*acts out fake arguments in the shower just in case someone wants to start shit in the future*

What does a counsellor discover about people in 12 years of practice? After seeing hundreds of people, here are 12 things I've learned

I just read five pages without absorbing a single word.

I am linking up with Ashley Reed from Just Reed this mid-week to share in my Top 10 Pins in Classroom Management! I know that I already shared in how my grade level shares in our classroom behavior but we also input some other great ideas and then some! As I was looking at my Pinterest board... Everything First Grade! (click on the words to take you there-- I seriously need to organize my boards better but sometimes I get so pin-happy that I can't help myself!), here are some pins that I have either already incorporated or will do this year! 1. Voice Levels: I know that this concept seems really simple, but I love how they give it a numerical value and assign it a phrase like "Silence is Golden" or my personal favourite, "Spy Talk". In my classroom, I have the plain old red, yellow, and green circles and that's about it. I like this and think I will post this up in the front of my classroom in addition to my coloured circles. teachingforfameandmoney.blogspot.com 2. Hand Signals: Loving the "Hand Jive" vibe to this poster and love it as a display for kids. I use hand signals in my classroom (different than these) and find them so useful. I especially like the "I understand/I don't understand" which is especially helpful for our ESOL/ESL kids. rainbowswithinreach.blogspot.com 3. Behaviour Beads: Similar to bucket fillers. I like this idea as they earn beads for being bucket fillers and at the end of the week they can make a bracelet. Bling-bling!! rainbowswithinreach.blogspot.com 4. Bucket Filler Necklace: Goes along with the idea of the buckets... Students wear a necklace for being bucket fillers! Kids really love getting noticed for the great things they do! Like I always tell my kiddos when coaching others on a task... "We want to encourage, not discourage!" seusstastic classroom 5. Fun Attention Grabbers: CLASS!!! Yes!!! LOL! I am always looking for fun ways that get their attention other than the clapping out a rhythm, "Give me 5", "1-2-3, eyes on me!"... Here are some other cute ways, as I am sure you might have some other ones too! 6. Brain Breaks! Yes! Even I need them. One of my favourite ones to do is the Just Dance Wii ones on youtube (like the one I have here because I love Maroon 5 and Adam Levine!). They are fun to do and like anything on the internet, preview them first! Go ahead and play the video-- you know you want to move like Jagger!!! Really, it's a great dance video! No ones looking!! LOL! If the dance craze is not your thang, then I do have some brain break cards that I have printed, cut, and laminated that I have hanging on my whiteboard on a key ring. numberonepencils.blogspot.com 7. Behaviour Coupons: I really like the idea of behaviour coupons for the classroom. I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel that treasure box/candy jar can get boring and not only that but I feel like kids get way too much material things and these simple, low to no cost (my husband would be so happy, happy, happy if I spent less money on my classroom-- can I get an Amen?) coupons are a great way to reinforce good behaviour with little effort on our part other than printing and cutting them out! Fabulous!!! Behavior Coupons with a QR code!!! So, not only do they get a behavior coupon, but now they get to scan it!! Way cool in my book! classroomfreebies.blogspot.com 8. Brownie Points: I used to do a chain link in my class and each link represented whenever my class earned a compliment or were just extra fabulous. This is another cute and fun way! 9. RESPECT: Aretha sang it best! I am big believer in respect in the classroom (aren't we all??) and I saw these cute kids by whimsyworkshop.blogspot.com and thought what a cute way to help with the beginning of the year and classroom management and behavior! 10. What to do? What to do? I like this visual post for the whiteboard or chalkboard that shows students what materials they need and what they "can" and "cannot" do. firstgradeglitterandgiggles.blogspot.com I hope this gave you some new ideas that you can pin and use! I am working on some printables for my Wizard of Oz room and I am so excited! I just finished and will be uploading a new getting to know you packet on TPT-- I Mustache You a Question-- Getting to Know You Questions and Activities! I was a *little* obsessed with the mustache thing after reading the book "Mustache" by Mac Barnett with my boys and had to make a little something to with it. And so, if you managed to stay with my this far.... here is a little freebie for you from my new packet... It is from the activity: Click on the picture to take you there! It is just one page of 3 from this particular packet! Enjoy!

by After Narcissistic Abuse – There is Light, Life & Love on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 9:06pm · Exploring your new-found freedom from the dysfunctional relationship can be filled with an…

Behavior issues can sink a lesson (and a teacher) faster than about anything. Check out this post and learn 15 ways to get that control back!

Dear Teachers, I used to be one of you. Overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated. For ten years, up until I got married, I was an elementary school teacher. Back in those single days, before I had kids of my own, I felt pretty strongly about homework. Kids should have it. They should get used to it. […]

When you deal with a manipulator, it can feel like you've lost control of the situation. Here are some great comebacks for dealing with manipulators...

50 Educators You Should Follow on Pinterest! (Part 3 of The Teacher's Guide to Pinterest!) One of the most popular posts EVER to appear on Shake Up Learning was 35 Educators You Should Follow

Most of us may who Jerry Seinfeld is (only one of the most iconic stand-up comedians of his time), but what is the actor, comedian, writer, producer and director up to now? Plus, check out our collection of the best Jerry Seinfeld quotes and funny memes to keep you laughing.

We have LOTS of LGBTQ+ reading recommendations for you! Get them all right here! What other books would you add to this list?

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure policy here. I still remember the first time I walked into my sister-in-law’s home. It was new. I’m sure it was clean. But neither of those were the lasting impression that stuck with me. I remember her house smelled lovely. After staying with her …

Looking for inspiration that can enlighten you and keep you moving forward? We have collected a list of famous quotes about life to save you time from

Here, a primer for when your future children want to know what the hell you were doing with your boxy, multicolored electronics.

As I have said before, I am a self-proclaimed math geek. Last year I compiled Pi Day activities on the blog. For the mathematically challenged, Pi Day is a day dedicated to the number 3.14... It is celebrated on March 14th, 3/14. You can see more Pi Day ideas on my Pinterest page. Free Printable from TPT Books for every level to celebrate Pi Day Free Printable Pi Day Problems Pi Day Games and Activities Pie Plate Activity Pi Day Infographic Click here to see the most adorable 5th graders singing a Pi Day song to the music of "Dynamite" Still need more ideas? Check out my Pi Day Pinterest board. If your idea was featured in this post, please grab an "I've been featured" button and display it proudly on your blog!

Something I've been thinking about a lot lately and subsequently reading a lot about is when we don't feel good enough in what we're doing. It's a feeling that I think that we all encounter from time to time and when it does arrive it can feel crushing and really make you doubt every single thing yo