While so much of the next school year is still up in the air, the control freak in me is wanting some normalcy. I like to work on a few projects casually over the summer so that by the time schools starts, I'm not as overwhelmed. Plus, by doing things in small chunks, I can still relax over break. Today's project involved some school supplies and a whole lot of colored washi tape! This #teachertip will help you manage materials and organize all in one. Plus, your students will help take care of their own messes! * This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a few cents if you decide to buy something, at no extra cost to you. I pinky promise to only share links to items that are teacher wallet friendly and my real favorites! Why washi tape? As someone who has been voted the most organized at my school, color coding is my jam! After finding myself with a large collection of pretty tape , I decided to use it in my classroom.  I'm lucky enough to be in a school wh......

Ya'll, let me tell you. Teaching is exhausting, both mentally and physically almost every day. For all of us! But, when you are dealing with a chronic illness, especially one that seems invisible, it can be even harder.  Several years ago I knew something wasn't right. I was only 25 but felt like a 90 year old. I was exhausted even after going to bed early. I seemed to be sensitive to the weirdest things. And I was in pain. All the time. Like, when one of my sweet students would give me a hug I could still feel the pressure even when they let go.  Over the next 7 years, I saw all sorts of doctors/specialists, and blew through any chance of a savings account with test after test. Finally a Rheumatologist gave me the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia,  (which I had already Google MD diagnosed myself with of course), along with Myofascial Pain Syndrome (that was a surprise but fit 100% and often goes with Fibro). Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that features wid......

So by now, I am sure you've heard about flexible, or alternative, seating in the classroom. Am I right?  Basically it means providing a lot of different seating options for students to use throughout the day rather than only traditional desks and chairs.  If you're wondering what the fuss is all about, or are curious but don't know where to begin- you are in the right place! I've used a variety of seating options in my first grade room for the last 7 years and I can't wait to share some ideas with you.  Before you go thinking you need to get rid of every desk and table in your classroom, I am here to share ways you can "take baby steps" towards a classroom transformation without breaking the bank.  ** I have included a few links in this post to my favorite seating options and classroom must haves. These are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you, if you decide to shop :) What's wrong with tradit......

We finally changed classroom jobs this month so I wanted to share a few tips that have helped me these last few years get rid of the headache that can be caused from the job chart! I know what you may be thinking....ummm...slacker! Isn't it the middle of the year?!? Yup! When I began teaching I thought I had to have tons of classroom jobs and  I thought they had to be switched every week. That's just the way the whole job thing works right? Well.... I had a love hate relationship with my job chart. I loved it because I knew who had what job (at least for the moment) and it was adorable. I hated it because it was just one more thing to spend time on and remember to do. Plus, there was always confusion on who had what job and arguing each week while choosing/assigning jobs. Teacher truth- ain't nobody got time for that! So, here is what I do now. I know, it sounds crazy right? But believe me, its so much easier! When we begin the school year I spend a few weeks ......

Have you ever had one of those days/weeks/months where you just feel like you are not the teacher you always dreamed you'd be? Maybe you just had an evaluation and received less than desired scores? Maybe your students just took benchmarks and didn't make the growth you hoped for or expected and feel like its your fault? Maybe there's been a big change in your personal life and you aren't giving as much time or energy to teaching like you used to? Maybe your class is full of wild children, who despite being great one on one and your usually awesome classroom management....are a total hot mess when under the same roof? If any of these situations are ringing some bells, first, I want you to stop and think about these next few words carefully. I have so been there...in EVERY one of those situations at some point in my career. Whether you are a first year teacher struggling to live out your dream job, or a veteran teacher who just can't get into the swing o......

Ok readers out there, it's time to get real with you about myself, my challenging students, and what I have done to change student behaviors lately. Let me start by saying, I am patient. I am calm. I can count on one hand the number of times I have actually been angry in the last year. I love working with first graders and have a special place in my heart for students with special needs, learning disabilities, and ADHD. However, the one thing that can get under my skin like nothing else is an intentionally disruptive and defiant child. You know, the one that you ask to sit down who looks you in the eye and does the opposite. Or the one who plays their desk like a drum with a pencil (while yelling "I don't know how to do it") after you've given directions and modeled 3 times? The one who is ALWAYS seeking your attention, but not in a good way. Grr! Last week I have to admit that I nearly lost my mind. Tuesday was a rough day. Like, my body was physically sh......