In the past, classrooms often had a designated “computer area” because the technology needed to be placed in close proximity to outlets and cables. Now, classroom technology looks a lot different. Some classrooms still have traditional set-ups, while others have carts of laptops or tablets that travel between rooms or
Kindness is not part of our academic standards; however, it is so important to designate time to teach students about this concept. One way to do this is to teach students to become “bucket fillers.” The idea of bucket fillers is based on Dr. Donald O. Clifton’s metaphor of the
There are tons of commercially-made birthday charts out there. Typically, there is space for the teacher to write in the students’ names and record the blessed day on which they entered into the world. I’ve used them in the past, but wanted a classroom birthday display with more meaning to the children
Before I share tons of student work display ideas, let me tell you… I once loved creating bulletin boards. And by loved I mean LOVED. I would plan them in my head and tweak them until the reality matched the vision. At the risk of being institutionalized, I admit that
I have had so many requests from teachers who are interested in using a “Dr. Seuss” theme in their classrooms. Because Dr. Seuss is protected by copyright, I am not able to honor those requests and create products using specific images or phrases. Instead, I have compiled ideas that can
It is very common for elementary teachers to be given a classroom that has minimal and mismatched furniture. With what you are given, it can feel impossible to create a beautiful, cohesive learning environment for your students. However, there are some simple things you can do to create a classroom
If you are an elementary teacher looking for classroom wall display ideas, then you found the right place! This post shares tips and ideas to help you create wall displays that your students can access to support their learning. They’ll also help you create a beautiful learning environment that you
Before I get into sharing all of my anchor chart ideas with you, let’s start with a picture of my trash. Do you see that sad little pencil begging for freedom from his dumpster fate? Well, he’s kind of important because he and his friends were the last surviving “manufactured
Before I get into all the things you need to know about clock labels for your classroom, imagine this… As you read aloud a non-fiction science text during your text features unit, you are projecting the book using a document camera. You encourage students to raise their hand to share
Oh, the classroom library! It is one of those things that I’ve changed and tweaked many times throughout my career. And I am VERY sure I will continue to change and tweak as the years go on. I’ve sorted them by guided reading level, by genre, by author, by topic
Is dismissal crazy in your classroom? I know dismissal was the craziest time of day in my classroom for a long time. Transitions are always challenging, but there was so much to do in those final minutes that it was always hard to make sure everyone had what they needed and were
Having classroom door decorations is a great way to welcome your students, make your learning environment warm and inviting, and show off your creativity! You can tie it into your classroom decorations theme, school-wide theme, or create a classroom door display that stands on its own. You could go with
