Classroom management is one of the most important things a teacher can master. Here are 2 kindergarten classroom management ideas that work!

There are many useful tricks hidden under TickTick's surface. Here are several tips that might help you to manage your tasks.

Subitizing is the foundation for number sense and mental math. Learn about common mistakes teachers make when teaching subitizing.

Hello Daydreamers! In today’s tutorial, you will learn how to use Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV/Iron-On) to perfection. I am going to cover this material from every angle, and I will ...

Discover how to remove bleach stains from clothes using these simple cleaning tips and tricks. Use vinegar to remove bleach stains from shoes, and baking soda to remove stains from carpet. Learn how to get bleach stains out of all kinds of fabrics using everyday products. #getbleachout #removebleach

Have you ever had a class that just tried your patience day after day? Have you ever felt like you could walk away from teaching forever tom...

In the second of the Elements of Art & Principles of Design series, we'll walk you through how to teach line in art to students in K-7th.

Time to digger a little deeper in to: What is it? Math by Myself pretty much is as it states - math that children can complete by themselves. It is worksheets, games, activities, puzzles, etc. that students can complete because they already have the content knowledge from the awesome lessons that you have taught as a teacher. How is it set up? I have a shelf in my classroom that holds my Math by Myself baskets. Each center (there are 9 for each unit) gets a basket. I sometimes have 2-3 centers to pick from at Math by Myself and other times I have all 9 out. As the year goes on, it is easier to have multiple centers at the Math by Myself station.* *Stations are the 3 main branches (Math by Myself, Writing, Math with a Partner) Centers are the options at each of the Stations (puzzles, race to 100, all about xx, sorts, ID pages, play-doh mats, flashcards, etc.) How does it work? After I teach a mini-lesson, students are able to pick a station. They pick math writing, math by myself, math with a partner, or they may be pulled to my table for a small group. At that station, they can work on any of the centers that are open. They stay at their station for the entire Daily 3 Math block (it can range from 10 - 25 minutes depending on the math lesson that day) but they are free to pick between any of the centers that are open at that station. How do they know what to do? I slllllooooowwwwwllllllyyyyyyyyy introduce the stations and centers at the beginning of the year, starting with my first Unit: #0 - 10. We practice each center together following the very common model: I use this model because I really want the students to understand what they are doing and how it should be done. This is so important to me because if they can grasp it during the first unit at the beginning of the year, they are set and ready to roll for the rest of the year. The units that I have created are modeled after one another so it makes it easy for the kids to use. We spend a long time learning these stations during the first unit - it makes the rest of the year that much easier. The choice at each station starts as just one simple center. As we learn to do more centers together, they are added to the stations. By the end of the unit (or sooner), they are choosing between 5 - 9 centers at each station. How is this different than the old "math centers?" My biggest complaint with the old "math centers" is that the kids forget what to do the next day. I would explain math centers at the beginning of the week and the students would rotate through them (one center a day for the entire week). Well, I was constantly getting questions. How do I do this again? What are we supposed to do here? This model allows students to be independent, understand what they are supposed to do, and use their time more wisely. My kids weren't getting to all the stations due to assemblies, field trips, snow, holidays, teacher work days, and weeks that weren't 5 days long. This allows them to work at their own pace, have choice, and do what they want to do. No need to make sure they do x worksheet and y worksheet. The copies with old "math centers" were horrible. So much to copy, so much to grade, so much to send home, such a waste. I laminate everything! I check in with students as they work. We erase and re-use. There is no center work going home. Parents are able to see what they are doing in class through assessments, worksheets from mini-lessons, and twitter - they don't need center worksheets as well. So, what do these centers at Math by Myself look like? There are a wide range of centers at Math by Myself, but I will share a few freebies that will hopefully get you hooked today! This is from Math by Myself Unit 1: #0 - 10 .... Students represent the number in multiple ways! This All About Center is carried out through every unit - the layout, questions, and representations just slightly change. Again, just laminate & you are good to go! This is from my Math by Myself Unit 2: Teen Numbers - This is similar format to Unit 1 where students are working on identifying and representing numbers greater than the number given. Again, just laminate & you are good to go! Who doesn't love a good puzzle!! This is from my Math by Myself Unit 3: Shapes - you print on cardstock & cut the triangle out. Cut along the black lines. Students work to put the puzzle together. Each Math by Myself packet contains puzzles! Another All About, just in a different form! This is from my Math by Myself Unit 4: Addition and Subtraction with 5. Students represent and solve the equation in a variety of ways. I laminate all the equations, stick them in a basket, and the kids work on various equations during Daily 3 Math time! This final freebie is from my Daily 3 Math by Myself Unit 5: Addition and Subtraction within 10. This is the Equation ID. The ID sheets are carried out through every Daily 3 Math by Myself packet! For this unit & worksheet, students color in the equations that equal 7. Again, I just laminate & let students use dry erase markers. I walk around and check & then we reuse them the next day! Be sure to check out all of my Daily 3 Math Products! Math by Myself - Unit 1: # 0 - 10 Math by Myself - Unit 2: Teen Numbers Math by Myself - Unit 3: Shapes Math by Myself - Unit 4: Addition and Subtraction within 5 Math by Myself - Unit 5: Addition and Subtraction within 10 Or check out the Math by Myself BUNDLE which includes all 5 of these Math by Myself Units! If you are feeling super adventurous, here is the MEGA Bundle, with All Daily 3 Math Stations for All 5 Units! It is over 100 Centers for your Classroom!

Are you looking for tips and tricks for working with partners in the classroom classroom? Read on to learn all the hacks!

Chalkboard paint is a huge trend, but there's a method to applying it that homeowners should follow. Make sure to heed these do's and don'ts.

Does it ever feel like the last 3 minutes of class can be the craziest? You get students all settled down where they’re learning and following directions with no problems and the second you mention the words “line up” they turn into a herd of cats. Line up time doesn’t […]

In this special episode, Kasey shares 30 Things You Didn't Know Google Slides Could Do and a FREE eBook download with templates! A follow-up to one of our most popular blog and podcast series, Kasey is going to give you even more ideas for student-created projects with Google Slides.There is so much you can create with the Swiss Army Knife of Google!

Have you ever wondered how to get students to stop talking too much and after trying all your normal tricks, nothing seems to work? It can certainly get

Brag tags transform the culture of your classroom. Read on for 7 tips to get this classroom management system up and running successfully.

Do you love Cheer Cards? Who doesn't love Dr. Jean?! I mean, seriously... The first time I attended one of her conferences, she WALKED by

This school year I was hired at my kids school to teach Kinder through 6th Grade Art. I scoured blogs and books trying to figure out how to teach Elementary Art. All in all, I had to figure most of it out on my own. After one school year of teaching Elementary Art I can happily say I mostly have it figured out. I say mostly, because I still have a lot to learn! I'm writing this blog post to help those new teachers who are trying to figure out how to teach Elementary Art!

9 must know Quilt piecing tips. Quilt techniques to know especially if want to learn how to quilt or want to improve your piecing accuracy.

Sleeve designs can be a little bit intimidating. Drafting them is kind of a science on its own, and it’s hard to imagine what shape you need to start with if

Pump up the spirit!

The first 10 days of school are exhausting for both teachers and students! So many routines to teach and so many little learners to get to know!

Got a talkative class? Check out these 5 ways to quiet the chatter!

Every teacher needs a few fun, fast, easy, tricks up his/her sleeve. Here are a few easy classroom management tricks I've picked up over the years. Need a Second to Get Ready for the Next

Hey, friends! I’m teaming up with my good friend Elyse from Proud to be Primary to bring you a whole slew of classroom management tips and tricks… plus, a bunch of classroom management freebies! This

Here’s the D.L. AS AN ADHDer I have tried countless ways of keeping and organizing a planner. Here are some of them: iPhone/Macintosh Calendars Apps from the Apple Store Binder planners Folde…

Take a look at how you can use slides Google templates in your kindergarten or lower elementary classroom to make teaching easier and ...

Woot woot! This post was featured on the TpT blog! You can see it here. Never underestimate the importance of teaching routines. In every classroom and every grade level... but ESPECIALLY in Kindergaten. And in Kindergarten,

Ever felt like you’re not making the most out of your iPhone? Well, brace yourself because I’ve got some game-changing iPhone hacks that’ll make you wonder how…

This is an ultimate list of the BEST teacher hacks and tips you didn’t know you needed. Check out all the ways to make teacher life EASIER!

Das bin ich, Steckbrief - Das bin Ich. Mit diesem Material erhalten Sie den Steckbrief "Das bin Ich". - Schulanfang - Perfekt zum Kennenlernen am Jahresanfang.

Love finding the easiest ways to update things around the home, especially when they look great and save money? These cheap and easy but cool remodeling hacks should be at the top of your list, then. From DIY bathroom ideas to kitchen projects to walls and countertops, we found some of the best home remodeling

From teaching tips and parental strategies, to anti-bullying activities and games, these ideas offer great inspiration to help kids stand up to bullying!

Birthdays in the classroom can be tricky due to cost and food restrictions. Here are bonafide tips for how to celebrate student birthdays in a special way.

There are so many ways to celebrate birthdays in the classroom! I’ve done several different things throughout the years but this year, I found the perfect combo. Kept it easy and meaningful for the kids! Read below to see how we celebrate birthdays. Please note that this blog post includes some Amazon affiliate links. These ... Read More about Student Birthday Ideas and Tips and Tricks

This is the second blog post in a series devoted to Music workstations. Check out the first blog post about Getting Organized for Music Workstations to learn about planning and setting up your teaching space. In this post we are going to talk about what students will actually do at each workstation. Often the activities that I have students complete in centers are ones that we've already done as a whole group. This gives students confidence and results in less off-task behavior. Not every activity lends itself to this kind of introduction so I always try to include a task card or directions at each station. In the lists below you'll find links to blog posts (mine and others) and products (mine and others) that may help you in planning and creating activities for your students. So...what can students do at a music workstation? Sing Use puppets and Wee Sing songbooks, lyric sheets from songs you are working on or seasonal songs to get students singing! I always tell students that the puppets can sing only. No talking. Include lyric sheets and have students cover part of the page with sticky notes, poker chips or painters tape and sing through it. Great for memory work! Vocalizations-Such a fun way to help students explore their voices. My kiddos love this one and this one. Encore-I love this game! Play Instruments Print out simple folk songs that are color coded to Boomwhackers or hand bells. Rhythm Stick Reading (also try Maraca Rhythm Reading, Triangle Rhythm Reading, Tambourine Rhythm Reading and Rhythm Instrument Reading which uses several instruments.) Pick a story or poem for students to read. Have students add sound effects while reading it out loud. Recorder Composing Station Xylophone Composing Station Work on Rhythm Swat the Rhythm Noodle Notes Craft Stick Rhythms Rhythm Blocks (Mega Blocks) Play Dough Mats (get them here) Musical Yahtzee (Layton Music) Use Martha Stanley’s Mighty Music Grid to practice drawing notes, composing simple rhythm songs to clap together and more. Rap It, Clap It, Music Match It (I love this one and this one. Oooo! And this one is free!) Practice Identifying Pitch Names Treble Clef Twister Staff Wars on the Smartboard or tablets, kids love this! (Shhh! Me too!) Flashnote Derby Bottle Cap Staff-Such a fun way to practice placing notes on lines and spaces, identifying pitch names and “spelling” on the staff. Create an Original Mnemonic Device –Have students brainstorm new sayings to help remember the lines and spaces of the treble clef staff. Matching Games Flashcards and Worksheets Swat the Staff Caterpillar Rhythms-See them in action here. Learn About Instruments Mystery Instruments A brown paper bag, a classroom instrument and a detective sheet. Read about instruments. Apps to Try: JazzyABCs, Garage Band, Virtual Drums, Mini Harp, Music Keys, Piano Pals. Wow...there are so many more amazing apps I could list here, but to save time I'll let you link me up in the comments section. Instrument Family Punch Cards Misspelled Instrument Punch Cards Instrument Coloring Sheets Watch videos about instruments from YouTube. I love the ones that show how an instrument is made. Read Books and Articles about Music and Musicians Set up a classroom library! There are many great books about music, instruments and composers that students love to read. Books that are also songs are great choices as well as books that can be read rhythmically. Composer biographies are great for upper elementary. Check out www.makingmusicfun.net for free biographies and worksheets. Music Alive Explore Composers of the Month Composer Coloring Sheet and Bulletin Board –Bulletin Board pieces could be used in a center. Listen to Great Music Set up a listening center in your classroom and choose music that coordinates with things you are studying in class. Add listening sheets to the station to encourage students to listen for specific musical elements. Color and Write About Music Color by Symbol Color by Dynamics Meet the Composer Coloring Sheets Composer Writing Prompts Younger students can write or draw about music. Musical Writing Prompts Play Games Dynamics Dash and Dynamics Tower-from Denise Gagne’s Music Centers Kits 1 and 2 Bop-It and electronic Simon Says -They are great for rhythm, coordination and melodic memory. Candy Land-convert and use for note differentiation. Musical Jenga Amy Abbott from Music al a Abbott has a great selection of music themed games. Check them out! Everything Else Talk About Tunes- Students pull out a topic and everyone in the group takes a turn answering. Teacher Time-Be a workstation! Use your time with each of the groups to assess pitch matching, instrument skills and more! You can get a bundle of music workstations in this set: Music Workstations MEGA Bundle   Whew! That's quite a list to get you started! This is really just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many student centered activities that we can plan as part of our regular curriculum that really let students take the lead in their own education. They are fun and engaging for students and easy to set-up and assess for teachers. Do your students work in centers or workstations in your classroom? What kind of activities do you do? Share with me in the comments. I'm always looking for another great idea to get kids singing, reading, playing and moving! The next post in this series is filled with tips and tricks for making workstations work in your classroom. Music Workstations Tips and Tricks Like these ideas? Pin them for later!

Half-Day Kindergarten. Is there really such a thing anymore? Even with Common Core standards being implemented across the country and talks of rigor in the classroom I can assure you, it still happens. I live it every day and I am here today to help you organize your half-day schedule! I am thrilled to share what has worked for my today as a guest blogger at Education to the Core. Emily is a wonderful host, and I hope you enjoy my post!