Basic vocabulary, like knowing prepositions, is necessary for beginning readers. Teach prepositions with this simple game.

Organizing your life, school, work and so much more using Microsoft Onenote!

ALL ABOUT EARTH Get ready for a month filled with so many fun activities to teach your kiddos all about our planet Earth . I teach this unit in April so it coincides with Earth Day. I’ve loaded up this blog post post with read aloud book ideas, free videos you can share with your students,

I was in Georgetown, Texas, last week with some AWESOME teachers. Several of them had these prompt cards on their name lanyards. I thought it was very clever and a great classroom management tool. They told me that they got the cards on autismcircuit.net. Well, I went there and I was impressed! The Texas Autism Circuit might have created tools and techniques for students on the autism spectrum, but I guarantee you that these would be useful in any classroom. They explain how and when to use the tools and give you printable templates and resources. Here’s a sample of what they have - FREE of course! Behavior cue cards to reinforce verbal directions or quietly redirect a student. First/then cards to use as a visual support for transitions. Take a break card for when students might need a break or if they seem frustrated. But wait, there’s more!!! You’ll find ideas for collecting data, helping children with time management, and other social skills! Special thanks to Frost Elementary Pre-K and PPCD teachers!

Scaffold your instruction with these teaching scaffolding strategies to help bridge readiness and mastery for your elementary students!

This year, I wanted to be intentional with my third graders as it relates to relationship. We started that on the first day of school. One of the things I’m most passionate about when it comes to academic achievement is building to mastery.Some students LOVE the first day of school, but not all students are...Read More »

This time of year is perfect for jumping into a study of botany. Here are some homeschool botany curriculum programs. You'll find something for every grade and budget.

OK. I was mildly obsessed over meeting Mr Slope Guy for the first time. I was observing two novice teachers, and they were using Mr Slope ...

Slow your roll for a healthier balance.

Discover why I ditched the homeschool lesson planner and how it boosted responsibility and independent learning for my kids. Click to read.

This preschool curriculum covers everything your kids need to know before kindergarten PLUS it is super easy for you to follow and implement as a parent!

It’s important to know what kind of Lean Six Sigma project you’re considering. These are 5 classic project types to help you decide. If you’re looking to conduct a Green Belt or a Black Belt project, then you should be working on a Process Improvement Project. Quick Win Implementation of a simple solution to a known issue The problem […]

A blog with tips, ideas and freebies for first grade.

We've created this free 64 page teacher planner 2022 binder, full of useful pages to help any teacher make the most of the school year ahead.

cur·ric·u·lum (k-rky-lm) Origin: L, lit., a running course, race, career latin; currere, to run a fixed series of studies required, as in a college, for graduation, qualification in a major field of study, etc. I love questions. Well, some questions, the ones that cut to the chase. Certain questions are fun, like, "Does God have favorite colors?" He does use blue and green alot. Some questions are tricky. How about these: Where is the line that separates contentment and apathy? When does confidence become arrogance? What is the value of a teardrop, or a timely word? And then, there are questions that chafe our minds, leaving blisters on our pride. These are the questions that speak to underlying issues. These are the questions we pose to ourselves. A few weeks ago a parent said to me, "I don't even know what you do." What I do? I was offended. For nearly two years her child has been a student in my art classes. Then I asked myself, "What did she mean by that?" My mind traveled all over the board, from the Slough of Despond to the Valley of Humiliation (to borrow from John Bunyan). I searched the ancient records (my lesson plans), checking them against State and National Standards (which they met or exceeded). Finally, a classic movie line came to me- "What we've got here is failure to communicate" (voted #11 in American Film Institutes' 100 Movie Quotes Poll- click here to see the entire list), from Cool Hand Luke. Daily, I am inundated with the thought process of the teenage mind so I understand a few things about it (2 of my 5 children still remain in this category). Here is one thing I know- as a general rule, teenagers don't communicate well with their parents, especially when it comes to school-related matters. And, in their defense, after spending all day doing schoolwork they don't want to give a recap in the evening. As a result, many parents have no idea what occurs in their child's classrooms, unless something exciting or challenging happens, and that is why the comment from the parent went deep. My job, as a teacher, is to communicate. I am called to meet students where they are and lead them further. I must be persistent and consistent. This includes ongoing conversation with parents. So, I must say, "Thank you!" to the parent who reminded me that my job doesn't end when the bell rings. I have been asked, on occasion, "How did my child get a 'C' in Art?" Here is the answer- 1. Occasionally pays attention 2. Completes every other assignment (odd or even, the student's choice) 3. Finishes assignments as quickly, and poorly, as possible 4. Files a formal request for mediocrity (see below) Formal Request For Mediocrity On a more serious note, here is the rubric I developed for Westminster Academy, Memphis, TN-

****NOTE: You MUST have Adobe InDesign CS4 or higher to edit this document. It will not open in previous versions. Refunds will not be given for document incompatibility. If you don't have InDesign, you can download a trial version (InDesign CC) for free from Adobe. It is recommended that you already have experience using InDesign before making this purchase.**** This custom infographic syllabus takes a nontraditional spin on the boring syllabus document we all make for the beginning of the year. You can edit and customize all of the text as well as move and manipulate the objects. There are two InDesign files in the .zip folder (CS4+ and CC) as well as the necessary fonts. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Purchase the syllabus 3-pack and save! — Click here! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CONNECT WITH ME! My Blog Facebook Instagram Pinterest

Worried about your child's Kindergarten readiness? Download this free 13 page Kindergarten Assessment to see where your child stands!

I feel that it is essential for every English literature student–whether that be honors, regular, or support level– to have the ability to read a single text through a different critical lens. This skill teaches students how to have an open mindset and view the world through someone else’s perspective–which is one of the fundamental purposes ... Read More about Creative Ways to Teach Critical Lenses

What I've learned about quickly building relationships as a speaker has helped me better connect with students in my classroom—especially disengaged kids.

Students in first and second grade are learning about Rondo Form. A song is in rondo form if it has an A section that is repeated several times, with new sections in between each A section. An ex…

UNDERSTANDING INDIVIDUALIZED GREENSPAN/DIR PROFILES UNDERSTANDING INDIVIDUALIZED GREENSPAN/DIR PROFILES Dr. Greenspan felt strongly that children should not be simply given a label and put in a diagnostic “box”. While a child may have a diagnosis like ASD, he said that: “The child may have a disorder or a set of problems, but he is not the