Firstieland - First Grade Teacher Blog
Where learning feels like play.
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
Let’s be honest – kids aren’t always nice to each other. If fighting, tattling and arguing have become a problem in your elementary classroom, it might be time to teach a little kindness. Fostering kindness is a great way to promote positive behavior, create a welcoming classroom culture, and instill lifelong values in young students. If you’re ready to get… Read More
Should you use desk pets in a kindergarten or first-grade classroom? Teachers have recently introduced this creative and innovative approach to classroom management using miniature erasers or small toys as little pets. Let’s take a look at some desk pet ideas, including the pros and cons of integrating desk pets into your classroom. What is a desk pet? A desk… Read More
Teaching young children about respect and good manners is a great way to improve your classroom management and teach important life skills. One of the best ways you can do this is through the use of some awesome books about respect for kids! This list of 45 children’s books will give you lots of ideas to help your students make… Read More
