The 2020 school year–or year in general–is proving to be such a confusing mess of unknowns that it helps to have *some* sort of idea what you’re doing come August or September. [Side note: while this isn’t 100% relevant, you can still get a HUGE checklist of to-do items for…
The classroom community is the single most important focus in the school year. Your classroom community is the foundation of your classroom for 180 days. It’s crucial to have behavioral and social expectations, routines, and ground rules that are reinforced every day. A solid classroom community is something we all…
You know that feeling. There’s an almost audible buzz circulating your classroom–feet tap anxiously, students whisper nonsensical messages when they should be working, and discovery of miscellaneous objects–staples and paper scraps galore–found on the carpet is at an all-time high: It’s time for a brain break. We all know GoNoodle…
When we sat around the Thanksgiving table 4 years ago and shared what we were thankful for, I couldn’t help it. “Class Dojo,” I blurted out, as my family stared at me like I had lost my mind. I quickly apologized and offered a more, ahem, sentimental answer. Then, I…
To understand Fun Friday, you need to truly appreciate what Friday means. Why are Fridays so exciting? Good things happen on Fridays. It often means good food, fun with friends, and the glimmering promise of some extra sleep coming for you. I have one friend who orders the same meal…
Not really. But actually…yes. Okay, so maybe that’s a little harsh. But in between the parties, teaching Christmas around the world, parent gifts, tests, assemblies, and extra events, it gets *really* hard to squeeze in some instruction. Pair the constant go-go-go to the impending holiday break and it truly is…
You know that song, A Few of My Favorite Things? I’m flipping the script today and telling you about some of my least favorite teaching things. Spoiler alert: lanyards in the classroom are NOT on this list: Bathroom passes. If we could do one of those black light tests for…