There is something special about a fresh start in a new classroom. Whether you are changing grade levels or subjects (like me this year!) your classroom sets the tone for the rest of the year. This is one of the first things that students will see, how they will get to know you, and a taste of what they will be learning about this school year. Your classroom is like your first impression in many ways. With that being said- setting up my classroom ... Read the Post...
Graphing in Coordinate Plane Activities for 5th Grade
I actually remember the first time I ever learned about coordinate plane graphing. I was in 6th grade and I was hating all things math at the time. 6th-grade math is challenging! But we rolled around to graphing in coordinate plane quadrants and I was hooked! All of a sudden, math was easy, and logical, it just made sense again. Since that day in 6th grade, graphing in coordinate plane quadrants has had a special place in my heart. I love ... Read the Post...
7 Simple Ideas for 5th Grade Morning Work
Just imagine walking into your classroom after greeting all of your students to find a calm classroom. Students are getting their materials for the day, putting away their backpacks, and already working on a meaningful 5th grade morning work task. Maybe there is soft music playing in the background. Students are prepared for the lesson and are already turning their minds to school. They know what is going to happen during class time, and they ... Read the Post...
What Growth Mindset Activities I use in Upper Elementary
I remember sitting in one of my last classes of college and hearing about growth mindset for the first time. Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck had just caught on in the education world and it became the buzzword. Everything seemed to be about a growth mindset vs a fixed mindset. How do we get students to realize their potential? What growth mindset activities should we be using? What books for growth mindset should we read and have in our classroom ... Read the Post...
