Blog - School and the City

The Pencil Trick That Almost Worked

I HATE pencils. Really. But pens aren't always practical. Sometimes I think to myself that I should quit my job and invent a pencil that doesn't require sharpening, and then I remember that mechanical pencils are a thing. Sigh. I guess I'll stick with my day job. Honestly, though, where do all of the pencils go? Are they hoarding them in desks and backpacks? Do they take them home and ... Read More about The Pencil Trick That Almost Worked

Tieks: Because I’m Worth It

...and you are, too! Honestly! Tieks. I am SURE you have heard of them, if you are a teacher that frequents Instagram and educational blogs. (If not, get out from under your rock!) Tieks have a reputation in the online world of educators for being the go-to workday shoes. I have feet issues (Achilles tendonitis), so I was skeptical. I especially have trouble with flats. But I also hadn't found ... Read More about Tieks: Because I’m Worth It

Finally! A Teacher-Approved Pencil Sharpener

Y'all. I hate pencils. And pencil sharpeners. Some days I daydream about quitting my job and inventing something to replace pencils and becoming a millionaire overnight. Oh wait. Those things already exist. Thanks mechanical pencils and ink pens for shattering my dreams. Unfortunately, I do not prefer mechanical pencils to old-fashioned pencils. Second graders and mechanical pencil lead do not ... Read More about Finally! A Teacher-Approved Pencil Sharpener

Teaching Text Features

This year was my fourth time around teaching text features, and I decided that it was an area that I could show improvement. I think text features are a difficult concept for young students to learn because it's typically rote memorization of a lot of funny words that they don't understand the importance of. This year has been the fastest my students have ever learned ... Read More about Teaching Text Features

Teaching Kids to Revise and Edit: Make it Fun!

We are wrapping up our narrative writing unit. We use Lucy as our writing workshop curriculum, but I like to put my own spin on things. My class this year doesn't love writing... (and let's be honest, I don't love teaching writing) ...so I try to make it as exciting as possible by making real world connections. Write Like a Detective We discussed what it takes to be ... Read More about Teaching Kids to Revise and Edit: Make it Fun!

Book Review: Move Your Bus

Hi, friends! It's been a while! I am 4 weeks in at my new school, and things are going... well, it's going! As I try to stay afloat and survive the back-to-school chaos in addition to getting acclimated at my new home away from home, I've been trying to stay positive. A happy teacher is a good teacher. Well, that may not be exactly true, but you get the idea. I've ... Read More about Book Review: Move Your Bus