At my school we are only allowed to have two celebrations per year, once before Winter Break, and once at the end of the school year. However, I am all about sneaking in fun and celebrations wherever I can. I strongly believe in rigorous content and not filling my day with fluff.....but occasionally first graders need a chance to be 6 years old. Am I right? So this year we are putting an educational spin on our Valentine cards! I teach in a Title 1 school and while some students can afford to bring cards in, many others can't. With this approach I can ensure that everyone takes home something special for less than $1 total ! For the whole class! #teacherwin I first began using Napkin Books years ago and it is one of my favorite ways to inspire my students to write. I have blogged all about them here . Today I am going to show you how to use simple decorative napkins as a meaningful way to spread kindness and celebrate the occasion. First, you will need a pack ......

I am always trying to find creative ways to inspire my students when it comes to writing time.  The struggle is real for some of my kiddos, just to even get started! Napkin books are for sure one of my favorite ways to motivate my students to write and using them is something I have done in my classroom for years. Napkin books are exactly what they sound like! Simply find any themed or decorative napkin and staple paper inside. The napkin then becomes the cover of the book and turns a regular writing topic into a “fancy” published piece that students will beg to complete! (Seriously, my kids are obsessed …which I consider a #teacherwin!) Sometimes I put lined paper with prompts inside, and other times I just staple blank paper inside.  •  Brainstorming made easy! Many students struggle with brainstorming topics to write about and spend the majority of their independent writing time “thinking” rather than writing. Having a fun cover or writing prompt guid......

Hi there! I don't know about you but I think this time of year always seems hectic and the kids are extra off the walls crazy excited about everything. While I would love to sit back and cave to my secret desire to do arts and crafts all day....teaching still needs to happen! Today's Math Tip Monday link up brings you tons of fun ways to incorporate seasonal activities into math lessons, while also keeping the level of engagement and content needed. I promise to keep it short and sweet today because let's be real...life is busy! Side note, not all of the activities below are super cute/pin worthy but the kids are enjoying them and that my friends, makes this teacher happy.  One of my favorite ways to get kids excited about a new season is to change up my math manipulatives. For example, we used plastic eyeballs for halloween counters, acorns in the fall, and little pumpkin beads in pie pans for Thanksgiving. This month I am busting out the jingle bells! You ca......

Ok, so I must admit...I was nervous about jumping on the "Elf" bandwagon. After all, do students really need one more reason to lose their minds get excited this time of year? Finally I decided that the answer is YES! My first graders are at an age where magic and mystery fill the season and I wanted to create special memories for them. I decided to add a twist to my visitor's purpose and have been using him to help implement random acts of kindness each day.  ******** This post has been updated to include ideas from the last several years of using a classroom kindness elf, along with some shopping  ideas  (affiliate links) for some of my favorite accessories for Elvin D Elf. I can now say for sure this is one on MY favorite parts of the year! Delivery   Each year I like to plan a special frozen delivery which usually requires the help of a team mate. Last year the speech teacher acted as my special helper by delivering the package. I had placed it in ......