School days can tend to get hectic. I’m not absolutely positive, but I think it’s true to say that we rarely ever, EVER have a “normal” week. By “normal” I mean the uninterrupted, typical schedule that gets put on paper…
Scope and Sequence If I need a quick overview of what’s taught throughout the year, my Scope and Sequences are the documents that gives me a general idea of what and when. For math I use two documents. The Math Expressions…
Looking for Writer’s Workshop lessons, units, and resources for primary grades? Take a peek at what I have developed over the past eleven years. Units of Study Lesson Plans: The Units of Study lessons are organized by unit. The…
One of these years I’ll update this. The video below is from 2010-2011. A few things have changed (dyed curtains black, tiled floor, painted one wall blue, different area carpets, different wicker furniture, replaced white book bin shelving with new…
I was introduced to Vista Print in 2006. They offer “free” products all the time, and you only pay for shipping. I order for school, church, friends (business) and family. I’ve never had a problem and have been completely satisfied with the…
Work boards help to keep students and teacher organized! For students, they are a visual reminder of what options are available and where they should be during the independent work times. For teachers, they are an at-a-glance helper when trying…
The routine: Reading Book Check In & Check Out BEE Books Check In Lunch Box/Bag/Tote Storage Pencil Sharpening Bathroom Break Drink from Fountain or Water Bottle Refill Take Down Chairs and Pillows Daily 5 Choices Work Board Drops in the…
Many people email and ask how to put together an igloo. To answer this, I must first say that you don’t really need directions [and I have none to offer]. All you need is a general idea of what you…
Handwriting instruction begins in 4K at our school, with emphasis on letter formation at each grade level. By the time students enter first grade, they have a good foundation, yet still need practice. I start the year with a review…
Our school doesn’t mandate homework. If we do assign homework, it is to be practice only. This means that new learning (or relatively new learning) shouldn’t be assigned. For first grade, we assign no more than 15 minutes of homework….
