At this point in the school year, I am sure you are in survival mode by now... Just trying to make it to Christmas break! I wanted to share one of my favorite lessons with you that is perfect for using at the start of a school year or anytime throughout when students need a lesson on the difference between tattling and reporting. This lesson can come in handy when the classroom becomes more chaotic in anticipation for a break as well. Have you read the story Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal by Jeanie Franz Ranson? You can find it on Amazon (affiliate link) by clicking the picture. This is an adorable story that helps children understand when they need to talk to each other to work out a problem and when they need to call for a grown-up to help. I love this story so much that I created a Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal Unit in my shop that can be used after reading the story. First up, is a scenario sort. Students will sort different situations based on whether they are a "squeal" or a "big deal". After discussing "Squeals" and "Big Deals" as a whole group. I have students respond through a craft and writing activity. Students cut and paste a simple pig craft and then draw and/or write an example of a Squeal and a Big Deal. There are 4 different levels of writing pages included. After your students finish the craft and writing activity, I am sure you will want to display their work! So I included letters for your bulletin board that read, Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal! If you want to see more about what is included in this resource, click here.

These six signs you're going into labor can give an idea of what's to come -- straight from the nurse's mouth.

Are you coming close to your due date? Check out this list of 10 ways to prepare for labor and delivery. Get ready for the birth of your baby with these great tips.

seen: encrypted invitations I still love encrypted messages and think any child would have a party just opening this invitation-- the ...

Tons of Primary Chorister ideas for teaching music to children in Primary. Singing time for junior and senior primary and even nursery. For teaching in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Evernote is my brain, my best friend, my obsession. I’m pretty sure I’m not even using it to it’s full capacity, but I do want to share how I manage my to do lists with Evernote. Each week I have certain things I want to accomplish each day. I can’t say it enough, but my previously mile long lists have become much shorter and more realistic since I’ve become a mom. My “Get Shit Done” NotebookLiterally, this notebooks sole purpose is to house my weekly to do lists. Not only does it keep things organized, but I love looking back at previous weeks to see what I managed to get done. Master To Do ListOne of my secrets to making sure things get done is to have a master to do list. Since I like to have one list for the whole week and I have quite a few things that happen on the same day each week, it’s easy to just be able to copy and paste this into the current week.

Let’s be real: we all need to get the wiggles out at certain times of the day. Think about the last time you were immersed in a big project or studying for an

Learn how to get organized for the new school year using a home kanban board (e.g. advanced chore chart) for your family

The best "icebreaker" activity for high school students (who hate icebreaker activities). Get a jump start on creating a bond with your students.

It's hard to pass judgment on anyone's relationship, because the universal rule is no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors. And celebrities are people, too. But to judge is human, and when famous folk talk so much about their romantic…

I have a new favorite chart! I found this on pinterest and knew it would be great to use during the first week with my new little first graders. Amanda (the smartie who made this) from First Grade Garden graciously allowed me to share a printable I made to go along with her anchor chart. I was so busy my first week that I never got around do doing this activity with the kids, so I'm saving it for one of those days when I think they need a big reminder about being good listeners. Also, I may tie it in with a writing lesson on labeling. Click the image to download this document. 

✨The Big 6 was developed by Dr. Perry Nickelston @stopchasingpain and is a simple yet powerful way to help the body eliminate toxins trapped in the lymph and blood. ✨It’s not recommended if you are...

How do I know it's back to school time? My plants are dead. All of my plants that I grew so lovingly in the spring, watered all ...

> “The most intelligent men, like the strongest, find their happiness where others would find only disaster: in the labyrinth, in being hard with themselves and with others, in effort; their delight is in self-mastery; in them asceticism becomes second nature, a necessity, an instinct. They regard a difficult task as a privilege; it is to them a recreation to play with burdens that would crush all others.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche Did you know that it takes 30 days to form a new habit? The first fe

What's Your High and Low? This blog post is about a little tradition I've been doing at the end of the day in my classroom and it's always a big hit. It helps me learn about my students and build relationships with them.

Photograph by Vasilij Rumyantsev ( Crimean Astrophysical Obsevatory) If you took a picture of the Sun at the same time each day, would it remain in the same position? The answer is no, and the shap…

Critical thinking is a big buzz word these days. With the standardized testing getting more challenging every year, incorporating critical thinking into our everyday curriculum and teaching has become a necessity.OK. I agree, you say. Sounds good, you say. But just HOW do you do that? I’ve got an answer for you. And it’s simple. […]

It's another week of teaching bible class to these precious three year olds! They sure loved this lesson of Samuel and the fun activities that went with it. ARRIVAL Just like every week, the first 10-15 minutes of class the children come in and play with toys that are laid out on the table. It is

Need effective emotional regulation activities for kids? Is your child struggling w big emotions, thoughts, feelings, & behavior? Read this!

Let's be honest - there is only so much we can learn in our undergraduate courses, student teaching experiences, and alternative certification programs. At the end of the day, so much that I've learned about being a teacher, and teaching biology specifically, has been through trial and error. If we want to get fancy, we can call it "action research" in my own classroom, like my graduate professors referred to it.

Here's what happened over the last few days: I dropped the ball. My deadline came and went, and as I watched it slip away, a sense of peace washed over me.

Freeze your spending during our no spend challenge and change your mindset. Learn the keys to spending less and living more!

I wanted to stop by today and share some a few of my “go-to” activities during the first week of school to build our classroom community and set expectations for […]

I’ve had the privilege of helping many friends and family members plan their weddings over the years –when you work at a wedding magazine, you become the go-to gal! As much fun as it is to dream about color schemes and escort card ideas, the area where I feel I’m really able to add value […]

Will God send you everything you pray for? That's what some teachers teach. But here's Why I Stopped Listening to Joel Osteen (and others like him).

Wondering how to prepare for a baby? We want to help ensure that you are ready for your baby’s arrival with our preparing for baby checklist.

Learn how to set yearlong plans, plan for a unit and daily topics, and create lessons plans.