Using Prompts to Build Independence and Critical Thinking Whether you use Common Core or other state-specific standards, one of the main objectives is to teach children to think and respond critically. As a teacher, one of my main goals was to lead my students toward independence. In order to develop both critical thinking skills and promote independence, I used a strategy where students worked toward leading classroom discussions focused on

Living in Florida, I often don’t realize it is fall. It seems like all the Halloween and fall décor is up way too early, then I realize it is actually October! Seasons just aren’t the same here. Fall was one of my favorite seasons when I lived in New England. I miss the crisp weather, the vibrant leaves, and apple picking. The book Autumn Across America by Seymour Simon gives

Teaching Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead As parents are putting together costumes and children are picking out pumpkins in preparation for Halloween (and let’s be honest, teachers are stocking up on coffee), there is another holiday right around the corner – Dia de los Muertos.  Dia de los Muertos translates to “Day of the Dead”. It is a traditional Mexican celebration. Here are a few interesting

In case you can’t tell I’m in the mood for fall and Halloween books. When I was in the classroom, fall was our time for teaching narrative writing. I was always looking for fun ways to incorporate seasonal literature into my lessons in meaningful ways. This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. If you order from one of my links, Amazon gives me a small percentage of the sale at no

Happy October! As the weather is cooling off, you are probably beginning to pull out fall decorations and think about how to integrate the fun seasonal spirit of Halloween into your lessons. The book Which Witch is Witch? By Judi Barrett is a cute story you can incorporate into your October lessons that teaches the difference between the homophones which and witch. It is a comical rhyming story your kids will

I like to have students have a bag of books they keep at their seats at all times. This cuts down on wasted time. Students have a selection of books they can grab at any downtime, which cuts down on constant library browsing. This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. If you order from one of my links, Amazon gives me a small percentage of the sale at no extra expense

In my previous post I discussed the importance of independent daily reading; however, it is important that if students are independently reading for a chunk of their reading block, they are actually reading! We all know what “pretend” reading looks like. You are teaching your small groups, and you hear the noise volume gradually increase to a level that becomes disruptive. You remind your students that they shouldn’t be talking.

Of course, all teachers want their students to improve in reading. We also strive to grow a love of reading in our students. One of the most crucial ways to improve student reading levels is to get students hooked on reading. One of the best was to improve student reading skills is through independent reading. Of course, the more someone practices something, the better they get! Giving students ownership over

There are many creative ways to acknowledge and celebrate student birthdays. Here are five creative ways that do not take much teacher prep or class time!       1. Birthday Sundae Cups: From Teaching Maddness  http://www.teachingmaddeness.com/2016/07/student-birthdays-made-easy.html 2. Birthday Balloons: Print out the attached balloons and tape them to a swirly straw, pixie stick, or fun pencil. Keep them in a bucket for kids. Easy to prepare at the beginning of