If you’ve ever taught the Y Rule, you know it can be one of those sneaky spelling rules that trips kids up again and again. You’re happily working through suffixes, and suddenly your student writes cryes instead of cries or happyest instead of happiest. Sound familiar? Yep, me too. The Y Rule says: When a word ends in a consonant + y, you ... Read More about Tips for Teaching the Y Rule (Change Y to I Before Adding a Suffix)
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Our Havasupai Trip Planning Story
It all started with a TikTok. I wasn’t planning a major hiking trip anytime soon, but as soon as I saw the turquoise waterfalls of Havasupai flash across my screen, I knew I wanted to go right away. Scratch that..... I knew I wanted to take my son. We’d been talking about planning a hiking trip together. He’s really into hiking and the ... Read More about Our Havasupai Trip Planning Story
Short E Phonics Activities That Actually Work
The short e sound can be surprisingly tricky for young readers. It’s subtle, easily confused with short i, and often overlooked in early phonics instruction. But with a little creativity and the right mix of activities, students can master short e and feel more confident reading and spelling CVC words. Here are some of my favorite tips for ... Read More about Short E Phonics Activities That Actually Work
What Does an OG Phonics Lesson Really Look Like?
When I first started using the Orton-Gillingham approach, I remember wondering if I was “doing it right.” I wasn’t in a traditional classroom. I was teaching phonics online to small groups and 1:1 students. Most of what I found online talked about full reading blocks, centers, and in-person routines. I needed something that worked digitally and ... Read More about What Does an OG Phonics Lesson Really Look Like?
How to Teach Metaphors and Similes in 3 Simple Steps
Teaching metaphors and similes doesn’t have to be overwhelming! When it comes to helping students understand metaphors and similes, the key is to keep it concrete, relatable, and engaging. Here’s a quick and effective way to introduce these two types of comparisons in your upper elementary classroom: Step 1: Start with What They Know Begin by ... Read More about How to Teach Metaphors and Similes in 3 Simple Steps
The Sweetest End of Year Tradition I Ever Did with My Class
The end of the school year is always a mix of chaos, countdowns, and trying to squeeze in just one more meaningful moment. When I was in the classroom, one of my favorite traditions was having my students write letters to each other and it became something we all looked forward to every spring. Here is how it worked: I’d start about 1–2 ... Read More about The Sweetest End of Year Tradition I Ever Did with My Class
Teaching Main Idea with “The Important Book”
Understanding the main idea is a fundamental reading skill that helps students grasp the essence of a text. One effective tool for teaching this concept is the classic children’s book The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown. Its engaging format and clear structure make it an excellent resource for helping students identify and articulate the main ... Read More about Teaching Main Idea with “The Important Book”
Increase Parent/Teacher Communication
Establishing and maintaining open lines of communication between parents and teachers is essential for a successful school year. Here are five practical strategies to enhance parent/teacher communication, ensuring a more collaborative and supportive educational environment: 1. Implement Regular Updates Regular updates keep parents informed ... Read More about Increase Parent/Teacher Communication
First Day of School with Chrysanthemum
As summer fades and the new school year approaches, teachers everywhere are gearing up to create engaging and memorable experiences for their students. Consequently, introducing a beloved classic like Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes is a fantastic way to kick off the school year. This heartwarming story captures the school start's joys and ... Read More about First Day of School with Chrysanthemum
Amazon Teacher Tees
Amazon is a great place to get teacher tees. I was fortunate to work at a school with a laid back dress code. This meant I wore A LOT of comfy teacher tees! Teacher tees can be styled in so many different ways. They can be worn with jeans for a casual look or with a skirt for a dressy look. All of the Amazon teacher tees below are under $20. ... Read More about Amazon Teacher Tees
