successful lesson and fun filled lesson! Lesson 5 contains more fun games, songs and activities to PRACTICE sol/mi and PREPARE ta and ti-ti. This packet is full of eye catching visuals, interactive SMART board files, and fun singing games. Included in this packet is: Apple Tree song Clap Your Hands Together song Cuckoo Where Are You? song Queen Queen Caroline chant Bounce High, Bounce Low song Bee Bee chant great visuals 3 SMART board files related to the lesson You might also like other lessons in Unit 3: Kodaly Cookbook Unit 3- lesson 1- FREEKodaly Cookbook Unit 3- lesson 2Kodaly Cookbook Unit 3- lesson 3Kodaly Cookbook Unit 3- lesson 4Kodaly Cookbook Unit 3- lesson 5Kodaly Cookbook Unit 3- lesson 6Kodaly Cookbook Unit 3- lesson 7 Kodaly Cookbook Unit 3- lesson 8 This is a band new product that is part of an 11 unit curriculum. All of the lessons are designed to be sequential and each lesson builds upon prior knowledge. Each lesson in the unit contains a rhythmic element and a melodic element. Plus, lots of games! This is designed to be the "meat and potatoes" of your lessons. You can either use the lesson as is, or pick and choose to supplement your current lessons. I will continue to roll out new lessons as I finish them. Once all lessons are done, I will sell the entire unit in a bundle. I would appreciate any constructive criticism you may have to be sent to [email protected]. As always, your ratings are appreciated. Follow me so you know when the next lesson comes out! Your kids are sure to enjoy this awesome product! Bon Appétit!

I think we can all agree that GRIT is a necessary characteristic right now. Between the challenges of 2020, the continued obstacles of 2021, and the unknown of the future, we all need determination to make it through. What better way to model this for students than sharing stories? This post includes my 10 FAVORITE characters that embody GRIT (plus a few honorable mentions at the end!). These characters are very different and face very different challenges. But their determination and perseverance are worthy of our attention. 1. Refugee by: Alan Gratz This book tells the story of three different refugee children. Josef (1930s Nazi Germany), Isabel (Cuba 1994), and Mahmoud (Syria 2015) all fight for survival in unimaginable ways. Their stories intertwine in an emotion yet hopeful way. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 2. Esperanza Rising by: Pam Munoz Ryan Esperanza is a young Mexican girl who loses everything: her family, her friends, her home, and her country. She becomes an immigrant worker and faces hardships for which she's not prepared. But as her name suggests, she grows and learns to have hope for the future. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 3. The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 by: Christopher Paul Curtis Set in 1963, this story tells the struggle of an African American family in the American South. The main character, a young boy, is thrown into horrific, racist situations. You will have many discussion and community building opportunities as you read. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 4. A Night Divided by: Jennifer A. Nielsen Gerta's family wakes up one morning to be divided by the Berlin Wall. For the next few years, the family risks their lives to find a way to reunite. This is an engaging historical fiction book about the Cold War. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 5. I Am Malala by: Malala Yousafzai This memoir is the best-selling story of Malala Yousafzai. After the Taliban placed major limitations on women's rights, young Malala decided to fight back. This true story is personal and eye-opening for students. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 6. The War that Saved My Life by: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley This Newbery Honor book is set during the turbulent time of WWII. Young Ada is hidden away by her cruel mother because of a "twisted foot." Ada overcomes so much: a physical disability, parental abuse, moving and meeting new people, and war. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 7. Lyddie by: Katherine Patterson Lyddie is a child laborer in 19th century New England. She is an indentured servant, textile mill worker, and plays a part in the labor movement. Lyddie is determined to bring her family back together and is the picture of perseverance. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 8. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by: Dan Gemeinhart Coyote and her father travel the country in their bus-turned-home. But readers soon learn their travels are more than fun--they are healing from a tremendous loss. When Coyote learns of another potential loss she will stop at nothing to return home. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 9. Holes by: Louis Sachar A classic novel for middle grades, the main character of this book is Stanley Yelnats. He is mistakenly sent to a camp for troubled boys but learns that mystery surrounds their work. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< 10. The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins In the ultimate story of survival Katniss Everdeen is thrown into "The Hunger Games". She lives in Panem, a dystopian world, in which children are chosen for these "games". Katniss is forced to weigh personal survival against humanity, friendship, and love. >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< Honorable Mentions: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by: J.K. Rowling >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< The One and Only Ivan by: Katherine Applegate >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< Where the Red Fern Grows by: Wilson Rawls >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< Because of Winn Dixie by: Kate DiCamillo >>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<< Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by: Dusti Bowling Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics, or posts made in this blog.

My students love to SUBITIZE . Subitizing is like quick images. It is simply the ability to quickly identify the number of objects in a se...

Are you reading Wonder? You can use the following quiz bundle to test your students' knowledge of Chapters 1-31. This bundle includes: Quizzes for Chapters 1-31. The answer key Question Amount for each Chapter Chapter 1 - 5 questions Chapter 2 - 4 questions Chapter 3- 6 questions Chapter 4 - 4 questions Chapter 5 - 11 questions Chapter 6 - 5 questions Chapter 7- 5 questions Chapter 8- 7 questions Chapter 9- 5 questions Chapter 10 - 8 questions Chapter 11 - 5 questions Chapter 12- 5 questions Chapter 13- 5 questions Chapter 14-10 questions Chapter 15 - 5 questions Chapter 16 - 6 questions Chapter 17- 8 questions Chapter 18- 7 questions Chapter 19- 9 questions Chapter 20- 8 questions Chapter 21 - 7 questions Chapter 22- 7 questions Chapter 23- 7questions Chapter 24- 8 questions Chapter 25- 9 questions Chapter 26 -7 questions Chapter 27- 8 questions Chapter 28- 8 questions Chapter 29- 9 questions Chapter 30- 7 questions Chapter 31- 8 questions Total Questions: questions Copyright 2024 Ms Baileys classroom. All rights reserved. This is intended to be used by one teacher unless additional licenses have been purchased. The reproduction of any other part of this product is strictly prohibited. Click here to shop for more resources or quizzes: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ms-Baileys-Classroom Click here for the font: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kaitlynn-Alb

This product is perfect for an at your seat assignment, independent work time or for DISTANCE LEARNING. Students will be solving problems based off of Powers of 10 and sorting them into the correct column. I used this for an assignment during centers rotations.This product is completely DIGITAL! You...

Are you reading Dear Martin in your classroom? Do you need to see if your students understood what they read? Well, look no further. Use the following pop quiz to check in on your students' reading. These quizzes include multiple-choice questions and answers. Questions for each chapter Chapter 1- 20 questions Chapter 2- 6 questions Chapter 3- 11 questions Chapter 4- 8 questions Chapter 5- 10 questions Please visit https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ms-Baileys-Classroom if you're interested in future quizzes or if you're interested in using graphic organizers for your classroom. Copyright 2023 Ms Baileys classroom. All rights reserved. This is intended to be used by one teacher unless additional licenses have been purchased. The reproduction of any other part of this product is strictly prohibited.

Our plant and animal cell worksheets include the perfect visuals for your animal cell project in Grade 6. Animal cell poster ideas are here!

It's 3 weeks into school and your principal wants to do your formal observation. Really? We can barely transition from reading to math without someone bursting into tears and you want to see a REAL lesson? No fear, you've got this, put on best smile and say, "Sure! When would you like to come in?" Whether it's August or April observations always make me nervous. ALWAYS! I've been teaching 13 years, you would think they get easier but they just don't. It's probably because I'm a perfectionist (not) and I want everything to be perfect (not really) but it just makes me feel like I am under a microscope. Here are my top 5 ways to stop stressing and ROCK your next observation. #1 Prepare! Really, don't put this off to the last minute. Think about what skills and procedures you want to highlight in your classroom. What works really well for you? Showcase that! My students are really good at turn and talk by the 3rd week of school so I made sure to include that. Is it a required lesson? Put your own spin on it. I taught a curriculum piece (sight words) from Reading Street but taught my own lesson to go with it. I spent A LOT OF TIME thinking about it before hand to make sure I was planning something I was comfortable with and that we could be successful with. #2 Have what you need at your fingertips I am the WORST about this in real life. I need sticky notes? Oops, they are sitting on my desk all the way across the room. In real life I walk across the room and grab those sticky notes and just keep on going. Don't let that happen during an observation because it will make you even more nervous! Make sure the night before you have everything you need wherever you are going to teach the lesson. This year I needed our class big book, sticky notes, prepared anchor chart, and a marker. I put them all behind my easel so I wouldn't have to do the dreaded "search" right in the middle of my lesson. (PS....this should probably happen every day, but we all know it doesn't!) #3 Plan an ENGAGING LESSON! I attempt to make every single lesson engaging. I teach Kindergarten so if it's not engaging you can just throw everything else right out of the window. When planning for an observation lesson though I make sure that I include whole group, partner work (turn and talk), small group, and independent practice. It's a MUST that we state our objective (throughout the lesson) in our district so I am sure to include that right on my anchor chart so that I don't forget. Let's face it, if you are nervous you forget things! I also start the lesson with an engaging activity and refer back to lessons we have already had (to show that we have some background knowledge). Of course these are all best practices and if they are not part of your normal routine it will looked forced or fake. Be sure you are including things your students have experienced before! #4 DON'T tell your kids you are being observed. Really, it's not necessary. I honestly don't make a big deal about it. Our principal is in and out of our classroom on a regular basis so it is not unusual to see her there. I had a teaching partner a few years ago that would tell the kids they were being observed.....please no. They don't need any added pressure either! If you have your routines and procedures in place it shouldn't matter if the President of the United States is at the back of the room watching you. #5 Relax! Really. Most principals are not out to "ding" you on your evaluation. Just be yourself and show how much you enjoy teaching. Your rapport with the students will shine through if you let it. If you have prepared before hand you don't have anything to be nervous about. A couple of teachers and I had a conversation in the lunch room (yes....I eat there sometimes) about observations and how that ONE kid will always raise their hand and give a totally off topic response. That's OK....that's real life too. It happens daily in the Kindergarten classroom and you just nod and smile and keep going in real life right? Here is the outline for my latest observation. It went pretty well and I'm thankful I did the extra thinking and planning to make sure I included all the elements I needed. The lesson went so well I've included it in our weekly routine (for now) because the kiddos seriously won't stop talking about it. I'm going to run out of sticky notes soon! You can see where I have added "a" and "to" to our anchor chart for this week's lesson. You can click on the lesson plan to download it! Now I am curious. What is your favorite "off topic" question/comment that happened during a formal observation. My favorite......I was looking for an answer about sounding out words (or something like that) I get, "Tomorrow we are having donuts for breakfast!" No...I wasn't serving donuts for breakfast the next day. I have no idea what she was talking about! Share your favorite in the comments, I'd love to hear them! Want to save this post for inspiration for your next observation? Pin it here!

Uploaded is a 20-Question quiz on the digestive system. The first 10 questions are asking to identify the organs in the digestive system. The next 6 questions are multiple choice. The final 4 questions are fill-in-the-blank. This is great to check the understanding of the digestive system in middl...

This week, my students scrubbed in and were tasked with the job of saving my life! Yes, you heard that right. My life was in the hands of my students, or should I say doctors. As we are concluding our unit on the human body systems I wanted to do something fun and engaging to assess their knowledge and provide them with an engaging way to apply what they have learned. I decided to create a digital escape room that requires them to use this knowledge to help save my life and escape the operat