Educational Blog

Oh the joy of teaching 3rd grade! The gap between 2nd and 3rd grade is as large as the Grand Canyon. Students walk in as babies and leave as mini-adults. The process is quite a metamorphosis (which is appropriate since we study life cycles in Science). Parents always question me when I begin assigning third…

Teachers have been assigning homework to their students for decades. The purpose of homework is to reinforce skills taught in the classroom. It is not recommended to assign a new topic for homework only to frustrate the child. Homework should be a quick addition to the school day to keep skills sharp. Most teachers follow…

The hallway of a school is the busiest place for the longest period of time than anywhere else in the entire building. It would make a fantastic Science Fair project if a student observed the various behaviors that can occur during a 3 minute transition period in the hallway. In my experience, a quick trip…

I don’t know about you, but I dread my students wearing name tags. It’s kind of like the way I hate vegetables because I was forced to eat them. I’m sure I would like name tags had I not been forced to make the children wear them each day, and if lost recreate a new…

The “Back to School” season is exciting! It is a fresh start full of anew- supplies, teachers, students, schools, classrooms, friends, principals, superintendents, curriculum, and first impressions. The saying is true that you only get one chance to make a  first impression. But, what about impressions that are made before meeting someone- maybe from things…

Cheers to another great school year! Enjoy a tour of my classroom (a bit dark, sorry!) WELCOME TO MY SCHOOL! HALLWAY BULLETIN BOARDS    THE GIVING TREE BOARD I stick this outside my door for any event where parents visit the classroom. I simply place items needed for the classroom on a post it and…

Each school year is completely different. My students are different. The way I teach is different. But, this year a lot of change has happened. With new administration, I am unsure what the “must-have” items are when they come into my classroom. This “walk-through” time allows the administrative team to see what is happening in…

I have been so blessed to have always had a great team to work with. My colleagues and I became very close friends and are still in contact today. Building these strong relationships enabled us to rely on one another in and outside the school building. I’m quite blessed and hope my luck of great…

DENIM Fridays!!! Man oh man does this motivate me to make it through the week and do my best each day. It is quite the reward for me and shows appreciation for what we do each and every day. At my last school we could wear jeans every Friday with our school t shirt. Plus…

Calling all teacher and blogger friends in the area… come on out for a good ‘ol networking (well, socializing) time!! Please visit Hope at 2nd Grade Shenanigans for details! Hope to see you there 🙂