Firstieland - First Grade Teacher Blog
Where learning feels like play.
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
Starting off on the right foot can make or break your day in kindergarten or first grade. One of the best ways to get off to a great start is with a morning meeting. There are basic components of a morning meeting that should be included to help build and strengthen your classroom community. One way to do this is… Read More
Valentine’s Day provides a great opportunity to strengthen your classroom community with a fun and engaging morning meeting. There are seven basic components to morning meetings and these ideas will make your February morning meeting activities more joyful and fun! From games to themed parties and classroom celebrations, this blog post will explore various ways to make this special day a wonderful… Read More
