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8 Creative, Easy, Fast, and Cheap Back to School Student Gifts

Back-to-school time??? Wow! It seemed so far away in May. Now, the summer has flown by and, the first day of school is here! Getting everything done can be very overwhelming whether you’re a new teacher, almost new, or not new at all. Not only can students have the jitters on the first day back-to-school, but so can we. Did I get it all finished? Is everything ready and accessible? Do I know what the plan for my day is? Have I thought of all the what-ifs? Having a cute and cheery student gift on each desk as students enter their… Read More

Free and Easy Back-to-School Student Gift

This free gift tag and easy, quick student gift for back-to-school or Meet the Teacher Night will be greatly appreciated by your students. You’ll love how fast and easy it is. Parents will love that it’s not candy and almost a “good for you” snack. 😉 These cheery Goldfish Cracker bags with cute tags will be great to have on their desks as they enter the room and see that you are ready and excited to have each of them in your class as they o’FISHally start a new year! Here’s what you’ll need: Enough bags of Goldfish Crackers for each of… Read More

Do You Want FREE Teacher Printables?

Are you a teacher looking for quality resources and would looove to find those resources for FREE? Would you like access to exclusive printables that you can’t find anywhere else? Wahooo!! You are in the right place! I am so excited to announce the launch of my FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY! I know you’re probably thinking, “What’s the big deal? You already have lots of free resources in your Teachers Pay Teachers store!” You’re right! And I’m really glad you thought that because now I can tell you what’s different about my Free Resource Library. My Free Resource Library… Read More

First Day of School: No Prep Printables to Get You Started

Back to school time already? Every summer seems shorter and shorter. Whether you are a new or veteran teacher, being ready for that first day of school can be quite overwhelming. Planning is much easier after you’ve set your expectations, routines, and procedures. But this takes a while. So, that first day, or even week, is a time to get to know your kids and establish routines to build relationships and a class community. The first few days have to be planned to the minute. And then, you need extra resources ready, just in case! You need a First Day Packet… Read More

Early Finishers and Gifted – Turn Waiting Time Into Learning Time

I thoroughly planned my math lesson. It was hands-on with a terrific recording sheet and reflection page. I even thought of a “bonus question” for my early finishers. I was ready for them this time. I explained and modeled the assignment. I pulled my first small group while one group was doing the independent assignment I had so thoughtfully planned. My third group was working at stations. I monitored frequently to make sure all students were on task and working. Five minutes. Eight minutes. Ten minutes. And then…”I’m Done!” Ugh! Does this sound all too familiar? Do you need activities to… Read More

I’m a Wanted Number!

I looove quick and easy! So, here’s a quick Idea I want to share with you that’s perfect for reviewing any number properties you’ve taught, from odd/even numbers to square roots! I was working with a group of gifted third graders. We had been working on number properties for a while. We learned about divisibility rules and square numbers. To extend their thinking, I also introduced them to perfect numbers. To do a quick review and get them thinking critically, I met with them in whole group and introduced this activity. I asked students if they had ever seen a wanted poster. Most had… Read More

Longest – Shortest – Between

Getting ready for your measurement unit? I always have so much fun teaching the younger students about measurement. I love that it is so hands-on at the beginning levels. Some third and fourth graders still miss the basic understandings that you are measuring spaces and not just counting the lines on a ruler. That’s why using non-standard measurements is so important. I always find some students that place the item they are measuring at the 1 on the ruler and not all the way to the end. Understanding that you start at 0 is not the easiest concept, but making sure to… Read More

Are Your Students Accountable in Centers?

Merry Christmas, everyone! Wishing you laughter, joy, smiles, peace, and hope…and happiness that never ends! We have so-o-o much snow still here in the mountains. Chris, my husband, and I were like 12-year-old kids again building a snowman and playing in the snow. That was last week and he hasn’t melted a bit. I just have to keep putting his “hat” back on as our wind keeps wanting it. Our beautiful snow keeps me thinking about making winter resources. So-o-o, I’ve created winter themed Bump Games with follow-up worksheets to share with you. These Bump Games are for practicing adding… Read More