If you've spent any time on social media lately, you've probably seen classroom after classroom that looks absolutely perfect. Everything matches, every shelf is color coordinated, and every plastic bin has a cute label. After teaching first grade for 35 years, I can tell you that's not what makes a successful classroom. A well-organized classroom isn't about making ... read more
Best First Week Of School Activities For First Grade In 2026
First week of school activities can make all the difference in how the rest of your new school year goes. After teaching first grade for 35 years, I learned that the beginning of the school year isn't the time to jump right into academics. Instead, it's a great opportunity to slow down, help your new students feel comfortable, teach important classroom routines, and begin building a strong ... read more
10 First Day Of School Routines And Procedures In First Grade
Wondering what the first day of school routines and procedures should be in first grade? After 35 years of teaching, I learned that the first day isn't about jumping into reading and math. It's about helping your students feel safe, teaching important routines and procedures, and showing them exactly how your classroom works. If you spend the first day teaching expectations instead of rushing ... read more
First Grade Classroom Routines And Procedures That Actually Stick
If you feel like you spend your entire day repeating directions, stopping interruptions, or reminding kids what they’re supposed to be doing, you might not actually have a student behavior problem. You might have a classroom routines and procedures problem. After 35 years of teaching first grade, one thing I learned is that most classroom management problems don’t happen because kids are trying ... read more
Teaching Students To Work Independently In 1st Grade
Teaching Students To Work Independently In First Grade One of the biggest frustrations teachers have during literacy centers is constant interruptions. You finally sit down with your small group, and within a few minutes someone needs a pencil, another student doesn't know what to do, someone can't find the glue sticks, and another child is already finished and asking, "Now what?" After more ... read more
25 Easy Word Work Centers For First Grade
If you're planning your word work centers for first grade, it's easy to feel like you need a different game every week to keep your students interested, but that's simply not true. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes I see teachers make is spending hours creating new activities when they could be using the same simple materials in dozens of different ways. The secret isn't creating more ... read more
Ultimate List Of 54 Fun Summer Activities For Teachers
On the last day of school I can always hear Alice Cooper's voice in my head singing "School's out for summer!" Now that the lesson plans are done and your class is on their way to summer break, how can elementary teachers relax and unwind? Here are 53 fun summer activities for teachers that I'm sure you'll love! Relax And Recharge During Summer Break First things first! You've spent the last ... read more
Easy Last Day Blues Activities For Kids
Do you ever start to get mixed emotions when the school year is coming to the end? On the one hand you can't wait for summer vacation, but on the other hand you're gonna miss your class. Well, kids get the last day blues too! They're excited for all the fun they'll have in the summer but they know they will miss their friends and teacher. If you're looking for a way to take away those worries, ... read more
11 Easy Mother’s Day Ideas For Kids
If you're looking for easy Mother's Day ideas for kids, you're in the right place! Mother's Day is such a special time to help young students celebrate the important people in their lives—whether it's mom, grandma, or another loving caregiver. In this post, you'll find fun, creative, and simple ways to make the day memorable with activities that work for kindergarten and first grade ... read more
Awesome Dinosaur Activities For Kids
Want to make learning about prehistoric creatures unforgettable for your students? These hands-on dinosaur activities will transform your classroom into an exciting world of exploration, discovery, and fun! If you're looking for a fun way to engage your students in a hands-on, dinosaur theme learning unit, you'll love these dinosaur activities for kids! Dinosaur Activities For Kids No ... read more
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