A common phrase I hear is, "There's just no time for STEM." Trust me, I get it. Along with this, there's often concern about student behavior and a longing for a more cohesive classroom community. But what if I told you that integrating STEM into your curriculum could be the very answer to these challenges, helping to significantly improve your classroom community? While STEM, STEAM, STREAM, ...
Place Value: Sticky Strategies That Actually Work
Hey there, STEAM squad! Ready to make math less of a mystery and more of a party? I know, "party" and "math" in the same sentence – gasp!! But seriously, place value isn't just another math topic; it's the hidden gem every kiddo needs to master in order to grasp numbers. Why Concept First, Symbols Later is a Game Changer Before we dive into numbers, symbols, or anything that resembles a ...
Elementary Engagement Strategies
5 Surprising Hacks That'll Make Them All Ears Teaching can sometimes feel like trying to put a square peg in a round hole! Throughout my teaching journey, I've had those little ninjas who seemed to just blend into the background. So quiet that sometimes, I'd almost forget to check on them. On the flip side, there were students ready to grab the mic at any given chance. Between the eager beavers ...
Back to Happy: 5 Strategies to Keep Your Teaching Spark Alive
As teachers, it's no secret that some days can be tough. We've all had that class (or student) that challenges our patience and tests our limits. If you've ever found yourself caught in a cycle of negativity, this post is for you. Here, we'll explore strategies for creating a positive classroom environment, even when your stress level is high! I'll show you a different perspective with five ...
Cultivating a Growth Mindset to Boost Student Confidence: Tips for Success
When I first started teaching, I remember having a student, let's call him Alex, who was a bright kiddo, but would always give up at the first sign of difficulty. He was convinced he just "wasn't good at learning." That's when I realized Alex had a fixed-mindset. He needed to learn about the power of cultivating a growth mindset to enhance student confidence. Today, we're talking about ...
Creating a Supportive Inclusive Classroom Environment
My Strategies for Supporting Students with Special Behavioral Needs Hey there, fellow teachers! Today, I want to share some practical strategies and tips that have been game-changers in my classroom when it comes to supporting students with special behavioral needs. As elementary teachers, we have a unique opportunity to empower and uplift every student, and by creating an inclusive ...