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Gingerbread Man Activities
Do you love Gingerbread Man activities as much as I do? I just love using these fun stories and incorporating all content areas in my gingerbread man unit. Here are some of the fun things we do! All of the activities shown are included in my Gingerbread Man Mega-Pack. I start by reading The Gingerbread…
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Phonics Anchor Charts for Student Notebooks and Small Groups
If you’ve ever felt like small-group phonics is a little bit… chaotic, you’re not alone. Between rotating groups, pulling materials, remembering which skills you covered, and helping five kids at different levels all at once, it can feel like you’re juggling literacy, logistics, and sheer luck. For years, I felt like I was reinventing the…
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Election Day Activities for the Primary Classroom
Kids love voting for their favorites- whether it’s picking a snack, choosing a game, or deciding on a class party. That’s why Election Day is a perfect opportunity to engage your students in learning about the voting process! Let me share some Election Day activities to help make this special day memorable in your classroom!…
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11 November Picture Books to Read Aloud in the Classroom
Looking for the best November picture books for kids? You’re in the right place! These read-alouds highlight gratitude, family, diversity, kindness, and of course, turkey humor! Below you’ll find 11 books to share with your students this month, covering holidays and themes like Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, Diwali, Election Day, pumpkins, and fall. I’ve also included…
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12 Best Fall Books for Kids to Plan October Reading
October is the perfect time for fun fall picture books in your classroom. From pumpkins and falling leaves to fire safety and spooky (but not too scary!) tales, there are so many wonderful fall picture books to help build comprehension skills all month long. In this post, I’ve rounded up 12 of my favorite fall…
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First Day of School Activities for Kindergarten & 1st Grade
The first day of school is exciting—and a little nerve-wracking, too! These first day of school activities for kindergarten and 1st grade will help you have a clear, simple plan to start the year off right. In this post, I’ll walk you through my exact first-day schedule, with activities that build community, introduce routines, and…
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End-of-year Classroom Clean-up Checklist: 10 Must-Dos
Looking forward to the last day of school? Teachers and students alike can’t wait for summer break! But before you head for the beach (or couch), don’t skip this end-of-year classroom clean-up checklist! A little work now can save you tons of time and stress in the fall! The last thing we want in June…
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10 End Of The Year Student Gift Ideas for Kindergarten and First Grade
Looking for creative and affordable end of the year gift ideas? As the school year wraps up, it’s an exciting time for students, but it can be a LOT of work for teachers. Between organizing, packing, writing report cards, and classroom management, we still make time to celebrate our students and give them a sweet…
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Teaching Main Idea and Details
Teaching main idea and details in kindergarten and first grade might sound like something to save for later—after students are fluent readers. But here’s the truth: even our youngest learners can start to understand the “big picture” of a text- a skill that will support their comprehension across all subjects. In this post, I’m sharing…
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Discover New Mentor Texts for Your How-to Writing Unit
Procedural writing or “How-to” is one of my favorite units to teach during Writers’ Workshop! There are so many fun ways to introduce the unit that will engage students. One of the best ways to help students during any writing unit, however, is the use of mentor texts. Mentor texts provide concrete examples of great…
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Writing How-to Books in Kindergarten
Kids love to be the expert on things—whether it’s tying their shoes, making a sandwich, or building the perfect block tower. That’s why how-to writing in kindergarten is such a fun and meaningful way to get them excited about writing! In this post, I’ll share simple strategies for teaching how-to books, along with engaging activities…
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Quick Phonics Assessments for Small Groups: Decoding & Spelling Check
Let’s be honest—small group reading is only effective if the groups target the students’ current needs. But kids grow fast, and if you haven’t adjusted your groups in a while, chances are you need a quick phonics assessment to regroup your students and meet them where they are right now. Before you plan another small…
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