My students practice their math facts using XtraMath. They’re seeing their progress and are understandably proud! I decided to create tags to let them be reminded of how hard they’re working, and to encourage them to keep trying! They’re a great visual display of how far they’ve come since September! We just refer to the… Continue reading Math Facts Punch Cards
We’ve been talking about genres for ages — okay, for three months, but who’s counting? Wait…me. I’m counting. — so it’s time for my students to begin identifying the genre of their independent reading books using these simple bookmarks! I plan on using them to track their 40 book requirement. I’ve tried everything else I… Continue reading Genre Bookmarks
Parent conferences are coming… The transition for our kids from second to third grade is challenging. The expectations increase as they move from learning how to read to reading to learn. We no longer test them on stories we’ve read together, but rather they must use the skills we’ve worked on all week and apply… Continue reading Reading at Home
My students have never been so aware of voice levels before I started using my teacher Bitmojis! These voice level cards were inspired by Pinterest, of course! All the best ideas are! #PinterestWin I’ve uploaded the template that I used to create mine. Simply put your bitmoj images in place of mine and they’re ready… Continue reading #BitmojiTeacher Voice Level Display
Flexible seating options are not beneficial for every student. Yes, I went there. The term “flexible seating” has morphed into the idea that teachers must have fun and elaborate equipment like couches, cafe tables and stools. And many terrific teachers have struggled over the fact that those items are expensive, and so they’re convinced they… Continue reading Flexible Seating Options Don’t Benefit All Students
Kids need help making our procedures into their routines. I print and laminate these simply worded checklists, and if a child is off-task, I silently draw their attention to the card. Anything that saves my time — and sanity!! — during these high-energy times of day is a win! My college professor made the point… Continue reading Checklists!
Kids inherently know how to talk to each other. They can chat all day about the latest YouTuber or their birthday sleepover party this weekend. When you ask them to discuss an academic topic, however, they’ll pretty much provide surface answers. They might not even listen to what their partner is saying because they know… Continue reading Introducing (and Reinforcing) Partner Discussions in the Classroom
Although I loved our Book a Day bulletin board, especially its chronological order so I could see at a glance what we read when, I realized how powerful it would be if I combined it with my genre poster display. I created very simple genre posters with descriptions of each, and plan on placing them… Continue reading Book a Day Genre Posters
I used to pull my hair out trying to come up with 24 different jobs for my students, then remember who had what job. It was causing me more work than necessary! I firmly believe that our classroom belongs to my students, so I want them to take responsibility for its care and maintenance. A… Continue reading Classroom Team Jobs
During our SEL period we discuss different aspects of showing pride in ourselves, including perseverance, respect, integrity, dependability, and empathy. Big words for little kids, but they are capable of mastering these “grownup” ideas. I got this bulletin board up in April, and we’re finally adding our names! My students are signing any one square… Continue reading PRIDE BINGO Board
theuniqueclassroom.wordpress.com 