Last year, I shared some quick tips for pulling small groups in the inclusion setting. These tips were based on the success I experienced after trying MULTIPLE ways to support students in small groups. These suggestions have continued to support teachers I'm working with through instructional coaching, however, TRUST YOURSELF - you know your students best and what they need to succeed! It's not SMALL vs. WHOLE What setting comes to mind when you hear "small groups?" Do you ... continue reading...
20 Plastic Egg Activities
If you are anything like me, you have SO many leftover plastic eggs lying around and would love to put them to GOOD use! Let's face it, they seem to multiple every year and this many eggs take up quite a bit of space. Mine certainly don't look as good as the picture above either, lol. Evidence: Luckily, these activities will keep your students learning and they can be used ANY time of the year. I've divided up these activities into three categories: Activities that require ... continue reading...
Students’ Favorite Books
If you're anything like me, you collect books like you are planning on opening a children's library someday. I definitely have more books than days of the school year :) You, too? Or is that just me? This post is slight twist on the usual favorite books post, because this time I'm revealing what my STUDENTS thought of the books. Of course, I'll be throwing in my opinion here and there! Classroom A little background information on my students... they are the sweetest ... continue reading...
Accountable Talk
Oh goodness, you know it's been a long time since you've blogged when you don't recognize the formatting?!? That last update must have been a doozy, because I feel like I have a whole new blog, lol! Lucky for you, this accountable talk free download is as useful as it was when I first shared it way back HERE! The original post was from way back 2014 and as a school, we were just starting to embrace using accountable talk to push student discourse. I created the ... continue reading...
100th Day of School
Happy 100th Day of School! Before you read much farther, I have some sad, sad news... The first grade team doesn't celebrate the 100th day of school! Does your school designate special activities and celebrations to honor 100 days of learning? Maybe we skip it because it's already feels SO busy with many special days and "interruptions" to our routine, like snow days. I still don't think that's any reason to move forward without acknowledging the 100th day...couldn't ... continue reading...